A:AnswerYES - It connects and charges with a standard (on the computer end) USB dongle. The end that connects to the band IS NOT standard (mini- or micro-USB etc). Same dongle can be used to charge only on any standard USB power adapter.
A:AnswerI think it o ly tracks based on your steps, not gps. I use this and the map my ride app on my phone when I hike or walk, and they usually don't match up exactly, I think that is because the Garmin is basing my distance traveled off of a pre-set stride on the device,so if your steps are shorter or longer, it may think you are traveling further or shorter than you actually are. If you are riding,I don't believe it will track your distance. It will certainly do heart rate, calories, etc.
A:AnswerWell, the Vivosmart HR does not, but once you download into Garmin Connect, it does give you pace information. It is non GPS, so accuracy is based on your stride length. If I want true accuracy via GPS, I use an app on my phone. But it's good for workouts, because I don't need to be exact when I work out.
A:AnswerI don't know any tracker that's really accurate. I did a 5 k race, the tracker said I did just under 3 miles instead of the 3.1 that the race was.
A:AnswerThe vivosmart HR uses internal accelerometers that are built-in to the band to pick up on the natural arm movement while walking or running. By picking up on the arm movement is how the device is able to track steps throughout the day.
A:AnswerI sync with my iPhone. Theres an app that works well for the basic sync process. I'm still not clear how to save data for future reference. Either it can't be done, is difficult to do, or the option isn't available. I moved on to other things. It seems like Garmin, at least as far as I can tell, hasn't fine tuned the software.
A:AnswerThe vivosmart HR can be worn in the pool, but is not designed to specifically track swimming laps. A device that has a dedicated pool swim activity profile would be recommended.
A:AnswerIt's rated to 5ATM or 50M I believe, which is plenty times over standard pools or diving areas. I shower with mine all the time and have swam with it too. I would just avoid pushing the one button it has while it's underwater.
I love this thing.
