Getting started
The Step Keeper, pictured in Figure A, is simple to operate.

FIGURE A


The Step Keeper fits into the Springboard expansion slot of the Handspring Visor. Roll over picture for a larger image.

Just slip it into the included vinyl carrying case (pictured in Figure B), clip it on your waistband, and start walking.

FIGURE B


The included carrying case clips to your waistband and holds the Step Keeper while you walk. Roll over picture for a larger image.

You'll hear the soft clicking of the pendulum inside the module keeping track of your steps, but otherwise the 1-ounce module is unobtrusive. When you finish your walk, insert the Step Keeper into your Visor (this also recharges the battery).

The built-in software will translate the number of steps into miles (or kilometers) and estimate the number of calories you consumed, as shown in Figure C.

FIGURE C

The Step Keeper's software uses the number of steps counted by the pedometer to calculate the distance walked.

It also lets you track your progress by storing records for up to 90 days. You can even view your activity in graph form: a bar graph over seven days, as shown in Figure D, or a line graph of 30 days.

FIGURE D

Chart your progress in a seven-day bar graph.

It's important to transfer data from the Step Keeper to your handheld soon after you return from your walk, as the module will only hold data for about two days without being recharged.

Before you "download" your steps to your Visor for the first time, you'll need to enter some initial settings, including your height, weight, and walking goal--the number of steps you are aiming to walk each day. Unfortunately, you don't have the option to enter your goal in terms of distance (as a rough guide, it took me about 2600 steps to walk one mile). You'll also need to determine your stride length. This is calculated by dividing a measured distance by the number of steps it takes you to walk it. For example, if you covered 15 feet in five steps, your stride length would be three. The more accurately you calculate your stride length, the more accurately the Step Keeper converts your steps to distances.

Results
I found the Step Keeper to be very accurate when walking on relatively flat surfaces. I had less luck when I tried to use it while hiking or running. It didn't catch most of my steps and calculated only a fraction of the actual distance I covered. To be fair, the instructions do indicate that the product is designed for walking on flat ground and that it may not work well when walking on a steep slope or while doing intensive exercise. They also say it may not perform well when walking slowly, walking with sandals, walking in a crowded area, or while riding in a train or car or while bicycling.