Having been so churlish about my experiences (sorry!) I have to add that there's an excellent iPhone app which measures the distance you've walked and the calories used, and even provides a map. It's called something like edomondo, and the friends who have it swear by it. mind you, they have dogs and walk a lot....
I had one as a birthday present [!] and yesterday and again today I've just done over 5000 steps usually it's around 500. My excuse is that you can't wear it when you go swimming!!! The only reason the last couple of days is high is because (1) I walked to the town [not very far about half a mile] and back and today (2) I had a meeting 'up north' which involved walking between Kings X and St Pancras and up and down a number of stairs. I spoilt all the weight losing effect by having an Americano AND a caramel slice . DH does over 10,000 each day by going to get a paper - the long way round. Mine is a Tanita and I wear it in my bra if I've not got pockets. I also pop it into my dressing gown pocket first thing in the morning so's I don't miss a single step
Bought one once, when I was still working, and was convinced that, in a huge school, patrolling the corridors, on my feet most of the day, I must be near 10,000 steps. Not a bit of it. 5,500 maximum. Huh!
have just bought one of these with view to doing the recommended 10,000 daily steps, tried it out for a few days, am nowhere near 10,000 steps YET, shocked by how much i use the car and generally sit on btm, must get up-and -attem now !