Nike Unveils Its High-End GPS Sportswatch

Slideshow: CES 2011: Aliens, Prime Rib And A Digital Experience

If you're a runner -- the kind of runner who logs how far you've run and is always trying to beat your own time -- the new Nike+Sportwatch GPS will intrigue you.

Announced here at CES this week, the little watch is trimmer and sleeker than other GPS watches I've seen. The GPS, powered by TomTom, works along with a shoe sensor to make sure you get the best running data possible.

The UI is a tap interface -- unbelievably simple to use. It is obvious Nike had its user experience guys working on this one. Just a few menu items are on screen in easy-to-read text. You tap it to mark laps, activate the backlight, check out your progress.

A USB port is on the watch to allow for easy recharging and data uploading. All the data goes to the website nikeplus.com, a fairly robust site allowing runners to track their running goals, get coaching tips, map runs, even brag to their friends about their running achievements via Facebook.

Forget to run. This might be the watch's biggest drawback -- it has a "run reminder" feature if you've gone five days without hitting the road. The guilt feature might appeal to some -- but not this reporter.

On the plus side, the watch will congratulate you for setting and making your own personal running goals, such as the fastest time or the longest distance.

Available in early April, Nike says the Nike+SportWatch GPS will cost between $200 and $300. That includes the watch, the shoe sensor, a USB cable and a one-year limited warranty.

Weighing just 66 grams, this is a slim little device compared to other high-end GPS watches on the market. It's a spiffy easy-to-use GPS watch that looks nice enough to actually wear off track. Seriously.