Thursday, November 27, 2014

Basis Peak vs. Carbon Steel

I just upgraded from the Basis Carbon Steel to the new Peak.  The data was preserved in the migration and all I needed to do was install a new app on my iPhone and log in again.

Some random thoughts:

  • The screen is larger but it is less thick. As such it feels smaller in some sense.
  • The new charger doesn't require the unit to be slid in; you can just drop it on there. However, it seems to have the same problem that if you aren't paying attention, you can put it on the  'wrong way' and even though it is seated snugly, it doesn't appear to charge.
  • A 'power brick' for the USB adapter wasn't provided. I don't mind since I have the Anker 40W 5-port USB charger.
  • The gestures you use to do things (turn on/off backlight) isn't obvious and the documentation is hidden at http://support.mybasis.com/hc/en-us/articles/203483960-Display-Modes.  I would have thought there would be a quick cheat-sheet in the packaging but I don't remember seeing it.
  • The band feels more comfortable. I don't know why.
  • Firmware updates can be done from the phone now so it doesn't look like you need to periodically attach it to a computer.
  • Sync'ing is now continuous so you don't need to remember to manually sync (or forget and fill the memory of the unit).
  • The constant connection to the iPhone 5 doesn't seem to be a bad battery drain
From a marketing perspective for current customers, they offered a $30 credit after I had already pre-ordered and received the Peak from Amazon.  That was really bad timing and what is disappointing is that they aren't offering that credit towards something like a second charger. 

At this point, none of the advanced functionality (seeing texts on the screen, stop watch, etc.) is available which is a little disappointing. Hopefully, it won't be too long before these updates come out.

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