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ericg301

macrumors 68020
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Jun 15, 2010
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Finally got a chance to stop by my local Apple Store to see the new phones and watches in person.

I spent less than 10 minutes with the watches, and in that time, I overheard the store rep answering some really basic questions about the watches to other customers - how the bands works, charging, pricing, etc. Questions that I was surprised to hear now that we’re 4 years into the Apple Watch era.

I guess up to now it was still a niche product, but now with the S4 it’s really gone mainstream.

The 44mm casing wasn’t as big as I thought, and the 40 was actually smaller than I thought, compared to my 42 S3.

Decided against upgrading for now, but if my 10 minute case study is any indication, Apple is going to sell millions of these to first time customers.
 
I’ve ordered mine and there’s a four week waiting period :eek:

I was gonna buy an S2 for a great price from a friend of a friend, but then the doughnut smashed it the day before I was meant to get it. Cash was transferred and everything — he just had to, you know, not smash it. :(

I was never interested in the Apple Watch before, but the price on their S2 was too good to refuse (worst case I could resell it). As such I desperately researched everything about it and planned how I was going to use it to make sure I got the most out of it.

Now that I’ve had that taken away from me and my aspirations ripped like a bairn from its mother’s teet, I can’t not have an Apple Watch. So here I am, waiting desperately for a product I never knew I wanted. Weird how things work out huh.
 
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Finally got a chance to stop by my local Apple Store to see the new phones and watches in person.

I spent less than 10 minutes with the watches, and in that time, I overheard the store rep answering some really basic questions about the watches to other customers - how the bands works, charging, pricing, etc. Questions that I was surprised to hear now that we’re 4 years into the Apple Watch era.

I guess up to now it was still a niche product, but now with the S4 it’s really gone mainstream.

The 44mm casing wasn’t as big as I thought, and the 40 was actually smaller than I thought, compared to my 42 S3.

Decided against upgrading for now, but if my 10 minute case study is any indication, Apple is going to sell millions of these to first time customers.

I have an aluminum gps model that does everything the gpslte one can do. And its perfect!! Blows my gear s3 away
 
I might pick up one for Christmas, but I’m still trying to decide between GPS only or cellular. What is the range of the GPS only? I don’t go many places without my phone so I don’t know which to go with.
 
I might pick up one for Christmas, but I’m still trying to decide between GPS only or cellular. What is the range of the GPS only? I don’t go many places without my phone so I don’t know which to go with.

The non LTE watch depends on Bluetooth to connect to your phone, so typically 20 feet or so.
 
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If I went with the GPS only model, would I be able to load music on it and connect wireless headphones to it for workouts without having to take my phone in? Or will I still need my phone close by to access those features? And I will be able to see and send texts as long as my phone is close by?

Sorry for all the questions. I’m not completely sure how the watch works.
 
I think with the use of more landscape on the watch will give them more users. Previous user will definitely upgrade. Both a win win.
 
If I went with the GPS only model, would I be able to load music on it and connect wireless headphones to it for workouts without having to take my phone in? Or will I still need my phone close by to access those features? And I will be able to see and send texts as long as my phone is close by?

Sorry for all the questions. I’m not completely sure how the watch works.
Yes, you can listen to downloaded music without your phone.

You can see and send texts as long as your phone is nearby, though sending can be challenging on the watch.
 
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If I went with the GPS only model, would I be able to load music on it and connect wireless headphones to it for workouts without having to take my phone in? Or will I still need my phone close by to access those features? And I will be able to see and send texts as long as my phone is close by?

Sorry for all the questions. I’m not completely sure how the watch works.


I can't say for sure about loading music on it because I always have my phone with me (S2 owner) but I believe the answer to the question about music is YES. As long as your phone is with you or near by, you will be able to see/send messages.
 
I’ve ordered mine and there’s a four week waiting period :eek:

I was gonna buy an S2 for a great price from a friend of a friend, but then the doughnut smashed it the day before I was meant to get it. Cash was transferred and everything — he just had to, you know, not smash it. :(

I was never interested in the Apple Watch before, but the price on their S2 was too good to refuse (worst case I could resell it). As such I desperately researched everything about it and planned how I was going to use it to make sure I got the most out of it.

Now that I’ve had that taken away from me and my aspirations ripped like a bairn from its mother’s teet, I can’t not have an Apple Watch. So here I am, waiting desperately for a product I never knew I wanted. Weird how things work out huh.


I’m actually excited for you that it’s worked out that way. I upgraded from my S2 to the S4 and it’s like night and day. I feel as a newcomer to Apple watches, S4 should be your proper first experience, not with the S2.
 
I’m actually excited for you that it’s worked out that way. I upgraded from my S2 to the S4 and it’s like night and day. I feel as a newcomer to Apple watches, S4 should be your proper first experience, not with the S2.

Thanks buddy, that makes me feel better. I just hope I make the most out of it. I’m getting more into exercising/stopping the beer/eating a little more sensibly — stuff like that — and I’ve heard the fitness tracking is really good on the AW so that will definitely help.

People laugh about visual motivation but I can already see myself pushing just a little harder to close the rings or being a little smarter with what I eat if it’s all tracked.

I never thought I’d have any desire for an Apple Watch and now I want one more than I know. Oh well, so begins the long wait. :D
 
I think something like a Fitbit or Apple Watch can make a huge difference in results for people coming to the process with motivation. A Fitbit definitely was for me and the Apple Watch has been as well, so far.
 
I might pick up one for Christmas, but I’m still trying to decide between GPS only or cellular. What is the range of the GPS only? I don’t go many places without my phone so I don’t know which to go with.

With the non-cellular model you can still do quite a lot - and in many instances without the phone near by a lot of functions can work over Wifi (messages, music, Siri, etc).

Here’s a bit of a breakdown from Apple on what you can do when on Wifi and phone isn’t close by:

https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT205547
 
I might pick up one for Christmas, but I’m still trying to decide between GPS only or cellular. What is the range of the GPS only? I don’t go many places without my phone so I don’t know which to go with.

If you always have your phone with you definitely save your money by going with GPS only watch.
 
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I think I’m going to get the GPS only. My biggest concern was being able to workout without having to take my phone in. Not that that’s a big deal. But since I can listen to my playlists and connect my headphones to it without having my phone near makes the gps a good and cheaper option for me. :)
 
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Thanks buddy, that makes me feel better. I just hope I make the most out of it. I’m getting more into exercising/stopping the beer/eating a little more sensibly — stuff like that — and I’ve heard the fitness tracking is really good on the AW so that will definitely help.

People laugh about visual motivation but I can already see myself pushing just a little harder to close the rings or being a little smarter with what I eat if it’s all tracked.

I never thought I’d have any desire for an Apple Watch and now I want one more than I know. Oh well, so begins the long wait. :D

I sat on the outside looking in up until Series 2 and was sure I wanted one but wasn't sure how much I'd use it. If I'm not in the shower or it's not on the charger, it's on my wrist. I think it will help you with the motivation you're seeking, I know it did me. I work at a desk all day and really appreciate the reminders to stand and breathe. Also love the sleep tracking, notifications, the ability to use with home kit, my Bose Soundtouch system, airline tickets and still discovering more as I go. It would have been good for both had the deal with your friend worked out but I agree, go for the S4. I like my S2, still happy with it but am wanting more speed and the larger screen. Hope it works out for you and looking forward to hearing your thoughts as you use it.
 
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Thanks buddy, that makes me feel better. I just hope I make the most out of it. I’m getting more into exercising/stopping the beer/eating a little more sensibly — stuff like that — and I’ve heard the fitness tracking is really good on the AW so that will definitely help.

People laugh about visual motivation but I can already see myself pushing just a little harder to close the rings or being a little smarter with what I eat if it’s all tracked.

I never thought I’d have any desire for an Apple Watch and now I want one more than I know. Oh well, so begins the long wait. :D

I think it’s great for fitness, hope you’ll find it equally useful. I love being able to track my exercise at the gym, whilst streaming Apple Music to my AirPods, answer the occasional SMS/calls all without needing the distraction of my phone while working out. I just leave my phone at home now when going to the gym/for a run.

When I first got one, the ability to glance at notifications and deciding that it’s not important enough to take out my phone is probably one of the best benefits of the watch for me. That and Apple Pay on the wrist :D

Which S4 model did you go for?
 
I’ve ordered mine and there’s a four week waiting period :eek:

I was gonna buy an S2 for a great price from a friend of a friend, but then the doughnut smashed it the day before I was meant to get it. Cash was transferred and everything — he just had to, you know, not smash it. :(

I was never interested in the Apple Watch before, but the price on their S2 was too good to refuse (worst case I could resell it). As such I desperately researched everything about it and planned how I was going to use it to make sure I got the most out of it.

Now that I’ve had that taken away from me and my aspirations ripped like a bairn from its mother’s teet, I can’t not have an Apple Watch. So here I am, waiting desperately for a product I never knew I wanted. Weird how things work out huh.

My store had a lot of stock yesterday when I went. Reserved a 40mm silver aluminum w/ white sport band and when I went a few hours later to pick it up, there was enough stock for me to switch my reservation to the seashell sport loop model.

But overall I agree. I feel the series 4 will be a huge turning point. Not only do I think a lot of first time buyers will get the series 4 (as you’d expect), but there are a ton of series 0 owners upgrading to the series 4 as well.
 
I think something like a Fitbit or Apple Watch can make a huge difference in results for people coming to the process with motivation. A Fitbit definitely was for me and the Apple Watch has been as well, so far.
I couldn't agree with this more. Since I got my Apple Watch and started to Close My Rings everyday I have lost 13 pounds and am in excellent shape now. Call it what you will, but it was a good motivator for me and it has literally changed my life.
 
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