Returning the Ultra? [MERGED]

[andyw715]

Hey if John Meyer approves, then so do I.

 

[sjobsian]

Apple really needs to work on their watch packaging.
Given the size of the watch (compared to iPhone) the packaging is ridiculous and now even more so with Ultra* (which is bigger).

Combine that with UPSing empty trade-in boxes..... Apple has a long way to go. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. There is a reason why Reduce is first....it's the most impactful.

*I get Ultra is new and they want to showcase it, but the box/packaging/book etc is over engineered.

Agreed. Packaging on the Ultra is ridiculous. It’s insane how wasteful it is.

 

[canyonblue737]

I won’t buy one because it will look comedic on my 160mm wrist (there are people here posting pictures ,who have small wrists and it looks absolutely ridiculous on them) but size aside as much as I am interested in it’s features,I’m really not sure about the design (even if I had giant wrists and could get away with it.
I agree with your criticism of its design.
It seems unfinished design wise.
Also I’m pretty sure they will make them in smaller size to next generation.

My wrists are 162 mm. Is this comic?

 

[UltimateSyn]

i wish they made a screen bigger than 45mm like I wish they made a same style as series 7/8 but bigger screen, the ultra would be cool if the screen was as big as the case like the 45mm, my dream Apple Watch would look the same as series 7/8 but bigger screen

I wish the Ultra’s screen was edge-to-edge but just a supersized Series 8 would look weird IMO

 

[Volk17]

Looks like most people that bought the Apple Watch Ultra (I assume who did some research on it prior to purchasing) are actually are satisfied with it judging by this poll.

 

[canyonblue737]

trust me there was nothing more I was concerned about than the size being absurd when I ordered the Ultra and I was fully prepared to return it. after I got it here were my 3 take aways about it:

- I think it looks great.
- I think the size is fine.
- I think others don't think it seems abnormal for what is clearly a "sports watch."

 

[The Game 161]

No the battery life makes it worth upgrading alone. I love the bigger display and how much bigger it generally seems viewing notifications and replying to texts

Design wise I’ve learnt to enjoy it

 

[Indianwin2001]

You (OP) sound very much like someone who was recently banned from this forum.

Exactly the same posting style ….. becoming more and more irritated and aggressive as the thread grows 😉

Time will tell.

Actually this thread needs to die already. The Op has had his 15 minutes of fame.

 

[Rorosbutt]

get a fenix 7x you can have 10-12 on a face and it'll look good.

I only LIKE the ultra. I am a garmin person and not having good access to recovery stats keeps me on the fence.

I use smart home accessories and use apps. AWU is the best for that.

 

[ColdShadow]

My wrists are 162 mm. Is this comic?

No looks fine.
But it seems you have thick mid arms that visually balances watch’s size on your thin wrist ,so it doesn’t look ridiculous like some photos I’ve seen here..

 

[Kylo83]

No the battery life makes it worth upgrading alone. I love the bigger display and how much bigger it generally seems viewing notifications and replying to texts

Design wise I’ve learnt to enjoy it

have you not seen them side by side, there isn't any extra screen for text if anything it cuts it off, its smaller

 

[Dealmans]

I’d let you know if I could get one to try

my bigger issue with apple is how they hold back stock to make new products look popular

 

[Fthree]

“Chuckles“ I am a bit surprised that the determining factor for happiness on the ULTRA for some is the bezel. bedezzled about that bezel. I am learning that is a “priority“ for some folks above other utilities. I hope apple caters to these folks next round lol. I was actually quite pleased that the screen size is larger (think 45mm vs 46mm) to be exact. A 2mm bezel and a 1mm wrapped in aero space grade titanium is to much for some folks. What I don’t get is how someone expects something more svelte but twice the durability. You are going to have to make a sacrifice one way or the other. A bezel will always accompany an outdoor watch. The glass isn’t going to protect itself lol. Stick with the mainstream design apple has if a bezel bothers you. I was quite happy they still increased the size of the screen on the ULTRA enough to feel a difference (especially with swiping) and I would beg to differ having gloves on whilst using the device would be advantageous to have a little forgiveness towards the edge. I could see apple loosing 1mm of the bezel next year maybe, but that is only 1mm less than what it is now, and if being bedezzled is a priority, you will always do better staying away from outdoorsy rugged products. maybe ten years from now our watches can be screens with only a layer of graphene for a bezel, but for now, you will have to make a sacrifice one way or the other depending on what’s more important to you 👍🍺

Garmin owner for years here.... Trying an ultra myself. You will be super happy that the bezels are as thick as they are when you are out on a trail or after you finish a marathon just lay down on the street and hit your watch on a curb or something and the screen is ok.

 

[ArchEtech]

I don’t think I misunderstand anything. As I state in my post, this is just an Apple Watch. What is so “highly functional” about this watch for its intended market? And what can it do that the S8 can’t?

Last 4 days.

Survive a sledge hammer for a few hits.

Stay readable in bright sunlight with reduced reflection artifacts

Access certain apps, and functions with a specific button. This may not be that desirable to somebody but still something unique to the ultra.

Access to a proprietary watch face.

Survive 100 m underwater.

Offer advanced GPS functionality, which, although really isn’t usable or optimize yet could be very shortly. Hopefully we will see some true off-line maps offered by Apple.

Offer a new, exclusive style, in an Apple Watch.

 

[Luba]

have you not seen them side by side, there isn't any extra screen for text if anything it cuts it off, its smaller View attachment 2081180

Hmm, that's strange the name (Rachael Fisher) is cut off on the Ultra. The Ultra looks like it's a significantly bigger screen because it's flat, IMO.

 

[mikezmac]

Did you return the Apple Watch Ultra? Please vote and leave some comments.

I just got mine 2 days ago and please note I also have a new 45 mm Apple Watch Series 8. Here are my initial impressions:

• It's ugly as all hell. It looks like an unfinished prototype. Between this and the Gordon Gecko iPhone 14 Pro Max, Apple is no longer a leader in design in my view.
• The sharp edges of the watch face are terrible compared to the regular Apple Watch Series 8. It's obtuse and it affects the usability of the watch. The smoother and rounded edges of the regular Series 8 Watch are much better. Big step backward usability wise for me.
• I swear the screen is less sharp than a regular Apple Watch Series 8. It looks a bit hazy and slightly pixelated. I believe this has just slightly more PPI than an AW 8 so I just don't get it but to my eye it looks like a worse screen than the 8 and certainly less bright. Is Apple up to some greasy tricks to try and get the battery life longer?
• For what you get, the price is absurd. I mean, you don't even get a nice sleeve for the watch itself like you do with the Series 8: it's just cheap, disposable tissue paper.
• The crown with the protruding side frame around it is annoying as hell. The crown is actually harder to hit because it's blended in with this new protruding nonsense on the side. Yes, I get why they did it: they say it will aid in usability with a glove and etc. when in rough environments but for everyday use I'm frustrated with a Crown that is harder to use.
• The new action button is beyond a gimmick to me. Jesus, is this thing useless. Apple, you have two buttons already on this watch and you can't figure this out. To me it's totally redundant and unnecessary... why not program the crown button or other button to simply be an action button...
• Watch is fairly comfortable on the wrist.
• Overall, it's just an Apple Watch at the end of the day.

I am leaning toward the option of returning this and going with the Series 8. I do rough it and want a watch that can handle being in the bush and needing longer battery life, etc. I may opt for Garmin when roughing it and use the Series 8 daily.

you said the same thing 4 times... you could have saved ink. LOL

 

[mikezmac]

I find the flat screen on my Ultra MUCH easier to read than my series 7. Not a little but a lot. What I like best is when outside the brightness of the Ultra is awesome!

When I saw they were no longer offering a SBTi watch, the Ultra was for me.

I totally agree, the flat screen is so much better and easier to read and swipe! I LOVE the new screen and the battery life, total keeper for me! Loving my watch! The battery lasted 2 and a half days and i charged it at 26% just because ...

 

[mikezmac]

Is it me or is the post initiator suspended?

 

[decypher44]

Is it me or is the post initiator suspended?

Suspended, and this thread should die off.

 

[gagee]

My wrists are 162 mm. Is this comic?

What size band did yiou get for the alpine Loop?

 

[mikezmac]

Did you return the Apple Watch Ultra? Please vote and leave some comments.

I just got mine 2 days ago and please note I also have a new 45 mm Apple Watch Series 8. Here are my initial impressions:

• It's ugly as all hell. It looks like an unfinished prototype. Between this and the Gordon Gecko iPhone 14 Pro Max, Apple is no longer a leader in design in my view.

Why did you buy it if the look wasn't what you liked?

• The sharp edges of the watch face are terrible compared to the regular Apple Watch Series 8. It's obtuse and it affects the usability of the watch. The smoother and rounded edges of the regular Series 8 Watch are much better. Big step backward usability wise for me.

Why did you buy it if the look wasn't what you liked?

• I swear the screen is less sharp than a regular Apple Watch Series 8. It looks a bit hazy and slightly pixelated. I believe this has just slightly more PPI than an AW 8 so I just don't get it but to my eye it looks like a worse screen than the 8 and certainly less bright. Is Apple up to some greasy tricks to try and get the battery life longer?

You already said this

• For what you get, the price is absurd. I mean, you don't even get a nice sleeve for the watch itself like you do with the Series 8: it's just cheap, disposable tissue paper.

This is $50 more than the stainless steel apple 44/45mm that apple has been selling for years, This is $100-300 less than Garmin's top line

• The crown with the protruding side frame around it is annoying as hell. The crown is actually harder to hit because it's blended in with this new protruding nonsense on the side. Yes, I get why they did it: they say it will aid in usability with a glove and etc. when in rough environments but for everyday use I'm frustrated with a Crown that is harder to use.

Why did you buy it if the look wasn't what you liked?

• The new action button is beyond a gimmick to me. Jesus, is this thing useless. Apple, you have two buttons already on this watch and you can't figure this out. To me it's totally redundant and unnecessary... why not program the crown button or other button to simply be an action button...

Why did you buy it if the look wasn't what you liked?

• Watch is fairly comfortable on the wrist.
• Overall, it's just an Apple Watch at the end of the day.

I am leaning toward the option of returning this and going with the Series 8. I do rough it and want a watch that can handle being in the bush and needing longer battery life, etc. I may opt for Garmin when roughing it and use the Series 8 daily.

I'm sorry but after reading this it seems like you bought something that you did not want to start with and now you are complaining...

 

[Asiatic Black Hebrew]

Garmin owner for years here.... Trying an ultra myself. You will be super happy that the bezels are as thick as they are when you are out on a trail or after you finish a marathon just lay down on the street and hit your watch on a curb or something and the screen is ok.

I'd be very surprised if the ones complaining about screen size are even using the watch for those reasons. Sounds like many just want another media consumption device.

 

[mikezmac]

This is a duplicate thread, or the other is a duplicate

 

[canyonblue737]

What size band did yiou get for the alpine Loop?

Medium. The hook goes in 4-5 "loops" from the top of the side which is just about perfect because then the titanium clasp isn't at the bottom of your wrist where it can scratch stuff on your desk etc.

 

[gagee]

Medium. The hook goes in 4-5 "loops" from the top of the side which is just about perfect because then the titanium clasp isn't at the bottom of your wrist where it can scratch stuff on your desk etc.

Ok thanks for letting me know.