I went hands-on with the Microsoft Band 2, and it was comfortable

I managed to be one of the lucky attendees of Microsoft’s massive Windows 10 devices event on October, and while I wasn’t able to truly give any of the devices a run for their money, I was at least able to feel around and get some basic first impressions of them. One of these devices was the Microsoft Band 2, a device that I’m very pleasantly surprised about.

I hadn’t used much of the original Microsoft Band, but I know enough to tell you that it was a flawed product, to say the least. While it managed to pack in the features that were promised with a relatively strong user interface, the Band suffered from the the horrible issue that it was just plain uncomfortable. For a device that you were meant to keep wrapped around your wrist for relatively significant amount of times, that is a fatal flaw.

I’m happy to report that the Microsoft Band 2 doesn’t suffer from this issue. Putting it around my wrist, I didn’t feel much of anything. It certainly seemed like the sort of device that I would be able to wear for an extended amount of time. The Band felt natural, and I didn’t feel any need to make adjustments to it. The screen also felt more vibrant, and all-around was more stylish than its predecessor.

On top of just feeling good, the Microsoft Band 2 is packed with features that should appeal to people. The Band is sporting a UV monitor, a GPS, and a barometer. For the fitness minded individual that the Microsoft Band 2 is mostly aimed at, it can even keep track of the calories you burn, your heart rate, and how well you’re sleeping. It’s truly a robust product for athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike.

In short, the Band 2 seems to improve on the biggest problems that the original Band had, primarily its clunky design. For this reason, it should be a product that more general consumers would consider, and not just something that appeals to those for whom fitness is a massive priority. Now that it’s a viable option to wear the Band on a regular basis, getting acquainted with its advantages should be much easier.

You can pre-order the Band 2 here, it costs $249.99 and ships by October 30th.