Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I have used the HJ-112 model for years. I liked its accuracy and ease of use, was lukewarm toward the 6-month battery life, and hated the dorky, clunky look of wearing it on my hip. When I lost the last one, I purchased this updated model, and have been using it for about a week. So far, I am very happy with it, and indeed consider it a slight improvement. First off, the accuracy seems to be about the same. After years of daily walks, I have a good sense of how many steps should show up on the pedometer. On level terrain, for example, I expect about 100-110 steps per minute. This pedometer gives readings that are in line with that. At the end of a day of typical activity, the step count does not seem grossly inaccurate. In short, it has earned my trust as being more or less as accurate as its predecessor. Now I'll veer to a negative - the display shuts off after a few minutes, presumably to conserve the battery. Steps keep logging, so it's not like the device shuts down. You have to press a button on the front, which instantly activates the display. It's obviously a tradeoff, and I can accept it if it drastically improves battery life. On to the best part - the improvements. Though less distinctive than the shield-like shape of the HJ-112, the new model is slightly thinner and less obtrusive. It lives in a little rubber case that clips anywhere you wish. Happily, this model comes with a strap that you can thread through your belt hoop to secure it. The great thing about the more symmetrical shape of the new model is that you can turn it upside down so that it reads the "right" way when you tilt it up to look at it. With the HJ-112, I had to unclip it and turn it around to look at it. This time savings offsets the annoyance of having to hit a button to look at the display. In fact, I'm training myself to hit the button as I tilt it toward me. In summary: just as accurate, slightly less clunky and dorky, a little easier to use. Update 12/6/15 - The battery conked out today so I replaced it - got more than a year's use out of the first battery. The low battery signal began flashing a couple of weeks ago so I had plenty of time to get a new one.