Apple Watch = xmas gift or wait?

[slackerinabox]

I'm thinking of getting the misses an apple watch but am a bit concerned that a watch 2 will make it obsolete in a few months.. Any rumors?

 

[poofyhairguy]

Last Apple watch launched in April, so it won't be obsolete for at least that long. And that is only if Apple does a refresh at a year exactly, which might not happen.

One thing is for sure given Apple's history- whatever the Apple Watch 2 is WILL make the Apple Watch 1 obsolete. Apple is known for putting out amazing V2 products- iPad 2, iPhone 3G, etc.- that completely leave the V1 products behind in the dust. Given that (much like the iPad 1) the Apple Watch 1 has a LOT of room for improvement (like a round screen for example) and sales have been lacking (forcing a huge improvement) you can feel assured that the Apple Watch 2 will be a huge leap.

But then on the flipside Apple will probably support the V1 watch for a while. So as long as your wife doesn't mind being behind the curve the watch should still work fine for years. It depends on how much of the value to her is the actual watch, and how much of the value is having the new coolest thing.

 

[openwheel]

It is already obsolete imo.

 

[slackerinabox]

It is already obsolete imo.

I hear you, I would prefer a platform agnostic smart watch but she really likes the way it looks (and knows that she can 'figure out' most apple products). I enjoy my pebble steel but she finds it too masculine. If her priorities are 1. fitness and 2. aesthetics, do you know of a better choice?

 

[slackerinabox]

Last Apple watch launched in April, so it won't be obsolete for at least that long. And that is only if Apple does a refresh at a year exactly, which might not happen.

One thing is for sure given Apple's history- whatever the Apple Watch 2 is WILL make the Apple Watch 1 obsolete. Apple is known for putting out amazing V2 products- iPad 2, iPhone 3G, etc.- that completely leave the V1 products behind in the dust. Given that (much like the iPad 1) the Apple Watch 1 has a LOT of room for improvement (like a round screen for example) and sales have been lacking (forcing a huge improvement) you can feel assured that the Apple Watch 2 will be a huge leap.

But then on the flipside Apple will probably support the V1 watch for a while. So as long as your wife doesn't mind being behind the curve the watch should still work fine for years. It depends on how much of the value to her is the actual watch, and how much of the value is having the new coolest thing.

Very good points... Hmmm, I guess the question is if she'd mind 3-4 months to obsolescence or if the resale value makes it worth upgrading in less than a year.

 

[Mopetar]

I'd honestly wait until the next version comes out, and part of me thinks they'll give it the iPad treatment eventually where they time the release to correspond with the Christmas quarter in order to drive initial sales.

Otherwise there's way to much of an x-factor in terms of where the platform is headed or how future-proof the current watch will be.

 

[JAG87]

http://appleinsider.com/articles/15...kely-to-wait-until-mid--to-late-2016---report

 

[Commodus]

I say go for it, but stick to the Watch Sport unless this is truly a special holiday (or you know she'd want a stainless steel model).

Here's the thing: there's talk that Apple may not release a follow-up until later in 2016 (say, summer or fall). This watch could be current for longer than you think. And while there will likely be significantly improved hardware the next time around, the existing fitness features are just fine in my experience. WatchOS 2 actually kicks things up a notch, since you can use Siri to start a workout ("hey Siri, start a 150-calorie run") instead of thumbing through the interface.

Besides, I'd say that Apple is better about smartwatch design than many rivals. The Pebble Time Round is probably the next best candidate, but it doesn't have the fitness features or display your missus would want. And unlike most Android Wear makers, it acknowledges that women exist (smaller 38mm cases, a wider range of colors). I'd point to the Pebble Time Round, but it doesn't have the fitness features.

 

[poofyhairguy]

If her priorities are 1. fitness and 2. aesthetics, do you know of a better choice?

FITBIT CHARGE!!!!

Seriously, until the technology gets smaller the Fitbit is basically the woman's smartwatch. It looks so much better on a small wrist than a real smartwatch. My wife and sister love theirs.

 

[lopri]

Has she seen one in person?

 

[gorcorps]

As long as you're willing to buy her the gen 2 on her B-day, you should be fine

 

[boomhower]

I'd wait. I am a huge Apple fanboy but their is so much room for improvement in many areas it seems to be prudent to wait for the second gen. As mentioned earlier Apple is known for so-so first gen and then getting right with the second gen of the product.

 

[Midwayman]

I'd wait for the 2nd gen product. Especially from Apple. Smartwatches in general still need a little time to bake IMHO. Not just the Apple watch.

 

[slackerinabox]

As suggested, I think I'm going to wait. Maybe buy her a suitable apple gift card as a place holder.

 

[Artdeco]

Hard to say, I suspect Apple will not be in a big hurry to introduce the second gen watch, but no one knows for sure.

I think they'll drag their feet to maximize profits from R&D & tooling & manufacturing costs, like they did with the Apple TV and iPod lines. But that's just a wild ass guess.

 

[thilanliyan]

I'd say garbage bin lol....all wearables IMO (except maybe fitness trackers specifically for their purpose).

If you want to get someone something stylish get em a proper watch. Something that will still be cool in 3,4,5, 10 years.

 

[Commodus]

I'd say garbage bin lol....all wearables IMO (except maybe fitness trackers specifically for their purpose).

If you want to get someone something stylish get em a proper watch. Something that will still be cool in 3,4,5, 10 years.

Hey, the Apple Watch is pretty good for 'casual' fitness (that is, people simply hoping to improve their health).

I understand what you're saying about looks, but I'd be hesitant to proclaim that conventional watches will remain cool for a long time. Cultural shifts have a way of sneaking up on people.

 

[blairharrington]

I'm thinking of getting the misses an apple watch but am a bit concerned that a watch 2 will make it obsolete in a few months.. Any rumors?

I expect the Apple Watch 2 next fall. I say purchase now.

 

[thilanliyan]

Hey, the Apple Watch is pretty good for 'casual' fitness (that is, people simply hoping to improve their health).

I understand what you're saying about looks, but I'd be hesitant to proclaim that conventional watches will remain cool for a long time. Cultural shifts have a way of sneaking up on people.

Wouldn't a fitness tracker work better even for "casual" fitness?

Just to clarify, I mean an analog watch, not like a Casio digital lol. A very elegant one can be had for the same price as you'd pay for an Apple Watch. Unless the person is adamant about getting a wearable as a gift, that's what I'd do.

 

[poofyhairguy]

I think they'll drag their feet to maximize profits from R&D & tooling & manufacturing costs, like they did with the Apple TV and iPod lines. But that's just a wild ass guess.

Or they could refresh it sooner than anyone expects because the sales of the device are merely good and not amazing.

The Watch isn't an AppleTV-like hobby for Apple. The Watch is key to shifting their brand to the luxury and fashion markets before smartphones become a commodity. They kinda need it to succeed as a product long-term. That fact makes their actions unpredictable.

 

[Commodus]

Wouldn't a fitness tracker work better even for "casual" fitness?

Just to clarify, I mean an analog watch, not like a Casio digital lol. A very elegant one can be had for the same price as you'd pay for an Apple Watch. Unless the person is adamant about getting a wearable as a gift, that's what I'd do.

Yes and no. The value for money with a fitness tracker is great, of course, but they're not really watches and don't usually tell you a lot while you're in mid-activity. It's nice to dictate the start of a workout, get thumps on your wrist at key milestones and review your progress on your wrist, rather than your phone.

It'd be overkill to get an Apple Watch just for fitness, but it's nice to have as part of a larger package. A good conventional watch may be better value in some cases, for sure, but if she'd like an Apple Watch... well, clearly she doesn't mind the style!

 

[finbarqs]

was thinking about the apple watch but what kills it for me is: no GPS. I have to carry my phone with me while running or hiking. Can't submerge it under water. Meaning no swimming. Though I can probably liquipel it.... But then still no GPS in it.. why oh why apple?

 

[Lil Frier]

was thinking about the apple watch but what kills it for me is: no GPS. I have to carry my phone with me while running or hiking. Can't submerge it under water. Meaning no swimming. Though I can probably liquipel it.... But then still no GPS in it.. why oh why apple?

Same policy for most everything they release: Jack the price up and minimize functionality because people will still buy it.

There's a $10,000 model. That's all you need to know.

 

[slackerinabox]

Yes and no. The value for money with a fitness tracker is great, of course, but they're not really watches and don't usually tell you a lot while you're in mid-activity. It's nice to dictate the start of a workout, get thumps on your wrist at key milestones and review your progress on your wrist, rather than your phone.

It'd be overkill to get an Apple Watch just for fitness, but it's nice to have as part of a larger package. A good conventional watch may be better value in some cases, for sure, but if she'd like an Apple Watch... well, clearly she doesn't mind the style!

Hit the nail on the head. She thought she didn't need a fitness tracker until I got her a fitbit (which she lost, now a mii band) and loves it, but she likes how my Pebble has more data and motivates on the wrist (and it's much more limited compared to an aWatch). There's also the fashion aspect, my dad got me a flashy omega watch and since she likes the way the Apple Watch looks, it's a nice way for me to get her a watch to wear as well (and cheaper than the luxury watch she likes, by over a grand). Lastly, the new phone she's addicted to is huge (6s+, rose gold), it would be nice if she could jog and control music/notifications from her wrist while keeping her expensive looking and bulky phone away

 

[TheStu]

was thinking about the apple watch but what kills it for me is: no GPS. I have to carry my phone with me while running or hiking. Can't submerge it under water. Meaning no swimming. Though I can probably liquipel it.... But then still no GPS in it.. why oh why apple?

You can submerge it, down to a meter, so swimming should be ok.

The lack of GPS IS annoying. When I went on a 3 day hiking trip recently, I had my phone with me as well as my watch, and I just charged both at night, but it would have been nice to only have carried one (if I could have GPSed all day on the watch that is).