Good evening. I hope I'm posting this to the correct forum. I've been vaguely interested in the apple watch ever since it was first released, but have never been able to justify purchasing one. This year, i *think* I'm ready to take the plunge and enter the world of Apple Watch, but I would really appreciate some advice if possible.
Based on everything I've heard over the past week or so, I really think that the Apple Watch Ultra would be the best choice for me. I'm not athletic by any stretch of the imagination, but the ultra's enhanced durability sounds like an important feature. I can't count how many times per day I bang my current watche's face into things. More importantly, though, I have pretty significant hearing loss, so the idea that the ultra watch's volume can get up to 40% louder really appeals. I also like the 36 hour battery life, and the thought of a third, customizeable physical button really appeals to me as well. I'm not keen on the size of the apple watch ultra, but I've been wearing talking watches for years, so maybe it wouldn't be as bad as I'm thinking? Obviously, I know my smartest move would be to get to an apple store to check it out in person, but unfortunately, that's much easier said than done.
I've also considered just getting the 41 MM aluminum series 8 watch, but am worried that I might end up regretting it if I have issues hearing it, or if I end up breaking it after only a few months because I've bumped it on too many things.
Any advice would be extremely appreciated, and honestly, I'm looking forward to potential demos of the apple watch ultra, especially if a demo becomes available which compares the ultra to a lesser model of watch. At least on an intellectual level, I know I don't have to make a decision any time soon, but the part of me who is desperate for a new tech toy to play with would love to order a watch when I get home from my vacation on September 25. I'll try to make myself wait a while longer, though, in hopes of hearing useful podcasts and stuff. Thank you very much for any advice you may have to offer, and I hope that everyone is having a great day!
Comments
Watch
Beside making sure is stron, what are you going to use it, sleep tracking, heart monitor, blood oxigent, sycle tracking for women. My series 7 works well for me. I charge it once day. However I do not crash into anything. The Ultra is 49 MM. If you have the 800$ go for it. That watch should last you for more than 4 years before you might need to replace it.
honestly
I've had a 6 and I'm also the type to bump into things. I haven't broken it yet lol.
RE: Which Apple Watch should I buy as a first-time purchaser? |
I wholeheartedly vote for the Apple Watch Ultra, though I am a woman and wonder about the size. Here are my thoughts.
First, the only way you can get the newest A16 chip is only in the Ultra, which, I think is a dirty, consumer manipulation move, on Apple's part. They have done the same with the iPhones this year. You can only get this chip on their top end pro models. I can't stand consumer manipulation like this, but it is what it is.
Okay, now that I'm done ranting, here are the rest of the reasons I vote for the Ultra.
This watch has the toughest glass and the toughest metal, this means it is much less likely that I would damage it. I also live with my watch and it goes through a lot. This is enough justification for me to purchase the ultra. But I think there is even more reasons to place even more cold, hard cash on the table this year.
The Ultra has had a major increase in both the GPS and compass capabilities. For visually impaired, this is a big win for navigation while walking. I really hoping that the watch will become a complete GPS solution for us, for the first time, because of these particular enhancements. I'm hoping that it will replace the likes of the current GPS solutions out there, including the Trekker Breeze. The GPS and compass enhancements are supposed to make it easier to navigate, because the watch can now navigate via sattelite and handle tall buildings easier.
Finally, having the additional speakre is going to be really nice. I can tell you that, despite the fact that I don't have any hearing loss, my Series 3 watch leaves much to be desired in the volume level department. The second speaker I'm certain will be a welcomed edition.
I think that, if yoeu are going to purchase a watch this year, I think it's a great time to step into the land of the Apple Watch. The Watch has come a long way, since my first Watch Zero. I think the Ultra should suit you quite nicely and serve you for a good long time.
Second that!
Hi missy, first of all, I’m glad you’re thinking of buying an IWatch. I’ve been using it since its launch and I remember my first one, it was frustratingly laggy, but I loved it from the moment I strapped it on.
I’m still using my series 4 stainless steel model. If durability is your first concern, then I would have advised you to go for 41 stainless steel series 8 model. The reason being it is frightfully tough and would withstand most of wear and tare.
However considering all you’ve said, your preference for Apple Watch ultra is a sound one.
First of all, since we are investing such an exorbitant amount of cash in any Apple product, we ought to future-proof it as much as we can. Series ultra will be future-proof for at least 5-6 years. My mom is still using her series 3 despite of the fact that it won’t get an update from now on.
The ultra has an advanced GPS and Bluetooth 5.3, which, in my opinion will be a good investment.
Good luck and do let us know how it pans out.
Good day!
Apple Watch stainless steel model VS. Apple Watch Ultra
I agree with the previous post, regarding the stainless steel model. If the ultra had not been released, that would've definitely been my choice, because before the ultra was released, it definitely had tougher glass and metal parts. They are correct, it's all about future proofing just as much as possible. If I have my way, I will be getting the ultra, even above the stainless steel model, even if I don't ever use it for diving. 🤣
Also, with regard to Bluetooth, the only way you get Bluetooth 5.3, latest version, is in the ultra. Again, I feel like Apple has done consumer manipulation here. All the other new hardware releases in the watch lineup will only have Bluetooth 5.0. Shame on Apple. OK, rant over.
Thank you for all of your wonderful advice!
I just want to thank all of you who have taken time to answer my question. It sounds like on the hole, you are having similar thoughts to what I've had. As for my reasons for getting the watch, I still can't 100% justify it, but the GPS features appeal, and I've also thought about attempting the sleep tracking once in a while, which is why the better battery life seems important. I think another reason that I want an Apple Watch at this point is because I do live alone, and since I have an ankle that tends to give out once in a while, the fall detection might be important, especially as I'm starting to get a bit older. That action button sounds useful, because I might be able to set it up with my Walkmeter app that I use when I'm on the treadmill. i'm also hoping that the watch will track any workouts that I do at planet fitness. So, those are my reasons, and I really appreciate everyone who has told me that I'm more or less on the right track. I will probably order the watch as soon as I get home from my vacation.
@Roxann
I agree! I too am thinking of getting a new IWatch since my series 4 SS is getting a tad sluggish now with watch OS 9. First I thought of series 8 SS but considering that it is nearly identical with series 7, as far as the processor, which, again, is a revamped processor from series 6; I think there is not much point in investing in series 8 45 SS model.
The Apple Watch ultra feels like a better investment.
My only worry is that it is bulky and might not be a good enough option to ware on formal occasions.
There is only one colour available, don’t know what colour that is, except my sighted friends say that it is titanium. Titanium is a metal so I’m thinking it might be a darkish blackish colour, but I don’t know!
Anyway, despite everything, I have no choice but to go for Apple Watch ultra!
Apple Watch Ultra size appropriateness
With regard to the seemingly quite large size of the new Apple Watch Ultra this year, I have hesitated about whether or not to purchase it, as a woman I have a smaller frame. But, you know what, I really don't care. For me, it's about the functionality of the device. And I am certain that I'm not gonna be the only woman wearing something like this, if my checkbook will permit, that is. So rather it's a formal occasion, or completely informal, I truly think that the ultra is the best investment we can make this year. It will Future proof for a good number of years, and perform at the absolute best available that we have access to right now.
Quite right!
As far as raw functionality is concerned, the ultra has no competitor in my books.
Also, notwithstanding the earlier rumour mills, which put the ultra at 1000 pounds, 800 pounds is a pleasant surprise!
Interestingly, if one selects a SS 45 MM stainless steel model, then the price difference between that and the ultra is a palatable 50 pounds or so, a price one might consider worth a spend considering the additional speaker, better GPS/compass, bigger battery and better connectivity with Bluetooth 5.3.
Thankfully, the previous Apple Watch bands are compatible with ultra as well, at least that’s what I understand, a saving grace in my opinion or else, my old space black link bracelet would have had to be sold on EBay for pittance! 😰
Apple Watch ultra on special occasions
My thinking regarding the possible overly large size of the Apple Watch ultra on formal occasions, not that they are an issue for me very often, is that I can always put on my good old talking dumb watch for those types of occasions. As for the rest of the time, I think the Apple Watch ultra will be just fine.
Just finished ordering my first ever Apple Watch!
Well, after reading all of your wonderful comments that reinforced my own thought process, I just decided that I couldn't wait anymore, so have taken the plunge and placed the order for the Apple Watch ultra. It won't be delivered for another month or so, so I figured I could go ahead and get it ordered before my vacation. Thank God for interest-free payments on the Apple card! :-) anyway, I will be tracking down all the podcasts I can find to let me know how to get it set up so that I know what I'm doing when the time comes. Can't wait to check out my shiny new toy. I went for the midnight ocean band; it was the only blue one available. Anyway, thanks again for all of your wonderful advice, and I hope that everyone is having a fantastic Friday!
formal occasions
On formal occasions such as my own wedding a couple of months back, I tend to wear a fantastic gold pocket watch and chain. For the gentlemen concerned about formla occasions, that is a very smart option indeed - though do remember, fellahs, that you'll need to make sure your jacket lapels aren't stitched clothes, or else that your waistcoat buttons are sufficiently large to accommodate the chain, if you're going to do that; but there are also some very smart brail wrist watches out there. I wouldn't do a talking watch for a formal occasion myself, if I had one. To be clear, I'm not including my everyday work as a formal occasion, for which my Apple Watch does very nicely. I, too, am ultra-bound I think.
Formal occasions and appropriate watches
It sounds like you have a great game plan for formal occasions. The talking watch I have is from the UK. It's round, 32 mm apparently, and is more discrete than most. It's still big enough, though, that I don't think the Apple Watch will be too overwhelming. as for Braille watches, I just never got the hang of them. Every time I tried to read them, the hands would move, so unless digital brail watches exist now, that's not a road I can go down. My current talking watch is silver with a silver metal band, so I suppose that if I have to be classy, which is rare, it will get the job done.
Formal occasion
Pocket watches are an excellent suggestion, no doubt. In fact, one must not ware a wrist watch while wearing a three-piece suit.
Although I do not often ware three-piece suit, I like waring a formal two-piece suits with bespoke shirts. My Apple Watch often create problems for me.
I continue waring it but since it peeps out of my cuffs, it feels a tad austentatious.
Anyway, no choice but to continue waring it. I’m so used to waring it that I will be very uncomfortable and anxious if I am not to ware it while I’m out and about as most often I do not carry my phone with me.
RE: Just finished ordering my first ever Apple Watch!
Oh congrats. I can't wait to hear of your experience.
RE: Formal occasion
I have never heard that piece of etiquette, regarding three piece suits. I guess I failed Miss. Manners 101. Glad I don't have to abide by that one, as I'd ware my watch anyway, no matter the custom. I look at watches first as utilitarian, i.e., a necessity, and secondly as jewelry. Interesting that I've never come across that piece of info before.
three piece suits
Most men do not wair the vest any more. You Series 7 is about $400 and if you get a silver or gold ban for the watch is OK.
Most men do not..am I reading this right?
Most men do not wear the vest, by which I take it you mean waistcoat? well goodness me what a world we would live in if that were indeed true, which it categorically is not! You'll be telling me you sit down with your suit jacket buttoned up next, ruining the cut of the cloth! while I would not wear a waistcoat to go into the office I certainly would do so for a formal dinner which specified lounge suits, a wedding, funeral, christening, first holy communion, the races, a graduation...I get plenty of use out of mi' pocket watch, therefore. And yes I quite agree, a wrist watch with a three-piece suit ought not to be done, though it's really the only practical thing with a two-piece suit as you shouldn't really be threading a pocket watch through a jacket lapel.
on rereading the above, i do tend to wear a waistcoat into the office during the winter. it's a good way of keeping a little bit snugger and warmer. Likewise I'll wear a bowler hat in the winter for the same reason.
I'm sure it's only a matter of time before Apple gets into the market for pocket watches and, who knows, bowler hats? Or maybe I'm now just being silly?
Vest
Again most of us men do not.Even when I go to a play, I do not.
Ultra
Just heard if someone is getting ultra to make sure to get apple care. The price to get it fix if gets damage is over $500.
Apple Watch Mainstream Review
Hi, I just read this intriguing review from The Verge. Like a few others who've mentioned it, I am interested in the Waypoint and Backtrack features of the Ultra. Can it make navigating and retracing one's steps in unfamiliar environments easier? Waypoints in particular sound like a feature Microsoft's Soundscape tries to do, as well as I believe one of the Trek stand-alone devices; and Waypoints is included out of the box. (Ok, an expensive box.) It does sound like the dual band GPS is one of the most accurate available to consumers.
https://www.theverge.com/23363948/apple-watch-ultra-review-rugged-smartwatch-gps
I hope someone is able to put it to it's potential mobility aid limits and can report back.
Apple care for Apple Watch
Just got home from my cruise and got caught up on all the posts to this thread. I just wanted to thank everyone again for encouraging me to get the Apple Watch ultra; I probably won't get it for at least another month, but now, I have complete faith in my purchase decision. The main reason I'm writing this, though, is to say that I always get apple care with my devices, and the watch was no exception. I'll be paying for two years of apple care coverage as I pay off the watch itself. Still hoping to hear some demos and reviews before I receive my watch, but if there aren't any, I might try to contribute something, although I don't know how useful it would be since I'll be a first time apple watch user.