Tactile reminder device

April 1, 2009 4:41 PM

What sorts of vibrating reminder devices are out there?

The goal: I am looking for a small (pager-sized or smaller) wearable vibrating device that can be programmed to vibrate at certain intervals to serve as a tactile reminder system.

The requirements are: 1. it must be wearable, preferably on the ankle (out of sight), 2. it must be able to reliably go off at any programmed interval for a set number of recurrences or until manually stopped, 3. it should be relatively inaudible and not sound like a chainsaw.

Even better if it has some or all of these features: variable vibration strength, multiple vibration patterns (e.g. pulse length, number of pulses), countdown timer, daily alarm.

I am aware of a few products such as the epill reminder and invisible clock but am looking for alternate options to see what's out there. Also, I am open to suggestions involving a DIY approach, if anyone knows how to cobble something like this together using easily obtained components.

posted by jinatrix to technology (3 comments total)

There's the WatchMinder, which seems to be designed for people with ADD. This watch seems to serve a similar function. Presumably they could fit on your ankle if you extended the strap a bit. I think I've seen another device that might have had more of the features you want; I'll try and track it down again.

I solved this problem for myself by installing a program on my Palm phone--do you carry a cell phone that might have something like that available?
posted by fermion at 4:57 PM on April 1

Ah, here it is: the MotivAider. Lets you change the strength and duration of the vibrating alarm (here's the advanced features guide.)
posted by fermion at 5:07 PM on April 1

I had a VibraLite3 watch that worked pretty well, until I learned to ignore its gentle (but noticeable) buzz. I tried different intervals and a bunch of things but ultimately it ended up for another turn on eBay.
posted by ostranenie at 6:54 PM on April 1