Hands-On With the New LTE-Enabled Apple Watch Series 3

[bkaus]

Totally agree with you. The only problem is that the apple watch really isn't a very good running watch. GPS accuracy is substandard, feature set is limited, and pace smoothing is just awful. I really want apple to make an apple watch that can replace my garmin... but it's just not there yet. (that said, Garmin REALLY needs to offer on-board music storage... like yesterday.)

Have you tried the series 3?

 

[DynaFXD]

Totally agree with you. The only problem is that the apple watch really isn't a very good running watch. GPS accuracy is substandard, feature set is limited, and pace smoothing is just awful. I really want apple to make an apple watch that can replace my garmin... but it's just not there yet. (that said, Garmin REALLY needs to offer on-board music storage... like yesterday.)

I’ll take your word for it regarding these unsourced conclusions. Nonetheless, the AW is not positioned as the last word in running watches. It is a jack of all trades wearable that integrates with the Apple ecosystem. Sure, if you are a hardcore runner, you will probably have a more dedicated unit (that is lacking in some other way). Everything is a trade off. But as the person you’re replying to said, it is meant to Move the needle in the market, not be the last word in running watches. The the every day huffer that wants to keep records of where they’ve been and how they’re doing while also showing their calendar and can answer a call that comes see their cell number when their phone is in the car, it is perfectly serviceable.

Edit, FWIW -> Runner’s world thoughts of the series 2
https://www.runnersworld.com/gear-check/review-apple-watch-series-2-is-a-solid-option

 

[ghost187]

As an original Apple Watch owner I’m holding out for series 4. Plus, I bought the black stainless steel model so if I get an aluminum watch it’ll feel like a downgrade.

 

[gigapocket1]

Yeah mine wasn't on watchOS4 and after having the S3 there is no way I will likely wear my SS S0

It’s that noticeable? I have a SS S0. Was thinking about getting a ceramic white. And alternating between the 2

 

[levans80]

I’ve had both Series 1 and 2 and now 3 with LTE. Mannnnn Series 3 is a beast. Coming
From 2 to 3 I noticed huge speed gains. Only took me 5 minutes or less to add the watch to my ATT plan. Easy As pie.

 

[Lloydbm41]

For sure. While it might work for a sport watch, those of us who went with stainless steel, Hermes, etc. or who want to wear the Apple Watch in a boardroom-type situation simply couldn't do so with the red dot. And for those suggesting a Sharpie, that's not exactly the ideal solution with a nice watch. The red dot is an abomination and must be destroyed.

Im laughing at this post. If you have people in your board room concerned about a red dot more so than the actual work, then im guessing your company is failing.

 

[a.gomez]

I’m sure he would’ve thought spending hundreds on a phone is crazy, too. Times change, and wristwatches themselves have only been around a hundred years, and they were initially looked down on by pocket watch wearers.

you do understand that for the majority of people spending hundreds of dollars on a phone is still considered crazy today. I also did not say that a modern interpretation of the watch can not be one of those - just that the apple watch (in this form) is not.

There is a reason why Apple marketing/sales went from the cover of fashion magazines and French boutiques to the LTE window banners at TMobile and shelves at Walmart.

 

[WarHeadz]

The speaker didn't seem very loud when he spoke to siri. The speaker on my S0 and S1 are practically unusable. I was really hoping this one would be significantly louder.

 

[Jfurn]

The red dot sticks out like a sore thumb. Anyone else hopes it gets removed for Series 4?

Here ya go: http://watchdots.com/

 

[macmyworld]

my grandfather always told me - only 3 types of watches. Disposable, Dress and the ones you buy to leave your grandkids.

A $399 chunky gadget watch made in Taiwan is non of those. well, unless you the kind of person who thinks coca-cola is a dinner drink.

That’s it, you went too far! How dare you rip coca-cola!

 

[bozzykid]

Have you tried the series 3?

Considering how short the battery life is being reported with the LTE version, I'm not sure that even if it worked well, it could be used for any long distance running/exercising.

 

[DblHelix]

Considering how short the battery life is being reported with the LTE version, I'm not sure that even if it worked well, it could be used for any long distance running/exercising.

My battery life is on par so far with my series 2. The only thing is when in LTE it drains faster but only when using data. I’ll try to rest it out tomorrow only on LTE using it as normal and see what the life is like.

 

[grobik]

As a runner and someone that’s had a heart attack and has stents, I’m super interested in the lte model. Being able to run and still have contact to emergency services is a must. As it is now, I sync music with my series 0, start playing said music about 5 minutes before I leave as it takes that long to load. And then hope the Nike run app won’t crash. I usually run around the hospital close to my home and leave my iPhone at home. Just in case anything happens I’ll already be at the hospital.

 

[KAZphoto]

My LTE SS says it’s shipping out. Does it only jump on LTE when the iPhone is not in range automatically? Can’t wait to get it.

 

[Mtmspa]

my grandfather always told me - only 3 types of watches. Disposable, Dress and the ones you buy to leave your grandkids.

A $399 chunky gadget watch made in Taiwan is non of those. well, unless you the kind of person who thinks coca-cola is a dinner drink.

I will refrain from comment on your grandfather’s wisdom, but the Apple Watch is an incredible device, that your grand pops didn’t dream of.

 

[Ryan3671]

Anyone else not able to get their series 3 to be able to unlock their mac? It works with with 1/2 but the series 3 says not supported and to update mac software when checking the box in security settings. But there are no additional software updates currently via the app store. Could this not be functional until High Sierra?? I have all the settings correct and it worked fine with my series 1 watch. Seems odd.......

 

[haruhiko]

Since my country still doesn’t support the LTE model, the only thing all of us can buy are the 3-4 aluminium models. No SS, no edition.

 

[Lloydbm41]

There is a reason why Apple marketing/sales went from the cover of fashion magazines and French boutiques to the LTE window banners at TMobile and shelves at Walmart.

Might have something to do with its popularity growing, rather than the derogatory comment you're making about T-Mobile and Walmart. BTW, the Apple Watch is a window banner, along with the iphone 8, at all the major networks including ATT and Verizon, so not sure what you are on about there?

 

[johnnygee]

Yeah, Apple. How dare you put a red crown on a wristwatch!

 

[fourthtunz]

The red dot sticks out like a sore thumb. Anyone else hopes it gets removed for Series 4?

They have covers for that, meanwhile I don't care and am waiting for mine to arrive!
[doublepost=1506142127][/doublepost]

Red dot’s a dealbreaker for me.



Same

No desire to upgrade from my Series 2.

Heh, for $70 you can't imagine it?!! HA HA
Do you ever ride a bicycle? Run?
Walk?
Drive a car and talk on the phone?
In my state we now have laws against talking on the phone, with $500 fines.
So maybe this helps your imagination?

 

[roland.g]

I’d be interested in replacing my original Apple Watch with a series 3 in Stainless Steel (like I have now) but without the LTE. Unfortunately all Stainless Steel series 3 include LTE. I realize I don’t have to activate/pay for the service. But it would be great to save a few $$ on not having LTE in it. Any maybe get a black Digital Crown.

 

[fourthtunz]

you do understand that for the majority of people spending hundreds of dollars on a phone is still considered crazy today. I also did not say that a modern interpretation of the watch can not be one of those - just that the apple watch (in this form) is not.

There is a reason why Apple marketing/sales went from the cover of fashion magazines and French boutiques to the LTE window banners at TMobile and shelves at Walmart.

If you do not exercise this makes sense.
If you do not have huge fines for talking on the phone this makes sense.
I've never been a I watch proponent until NOW.
NOW, more than ever, more than fashion, having a phone and an exercise partner on your wrist makes sense.
Maybe you're in excellent shape and have a trainer and have a bluetooth phone connection into your radio
so that you do not need such device?
This watch is worth every penny.
You didn't buy it? Please move along.

 

[lordofthereef]

So what’s the deal with music. Is it only Apple Music? Or will we get other app connectivity at some point?

 

[MagicKnights]

Totally agree with you. The only problem is that the apple watch really isn't a very good running watch. GPS accuracy is substandard, feature set is limited, and pace smoothing is just awful. I really want apple to make an apple watch that can replace my garmin... but it's just not there yet. (that said, Garmin REALLY needs to offer on-board music storage... like yesterday.)

I beg to differ...I am training for me second marathon with Apple Watch and it has been working flawlessly. GPS has been very accurate where I am training in Florida. Nike Run Club app is what I use.

 

[pdaholic]

While I think the red dot is rather gaudy and pretentious, I realize that as I look down at my series 2, I can't even see that side of the crown. So, not an issue for me.

And I guess if I cared what others thought of my gadget wear, I wouldn't be hanging those silly Airpods from my ears every time I go out!