I think you must need something in order to get the information out of it since there's no screen or anything on the band itself. I suspect all you need is the computer.

I did a search and found this:


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My experience is with the FitBit One.

With the FitBit One, you do not. It CAN sync to an iPhone or Android, and you CAN subscribe to a package from FitBit.com, but, you don't NEED either.

When you buy a FitBit One, you get:

The FitBit One
A dongle to plug into the PC in a USB port. This provides both syncing and charging functions.
A dongle to plug into the PC to provide wireless connectivity to the FitBit One. So you don't have to actually plug it in to the dongle to sync it. Just wear it nearby, and it syncs automatically.
The FitBit One also does sync to an iPhone using Bluetooth, or an Android phone (also BT). It does NOT require it. At least one of the models of the FitBit does REQUIRE that, I think, but, not the One.

So, I bought my FitBit One, and never bought anything else. I use it with MFP and FitBit.com's website, without any subscription fees.

I do sync it to an iPhone, but, it's my work phone, and if/when I have to give that up, it won't affect my use of the FitBit One any.

I find my FitBit One an invaluable tool. I HIGHLY recommend them to anyone.


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That's how it connects. If you don't have Bluetooth, it's not going to be useful for you except as a pedometer, and there are cheaper pedometers out there.

I have one. I mostly use it for the pedometer function and there are days I entirely forget to grab it. (Mine is the clip version.) I find it useful for quantifying some data -- steps, time in activity. I don't use the meal/calorie tracker because the software doesn't like diabetic/low-carb/paleo (whatever our eating plan is called.) It also does not like bicycling, which is my primary, preferred exercise.

I mostly use it to get and verify baseline data -- what is my baseline activity level, how do small changes accumulate, what helps.

do you use that?

Because it's the clippy. I am a life-long insomniac who depends on medication for sleep (mine is a circadian rhythm issue, not apnea) so my sleep tracking is mostly of the bed on time variety.

Unfortunately, it doesn't sync with a computer, only mobile devices.

Here's a good article that compares the two:

http://gigaom.com/2013/12/11/fitbit-force-vs-jawbone-up24-which-activity-tracker-should-you-buy/

I have a new (Dec. 2013) Dell; no Bluetooth that I'm aware of, although the possibility may be there.

Like Phentex, I would be interested in the sleep function as well as the number of steps, and anything to help focus on overall fitness.

Not sure exactly what the sleep function does, but because I am a CPAP user who hasn't been in touch with sleep physician for several yrs, I'd like any extra data on my sleep pattern that's easily available.

I have around 20 friends and family that are friends on Fitbit. Most in the group have had there Fitbit a year or more.They are all still active users. My brother was a couch potato when he got his and now does 15k to 20k steps every day. He's very competitive and likes being at the top of the rankings.

All you need is a computer to sync your Fitbit.