Is there any point ?

[netdudeuk]

Hi

I really like the integration between my iPhone, iPad and my new MacBook Pro.

I fancy having an Apple Watch as well but to be honest, I'm not sure that in practical terms, it would offer me that much. I don't run or do other sports. It's hardly any harder than lifting up my arm to view the watch than it is to reach back a little and take the phone out of my back pocket first.

I tried the original watch but took it back to the Apple Store after finding it impractical. For example, it took ages to do anything. The phone was just a better option.

Am I missing something here ?

Thanks

 

[BarracksSi]

Do you wear a regular watch at all?

 

[charlyee]

To me it is the convenience of knowing if I need to take my phone out right away or I can wait.

I never used to wear a watch so it was an adjustment but I am very pleasantly surprised at how useful this is.

 

[bruinsrme]

Look at the features aside from a standard watch

Communications- phone text email
Activity
Music stream or local
Other apps - too long of a list
Wallet - store cards, apple money and Apple Pay
Mapping - apple and google maps
Calendar

Sure it’s all on your phone. The question is do you want it on your wrist.

 

[Otflyer]

I got an Apple watch because, I like tech but, I have found it quite useful and enjoy it very much. I have always wore a watch.

 

[QCassidy352]

I had one for a week and returned it. It was another device to manage, update, and charge, and it only let me leave my phone behind to a very limited degree. What I really liked it for, and the reason I originally got it, was because of onboard music storage on a running watch. But after a week, I realized that's what I wanted... a running watch that plays music (hello, Garmin 645), not a smartwatch.

 

[44267547]

Hi

I really like the integration between my iPhone, iPad and my new MacBook Pro.

I fancy having an Apple Watch as well but to be honest, I'm not sure that in practical terms, it would offer me that much. I don't run or do other sports. It's hardly any harder than lifting up my arm to view the watch than it is to reach back a little and take the phone out of my back pocket first.

I tried the original watch but took it back to the Apple Store after finding it impractical. For example, it took ages to do anything. The phone was just a better option.

Am I missing something here ?

Thanks

Sometimes this needs to be said, but I don't think the Apple Watch is for you. Especially being that you tried it once already and you found it impractical, a lot of what you will see with the first generation Apple Watch is very much the same with the Series 3 in terms of functionality, but it does have added capabilities with a much faster dual core processor, water resistance 50 m, brighter display, GPS, etc.

 

[netdudeuk]

Do you wear a regular watch at all?

No. It was odd to have one on my wrist, especially as I mostly sit at a desk with my phone. And now my new MacBook Pro is there too.

 

[The Game 161]

Do you get many notifications? If not maybe it’s not for you

 

[BarracksSi]

No. It was odd to have one on my wrist, especially as I mostly sit at a desk with my phone. And now my new MacBook Pro is there too.

In my informal MR survey (link in signature), I've guessed that no more than a third of AW owners were already regular watch wearers -- more than I expected, too.

The more time I spend at my computer, the less I use the watch.* TBH, with my Mac able to send text messages, take phone calls, sync items in my Notes app, and more, I hardly use the phone while I'm at my computer, either.

But it's when I'm away from the computer that the watch gets more use. At my old job, I'd spend most of the day near no computer at all (never had a reason to bring my Mac in), so the AW became a super-convenient link to my phone, which I was able to leave hidden in a pocket. Or, while we're out shopping, I don't have to carry my phone on my person -- I stick it in my wife's purse -- so I can still be reachable without being tempted to browse Twitter while my wife tries asking me which sweater looks better.

I started using the AW more regularly the day I parked my phone in my backpack for my morning walk to work. I got two texts and was able to send responses (one canned response, one voice dictation) while hardly breaking my stride. Later, as I walked out the gate to go home, I spoke to the AW, saying, "Hey Siri, tell my wife 'I'm on my way home now period'", and put my wrist down. The text "automagically" sent, and within a minute, the AW tapped me and I saw her reply, "Ok", which is all I needed to see.

* I said that when I'm at my computer, I use my watch less, right? Well, with the watch, I can take a break, get up, and go to another part of the house without worrying that I'll miss someone's phone call -- and I don't have to carry my phone all the damned time anymore. I have my hands free to do other things, like wash the dishes, feed the fish, take down the Christmas tree, or whatever. I get my time back for myself.

 

[44267547]

No. It was odd to have one on my wrist, especially as I mostly sit at a desk with my phone. And now my new MacBook Pro is there too.

Genuinely confused. You stated you find it odd to wear a regular Watch in general and you found the Apple Watch impractical when you did own it, and you find the iPhone to be a better option, so what exactly are you seeking feedback on? You need to elaborate more on when you said "Am I missing something here." Your thread is rather vague. It just appears you're seeking validation or encouragement on why you would want the Apple Watch again, that is if you were considering one.

 

[BarracksSi]

Genuinely confused. You stated you find it odd to wear a regular Watch in general and you found the Apple Watch impractical when you did own it, and you find the iPhone to be a better option, ...

I asked him if he normally wears a watch because, the way I figure it, regular watch-wearers are accustomed to two main things: having an object on their wrist, and making a habit of checking their wrist for a snip of information.

If someone isn’t used to wearing a watch, I think a smartwatch is a tougher sell for them. That’s why my first question for the OP was about watches in general.

 

[breezyf808]

I was recently in this predicament. I have the original pebble steel from about 3-4 years ago and believe it is still on par with the AW Series 2.
I got the series 3 as gift from wife during xmas, but returned it because I can't let go of my jailbroken iPhone (6s plus).
Yes it's a little outdated, but it gets the job done, still last about 3-4 days and is water proof.

 

[netdudeuk]

Genuinely confused. You stated you find it odd to wear a regular Watch in general and you found the Apple Watch impractical when you did own it, and you find the iPhone to be a better option, so what exactly are you seeking feedback on? You need to elaborate more on when you said "Am I missing something here." Your thread is rather vague. It just appears you're seeking validation or encouragement on why you would want the Apple Watch again, that is if you were considering one.

No, it was odd to be wearing the Apple Watch.

Regarding the motivation for the thread, as I mentioned, I have an iPhone, an iPad and now a MacBook Pro Tb and I really like the integration. The Watch could be the next step but it isn't that obvious that it would add much value. So, I'd say I'm looking for encouragement to do something that isn't necessarily a wise one

I didn't need the MBP either but I've fancied one for many years and decided to go for it, even though I have a beast of a desktop PC and my other Apple devices (including a cellular iPad, which is very useful away from my desk).

 

[MEJHarrison]

Regarding the motivation for the thread, as I mentioned, I have an iPhone, an iPad and now a MacBook Pro Tb and I really like the integration.

You've mentioned the integration multiple times now. Are you aware that the Apple Watch will unlock your Mac for you? Mine unlocks my laptop and desktop when I have the watch on. No more typing in my password. I'm not sure I'd say it's worth the price of the watch for that feature alone, but I still find it to be a huge plus for the watch. It's absolutely my favorite feature by far.

Beyond that, I've only had my watch less than a month now (my first Apple Watch). Like you, I don't run or do other sports. Yet I've found the rings to be enough to at least get me moving more than in the past. I'm not talking about a trip to the gym. Just enough movement to move the rings. A couple laps doing a brisk walk around the building. That type of thing. Something is still better than nothing. Not sure if that would apply to you or not.

I also like being able to track my pulse and sleeping. And of course, telling the time.

Beyond that, I'm still not sure I know of any "killer features".

 

[multispoke]

Hi

I really like the integration between my iPhone, iPad and my new MacBook Pro.

I fancy having an Apple Watch as well but to be honest, I'm not sure that in practical terms, it would offer me that much. I don't run or do other sports. It's hardly any harder than lifting up my arm to view the watch than it is to reach back a little and take the phone out of my back pocket first.

I tried the original watch but took it back to the Apple Store after finding it impractical. For example, it took ages to do anything. The phone was just a better option.

Am I missing something here ?

Thanks

It has taken around 2-3 years for me to get the AW. I had looked at the original series and then the AW1 that my brother-in-law got. I was curious about it but thought that it was expensive for what it was particularly for the series 2 with the added GPS.

Apple then reduced the price across the range and then the AW2 got a boost with the altimeter and improved battery life in the series 3 - at that point I got interested since I wanted something that would work as a proper fit bit and had notifications that I could also reply back on.

I like watches, have quite a few - mix of mechanical and quartz. For many years I didn't wear a watch but would have worn the first Swatch watches when they came out. It may have been that resulted in my loss of interest in wearing watches since it was soulless. I only when back to wearing watches after I was gifted a G-Shock. I liked the hourly chime, the alarm setting and when I travelled I could change to a different time zone. When the iPhone lost battery power or it wasn't on me - I had the time.

Now that I have no electronics in the bedroom I have broken the rule book with the AW - but this has been primarily to do with any early morning calls or if there was an emergency call. A useful feature of the AW is the Wifi capability when you are outside of bluetooth range or if you have poor cellular connectivity.

I have an iMac, Mac Pro and a iPhone. Use the iMac for the bigger screen and the MP for portability. Rarely use my wife's iPad. Now that she has the iPhone 6s she uses that a lot more than the iPad. She only carries the 6S in the handbag and generally never gets to her phone on time.

If you dropped the use of your iPad, had a bigger iPhone then you might find the AW useful since you would not want to be carrying your IPhone around with you. But then you probably have wisely stuck with a standard size iPhone.

From the demand for SS I get the impression that the AW is also about style - making a statement as opposed it doing something useful.

The AW does need a killer app. I had thought it would be the LTE but I'm unsure. I reckon it might be health monitoring. I know of young guy who has a heart problem and when it beats too hard he gets dizzy. A AW would be useful device for him before he passes out.

Lastly there is the etiquette perspective. If someone has their phone out in front of them it can be socially unacceptable. With an AW you would be better able to mute a call if you felt that it could wait without making the person that you are with feel that they were not important.

 

[netdudeuk]

I bought a S3 Nike GPS from the Apple Store and wore it for a week. I really like it.

For now, I have returned it as I can get a two year warranty from a premium retailer. I did mention this in the Apple Store but they just took it back rather than offer me any type of two year warranty.

So, I plan to buy another but was wondering if I should be the cellular version even though my existing mobile network doesn't support the Apple Watch. There's no way to know if they will ever do so or even if I wanted to use it. However, I do know that the RAM is bigger (not that I listen to much music) and the back is ceramic. Has anyone else done this ? Is the ceramic back worth getting ?

 

[DoubleFlyaway]

Something I like a lot about the AW is it lets me be less tied to my phone, whether that is out on a run or even just while cleaning house or whatever. I used to carry my phone around with me. Now no need. But it doesn’t sound like that’s a thing for you.

 

[Otflyer]

I bought a S3 Nike GPS from the Apple Store and wore it for a week. I really like it.

For now, I have returned it as I can get a two year warranty from a premium retailer. I did mention this in the Apple Store but they just took it back rather than offer me any type of two year warranty.

So, I plan to buy another but was wondering if I should be the cellular version even though my existing mobile network doesn't support the Apple Watch. There's no way to know if they will ever do so or even if I wanted to use it. However, I do know that the RAM is bigger (not that I listen to much music) and the back is ceramic. Has anyone else done this ? Is the ceramic back worth getting ?

Why spend the extra money if you can’t use the function. But, if the ceramic back is more aesthetically satisfying than do it to prevent possible buyer remorse. I got apple care with my watch. It gives me two years coverage and I know Apple will stand behind it. Retailer warranties a can be a crap shoot.

 

[netdudeuk]

Why spend the extra money if you can’t use the function. But, if the ceramic back is more aesthetically satisfying than do it to prevent possible buyer remorse. I got apple care with my watch. It gives me two years coverage and I know Apple will stand behind it. Retailer warranties a can be a crap shoot.

I've seen photos showing scratched plastic backs and wondered if that could happen with the S3, possibly affecting heart monitoring. It isn't about the aesthetics.

The retailer has a great reputation for service so I'm not concerned about getting support from them.

 

[bruinsrme]

In my informal MR survey (link in signature), I've guessed that no more than a third of AW owners were already regular watch wearers -- more than I expected, too.

The more time I spend at my computer, the less I use the watch.* TBH, with my Mac able to send text messages, take phone calls, sync items in my Notes app, and more, I hardly use the phone while I'm at my computer, either.

But it's when I'm away from the computer that the watch gets more use. At my old job, I'd spend most of the day near no computer at all (never had a reason to bring my Mac in), so the AW became a super-convenient link to my phone, which I was able to leave hidden in a pocket. Or, while we're out shopping, I don't have to carry my phone on my person -- I stick it in my wife's purse -- so I can still be reachable without being tempted to browse Twitter while my wife tries asking me which sweater looks better.

I started using the AW more regularly the day I parked my phone in my backpack for my morning walk to work. I got two texts and was able to send responses (one canned response, one voice dictation) while hardly breaking my stride. Later, as I walked out the gate to go home, I spoke to the AW, saying, "Hey Siri, tell my wife 'I'm on my way home now period'", and put my wrist down. The text "automagically" sent, and within a minute, the AW tapped me and I saw her reply, "Ok", which is all I needed to see.

* I said that when I'm at my computer, I use my watch less, right? Well, with the watch, I can take a break, get up, and go to another part of the house without worrying that I'll miss someone's phone call -- and I don't have to carry my phone all the damned time anymore. I have my hands free to do other things, like wash the dishes, feed the fish, take down the Christmas tree, or whatever. I get my time back for myself.

I hadn’t worn a watch for well over 20 years before sporting AW.
I wore the SS0 for 2 weeks then didn’t wear it for 2 months.

Now it’s worn everyday and has been very well integrated into my daily routine.
It took sometime to realize the only limitation I was having was me learning Watch the walk can do.
With LTE the phone isn’t attached to me. When enjoying life I can see who’s calling/emailing/texting quickly and more times than not, simply acknowledging visually and getting back to what I’m doing.
This has made me realize how much time I was spending on my phone for stuff that didn’t demand my immediate attention.

It’s nice to see other people are experiencing a form of liberation from their phone.
[doublepost=1517323130][/doublepost]

Why spend the extra money if you can’t use the function. But, if the ceramic back is more aesthetically satisfying than do it to prevent possible buyer remorse. I got apple care with my watch. It gives me two years coverage and I know Apple will stand behind it. Retailer warranties a can be a crap shoot.

I asked this to a friend.
Her reply, it’s a gamble. Either way I have 14 days to decided if I want the other model.
She knew 14 wasn’t enough.
It was either spend the extra $70 or spend a hundreds more on the watch she may have ultimately wanted.

Well, she loves the lte, especially for streaming music while working out.

Please read Apple care carefully. It offers so much more than just warranty/replacement.
Apple support has been great helping me with a number of things. They have provided links to the knowledge base articles, which are excellent.

 

[canyonblue737]

It's not a life changing device. It is a NICE to have device.

- I like how notifications appear easily on my wrist and I often can respond directly from the watch.
- I like the ability to style the watch with different bands.
- I like the watch tracks my fitness and motivates me daily to reach targets that help me be healthier.
- I like how the watch can track my progress in specific sports I do such as running and swimming.
- I like how the watch tracks my heart rate and I can view trends over time (to see improving or declining cardio fitness) as well as receive alerts if I have a heart event like sudden unexplained high heart rates.

NONE of the above is essential. NONE of the above can't be done with other, often free means and a little will power. They are nice to have though and as an adult I reached a certain amount of success in my life where if buying a fun watch brings me enjoyment I am happy to do so.

 

[bradbomb]

Here's my personal opinion on owning an Apple Watch. For most of my life, I have been a watch wearer. My watch of choice before owning a smartwatch was the Tissot T-Touch. All I used that for was to tell time. Yes, I had a phone in my pocket that can do it to, but I wore the watch for convenience and for the look of the watch. Owning a Pebble Steel and then all 3 generations of the Apple Watch in SS, I think the Apple Watch's market is for two subsets:

1. Existing watch wearers that want a smartwatch and are an iPhone user
2. iPhone users in the market for a fitness tracker, but want a more all around device that isn't just fitness centric

People ask me all the time if the watch was a life changing device that you must own and my answer is always No. If you never wear a watch and have no interest in a fitness tracker, the Apple Watch is a waste of money for you. The Apple Watch is not a consumption device in my opinion. I have not found anything else that I use on the Apple Watch besides using it as a notification device, fitness tracker, time piece, and as Apple Pay or Starbucks card in the digital wallet

 

[DoubleFlyaway]

Here's my personal opinion on owning an Apple Watch. For most of my life, I have been a watch wearer. My watch of choice before owning a smartwatch was the Tissot T-Touch. All I used that for was to tell time. Yes, I had a phone in my pocket that can do it to, but I wore the watch for convenience and for the look of the watch. Owning a Pebble Steel and then all 3 generations of the Apple Watch in SS, I think the Apple Watch's market is for two subsets:

1. Existing watch wearers that want a smartwatch and are an iPhone user
2. iPhone users in the market for a fitness tracker, but want a more all around device that isn't just fitness centric

People ask me all the time if the watch was a life changing device that you must own and my answer is always No. If you never wear a watch and have no interest in a fitness tracker, the Apple Watch is a waste of money for you. The Apple Watch is not a consumption device in my opinion. I have not found anything else that I use on the Apple Watch besides using it as a notification device, fitness tracker, time piece, and as Apple Pay or Starbucks card in the digital wallet

That’s probably right. I also use it as a music player while running, to turn on/off lights in my house, and to dictate quick text messages when it’s easier than my phone (like while running).

 

[multispoke]

I bought a S3 Nike GPS from the Apple Store and wore it for a week. I really like it.

For now, I have returned it as I can get a two year warranty from a premium retailer. I did mention this in the Apple Store but they just took it back rather than offer me any type of two year warranty.

So, I plan to buy another but was wondering if I should be the cellular version even though my existing mobile network doesn't support the Apple Watch. There's no way to know if they will ever do so or even if I wanted to use it. However, I do know that the RAM is bigger (not that I listen to much music) and the back is ceramic. Has anyone else done this ? Is the ceramic back worth getting ?

Since you wouldn’t be using the Apple Watch as a fit bit can you switch to a different provider who supports the LTE model ?
I like the freedom that the AW GPS gives you if you’re connected to the iPhone either through Bluetooth of WIFI. But sometimes you get a little complacent and get out of reach so having cellular connectivity is a bonus. The WIFI connectivity is also limited. Even with a 2.4GHz router if logins etc are required it does not work like in your home or work setup,
Re you question about the composite or ceremic back I would imagine that the latter would perform for longer but it would hardly be justification for buying it given that technology dates quickly.