Apple Employees Receiving Final Watch Training, Apple Stores to Be Transformed on April 10

[silentbob007]

I have a genuine question. I'm not being sarcastic,but I'm genuinely wanting to know. What's the point of "waiting until the next gen"? Unless it's financial reasons. I mean,isn't then next gen ALWAYS going to be better than the one before it?

The first generation exists without much knowledge about how the product will behave and exist in the real world. The second generation can generally address the most egregious of these as well as any spec bump.

The first iPad was fine, but it was very limited (no camera, not much RAM, etc). The second generation started fixing things. The upgrade lifespan of the first generation was only a few years. The iPad 2, I believe, is technically still supported.

 

[Locoboof]

The first generation exists without much knowledge about how the product will behave and exist in the real world. The second generation can generally address the most egregious of these as well as any spec bump.



The first iPad was fine, but it was very limited (no camera, not much RAM, etc). The second generation started fixing things. The upgrade lifespan of the first generation was only a few years. The iPad 2, I believe, is technically still supported.

Yeah,but I had the 1st gen iPad and loved it. I also had the 1st iPhone and loved that too. It had no ability to send a picture message,but was by far the most advanced phone I ever owned at the time.

 

[Lancer]

I like the black Sports one.

 

[doelcm82]

Yeah,but I had the 1st gen iPad and loved it. I also had the 1st iPhone and loved that too. It had no ability to send a picture message,but was by far the most advanced phone I ever owned at the time.

Same here.

Those who don't mind waiting can hold out for "Rev 2", but we don't know how long that wait will be.

The Apple TV first generation device was sold for over three years before the second generation device. And the third generation device came two years after that. It's been three-years now, with only firmware updates, and the most recent change was to reduce the price by $30.

That said, I'm probably going to wait for the second generation Apple Watch myself. While I'm waiting, I'll enjoy the first generation Apple Watch. That way I get the best of both worlds!

 

[cdm283813]

That's a good point... today. But not necessarily for tomorrow. I'm thinking that the watch will replace the phone in many cases in the near future, much like the phone has replaced the computer for a lot of people. Even if it hasn't replaced the computer, it has replaced a lot of our computer needs.

I really don't ever see a smartwatch replacing a smartphone. Never! Unless they shoot out holographic images like starwars I don't see people using a tiny screen. It's way too impractical.

 

[Locoboof]

Same here.



Those who don't mind waiting can hold out for "Rev 2", but we don't know how long that wait will be.



The Apple TV first generation device was sold for over three years before the second generation device. And the third generation device came two years after that. It's been three-years now, with only firmware updates, and the most recent change was to reduce the price by $30.



That said, I'm probably going to wait for the second generation Apple Watch myself. While I'm waiting, I'll enjoy the first generation Apple Watch. That way I get the best of both worlds!

Yup! All great points.... I totally forgot about ATV. I'm in the same boat as you. I'll enjoy gen one and when gen two comes out,I'll get that as well.

The question now is,which Apple watch are you getting?

 

[technosix]

My prediction is one that will be dependent on the number of middle aged women I see in Apple stores looking at watches. If they outnumber all other buyers Apple has a hit on its hands.

If not the success of Apple's Watch will be based on the stories Apple tells. There's no way this watch can fail, Apple doesn't need its sales, it won't make one bit of difference. Apple's so big and powerful at this juncture only a total collapse of iPhone sales (which is NOT likely,) could impact Apple.

 

[writingdevil]

Apple really is going out of its way to make us think we need an Watch

No, Apple is offering a product, setting up a system to allow viewing/handling conveniently by appokntment and traing sales staff. The "thinking you need" is what you are creating in your mind, which is where sales are made/not made.

 

[Tech198]

Just a reason to get you back in the store for Apple to say "btw, would u like a case for this watch. it will be $100"

I guess they don't want customers to see that "safe" their fitting all Apple Stores with..

I would have felt better knowing that the $10,000 Gold watch was "well protected" with my own eyes in public, rather than just the ominous "We'll just go out the back, and get it for you"

I guess these tablet would be more pleasing to customers than seeing safes on the floor and a combination lock

 

[Karma*Police]

A smartphone is a necessity item and something I use at least once every waking hour. I actually use my phone more than my computer and tablet combined. It’s the one item that is with me at all times and on many occasions I have turned my car around if I forgot it at home. And because we have no traditional phone service my entire family relies on smartphones for communications. The Apple Watch will never replace the iPhone. Apple is trying to position the Apple watch as a smartphone replacement /fashion piece and that’s why the watch will fail. The watch may not fail out the gate but wait for gen 2 and 3 to come out. It will be labeled as a dud and Apple will be forced to reduce cost because no one wants to buy it.
My only dislike in regards to the Apple Watch is the ridiculous price and the confusing operation of it. I love the idea of a smartwatch but Apple is trying to hard with it. It should not cost as much as an iPhone and definitely not more than a car. Apple is crazy and is trying to capitalize off fanboys.

If I were a betting man, I'd bet against you. The watch will absolutely replace the iPhone at some point and your iPhone will become a secondary display, like a thin iPod touch for those times you might want a bigger display. Want to go out on the town? "iPhone" will be be strictly optional. I expect Apple watch to be very liberating and also very disruptive to the smartphone business.

As for the price, in tech, size has a U curve, with the smallest and largest devices costing the most. And when it comes to miniaturization, Watch is pushing the envelope. Factor in the craftsmanship and the high quality materials relative to the competition that's selling for not much less, and $349 seems like a steal.

And to the wealthy, $17,000 is not a lot of money. You have to remember, wealth, and thus price/value, is all relative. You don't think Wall Street big shots won't be buying the gold edition watches? Not only will they buy it for themselves, they'll be giving them out as gifts come Christmas time. I myself will be buying 3 or 4 Watches this year to give as gifts... except all but one will be the sport version. Like I said, wealth is relative.

 

[doelcm82]

Yup! All great points.... I totally forgot about ATV. I'm in the same boat as you. I'll enjoy gen one and when gen two comes out,I'll get that as well.

The question now is,which Apple watch are you getting?

42mm Stainless Steel Case with Milanese Loop, $699

 

[Locoboof]

Apple Employees Receiving Final Watch Training, Apple Stores to Be Transforme...

42mm Stainless Steel Case with Milanese Loop, $699

Excellent choice! I'll be getting the same,but with the black leather band,699. Also one for my fiancé. Same as mine,but in the 38mm stainless.

See you on launch day!

 

[doelcm82]

Excellent choice! I'll be getting the same,but with the black leather band,699. Also one for my fiancé. Same as mine,but in the 38mm stainless.

See you on launch day!

I'm actually going to wait until after release date to get mine. I will be out of town that day. I have a major work project that goes live the previous Monday. I'll be in the midst of a move between states, so I won't have a real address. My sister is giving birth to a baby boy the following Friday.

By the end of May, I hope to be settled in Florida, and working from home, looking after the infant during the day while my sister attends medical school. Then I can schedule a FedEx delivery to my front door.

I'm just glad I'm not up for an iPhone upgrade this year, because in late September I could be in a similar situation. My sister's other two children will be born around that time.

 

[Michael CM1]

Holy crap. Just realizing the Apple Watch sport only works with the sport band. Well, Watch it is then.

Might want to check out third-party bands.

 

[rjlawrencejr]

A smartphone is a necessity item and something I use at least once every waking hour. I actually use my phone more than my computer and tablet combined. It’s the one item that is with me at all times and on many occasions I have turned my car around if I forgot it at home. And because we have no traditional phone service my entire family relies on smartphones for communications.

The smartphone is NOT a necessity. What has happened is you have tailored your life in such a way your phone is now essential to your daily life.

The Apple Watch will never replace the iPhone.

Never say never. I could see a time in the future when the watch acts as a wireless hub. I'm not saying it will happen, but it's certainly a possibility.

But I digress... I agree with an earlier post wishing the demonstration period came before the preorder date.

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Sales are going to end up being underwhelming on this device.. Even the idea of purchasing/looking at the device seems to be a big hassle. I'm going to have to ask permission, then have an Apple employee watch me over my shoulder, and then have to deal with the inevitable sales pitch to purchase. All I want to do is look at the device, not be "sold" on it. Not to mention the fact I can't imagine going from not wearing a watch, to immediately wearing a tech device that screams "fanboy." Sorry, not seeing it. If the device was something truly revolutionary, everything that I said above would be meaningless. But it's not, it's not even close.

I'm not saying you need to get it, but how does having an Apple Watch scream "fanboy" any more than a MacBook + iPad + iPhone combination? (Not that I even subscribe to the notion of "fanboy"). And let's say it does. Why worry about the perception of others. I could think of many worse ways to be perceived.

 

[AppleScruff1]

If I were a betting man, I'd bet against you. The watch will absolutely replace the iPhone at some point and your iPhone will become a secondary display, like a thin iPod touch for those times you might want a bigger display. Want to go out on the town? "iPhone" will be be strictly optional. I expect Apple watch to be very liberating and also very disruptive to the smartphone business.

As for the price, in tech, size has a U curve, with the smallest and largest devices costing the most. And when it comes to miniaturization, Watch is pushing the envelope. Factor in the craftsmanship and the high quality materials relative to the competition that's selling for not much less, and $349 seems like a steal.

And to the wealthy, $17,000 is not a lot of money. You have to remember, wealth, and thus price/value, is all relative. You don't think Wall Street big shots won't be buying the gold edition watches? Not only will they buy it for themselves, they'll be giving them out as gifts come Christmas time. I myself will be buying 3 or 4 Watches this year to give as gifts... except all but one will be the sport version. Like I said, wealth is relative.

I'm betting the Magic Apple Ring will replace the watch.

 

[ChrisA]

Where are the third party parts?

Has anyone seen a third part band yet? I suspect there will be no shortage of comparable bands priced from $20 up

Same for those who might like a gold watch but don't have $10,000. They'll offer the gold plate your aluminum case for $200. It would be easy to do as I assume the guts come out easy for service.

 

[Max(IT)]

Holy crap. Just realizing the Apple Watch sport only works with the sport band. Well, Watch it is then.

Actually it should works with every band. Read the note.

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The Sport Bands are so ugly. I don't mind the rubber, just the design is janky.

It's like to see it first

 

[Urban Joe]

As if the Apple Stores aren't crowded enough already...

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

"Bands work with all collections but may not match the finish of the watch or be optimal for use with that specific collection"

Where does that quotation come from?

I want it to be right, but the image in the article strongly suggests the sport watch can only use sport bands.

 

[BvizioN]

Of course they want customers to buy the more expensive watch.

You are right, that explains why they kept the most expensive watch out of reach for 99% of potential customres, because they want people do buy it. Genius!!

 

[D-Dave]

There is not anything special about the Apple Watch Stainless Steel link band other than Apple made it.

Oh no you did not just say that.....lets see what John has to say about that:

Our link bracelets are handcrafted by our finest and most gifted bracelet making artists and they are using only metal produced from handselected ore with the richest flavor. All this makes our link bracelets feel so organic and smooth to your skin you will wonder how you could ever live without it and you will probably shed a tear every night when you have to take it of to charge it

If you have this read to you by your best in brain John Ive voice I am certain you will no longer doubt that apple is realy giving those bands away fopr free but allow you to pay for the honor to be associated with such a fine product...

Why are people complaining about obsolescence? I seriously doubt it will be the same as the phones. And people spend thousands of dollars on watches now that never get software updates?

Why are people not bitching about someone spending $5K on a Rolex that will only ever do one thing, but they are bitching about $350 on a watch that will do over a thousand things? People are acting like the $17,000 model is the only option and like they don't waste $350 a year on coffee, movies, or even one time things like sporting event tickets. I'm about to drop $500 on a Bonnaroo ticket that will be obsolete after three days.

1. Unlike you, lots of people think the watch will have a livecycle that is very much compareable to that of phones. Especially as it (currently) depends on the iPhone to work.

2. Those watches that people spend "thousands of dollars" on now will not get software updates because they run on fairy dust...ups sorry...because they are mechanical watches, hence - no software to update

3. That 5k Rolex may do only one thing (show time) but it will do so in a non geeky style and it will probably do it for the next 20 years (with proper care and maitenance much much longer)

4. I have yet to read a comment in which someone complains about obsolescence regarding the $350 models.

5. The thought that a device that costs roughly $10k (plus the cost of any non plastic band, but that may be useable with a later model, so lets drop that for now) will likely be obsolete within a couple of years and will not work at all within a timeframe of 5-10 years (not being supported by new phones anymore) does put off most people. Depending on income this will also be true for the less expensive versions...ymmv

6. Seeing how "design first" oriented apple has become, I think lots of people are afraid that even the bands may be obsolete within a couple of generations of the watch (much too thick to connect in the 3rd generation watch) and I seriously doubt the adapter idea will sway anyone willing to pay north of $500 for a band.
To put this in perspective, apple surpasses the pricing for compareable bands (link bracelet and standard leather) made by Rolex, Omega, IWC and the likes...if you check the pricing of the edition leather bands ($3-5k) that is at least 5 times more expensive then anything thats on the market for high end watches (obviously there are brands that charge $10k for a band, but those are the ones that charge you well above $50k for any watch...so lets say they are niche products)

7. Last but not least: the apple watch in it's current state is "just another" iPhone accessory and to most people it still is a tech gimmick and (despite what apple marketing is trying to make people believe) not a fashion item or a statement of style...

 

[Recognition]

I wonder if Apple stores will let you use the self checkout feature on the Apple store App for purchasing the sports bands?
If so I can see a lot of thefts happening!

 

[Locoboof]

I'm actually going to wait until after release date to get mine. I will be out of town that day. I have a major work project that goes live the previous Monday. I'll be in the midst of a move between states, so I won't have a real address. My sister is giving birth to a baby boy the following Friday.



By the end of May, I hope to be settled in Florida, and working from home, looking after the infant during the day while my sister attends medical school. Then I can schedule a FedEx delivery to my front door.



I'm just glad I'm not up for an iPhone upgrade this year, because in late September I could be in a similar situation. My sister's other two children will be born around that time.

Wow! You are extremely busy! I totally understand about taking care of what really matters first. Good luck on the move and your project that's due. I wish you nothing but the best. Priorities first,then our apple stuff later

 

[RockSpider]

If I were a betting man, I'd bet against you. The watch will absolutely replace the iPhone at some point and your iPhone will become a secondary display, like a thin iPod touch for those times you might want a bigger display. Want to go out on the town? "iPhone" will be be strictly optional. I expect Apple watch to be very liberating and also very disruptive to the smartphone business.

As for the price, in tech, size has a U curve, with the smallest and largest devices costing the most. And when it comes to miniaturization, Watch is pushing the envelope. Factor in the craftsmanship and the high quality materials relative to the competition that's selling for not much less, and $349 seems like a steal.

And to the wealthy, $17,000 is not a lot of money. You have to remember, wealth, and thus price/value, is all relative. You don't think Wall Street big shots won't be buying the gold edition watches? Not only will they buy it for themselves, they'll be giving them out as gifts come Christmas time. I myself will be buying 3 or 4 Watches this year to give as gifts... except all but one will be the sport version. Like I said, wealth is relative.

Where does the craftsmanship come into it, you know these things are made in China, right, with people falling asleep while they are slapping them together for 16 hrs a day. Wealthy people won't be buying these things, that's why they're wealthy, would be wealthy people will.