The Casio STP-100 Pedometer Watch

The Casio STP-100 looks like an average digital watch, but adds a new trick: a pedometer. By measuring how many steps you take, and combining that data with information that you provide (your stride length and weight), it can estimate distance, calories burned, pace, and more. It’s similar to the “Nike+iPod” sport kit, or the older Nike SDM Triax watch, however the Casio STP-100 has everything you need built right into the watch — no additional parts required.

From reading the manual (PDF), it looks like the STP-100 uses a more basic sensor than Nike’s technology since it simply measures the swing of your arm as you walk. Interestingly, it can only measure accurately when worn on your left wrist (so don’t try to attach it to your belt, or toss it in your bag). Adjust the sensitivity until it reads correctly, and the onboard software not only tracks workouts, but also keeps track of how much activity you accumulate during the course of your day. Neat!

The Casio STP-100 series is available in three colors: yellow, blue, and gray, all with the thick black racing stripe. Of course, as is the case will all Casio digital watches, the STP-100 series has a full complement of features, too: backlight, stopwatch, 10-lap memory, 5 daily alarms with snooze, low-battery warning, and a slick dot-matrix display.

The STP-100 series was released in Europe and Japan in July of this year at a list price of about $120. Unfortunately, no word on a US release, but we’ll be watching.

By Paul Hubbard