July 20th, 2009 
Kris Saelen 
Anyone who has walked into a gym in the last few years (or seen a gym commercial, in my case) can tell you that mp3 players are almost required to work out these days. It’s exactly this trend that the makers of the Haier America Trainer (see CNET review) try to capitalize on in their new product. By loading the media player with plenty of exercise-encouraging extras, they’ve created a fun and affordable product that offers some pretty unique services.
This mp3 player is light enough that you don’t notice it, can be attached directly to your clothes via a built in clip, and maybe most practically, is made of sweat-resistant plastic. It can monitor your heart rate, count your calories, and has a pedometer function – all pretty handy bonuses for the fitness fanatic.
Of course, there are a few downfalls. For the average mp3 user, playlists are practically a way of life and the Haier America Trainer doesn’t actually support any playlist functions. The control panel can be a bit confusing and take some time to really figure out how to navigate – something that a busy fitness junkie on the go may not want to bother with. More troubling, however, is the fact that the accuracy of any pedometer – this one included – can always be a bit touch and go.
Maybe it’s just a matter of priorities. The sound from this player is solid and there is a FM radio feature as well, if you prefer to warm up to your favorite radio station. For the relatively low price and the added features, it seems like a pretty good deal. However, if you’re dead set on knowing exactly how many calories you’ve burned during a workout, you might want to try other options. What is worth more to you? Let us know in a comment below.
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