The iPad is a very different use case than the Watch though. Cellular on an iPad essentially gives you all the functionality of an iPhone, with the form factor being the only limitation. The Watch on the other hand, offers very limited functionality and doesn't last long either, so it's definitely not for everyone. I'd say that the only valid situation of not having your phone with you is while running. I mean there are a few other cases but they are incredibly niche.
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Can't decide if LTE is worth the extra $$
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That's after taxes and fees. On AT&T I pay $10 for the watch plan, then $3.44 in fees and $1.70 in government taxes/fees -- total $15.14/mo
I originally thought similarly, but then I took a step back and re-examined the whole why-am-I-carrying-my-phone paradigm.
Turns out there's a lot of times I was carrying it when the watch would suffice just fine.
I suggest folks wondering about this take a moment during their days and ask just why they have their phone with them and whether the watch would get the job done just fine and with more convenience.
Common examples I found in my normal routine:
- Walking the dogs or just taking a walk around the neighborhood
- Driving to the nearby store to pick up a couple things
- Working out at the gym
- Going for a bicycle ride
- Taking a lunchtime walk at the office
- Walking downstairs to the cafeteria at the office (multitenant building)
- Mowing the lawn and other yard work
- Walking down to the dock and taking the kayak out for a bit
- <more I'm not thinking off offhand>
Just food for thought. The LTE addition isn't for everyone, of course.
My point is just that folks considering it should step back and take a fresh look at just exactly why they really *do* always have their phone with them -- and whether maybe that just doesn't need to be the case if the watch can manage what you need.
As for the "I don't need to be that available" thought I find that DoNotDisturb does a great job of managing my availability.
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I can understand the sentiment of your post, all other things being equal. But they aren't: the LTE version is $100 (25%) more up front and requires an on-going ~$14-15/month charge ($170-180/year). I have to assume many people aren't going to want to go out of their way to pay extra money to change the habits they are already more or less content with. Again, though, like you said, it's all personal preference in the end.
I had the same dilemma last week and this post and poll I posted helped me decide. Hope it can help you.
https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...r-is-it-worth-it.2137238/page-2#post-26474063
30 Voted Yes to Cellular
62 Voted No to Cellular
https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...r-is-it-worth-it.2137238/page-2#post-26474063
30 Voted Yes to Cellular
62 Voted No to Cellular
I just don't see the value in the LTE version.
Sure you can take calls on it, but so can't I with my non-LTE version. Since I have my phone with me 90% of the time, that leaves 10% of the time uncovered. Do I really need to be getting texts and calls during that time. For instance, when I'm running, I don't need or want any interruptions.
Then there's the cost, I'm paying a premium for the LTE and I have to pay a monthly fee on top of that - I just don't see it being worthwhile, but that's just me
Sure you can take calls on it, but so can't I with my non-LTE version. Since I have my phone with me 90% of the time, that leaves 10% of the time uncovered. Do I really need to be getting texts and calls during that time. For instance, when I'm running, I don't need or want any interruptions.
Then there's the cost, I'm paying a premium for the LTE and I have to pay a monthly fee on top of that - I just don't see it being worthwhile, but that's just me
As you note, it's personal preference. I think the key is the part about whether folks are content with their habits -- is that contentment out of choice or out of habit?
The other factor is whether they have a "killer app" reason why they may want the LTE version of the watch and are on the fence in making their decision -- the added benefits of the other areas where it's handy come into play in their decision.
You're right though -- it isn't necessarily worth it for everyone. It also depends on how impactful the costs are to an individual. That extra $100 up front and $15/mo make a much bigger difference for some folks vs others.
Im getting the SBSS so since it already comes with LTE my plan is to activate it for a month or 2. I will then see if I can justify the $10+ monthly charge. I’m guessing I won’t but I might as well try anyway.
I hate how Apple forces you to pay the extra $ for LTE if you want the SS. Give us an option of a non LTE SS model.
I hate how Apple forces you to pay the extra $ for LTE if you want the SS. Give us an option of a non LTE SS model.
There's this neat feature you might have heard of... it's called "Do Not Disturb" ...
I too don't want to be interrupted during my runs -- which are often during lunchtime at work.
I do really like:
- Finding out that 1pm meeting just got cancelled so I don't need to be in as much of a hurry.
- Adding something I think of to a reminder using Siri -- I'd always think of stuff while on a run but had trouble remembering later on. Maybe that's just me but I find it really valuable.
- Being able to text someone if I'm (literally) running a little late
- The maps function is great on business trips -- much more freedom on those before-dinner runs
- Having seriously sprained an ankle before during a run, it'd be nice to be able to call for a ride without invoking a 911 level response.
Sure, when you're running you don't necessarily care about getting phone calls or texts, but as a runner I will say it's nice to have the LTE watch just in case something happens when you are out running and you need to call someone.
It depends on your usage.
For me I very very rarely (like, never?) leave my phone behind so it's silly for me to pay extra bucks for the LTE.
For me I very very rarely (like, never?) leave my phone behind so it's silly for me to pay extra bucks for the LTE.
I'd rather just save my money and not worry about that "feature".
I don't see that worth the monthly price or the premium price needed to buy it. YMMV, but for me, its not worth it
But I don't like people
I'd rather just save my money and not worry about that "feature".
I don't see that worth the monthly price or the premium price needed to buy it. YMMV, but for me, its not worth it
But I don't like people
what's wrong with real people i guess your eyes will thank you for looking at the people rather then looking at the screen all days.
Which is precisely why I wish that Apple would sell the Stainless as a non-LTE option. I refuse to pay for a service that really isn’t going to benefit me. I don’t need or want a phone with a 1.75” screen. I want a watch that interfaces well with the information on my 6.5” phone.
I can afford the stainless, but find it useless to pay a premium for a useless technology for me.
I don't like carrying my phone when I workout. Even if I did my clothes often make that risky. LTE on the watch solves that problem.
Supposedly Pandora is returning to the Apple Watch. It'd be pretty awesome if they'd support streaming.
https://9to5mac.com/2018/09/15/pandora-siri-shortcuts/
Life get too much with tech these days - Why can't we just live like back in the old day - just peaceful & spend more time with real people - Life is so much better without Internet
Agree, point of diminishing returns. I know people who have cellular phone/watch/iPad and a LTE connection for their laptop, and home monthly internet. That is 5 internet charges per month, then they complain about money. LMAO.
I live in the real world, life is very short. You don’t realize this unless a) you get a little older, or b) someone close to you dies. I see many, that their internet life is more important to them than their real life. Welcome to the Matrix Neo.
Could have used the LTE version yesterday at Six Flags. You have to lock up your cell phones now on many rides so why bother even bringing it? Just keep your watch on.
You are concerned with being “connected” on a roller coaster? Wow. Pulling G’s and you’re all “I am missing something!”
Solution: Don’t go to theme parks just stay home.
Uh, no. That's not what I'm concerned with. You really think anyone is looking at the net on a coaster? After the roller coaster, when I split up from my wife and little kids and go off with the big kids, I can still text her and find out when to meet.
Solution: Don't be so judgmental.