I earned a BS in journalism from West Virginia University, and started my career writing for newspapers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.The best fitness trackers go way beyond just counting steps. Prior to joining PCMag, I was a reporter for SC Magazine, focusing on hackers and computer security.
I'm also a yoga instructor, and have been actively teaching group and private classes for nearly a decade.īefore becoming an analyst in 2020, I spent eight years as a reporter covering consumer tech news. I unbox, set up, test, and review a wide range of consumer tech products from my home in Florida, often with the help of my pitbull Bradley. I'm PCMag's expert on fitness and smart home technology, and I've written more than 6,000 articles and reviews in the 10-plus years I've been here.
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My first job in publishing was copy editing peer-reviewed papers on chemical physics.įollow me on Twitter or get in touch via my contact page. I've also worked at the Association for Computing Machinery, The Examiner newspaper in San Francisco, and several other publications. Prior to working for PCMag, I was the managing editor of Game Developer magazine. While I only dabble in technology for health and fitness these days, I had the pleasure of writing a review of the original Fitbit Ultra and similar products that came after it. I also test and analyze online learning services, particularly for learning languages. I specialize in apps for productivity and collaboration, including project management software. My latest book is The Everything Guide to Remote Work, which goes into great detail about a subject that I've been covering as a writer and participating in personally since well before the COVID-19 pandemic.
It gives advice on how to manage all the devices, apps, digital photos, social networks, email, and other technology that can make you feel like you're going to have a panic attack. My column, Get Organized, has been running on PCMag since 2012. I've been contributing to PCMag since 2011, at times as an analyst and columnist, and currently as deputy managing editor for the software team.
The Apple Watch Series 7, Apple Watch SE, Coros Apex, and Polar Ignite 2 have separate options for pool swims and open water swims. If the pool is your primary source of exercise, you'll want to double check that your tracker supports multiple underwater activities. You'll also want to make sure it's capable of responding to your swipes underwater.Īnother thing to keep in mind is how swim-centric you want your device to be. Are you more interested in viewing your data during or after a workout? If you want to keep an eye on your laps while you're in the pool, you should look for a tracker with a bright screen. You should take into consideration what you want your tracker to do. Some have a lesser 3ATM rating, meaning they are submersible up to 98 feet. Typically, these devices have a 5ATM rating, which means you can plunge them up to 164 feet underwater. Most waterproof fitness trackers are rated for a certain depth, which is handy if you want to go diving. The same seals that keep water from ruining the electronics in swim-friendly fitness trackers also protects them from the pressure of that water. You don't need to settle for merely waterproof. What to Look For in a Waterproof Fitness Tracker Rest assured, all of these devices can be worn in the water-and will still be in good working order once you dry off. To help you out, we've compiled a list of the best waterproof trackers we've tested here. For swimming, you need a fitness tracker that's sealed and submersible, and will survive a consistent soaking. Just because you can wear a fitness tracker in the shower doesn't mean you should wear it the next time you swim a few laps in the pool.