I use the Fitbit but don't use any of the bells and whistles with it, just put it on in the morning, check it periodically throughout the day and see where I am at the end of the day...that's it.....same as a plain pedometer.

If you already have the fitbit, just use that without the bells and whistles.

I get cheap ones from the local drug store for just a few bucks. They count steps and can do the math of distance if you enter the stride and such, and also mine have date and time but you don't have to put that in. No computer shenanigans and recharging (the battery lasts forever, I usually lose them before I have to replace a battery). I also have a fitbit, but I prefer the cheap clip on the waist counter.

I really like that the Fitbit is on a wristband because that makes it so convenient to use. So I might end up keeping it. But I am considering that rather than keeping a more expensive device that I'm not fully using, I could return it and save $ by purchasing a cheaper gadget that suits my needs.

I had a cheap one (under $15) some years ago when I started speed walking for exercise and wanted to make sure I was walking fast enough. It wasn't mechanical but electronic, it must have had some kind of a motion sensor inside (as must the more recent products with more capabilities).

Interestingly, it first needed to be calibrated, by measuring how many steps were taken to cover a known distance. I did that using a quarter mile running track at a high school. After doing that, it was surprisingly accurate for measuring distance walked. Counting steps is an easy task too, a decent one should work pretty well.

Once I was able to judge my speed on my own, I stopped using it.

I agree -- just use the Fitbit. :) I have used both mechanical and simple electronic pedometers. The electronic is far superior to the mechanical, but still only kind of sort of accurate, after calibration. OTOH, it's distance walked that'll give you a better idea of your activity level, and the Fitbit should be good for that. The guy in Japan who declared that everybody should walk 10,000 steps per day said it wasn't based on anything in particular. It was just a nice round number that sounded good. A friend of mine, according to her Fitbit clone, was walking 7,000 steps per day just doing basic daily housework. :)

Helpful hint: Purchase a pedometer that has a short lanyard that attaches to your waistline (aka security strap) to help prevent accidental "baptism" in the toilet, or they can slip off and be lost.

I have an Omron pedometer. Works great, resets itself at midnight. Got it online. Just google it. I'm not using it much anymore. I got a Garmin Vivofit 2, I wanted a tracker with a watch in it that is waterproof.

I bought the one at this link based upon a recommendation when I posted the same type of question here a few months ago. It's perfect for me.

Omron HJ-112 Digital Pocket Pedometer