Customer Reviews
Worked out of the box with Vista and a s720i 
2008-03-06
This was the third IRDA product I've purchased and the first to actually work with my S720i. The cheap ones just don't work. Comes with a CD, but it does not require it on Vista. It automatically installs and you are set to go.
This is an absolute piece of junk 
2008-02-25
I have bought two of these and both have failed after their first use. I just figured I had gotten unlucky with the first one, perhaps thought I had done something to it but when I got the replacement it worked one time and now will not work at all. Aside from the fact that it is ridiculously overpriced for what it is, I must warn you to avoid this product. The only reason I gave this one star is because the system required I rate the product. It deserves zero stars.
Update: I purchased the StarTech device (half the price) that shows up under the alternatives and it works really well. I must also add that Polar's heart rate monitors are first rate. It is a shame they put their name on this device and then charge customers 2X what it should cost.
Why? 2008-02-17
Why pay $60 for an item that you can easily purchase for $10 to $15. I love Polar but this item just doesn't make sense!
Expensive, but works well. 
2008-02-15
I bought this after a few cheaper IrUSB models failed to connect to my
Polar 610i watch. This one had no problems (Windows XP). No problems
installing the driver either.
1 star off for price, which seems high compared to other models.
Polar IR - USB Interface 2008-01-02
Definitely not plug-and-and-play. I haven't got it to work yet. The fault my lie with my Polar S610i, purchased some time ago, though. The IR interface has always proved tempermental, even with my old IR unit, now lost. The online specs for this new unit included a reference to the s610i, but the specs that came with the unit itself weren't so clear.
Don't Buy It 2008-06-25
Don't buy this USB Interface. It says it's compatable with Windows, but it isn't. As soon as you install the drivers, Windows provides a warning that it is not compatable - and Windows is right. Once you install it, your system becomes unstable and doesn't work properly anymore. There is nothing like having to re-install your operating system. Polar generally makes good products, but this is pathetic and they should fix it. A word to the wise - don't buy it.
Expensive and doesn't work -- what's not to [dis]like 2008-06-17
Hours of fussing and couldn't get it to work on a Lenovo T61p running XP. Never had a problem with my T42p (with built in IR), so it's not the watch. The instructions aren't clear. What's on the Polar website is different than what's on the CD. The whole thing is a mess. And the standard plug in, and then load driver is a no-no per Polar website. If you do this, you have to download more software to wipe everything out, so you can do something different that also doesn't work. Polar tech support didn't even bother responding, although their help with the S/W has always been fast and perfect. They're probably embarrassed their marketing inflicted this overpriced device on them.
This IrDA interface works for XP and the Polar s720i 2008-05-27
I have tried 3 other IrDA interfaces - 1 serial and 2 USB and was about to give up. I wish I had gotten this sooner as it would have been cheaper in the long run and less inconvenient since I have been downloading data to an old laptop that has an IrDA device built in and transferring files to a newer faster laptop on a jump drive.
Here's my set up.
1. Sony Vaio running XP with SP2 installed - 3 USB ports
2. Polar s720i
I had trouble loading the driver off the mini-diskette since the disk wouldn't spin up properly. Ultimately, I got the disk to boot on another computer and then loaded the setup and driver files on a flash drive and loaded them from there when prompted.
Be sure to read the "readme" file on the diskette as it tells you clearly step by step on how to install the driver.
I also use the IrDA interface on only one of the three USB ports on my laptop...no reason to cause confusion and possible problems by using which ever one is convenient - just use one. I also check it in the Device Manager to ensure that it shows up properly.
When I remove it I always "safely remove device" from the system tray. Yes, it isn't as easy as just unplugging it, but it only takes 10 seconds and it's never busy. Another ounce of prevention.
I never thought I'd say this, but I give the Polar USB IrDA interface 5 stars.
As a note, I have only had it for a week, but have put it through the paces on two different laptops and have unplugged/replugged and initiated HRM communications greater than 25 times and it has worked flawlessly each time.
Doesn't Work with WIndows on Mac 2008-05-20
Bought it to connect to my Macbook running XP via Parallels through 10.5.2. The Polar software doesn't recognize the Polar IrDA hardware. In addition they package this with one of those mini CD Roms that are not compatible with Macs. Arrrrgggghhhh!!!!!
Why do these companies continue to not aggressively support the Mac platform?
Total waste of money unless I buy a Windows machine or search the net for a patch and have to do some jiggering to get it to run properly.
I really want to use it in order to track my aerobic workout but paying so much for my heart rate monitor and this adaptor you'd expect it to "Just Work" right out of the box.
Works great, a little awkward to use 2008-04-15
Functionally this works fine. I'm using it on a VM XP instance on a Mac OS X desktop through Parallels and Polar F55 monitor. The form factor isn't so convenient, I just connect/disconnect each time I use. I'd like to get some sort of mount setup so I can just leave it connected all the time.
I haven't tried this on Vista.
