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JTMelb

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Nov 2, 2022
3
9
I am coming from 6 years with Fitbit devices and have decided to get an Apple Watch after my Fitbit sense, which is under a year old, died. Not the first one to die either. I am hoping an Apple Watch will last longer. I stayed with Fitbit because I loved their simple and intuitive software. The Apple Watch software seems quite complicated in comparison. I am an iPhone and iPad user for well over a decade and love both. Wouldn't have anything else.

After a lot of research and reading around (so many differing strong opinions which has been confusing!) I have narrowed it down to a Series 8 Graphite Stainless Steel Case with Midnight Sport Loop or an Ultra with the Black/Grey Trail Loop. I have booked an appointment tonight with the local Apple store to try both on before purchase.

I like the look of the Ultra on some people but it doesn't look good on smaller wrists. I have a 7.7" wrist. I am not an elite sportsperson - but again - like the chunky Ultra look. My favourite watch is the Tag Heuer Monaco which is boxy and large. I am slightly wary that the Ultra is a series 1 and will be improved in subsequent releases.

Overall, I think the Series 8 Graphite Stainless Steel is going to be the better choice for right now. Maybe with an Ultra purchase in a couple of years. I wish there was a black leather link for the Series 8. That's a bummer.

What does everyone think? Thanks for your opinions.
 

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I haven’t had a Fitbit in a while, but I suspect the Apple Watch should last you four years or so. While you can keep it longer, I would have realistic expectations about that just because how technology improves. Don’t look at it like a fine analog watch that will work for decades.

If you’re really rough on the watch, consider getting AppleCare. It’s durable but if you’re doing some activity where it could get smashed, it’s worth it.
 
I recently upgraded from a space black stainless steel S4 Apple Watch to the Ultra and trail loop. My wife went from a gold aluminum S4 to the graphite stainless S8.

The graphite S8 is a very nice watch. You can’t go wrong with either, but I prefer the ultra with the trail loop. If I had the budget for a 2nd Apple Watch, I’d get the Hermes space black S8.
 
I am coming from 6 years with Fitbit devices and have decided to get an Apple Watch after my Fitbit sense, which is under a year old, died. Not the first one to die either. I am hoping an Apple Watch will last longer. I stayed with Fitbit because I loved their simple and intuitive software. The Apple Watch software seems quite complicated in comparison. I am an iPhone and iPad user for well over a decade and love both. Wouldn't have anything else.

After a lot of research and reading around (so many differing strong opinions which has been confusing!) I have narrowed it down to a Series 8 Graphite Stainless Steel Case with Midnight Sport Loop or an Ultra with the Black/Grey Trail Loop. I have booked an appointment tonight with the local Apple store to try both on before purchase.

I like the look of the Ultra on some people but it doesn't look good on smaller wrists. I have a 7.7" wrist. I am not an elite sportsperson - but again - like the chunky Ultra look. My favourite watch is the Tag Heuer Monaco which is boxy and large. I am slightly wary that the Ultra is a series 1 and will be improved in subsequent releases.

Overall, I think the Series 8 Graphite Stainless Steel is going to be the better choice for right now. Maybe with an Ultra purchase in a couple of years. I wish there was a black leather link for the Series 8. That's a bummer.

What does everyone think? Thanks for your opinions.
Putting aside the choice of hardware which is a personal preference, I do not think you'll find the Apple Watch that hard.
You can start workouts easy enough and they will show in the Fitness app and key data in the health app.
Day to day data like steps, heart rate, blood oxygen etc is also easily visible via the health and where relevant fitness apps.

For sure it is different than the Fitbit, but easy enough. I used to use a Fitbit and the app was ok, and fairly clear but changing to Apple did not impact me much.

For your info I used to use a 44mm Series 6 AW but updated to an Ultra recently.
But essentially whether you go Series 8 or Ultra the interface is pretty much identical and apps on iPhone work the same.
Hope it works out and you enjoy the :apple: Watch. :)👍
 
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Software wise, I don't think there is much difference for everyday use. The two watches you are considering are similar in price so that is not a consideration. You have a large wrist and prefer the look of the Ultra, that being the case, in your position I would get the Ultra.
 
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Both are superb choices, you can't do anything wrong here.

Good, you go to an Apple store to try them both on. Take the one which feels best for you. Enjoy your new Apple Watch! :)
 
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In addition to the advice others have offered, do come back and let us know which you choose and why! Happy shopping!
 
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Hi and thanks to everyone for your responses and opinions. As instructed by kmingis I am back to update:

I tried on the Graphite and the Ultra and loved them both! There was no clear standout between the two which I had hoped the try on session would provide. The Ultra was a very good size on my wrist and it was much lighter than the Graphite. It looked really fantastic. To be completely honest - I got a bit overexcited (Apple stores are quite an experience aren't they) and I almost purchased both! However, sanity momentarily prevailed and I decided to go with the Series 8 Graphite with the Midnight sport band (pictured. So I purchased it and then RAN out of the store just in case I weakened. I'm in Australia so it cost $1179.00 AUD. Ultra = $1299.00 AUD. But my choice was not influenced by the price at all. I just wanted the best watch for me to start with.

For my first Apple Watch I think the Series 8 Graphite is a smart choice - it's versatile and can be dressed up or down. It's a solid weight, premium look & feel and it's very sparkly and sexy. I've worn it for a couple of days and the weight feels right and natural now and the nylon strap is very comfortable. I would have purchased a leather link if they came in black or space grey. The salesperson said the colour was slated for possible re-release in 6 months so I will get it then if it's available.

Russell - I got the AppleCare as instructed for 2 years. Basically they said if you have a watch accident then Apple replace the watch. I'm not planning on being rough with it but accidents do happen. Very good idea thanks.

The next step was playing with all the available apps and watch faces to display the info you want to see. That's heaps of fun and very straightforward. As I mentioned - I loved the Fitbit software for its simplicity and "all in one place" option BUT I have worked out that you can get the same info to show on the watch face via different apps. It's much better and you have much more control. There are also a lot of great options and additions. This is a proper smart watch. I'm really enjoying this part and as I get more familiar with the Apple Watch I will try designing my own face. Plus there are lots of straps to try out. I can see $$$ being spent in my future!

Overall - I'm 100% thrilled I made this decision to upgrade from Fitbit to an Apple Watch and I will look into getting the Ultra next year when series 2 is released. OK fine... I'm totally lying. I will be getting the Ultra next year guaranteed. :cool:

This whole experience is exactly what I'd hoped it would be. My only gripe was having to purchase yet ANOTHER wall plug which should just come with the damn watch. It just should. It's an obvious cash grab from Apple and I can't respect that about Apple and I don't like it about the Apple corporation. Apart from that - 10/10.


Fitbit? Huh? No... never heard of it... ;)

Joel :)
 

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That series 8 graphite is a great looking watch. I picked up a black aluminum as my first Apple Watch recently and am loving it. Still, I see those stainless ones and wish that I had gone with one of them. Congrats on ditching Fitbit and their crap products. Every Fitbit I have had has broken just after the warranty was up. I just came from a GARMIN Venu 2, which was a very nice watch, but this Apple Watch is just so much better.
 
I don't know many FitBit die hards anymore. My brother used to use one but got sick of them always breaking, so he just doesn't wear any watch at all now. The rest of my extended family has all switched over to Apple Watch.

So funny to think back to that day in 2015 when I first put mine on and was super self conscious about someone seeing me wearing it, and now in my area they're ubiquitous.
 
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Hi and thanks to everyone for your responses and opinions. As instructed by kmingis I am back to update:

I tried on the Graphite and the Ultra and loved them both! There was no clear standout between the two which I had hoped the try on session would provide. The Ultra was a very good size on my wrist and it was much lighter than the Graphite. It looked really fantastic. To be completely honest - I got a bit overexcited (Apple stores are quite an experience aren't they) and I almost purchased both! However, sanity momentarily prevailed and I decided to go with the Series 8 Graphite with the Midnight sport band (pictured. So I purchased it and then RAN out of the store just in case I weakened. I'm in Australia so it cost $1179.00 AUD. Ultra = $1299.00 AUD. But my choice was not influenced by the price at all. I just wanted the best watch for me to start with.

For my first Apple Watch I think the Series 8 Graphite is a smart choice - it's versatile and can be dressed up or down. It's a solid weight, premium look & feel and it's very sparkly and sexy. I've worn it for a couple of days and the weight feels right and natural now and the nylon strap is very comfortable. I would have purchased a leather link if they came in black or space grey. The salesperson said the colour was slated for possible re-release in 6 months so I will get it then if it's available.

Russell - I got the AppleCare as instructed for 2 years. Basically they said if you have a watch accident then Apple replace the watch. I'm not planning on being rough with it but accidents do happen. Very good idea thanks.

The next step was playing with all the available apps and watch faces to display the info you want to see. That's heaps of fun and very straightforward. As I mentioned - I loved the Fitbit software for its simplicity and "all in one place" option BUT I have worked out that you can get the same info to show on the watch face via different apps. It's much better and you have much more control. There are also a lot of great options and additions. This is a proper smart watch. I'm really enjoying this part and as I get more familiar with the Apple Watch I will try designing my own face. Plus there are lots of straps to try out. I can see $$$ being spent in my future!

Overall - I'm 100% thrilled I made this decision to upgrade from Fitbit to an Apple Watch and I will look into getting the Ultra next year when series 2 is released. OK fine... I'm totally lying. I will be getting the Ultra next year guaranteed. :cool:

This whole experience is exactly what I'd hoped it would be. My only gripe was having to purchase yet ANOTHER wall plug which should just come with the damn watch. It just should. It's an obvious cash grab from Apple and I can't respect that about Apple and I don't like it about the Apple corporation. Apart from that - 10/10.


Fitbit? Huh? No... never heard of it... ;)

Joel :)
Looks fab!! Congrats, enjoy your watch!
 
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I remember using Fitbit device long time ago but the hardware was horrible and prone to breaking with very little support from Fitbit. Their customer support was always over loaded. I remember joining the Fitbit forums but after seeing the hardware issue others were having, it was an Apple Watch purchase for sure. Have owned every years Apple Watch except this year, sticking with my Series 7 SBTi!
 
I remember using Fitbit device long time ago but the hardware was horrible and prone to breaking with very little support from Fitbit. Their customer support was always over loaded. I remember joining the Fitbit forums but after seeing the hardware issue others were having, it was an Apple Watch purchase for sure. Have owned every years Apple Watch except this year, sticking with my Series 7 SBTi!
Fitbit hasn't gotten better. My last watch before moving on was an Ionic. The GPS was super flaky. It would measure the same exact path completely differently, depending on the day. And sometimes it would have me walking in neighborhoods I've never even been to. It was strange. The story has a good ending though. After I moved on, I tossed it in a junk drawer but never threw it out. They recently did a complete recall because the watch could be a burn hazard. I returned it and got all of my money back on it.
 
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