Beauty is definitely in the eye of the beholder, the ultra is so ugly

jarledb:

 

Interesting, I thought the Ultra screen was much bigger. But it isn't really. And by that comparison it looks like the Series 8 would get more on the screen than the Ultra?!

 

The Ultra screen is slightly larger - but it's just over 1% I believe. 

There's a lot of talk about this on the Apple fanboi sites. 

I don't mind the looks or the slight bezel, but it's a very large case for a modest increase in screen size. I'll need to see one in person I think before I decide whether to drop the $ on one. 

dfnt:

 

Beauty is definitely in the eye of the beholder, the ultra is so ugly

 

You aren't wrong, the thing is horrendous.

Geektastic: Now, we mark the passing of time with new mobile device releases and an annual spendathon related to them.

That is a sad reflection on our world, I think.

For me, the so-called Apple ecosystem is pretty clear. An iPad Air 4 (256GB, WiFi), plus an iPencil 2 (yes, yes, I still write and sketch ideas myself), an iPhone SE 3 128GB (yes, yes - I know that the 12 mini (here) would have cost "only" 200€ more, but that's already 40% for a current SE 128GB) and four AirTags (yes, I know no UWB in the SE).

That's it, that's all I need - and soundPEATS Air 3 at a fraction of the price of AirPods (no, it doesn't have Dolby Atmos, what for?).

Everything works together quite well and since I have replaced all the Apple services with my own server network, I have largely got rid of both iCloud and Google in terms of privacy. I'm only marginally interested in all the Apple release hype because my devices will be used until they either fall apart or are no longer supported in a data security-relevant way. Then they are replaced with the latest technology and that's it.

By the way, my wristwatch is a mechanical swiss chronometer with a sapphire glass back (and I am always fascinated by its precise, ticking operation). When it comes to SOS, I prefer to rely on my EPIRB - on land, on water and in the air - I know, retro and uncool - but reliable in harsh and hostile environment. I prefer to do and experience things away from my office desk that actually need it. Your mileage may vary.

... and if Putin goes completely nuts here in Europe, the majority of all battery-powered gadgets will be ... precious scrap anyway because of the EMP. My wristwatch keeps ticking … but then one has other problems.

Handsomedan:

 

I don't mind the looks or the slight bezel, but it's a very large case for a modest increase in screen size. I'll need to see one in person I think before I decide whether to drop the $ on one. 

 

It's all hypothetical as I don't need a new watch this year, but I've been thinking about whether I would prefer the Ultra or the Series 8 in stainless steel. 

Given that the price is very similar I initially thought that the Ultra would be a no-brainer, but now that I've thought about it some more I would probably go for the series 8 for a few reasons:

• Ultra is far too big for my small wrists.
• Series 8 looks more presentable for social occasions.
• 5 bar waterproofing on series 8 is adequate for the ocean swimming that I do. 10 bar is really only needed for water sports or diving which I don't do.
• A full marathon is the farthest I would ever run and the series 8 battery life is perfectly fine for this. I usually just do half marathons.
• Series 8 with OS 9 will still have advanced sports features and metrics - e.g. backtrack, running power, virtual partner, vertical oscillation, etc.

I really like the Ultra but I see it as quite a niche product. 

I've been able to pre order mine. Website is still 'down' but it is accepting orders via the Apple store app.

I ordered via the website. It did crash once and upon submitting the payment details, it crashed again but I checked my credit card and Apple did put a hold charge. I logged into my store account on website and it does show the pre-order for iPhone and case. You would think Apple would anticipate the traffic demand accordingly. Wife had has her iPhone X for 4+ years so iPhone 14 Pro Max 256GB Deep Purple is her surprise.  

All done. Ordered 14 Pro Deep Purple - delivery Friday. Also Twelve South Forté MagSafe stand, MagSafe charger and silicone case - to be delivered Wed.

Ordered both of mine - Black and Gold 512GB iPhone Pro Max's.  Almost ordered too many as had various crashes but just as I was about to hit pay the second email came through which caused me to pause and check - guess I could have cancelled once I had done it but would have made a dent on the credit card while waiting for the refund 😂

Holding out on an upgrade for myself this year (I have the iPhone 13 Pro Max) but my better half was really wanting an upgrade from her 12 Pro Max to the 14 Pro Max. Amusingly this year she was the one most informed about the new products and has been excited given she is right into photography.

She's already bought the case she wanted (dbrand grip) and told me to get her order in tonight. I ordered via the Spark store.

I also ordered a new Apple Watch the other day for myself to replace my Series 5. Was super tempted to go with the Ultra but decided to hold back and just go for the Series 8.

Now, 2degrees... About those watch esim plans?

eracode:

 

All done. Ordered 14 Pro Deep Purple - delivery Friday. Also Twelve South Forté MagSafe stand, MagSafe charger and silicone case - to be delivered Wed.

 

It seems that some of us are lucky - either because we got in early and/or because we are in NZ. Soon after pre-orders opened in the US, several models of the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max (and particularly the Deep Purple models) are already seeing delivery estimates in October, according to several tech sites.

Geektastic:

Edit: I presume the satellite messaging on the 14 phones isn’t enabled for this part of the world?

 

US and Canada only.

I ordered the new AirPods Pro at about 7:30 this morning. The delivery estimate is Friday the 23rd which is fine as my existing AirPods Pro will keep me going until then.