I'd compare it against an SJ4000 - $99 on ebay and well reviewed (check techmoan's site). I'm thinking about getting one myself. It's compatible with GoPro accessories (not the battery but the mounts).

Unless you get the GoPro Black, the GoPros are not really anything special. The Black is a hell of a camera, the White is no better than any random clone IMO, the Silver is a bit better but not really that much.

I had some serious issues with my GoPro when I had it - it was a temperamental pain in the butt and it sometimes stopped recording for no reason. Gopro tech support was very snotty and basically just told me that their camera was so awesome that if I was having problems with it, then clearly either I was an idiot or I was putting junk SD cards in it.