So, would you buy it again?

[AppleRobert]

some good votes. would like to hear from the NO's on why they wouldn't buy it again.

I never bought one because of the price, now that I can get the basic 38mm one heavily discounted I pulled the trigger.

You will have to check back as to whether I would keep it or not. If I do then I do not think I would have a problem buying it again if I liked it enough to keep it to begin with.

 

[yanki01]

yeah i'll still wait for a probable release keynote and see if they drop on swappa w/ apple care + or just buy it out right from a retailer. I'm being too cheap right now with the apple watch. i think i want one for the time piece but still can't justify shelling out $500 right now.

 

[Shanghaichica]

Absolutely. I've worn mine everyday since it launched. I went out one day without recently just to see if I'd miss it and I did. I felt out of the loop and found it strange to have to keep on getting my phone out to check for notifications.

The most important features of the Apple Watch for me are:

Notifications on my wrist

Apple Pay

Reminders on my wrist (setting and recieving)


Ability to ping my phone if I can't find it


Seeing whose calling me when I'm out and about without taking my phone out of my bag.

 

[Algus]

For me, yeah but there is no piece of tech more obvious than the smart watch where Apple's failings are apparent. More expensive and less feature rich than an Android watch, I see little reason to recommend an Apple Watch.

That said if it is the device you end up with, I think you'll be happy with it. I find the fitness tracking and messaging integration incredibly useful and use both features every day.

 

[Shanghaichica]

I bought the Apple Watch on release day. Prior to that I was wearing a Pebble. I use my Apple Watch constantly all day, every day without thinking about it. It wakes me up in the morning. During the night it has tracked my sleep. I get a reminder to take my medicine. It tracks my morning walk. My calendar notifications alert me. I get notifications of emails and texts, all day. It gives me directions when I need them. I can use it to control my house temperature. A few minutes ago, I got alert that something my daughter ordered on eBay had been delivered. I used it to buy a soda from the vending machine (Diet Caffeine Free Aspartame free Pepsi)

Oh, and yes it tells me the time. I would certainly recommend the Apple Watch to friends.

I also got an alert a few weeks ago that a delivery for me had been made. The courier company had not updated their tracking information so I had no idea that it was even due to be delivered on that day and if I hadn't received the alert I probably wouldn't have known until several hours after.

 

[Mac2me]

Ordered it when it first came out and while I don't know what on a newer version would prompt me to want to upgrade, I fully expect at this point anyway to upgrade somewhere down the road and I would 100% stay with an Apple Watch. I don't use it for exercise but for many of the other features I get with it. I do love the notifications and time/alarm features. I have been surprised at how legible even reading through an email can be on it. Great feature when you just don't want to pull out the phone. I also like to change out my bands on occasion.

 

[sean000]

For me, yeah but there is no piece of tech more obvious than the smart watch where Apple's failings are apparent. More expensive and less feature rich than an Android watch, I see little reason to recommend an Apple Watch.

That said if it is the device you end up with, I think you'll be happy with it. I find the fitness tracking and messaging integration incredibly useful and use both features every day.

Just curious... What features can you get on Android Wear that aren't available on the Apple Watch (besides third party watch faces... Which I realize is a very important feature for some)?

A bit of a confusing response: You see little reason to recommend it, but you find it useful and think the OP will be happy with it?

Personally I think smartwatches in general are hitting their stride with Apple Watch OS3, Android Wear 2.0, and new the latest from Samsung and Huawei. I am seeing a lot more smartwatches on others compared to six months ago, and the Apple Watch is considered by many to be the best smartwatch on the market. How exactly has it been a failure?

Sean

 

[Algus]

Well just because I don't recommend it doesn't necessarily mean it isn't a useful product. IMO competing products are in a better place right now. Among the things Android smart watches have are rounded watch faces, their own SIMs, and built-in GPS. Whereas the Apple Watch continues to be wholly reliant on the iPhone, which is the only device it functions with, Android Wear is much more flexible.

That said, the Apple Watch has come down in price significantly and for iPhone users is a good choice as it offers some of the same functionality as its competitors. Basically I would highly recommend that you shop around for your smart watch and not just go Apple Watch because of the brand name.

 

[sean000]

Well just because I don't recommend it doesn't necessarily mean it isn't a useful product. IMO competing products are in a better place right now. Among the things Android smart watches have are rounded watch faces, their own SIMs, and built-in GPS. Whereas the Apple Watch continues to be wholly reliant on the iPhone, which is the only device it functions with, Android Wear is much more flexible.

That said, the Apple Watch has come down in price significantly and for iPhone users is a good choice as it offers some of the same functionality as its competitors. Basically I would highly recommend that you shop around for your smart watch and not just go Apple Watch because of the brand name.

I agree that people should consider their wants and needs before just accepting the AW as the obvious choice. Personally I have no need for a SIM or GPS in the watch, but some do. Some may also benefit from a more advanced fitness watch like a Garmin.

For those who just want a smartwatch that acts as an extension of their iPhone, I think the Apple Watch offers the richest experience.

Sean

 

[Arran]

... i think i want one for the time piece but still can't justify shelling out $500 right now.

FYI, Best Buy is now selling new 42mm black stainless with black sports band for $350. That's $250 off. The most they've ever taken off before is $200. Same day pickup in some stores. Looks like they're really clearing out inventory now.

Open box is $318, btw. Same day pickup also.

 

[yanki01]

FYI, Best Buy is now selling new 42mm black stainless with black sports band for $350. That's $250 off. The most they've ever taken off before is $200. Same day pickup in some stores. Looks like they're really clearing out inventory now.

Open box is $318, btw. Same day pickup also.

saw that but would prefer the SS.

 

[Southern Dad]

Just curious... What features can you get on Android Wear that aren't available on the Apple Watch (besides third party watch faces... Which I realize is a very important feature for some)?

A bit of a confusing response: You see little reason to recommend it, but you find it useful and think the OP will be happy with it?

Personally I think smartwatches in general are hitting their stride with Apple Watch OS3, Android Wear 2.0, and new the latest from Samsung and Huawei. I am seeing a lot more smartwatches on others compared to six months ago, and the Apple Watch is considered by many to be the best smartwatch on the market. How exactly has it been a failure?

Sean

Best feature on Apple Watch that isn't on Android Wear? Complete compatibility with my iPhone 6s Plus.
[doublepost=1472501569][/doublepost]Personally, I wear an Apple Watch on my left wrist and a Fitbit Blaze on my right wrist. The Apple Watch is where I get all my notifications, use apps, and get information. The Fitbit is where I record steps and the leaderboard.

 

[mildocjr]

I pre-ordered the Apple Watch, given what I know what it can do now and assuming I never bought one, would I buy it again? No. Since I have bought one, I will keep buying them, and I know this sounds cliché, but it changes the way you use your phone.

Break it down into 3 tasks and the 4 platforms. Small, Medium, and Large tasks; Watch, iPhone, iPad, Mac.

Small tasks, -> scanning through emails, checking messages, checking notifications, making phone calls, favoriting songs, etc...
Medium tasks -> replying to emails, serious phone calls, browsing the web, lengthy message responses.
Large tasks -> editing photos and movies, writing documents, etc...

How it used to be:
phone - > small and medium tasks
iPad -> small, medium, and large tasks
Mac -> large tasks

How it is now:
watch -> small tasks
phone -> medium tasks
iPad -> medium and large tasks
Mac -> large tasks

Just having the small tasks on my watch makes a huge difference in how I use my phone, I can choose to reply to a message or wait in case it needs a longer response. Quick phone calls are easy.

It was easy before the watch, but the watch provides the ability to screen calls without pulling out your phone, check text messages without feeling like you have to reply right then.

Choice is up to the person really, but in my mind, I'm locked in with the Apple Watch.

 

[Cindori]

No.

It's not useful.
I've not found a single app that is worth the time and hassle of raising my arm and interacting with the watch instead of just using my phone. There is literally nothing the Watch can do that the iPhone can't. And you can't leave your phone behind anyway because your Watch depends on tethering to it.

It's not practical.
Interacting with the Apple Watch takes so much longer due to baby interfaces, low performance, and connectivity issues. Moreover, the Watch requires 2 hands to operate, and twisting your arm to make the Watch face you is actually very tiring for longer interactions.

It's not fashionable.
The Watch looks really nice when it shows the watch faces, but when you wear it you realize that 99% of the time it's just a black, dead screen on your wrist. Feels really un-fashionable to wear.

 

[yanki01]

No.

It's not useful.
I've not found a single app that is worth the time and hassle of raising my arm and interacting with the watch instead of just using my phone. There is literally nothing the Watch can do that the iPhone can't. And you can't leave your phone behind anyway because your Watch depends on tethering to it.

It's not practical.
Interacting with the Apple Watch takes so much longer due to baby interfaces, low performance, and connectivity issues. Moreover, the Watch requires 2 hands to operate, and twisting your arm to make the Watch face you is actually very tiring for longer interactions.

It's not fashionable.
The Watch looks really nice when it shows the watch faces, but when you wear it you realize that 99% of the time it's just a black, dead screen on your wrist. Feels really un-fashionable to wear.

see and that's the thing, i have my iPhone on me all the time. i don't see myself tinkering with all the minimal apps, other than apple pay but again, my phone is in my pocket. not a big deal. i guess the time piece would be the most beneficial to me which is why im being so cheap right now and not budging at the $399 for a 42mm SS at best buy right now.

 

[The Game 161]

For sure yes

Love mine and notifications wise it's amazing and well worth the money for me. Will I get the 2nd gen? Maybe not as the current one does everything I need it to

 

[Matthew9559]

Definitely, don't get me wrong I'd love for some obviously needed speed improvements and more sophisticated apps that make sense for a watch but overall for basic health tracking, notifications and a pretty decent looking watch with lots of different bands available. I am very happy.

 

[sean000]

see and that's the thing, i have my iPhone on me all the time. i don't see myself tinkering with all the minimal apps, other than apple pay but again, my phone is in my pocket. not a big deal. i guess the time piece would be the most beneficial to me which is why im being so cheap right now and not budging at the $399 for a 42mm SS at best buy right now.

In the case of the AW I think utility is somewhat subjective, and I can understand being on the fence about it. Spending hundreds of dollars on something that overlaps so much with a device you already own doesn't seem practical unless you are really annoyed by needing to get your iPhone out dozens of times per day just to glance at information that the watch provides more conveniently. It's definitely a luxury, although the fitness tracking and silent notifications do provide something you can't get from an iPhone alone.

Some people don't think twice about all the times they pull their iPhone out of a pocket or a bag just to check the time, weather, calendar, or a notification. Other people (like me) are completely annoyed at having to do it. I rely a lot on notifications, and I hate it when my iPhone makes noise. And every time I have dropped my iPhone it has been when I was in a hurry to dig it out of a pocket or bag so I wouldn't miss a call. I also hate carrying my iPhone 6 in my pocket. Jacket pockets are fine, but during the warmer months I keep my iPhone in a shoulder bag, bicycle bag or in a backpack. Glancing at my wrist instead of getting out my iPhone and swiping or tapping a bunch of times is just so much more convenient to me, and those dozens of little daily conveniences add up to a lot of value in my book.

You could say these are conveniences more than needs, but there have been times in the past when I missed very important iPhone notifications that caused big problems. I used to miss a lot of notifications, but that simply doesnt happen with the Apple Watch. Oh... And I think the AW is very nice looking as well. The clean modern style is quite versatile depending on the band.

TLDR: If you aren't annoyed by having to get out your iPhone and you're not missing important notifications, then you probably don't have much need for the Apple Watch. You might still enjoy having one, but it may not seem as useful to you as it does to me. There is the fitness tacking, but there are better and cheaper fitness trackers if that is all you want. Oh... And I think the AW is very nice looking as well. The clean modern style is quite versatile depending on the band.

Sean

 

[yanki01]

In the case of the AW I think utility is somewhat subjective, and I can understand being on the fence about it. Spending hundreds of dollars on something that overlaps so much with a device you already own doesn't seem practical unless you are really annoyed by needing to get your iPhone out dozens of times per day just to glance at information that the watch provides more conveniently. It's definitely a luxury, although the fitness tracking and silent notifications do provide something you can't get from an iPhone alone.

Some people don't think twice about all the times they pull their iPhone out of a pocket or a bag just to check the time, weather, calendar, or a notification. Other people (like me) are completely annoyed at having to do it. I rely a lot on notifications, and I hate it when my iPhone makes noise. And every time I have dropped my iPhone it has been when I was in a hurry to dig it out of a pocket or bag so I wouldn't miss a call. I also hate carrying my iPhone 6 in my pocket. Jacket pockets are fine, but during the warmer months I keep my iPhone in a shoulder bag, bicycle bag or in a backpack. Glancing at my wrist instead of getting out my iPhone and swiping or tapping a bunch of times is just so much more convenient to me, and those dozens of little daily conveniences add up to a lot of value in my book.

You could say these are conveniences more than needs, but there have been times in the past when I missed very important iPhone notifications that caused big problems. I used to miss a lot of notifications, but that simply doesnt happen with the Apple Watch. Oh... And I think the AW is very nice looking as well. The clean modern style is quite versatile depending on the band.

TLDR: If you aren't annoyed by having to get out your iPhone and you're not missing important notifications, then you probably don't have much need for the Apple Watch. You might still enjoy having one, but it may not seem as useful to you as it does to me. There is the fitness tacking, but there are better and cheaper fitness trackers if that is all you want. Oh... And I think the AW is very nice looking as well. The clean modern style is quite versatile depending on the band.

Sean

Good insight on it Sean, thanks. i think i definitely want one solely on the looks, what comes with it will be a bonus.

 

[AppleRobert]

Some of you folks are trying to be too sensible!

The large majority of users probably have found even more good uses for the AW after they bought it and haven't regretted their purchase. They more than likely put it through its paces within the allotted return period for their needs and felt comfortable enough keeping it and spending the money as well.

Let's shift this to people who have spent boatloads more on iPhones and the VAST MAJORITY of them can do the same daily things with an android smartphone costing much less instead and not miss a beat.

 

[Southern Dad]

I use it so much that it really has become automatic. I get a tap, I don't reach for my iPhone 6s Plus. I turn over my wrist, and respond to the text message right there or dismiss the notification. I love the navigation when I am walking. The more I explore the more I like it.

There is an app called Magic Guide. Anyone who goes to the Walt Disney World Resort knows that we spend a lot of time checking our iPhones to see how long the wait time is for certain rides. It's right there on my wrist. The Nest app has made it easy to adjust my thermostat from my wrist. Apple Pay is great. TV Guide is very handy. I also love using it as a remote for my camera. Great for taking a photo from across the room.

 

[puckhead193]

I like it, i think i would have opted for the SS instead of the sport. Might upgrade once the AW2 comes out if it worthwhile

 

[sean000]

I like it, i think i would have opted for the SS instead of the sport. Might upgrade once the AW2 comes out if it worthwhile

I kind of wish I had splurged on the SS. On the other hand I still think the Sport is a great looking watch. Mine still looks almost new after almost 14 months of wear. I don't think I will be tempted to upgrade to the AW2 anytime soon, but that's easy to say pre-release. If I do decide to upgrade, I will consider the SS as well.

 

[oftheheavens]

I will be upgrading to the 2 I liked the 1 so much. It has become part of my day. I use it so much for calendar and alerts it has really helped me organize my busy day between school and job searching. I hope the modify the looks at least a little but as long as they include some new features, a bit faster (although os3 takes care of a lot of the sluggishness) hopefully a new sensor or two and a slight price drop.

 

[tjs252]

I would absolutely buy it again, but I am not sure I will buy the next generation. The product feels unfinished and it seems likely, if not certain, that the AW2 will not finish the product. I'd like the ability to set what I want to see on my watch face (like sports scores) and not be confined to quadrants / complications. I'd also like something that is more functional as a full health device, like sleep tracking.