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Get a Jawbone Up fitness band for $45.95

Originally $129.99, this popular wrist-companion monitors your movements and sleep, then supplies you with a wealth of analytic data.

Rick Broida Senior Editor
Rick Broida is the author of numerous books and thousands of reviews, features and blog posts. He writes CNET's popular Cheapskate blog and co-hosts Protocol 1: A Travelers Podcast (about the TV show Travelers). He lives in Michigan, where he previously owned two escape rooms (chronicled in the ebook "I Was a Middle-Aged Zombie").
Rick Broida
3 min read

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A4C

I think users of fitness bands fall into two categories: Those who swear by -- and benefit from -- the amazing analytics collected as you move, eat and sleep; and those who try them for a month or two and then decide they're not worth the hassle.

If you think you might be in the latter category, $130 is a lot to spend to find out. Thankfully, you don't have to, at least not today: A4C has the Aliph Jawbone Up fitness band for $45.95, shipped when you apply coupon code TECH14 at checkout. Although it's been on sale a lot of late, this is the lowest I've seen it -- and it originally sold for $129.99 when it debuted two years ago.

(By the way, that link takes you to the black Up, which is available in small, medium, and large. It's also available in red and blue, though only in medium and large, respectively. All the models are new, not refurbished.)

Another great example of last year's tech, this year's bargains, the Up was designed for a single purpose: to collect data. It records your movements (walking, exercise, sleep, and so on) and also lets you log the foods you eat (via companion apps). Then you sync it to your smartphone for a pretty and informative analysis.

That syncing happens by way of a headphone-jack plug that's actually built into the Up. (The same plug charges the device via an included cable.) Pro: No Bluetooth means longer battery life (up to 10 days). Con: No Bluetooth means no wireless syncing. And that proprietary charging cable is one more thing to keep track of.

I definitely recommend reading CNET's review of the Jawbone Up , keeping in mind it was based on a $129.99 price tag. Also, be sure to check Jawbone's device-compatibility page; although the Up works with all iOS devices, it's a bit more limited on the Android side.

My feeling is if you're going to strap something to your wrist, it should tell the time and notify you of incoming calls and text messages. The Jawbone Up does neither. On the other hand, it's 46 bucks out the door, and it needs charging just once per week. If you're of the mind that analytics can improve your health, fitness, and/or sleep, this might be worth a try.

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