I'm curious as to how you use it? I'm currently in discussion with a seller of a, like new, second hand unit.
I work a lot from home so can see myself using it a lot in the spring and summer outside in the garden. We have a garden house and the extended screen options look a winner for me.
Do you have headphones too?
On a side note, as a hobbyist, I'm going skiing with the family and intend to shoot as much spacial video as I can. I can then edit it and take the headset to my eldery parents to see their grandkids skiing. I've not experienced spacial video or photos yet, what's your take?
Not sure if it's too late, but if you are considering purchasing for your ski trip, I recommend to think very carefully. My apologies for a lengthy response. Kudos for anyone that actually reads it all!
I have owned an AVP since launch day and I am an advocate for those with realistic expectations. I have zero buyer's remorse, but acknowledge it is at times more a taste of the future than a full meal. I have the income to buy without having to justify it on terms of productivity. It has not replaced my Macs, iPads, iPhone, but compliments them. all to say, I like it, a lot. I use it 3 or 4 times a week for hours at a time for viewing immersive content, going through email from the couch, perusing MR, in fact using it now for this reply (with blue tooth keyboard), and especially on travel. It is portable and enjoy using it on my outside deck, much like you would want to in your garden. In particular, I do enjoy viewing my photographs with it. The 3D immersive view it can create from 2D stills is amazing.
I am also an avid photographer. My mirrorless camera set up makes the AVP look inexpensive. I.E. I am fortunate enough (and have a patient wife) to be able to invest in quality over just cost. I have a single lens that costs as much as the AVP. The camera body cost twice as much. My photographs are highly regarded, so again, suggesting I know where you are coming from and just trying to establish my credentials as a basis of my opinion. It's not jut comparing phone pictures.
So let's talk spatial photography and panorama shots. Breathtaking. I have been photographing with high resolution cameras (first 100 iso film, now a 61 megapixel censor) the same amazing summer view off a cabin deck overlooking a bay in Maine for literally 35 years now (1000's of pics). The AVP and panorama shots took it to a next level that I haven't experienced before. In the middle of the winter I can sit in my home surrounded by snow, and experience that summer view in a way I just couldn't before, looking around as if I was enjoying a glass of wine on the deck. I do miss the feel of the breeze and the smell of the ocean. Spatial photography and video are almost as impressive to me.
But. And here is my point for you to consider given you want to share your videos with your parents.
At the risk of fueling the nay sayers, I acknowledge it is pretty much an experience for one. Apple did not implement sharing an AVP as well as perhaps some would like. Yes, you can hand your AVP to someone else, but I find the steps necessary to be cumbersome, especially as I have magnetic inserts with my glasses prescription. The AVP does not adjust for eyeglasses, you have to buy inserts. So unless your elderly parents don't need glasses, it's unlikely they will be able to see as intended. You can airplay what you see to a large screen tv, but it's not the same experience, they basically see what you focus on as you look around, and they dont get the 3D view. My wife is patient as I share videos but doesn't beg for me to show her. Sometimes she falls asleep.
Plus, there is a learning curve in using one. I can understand why people get frustrated with demos. It took me a couple hours of earnest effort to get it down. And I was motivated. It also took me a few hours to figure out how to put it on my head to be comfortable, but once I did I have worn it for 8 hours straight. It's been my experience that trying to teach people how to wear it does not go as well as I would like. It seems each person has a different way that works for them that is found by working with it. Makes sense, each head is different. All to say, they have to be motivated to get past early challenges. Many people are motivated to not like it and find it easy on first use to quit. It's not as simple as just handing it to them.
Then there is the editing process. In the early days there was a way, but likewise difficult, but I am a Mac user for a reason, I prefer easier. I understand there are now tools that are better but dont know personally. You might want to look into that.
Last, but not least. I do take spatial video outside in the summer. I do sometimes walk around as I do so. But I wouldn't consider the pass through sufficient to wear while skiing at almost any speed. And this might be a personal failing, but my best video is when I dont change location. Walking and looking around can be jarring when rewatching and I have to remind myself to pan slowly. I dont know what your movie making skills are, but studying how films are made with pans etc can be helpful. I have had decades to do so. And... electronics, batteries and the cold do not always mix well. Here the external battery pack of the AVP is an advantage, you can keep it warm in your coat. But I have no idea about the actual visor. I am skeptical of its use while skiing. And I did take a super 8 film video camera on the trails back in the day. But it was hand held, I could ski, and put inside my coat to keep warm. Did have to carry a lens cloth to deal with condensation.
I know I focused on your last sentence because as I said, the AVP is a matter of expectations. Some put it down because it doesn't replace all their devices, or isnt comfortable after 15 minutes of trying it on, etc. Perhaps we can blame Apple marketing for being overly enthusiastic, but what marketing of any product isn't? Its in a league of its own for what it can do, but like every tool, has limits to be respected.
I guess I have one other comment, I do take spatial video, pictures, and panoramas. But it's more for the future than now (outside of personal use). Dare I say for my grandchildren? AVP 1 is a start, future versions will be lighter, cheaper, and perhaps even easier to share (though admittedly apple's track record for that is not as great as I would like, i.e a single user iPad). I do think this product category has a place in the future, and I am vain enough to plan for it by leaving behind a digital spatial record of my perspective on my world. Reality is, they are likely to gather dust like the super 8 videos my dad took. I am even considering the two Cannon systems for taking spatial video... affordable for me, but not sure I want to put that much effort into it.
I appreciate your enthusiasm, and don't want to discourage you from getting an AVP, just want to give you points to consider so your choice can be more informed, lest you join the legions of nay sayers with unrealistic expectations.
