Full, seems reliable. Wireless connectivity reserved for iPhone / iPad

The wish to purchase this new device coincided with its release.
I was looking for a simple, readable, reliable, sexy enough and to exploit the data appropriately (evolution of the HR, ability to export data in a text file, etc).

Moreover, this model (black or white) is sold with or without cardio belt.
With belt, the pack is sold € 199.00, while the watch is sold only € 159.00 (all signs, nearly EUR 0.90, to 20 November 2014).

The trouble was finding the freshly available for this model. Only "The Benedict XVI" had in stock on that date, while retailers like Amazon or Intersport had not always.

Device

The device gives an impression of quality. The latter (white for me) seems robust, rubber bracelet is pleasant to the touch and easily loop around the wrist.
The watch is not too thick, and covers the width of the wrist.

Package output (quality), it requires a recharge via micro USB, what I do at the same time as downloading and installing the Polar FlowSync PC software (I have no iPad or iPhone, I will return).

Synchronization

The installation of the utility Polar FlowSync is mandatory to configure the watch via the Polar Flow Web service.
And yes, all is not configured directly on the watch (eg language, which is English by default, sports profiles, FC beaches, screen configurations, etc).
To summarize the interface (PC) necessary to operate / configure the M400:
(Device) Polar M400 (utility installation) Polar FlowSync (Web service that requires registration) Polar Flow.

Once the account is created, the utility installed, connected and shows (micro USB), an update of the device is launched. Everything is pretty fast, reliable.

The Web service, although in its "beta" is very clear, do not plant, and presents no bug.

After saving the profile information, you must synchronize the watch from the utility. It would have been easier to have a "Synchronize" button directly on the Web page.

What is disappointing, but really! is an obligation to connect the watch via USB to the PC to synchronize.
Polar Why did he not foresee the possibility of doing it via Bluetooth? Especially since the wireless connection is possible with products iOS (iPad, iPhone).
For platforms as Android, Polar announces deployment for December 2014. That means "not before 2015" ...
I find this totally exclusionary practice for thousands of Polar users.

Use

The configuration is performed and shows recharged, I tested the watch by cycling and running.

For each subject, you can manually set 8 screens of information that can be viewed in session. Each screen is limited to 4 information (eg Cyclo:. Elapsed time, speed, pace, Cardio Ex Running:. Elapsed time, pace, Cardio, Cardio Zone).

Cycling: it is certain that without pedaling his dashboard on the hanger is not what there is of better. The hanger adapter is sold separately, 7.90 EUR.
However, even on the wrist, the information remains easily readable (it is possible to reverse the black and white contrast).
The buttons respond easily, which facilitates scrolling screens during the session.
Moreover, I note that the GPS hangs very quickly, cloudy days.
Not tested: connectivity with power and cadence sensors.
For aficionados of the monitoring altitude, the altitude indicated only GPS course (at that price, no integrated Barometric Module ^^).

Running: the watch is very readable, it does not feel the wrist. Unlike the bike, I would have preferred slightly protruding buttons.
The watch offers all the necessary information for the race.
Not yet tested: configuring a session on Web service with specific objectives (cardio, speed etc.) and evaluate its operating session.

Polar Web Service Flow

As already stated, the PC sync is only possible via USB cord. Two choices: either you connect your M400 after each session, either you do so weekly or more.
But I think I'm like many of you (posseseur PC without iPhone / iPad): I like to see the detail and synthesis of my output ... after every trip!
This means that in practice it will release its cable every time. I have doubts about the robustness of the M400 microUSB connector on the long-term.
And no question of buying an iPhone only to enjoy wireless connectivity.
Note that wireless connectivity is supported by the latest technology without wire Bluetooth 4.0 that integrates Bluetooth Smart.
It would be interesting to check the operation with a PC with a Bluetooth Smart Ready interface (built-in or via a USB dongle for example).

However, I find the great Polar Flow web service, very clear. The data logging is complete, and the ability to revive its output on a carto Google Maps, with modeling of cardio on the course is very relevant to control its progression over the sessions.

For regulars of social networks, I have not found a way to publish over water sporting sessions (on FB, TWT, etc.), contrary to what is offered by other brands (eg Suunto ).

Conclusion: Complete product, which seems reliable. Aesthetically not bad. Wireless connectivity is for owners of the iPhone or iPad.
For the other, connect the watch via USB for all sync.
The M400 is compatible with the Polar Flow web interface, which, although in its beta, is very accomplished and very ergonomic.
The watch can be shared by two people, but in this case it will delete the M400 Profile 1 user via the Polar Flow site and then synchronize the M400 with the second user. This operation will erase any data and history is kept on site

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Additional comment, added 04.24.2015
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Here are 5 months since my wife uses this shows about 5 times a week.
She is really happy. This shows accompanies running, treadmill and zumba.
She could no longer do without it, and in this device one of the main sources of motivation.
A flat for swimming since, although H7 belt allows transmitting cardio signal in water, the M400 meanwhile is not made to operate the signal in the water ... unlike other Polar models that can exploit the signals on the frequency 5khz.

We have not tested connectivity with Android, now possible since we do not have with the JellyBean 4.3 Device ... and still no iOS for us.

Of course, as I already mentioned, no need to harp on the lack of reliability of the altitude, the latter only being wedged on the GPS data rather barometric. It's still a watch public to 160 without the belt ...