Do You Even Like Smartwatches? For the people who aren't getting the Apple Watch...

[campingsk8er]

As the title suggests, this is mainly for the people that DO NOT plan on getting the Apple Watch. Are you not going to be getting the Apple Watch because you feel that there are better SMARTWATCH alternatives, or do you just not see the need personally to get a smart watch, or any watch for that matter.

I personally am, I'm getting the 42mm Space Black Apple Watch w/ Black sports band (If I can do that without buying the Black SS Link Band), otherwise I'm getting the 42mm Space Grey Apple Watch Sport.

 

[hovscorpion12]

I am a huge fan of smartwatches, while still using traditional watches for parties and functions. There are defiantly better alternatives to the Apple Watch. There is no specific smartwatch that's better then Apple Watch since they all use Android Wear, however recently during MWC 2015 luxury design has been the key distinction between the Apple Watch. Functionality Android Wear does exactly the same as Apple Watch. (Phone call, texts, GPS...etc. In my opinion, the recently announced LG Watch Urbane and the Huawei Watch dignify luxury timepiece, while Apple Watch looks childish when compared.

 

[Esoom]

I am a huge fan of smartwatches, while still using traditional watches for parties and functions. There are defiantly better alternatives to the Apple Watch. There is no specific smartwatch that's better then Apple Watch since they all use Android Wear, however recently during MWC 2015 luxury design has been the key distinction between the Apple Watch. Functionality Android Wear does exactly the same as Apple Watch. (Phone call, texts, GPS...etc. The recently announced LG Watch Urbane and the Huawei Watch dignify luxury timepiece, while Apple Watch looks childish when compared.

And you forgot to mention the Pebble, the best selling smartwatch on the market so far.

You also need to put "In my opinion" in front of what you posted.

 

[mojolicious]

I've not worn a watch for over a decade, and I'm not about to start again right now.

The Watch has decent aesthetics and, in Sport form, looks quite keenly priced, but the feature set is not so compelling that I'd be prepared to wear something that large, or more specifically over 1cm deep. Other smart watches appear to be similarly large.

If Apple (or indeed another manufacturer) come back with something 5mm deep that can go two days between charging then I might think seriously about it, although I'd guess the necessary battery technology is some way down the line.

You also need to put "In my opinion" in front of what you posted.

In my opinion that's just your opinion. If every statement that wasn't a demonstrable fact needed to be qualified with 'in my opinion' then these boards would be unreadable, in my opinion.

 

[Cashmonee]

I went with a Garmin fenix 3. I was looking for a sports/outdoors watch that would be suitable mainly for running, cycling, and hiking/backpacking. It just so happens that the fenix 3 has a few smart features and looks good enough to be a daily driver.

I don't really feel like a pure smartwatch is all that useful. I think they are a solution in search of a problem. I get the convenience factor, but to me, that isn't worth the poor battery life and expense. I have the fenix because it offers features geared more towards my needs. It has a problem to solve.

 

[FlatCable]

I am a huge fan of smartwatches, while still using traditional watches for parties and functions. There are defiantly better alternatives to the Apple Watch. There is no specific smartwatch that's better then Apple Watch since they all use Android Wear, however recently during MWC 2015 luxury design has been the key distinction between the Apple Watch. Functionality Android Wear does exactly the same as Apple Watch. (Phone call, texts, GPS...etc. The recently announced LG Watch Urbane and the Huawei Watch dignify luxury timepiece, while Apple Watch looks childish when compared.

No, Android Wear doesn't so what the Apple Watch does, for example, you can't get to a real launcher in Android.

Also, all Android Wear watches suck in some way or another, that LG watch has a poor resolution LCD, which is not scratch resistant, and has exposed contacts, that the copper rust in your skin. Also, for $300, it should come with 8GB like the Apple Watch, not $349, no sounds etc...

And for the aesthetics, those watches can only look good in 3D renders, because in real life, they look exactly what they are, cheap replica watches.

 

[OllyW]

I'm still not convinced I need (or want) a smartwatch.

The Apple Watch is the only one I would consider but from what I've seen and heard so far I'm not enthused enough to commit to buying.

I'll sit back, take a look in person at my local Apple Store, read the reviews and forum posts and wait to see how it develops over the next few months.

 

[maflynn]

because you feel that there are better SMARTWATCH alternatives, or do you just not see the need personally to get a smart watch, or any watch for that matter.

There's a number of factors in my decision matrix and because of those factors I'll not be getting the watch.

First and most importantly is the lack of GPS. I'm a runner and the smart watch that I use absolutely needs this. I do not want to carry a phone with me on my runs. The Fitbit Surge has a GPS and it works wonderfully.

Secondly, the battery life, while it appears to be bit better then initial reports, its still kind of meager given the high price of the watch.

Thirdly, what does the watch do that my iPhone doesn't. I don't feel like spend 250 - 600 on a product that basically duplicates the functions of my iPhone. Yes, I've heard the arguments that it saves people from pulling their phone out of the pockets, but I'd rather keep the 600 and pull my iPhone out of my pocket. At least then I can compose a full text message easily.

Finally, for the price, I have concerns about long term viability, i.e., spending 600 on a regular watch means I should be able to use this for years and years. Given Apple's track record of cutting off support and dropping updates for legacy products, I'm not so sure that I'll get a long time out of it.

 

[deckard666]

I have seen three smartwatches in the flesh this year and without doubt they all looked substantially worse than the renders/pics on the web - I have yet to see an Apple watch in the flesh but really really dont expect the difference (if at all) to be that great.

 

[zhenya]

I'm kind of in the same boat as Mike above. The only watch I've had in the past 10 years is my gps watch for running. I understand why Apple didn't include the gps, but for me, that's a necessary part as I don't like to carry my phone when I run.

Where I differ is that I can see how a watch tied to my phone could be useful in my daily life. What I can't tell is whether it would be useful enough for me to spend money on, have to charge every day, and most importantly, deal with having on my wrist all the time. I tried wearing my gps watch daily for a while. It was a nuisance.

 

[Ries]

1) It is not a fitness tracker.
2) Bulky as hell.
3) No interest in getting bombarded with notifications.
4) Ever tried to snatch a kettlebell with a fragile watch on your wrist, that thing would get banged up like hell.

 

[JuryDuty]

I like the idea of Smartwatches, but several years ago I finally ditched my watch in favor of a phone. I'm not thrilled about adding another something I have to carry to my body.

That said, if there were a smartwatch that could replace what I use my phone for, I'd do that in a heartbeat.

Right now I use my phone for three things:

1. Viewing/sending quick text messages
2. Taking phone calls
3. Spotify and a running app (used together)

If I could do all those things with a watch, with maybe a bluetooth connection for calls/music, I would gladly get a smartwatch.

But outside of replacing what I currently use, I'm not interested.

 

[Zaft]

As the title suggests, this is mainly for the people that DO NOT plan on getting the Apple Watch. Are you not going to be getting the Apple Watch because you feel that there are better SMARTWATCH alternatives, or do you just not see the need personally to get a smart watch, or any watch for that matter.

I personally am, I'm getting the 42mm Space Black Apple Watch w/ Black sports band (If I can do that without buying the Black SS Link Band), otherwise I'm getting the 42mm Space Grey Apple Watch Sport.

I have a pebble steel, its great. I'm more a fan of a traditional looking watch, in this case I don't like the look of the apple watch.

My Pebble at least looks more like a regular watch. I'm looking forward to android wear for IOS and the host of other smart watches from LG and so forth.

 

[ksuyen]

I have seen three smartwatches in the flesh this year and without doubt they all looked substantially worse than the renders/pics on the web - I have yet to see an Apple watch in the flesh but really really dont expect the difference (if at all) to be that great.

I have seen Apple Watch in the flesh, and I say all those images that you've seen on the web (the real watch photos, nor renders) do not do justice. Apple Watch is truly beautiful, and like iPhone, just begging to be pick up and touch.

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1) It is not a fitness tracker.
2) Bulky as hell.
3) No interest in getting bombarded with notifications.
4) Ever tried to snatch a kettlebell with a fragile watch on your wrist, that thing would get banged up like hell.

1. It is a fitness tracker (and more).
2. It is a matter of opinion. Personally, it's not bulkier than other popular expensive watches out there.
3. Only selective notifications through settings
4. I am not sure what do you mean, but the watch is made from materials that are not easily scratched.

 

[Piggie]

Got a long way to go for me.

Less bulky would be a start.
Not going to buy anything that needs charging every day.
Not goin to buy anything that needs a phone to work properly.
Don't care about the health stuff. I can be healthy without a gimmicky device telling me pointless things.
I'd like it to be able to function as a phone albeit just for minimal use in that role.
Gps would be nice. Directions would be a top interest for me.
More size, shape, design options, so we don't all look like we are all sad people wearing the same thing.
The ability to run any software the Devs make.
And of course I want to be able to make my own watch faces.
Not particularly bothered about waterproof though it's nice to have.

 

[kdarling]

No, Android Wear doesn't so what the Apple Watch does, for example, you can't get to a real launcher in Android.

That part's incorrect. Even with stock Android Wear, an alternative to launching any app by voice, is to tap the watchface, then scroll down to "Start..." to see your apps. Granted, not the best solution.

However, it's Android, so everyone simply downloads the app launcher of their choice. I use one that shows up when I swipe from the upper left.

Btw, reportedly Google has listened, and the next update will include a faster stock way to the apps.

Also, all Android Wear watches suck in some way or another, that LG watch has a poor resolution LCD, which is not scratch resistant, and has exposed contacts, that the copper rust in your skin. Also, for $300, it should come with 8GB like the Apple Watch, not $349, no sounds etc...

Some comparisons are fair, some are apples and oranges. For example:

The $349 Apple Watch is aluminum with a synthetic rubber band. The $200 Moto 360 is stainless steel, with a leather band. And like most Android Wear devices, you can use any 22mm band you choose, at the price point you choose.

 

[FlatCable]

That part's incorrect. Even with stock Android Wear, an alternative to launching any app by voice, is to tap the watchface, then scroll down to "Start..." to see your apps. Granted, not the best solution.

However, it's Android, so everyone simply downloads the app launcher of their choice. I use one that shows up when I swipe from the upper left.

Inconsistent, and doesn't work out of the box.

The $349 Apple Watch is aluminum with a synthetic rubber band. The $200 Moto 360 is stainless steel, with a leather band. And like most Android Wear devices, you can use any 22mm band you choose, at the price point you choose.

7000 series aluminium is more expensive than 316L stainless steel, we'll at least on. And more desirable. And the finishing process on the Apple Watch is way more refined. Also, is more expensive to manufacture because aluminium has an higher melting point (more energy).

Also, the leather on the Moto 360 is the same you can find in cheap Chinese watches, good rubber is more expensive to manufacture, also comes with two, and the "buckle" is much more sofisticated, much more exclusive and modern, and made of aluminium too.

 

[kdarling]

Inconsistent, and doesn't work out of the box.

You claimed that, "you can't get to a real launcher in Android" and that is incorrect, even out of the box.

7000 series aluminium is more expensive than 316L stainless steel, we'll at least on. And more desirable.

So Apple has its aluminum and stainless steel model prices backwards?

Also, the leather on the Moto 360 is the same you can find in cheap Chinese watches,

If you want to diss something, that's fine. Just use real facts.

The stock Moto 360 leather comes from a fellow Chicago company, Horween, which is a famous tannery known for being the sole supplier of NFL football leather, among other things. Reviews have praised the strap.

 

[racer1441]

If i were to get a watch, it would be the apple watch....but watches are so out of date and pointless anymore. Might as well have a giant sun dial strapped to your body.

 

[Anonymous Freak]

I wore "slim simple metal" watches for a long time. When the Pebble first hit Kickstarter, I was one of the first backers. It's not perfect, by any stretch of the imagination, but I've been happy with it for the nearly two years I've had it now. In the mean time, I've known multiple people who have bought Android Wear/Samsung watches, and abandoned them in short order. (Although I do know a couple people who have stuck with them.)

With the new Pebble Time, I did preorder it. I've always thought the original Pebble was a bit ugly looking, but the extra functionality of it was enough to overcome the ugliness (also, I have a third party nicer band with it.) The Pebble Steel was nicer looking - but with no increase in functionality, it wasn't worth 'upgrading' to me. The Time has both better looks and more functionality, so it's worth the upgrade.

For me, the main things stopping me from getting an Apple Watch are:

1. I'm cheap - my preordered $250 Pebble Time Steel is by far the most expensive watch I will have ever bought.
2. I'm lazy - the 4-5 days of battery life between charges of my Pebble are bad enough, I can't do recharging every day.

Once there is an Apple Watch for <$300, that has at least 4 days battery life, I will probably get one.

 

[jbachandouris]

I don't get many messages, so the notification features aren't critical.
The social features are not necessary to me.

The fitness features I want, but not having built-in GPS and needing to carry the phone doesn't work for me.

Charging everyday is a minor inconvenience.

I use a Nike+ GPS watch for running and wear a G-Shock during the week.

 

[mrex]

Do You Even Like Smartwatches? For the people who aren't getting the Apple Wa...

yes i like smartwatches, and no im not getting apples. my sw always shows on the screen the next event i have. i dont need to check my calender separately or try to remember my weekly timetable... i also like to control music player/spotify without taking my phone out from the pocket... some other nice feature is to check quickly the whole month (days) on the screen at once if you are planning something... at work i can check my watch quickly and see if i got an important msg/mail and read it if necessary and of course everyone loves to see also unnecessary skype/hangouts messages. i actually turned those off, brcause im not answering them while working... if someone is calling, i can reject it or if necessary then take my phone out from the pocket (especially when the sound has turned off, my watch keeps vibrating and i recognize that something is happening in my phone, lol).. sometimes when im bored in the bus for example, i read news from my watch... aaaaand i love my sw when it raining heavy

 

[Mildredop]

As the title suggests, this is mainly for the people that DO NOT plan on getting the Apple Watch. Are you not going to be getting the Apple Watch because you feel that there are better SMARTWATCH alternatives, or do you just not see the need personally to get a smart watch, or any watch for that matter.

My phone is generally a message-taking device and 90% of the time is on silent. It loads-up with texts, calls and emails and then I reply to them when I choose to, so the watch would just be another way to ignore all the annoying notifications!

I don't see the watch has any other real use. I can't browse the net, search maps etc etc on the watch. And for excercise, I'm not even aware my phone is in my pocket, tracking my run, so it would 'solve' a problem that doesn't exist for me.

If anything, the watch would add inconveniences to my life. Another thing to charge each day, another thing to worry about scratching/breaking, another gadget that'll be obselete in no time. If I was to buy it, I think I'd see little reason to use it and quickly get out of the habit. Then, on the odd occassion I remembered about it, it'd have no battery, so I'd not bother and place it back in the drawer it'd been sitting in for the last three weeks. Very much like my tablet.

 

[petvas]

I find it somehow strange to keep my wrist turned to my face longer than 10-15 seconds. I think it would get pretty uncomfortable after 30 seconds or more, so I don't really know what I would want a SmartWatch for.
I haven't had a watch for decades and I am not convinced I need another piece of technology in my life. Imagine notifications. You get them on your Mac, on your iPad, your iPhone and now on your wrist. Imagine having an incoming mail. All your devices in the same room. How annoying is that?
I think the Apple Watch has value for people interested in fitness, or/and people that commute a lot and need to be constantly online.

 

[technosix]

True Authentic Old World Craftsmanship

Simply because I love all things tech, a smartwatch does have a basic appeal.

Yet as one who is thrilled to take a break from hi-tech, I immensely enjoy wearing a precision hand made, one of a kind Swiss Perpetual Chronograph. With a "museum" all crystal back, it allows me to admire the entire works of the watch.

Nothing electronic, No battery, circuit boards, wires, or anything else besides hundreds of tiny metal pieces all made from the finest metals available, by the same highly skilled watchmaker that assembles the watch.

During a hectic day it's particularly nice to glance down at an analog watch that's well engineered in its own right. There's something intrinsically satisfying about an Analog Dial... on a watch that's _only_ a watch.

It's sheer craftsmanship at its "spare no expense" finest.
One man pouring his experience, heart and soul into one watch. One precious year of his life, for which I am honored to pay him handsomely.

There is no comparison.