Apple Watch - What's all the fuss about?

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Paul1977

5039 posts

Uber Geek

#280057 24-Nov-2020 15:24

So, I needed a new watch anyway so decided to get and Apple Watch Series 6.

I've got to say, I'm not sure what the big deal is. I'm not much of an exerciser, so taking that out of the equation after a several weeks I'm not really sure what it's offering me?

What are other owners thoughts?

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263 posts

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#2609868 24-Nov-2020 15:31

I use mine for:
- checking notifications without taking my phone out of my pocket 500x per day
- doing 2 factor authentication for work accounts
- controlling music on my Bluetooth headphones while walking around (volume, track selection etc)
- paying for things with Apple Pay
- boarding air NZ flights
- asking Siri quick questions
- Google maps directions when walking in an unfamiliar area
- the time 😅

And probably a bunch of other things I am not thinking of off the top of my head

I feel very naked without a smart watch now

Paul1977

5039 posts

Uber Geek

#2609881 24-Nov-2020 15:46

lagbort: I use mine for:
- checking notifications without taking my phone out of my pocket 500x per day
- doing 2 factor authentication for work accounts
- controlling music on my Bluetooth headphones while walking around (volume, track selection etc)
- paying for things with Apple Pay
- boarding air NZ flights
- asking Siri quick questions
- Google maps directions when walking in an unfamiliar area
- the time 😅

And probably a bunch of other things I am not thinking of off the top of my head

I feel very naked without a smart watch now

I spend a lot of the day with my phone on my desk in easy reach. Maybe I just need to actively use the watch more to start seeing the benefit. It does do a good job telling the time though, and I needed a new watch anyway so don't regret it. But glad I didn't pay extra for the stainless steel/cellular one.

I will say I do really like the leather "Link" watch band I got.

I feel like even the 44mm watch isn't that big though.

GSManiac

488 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2609891 24-Nov-2020 16:00

I love mine. Wear it and use it daily. And I used to hate watches with a passion.

alasta

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#2609892 24-Nov-2020 16:02

I am really into running and swimming and my Garmin Fenix is a really important tool for me, but I don't miss the features of the Apple Watch that it replaced. The Apple Watch was a more 'advanced' product but most of its features seemed fiddly and temperamental so I prefer a more utilitarian product.

MikeB4

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#2609897 24-Nov-2020 16:16

I really like my Apple Watch. It helps me a lot with the management of my illness and disabilities. The fall detection, heart monitoring and SOS features are very good for peace of mind. Having the reminders on my wrist for medication is vital.

The prompts to move and exercise motivation are great for managing fitness and keeping me moving which is vital for my wellbeing.

Handsomedan

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#2609912 24-Nov-2020 16:59

I use mine in much the same way as many others - I also use it to track "workouts" like a bike ride etc - it feeds data into other apps and I therefore don't need to open them separately to track the data.

I'm not a "fitness person" but find that quite handy...

I also use it to make and receive texts/iMessages and other notifications/alerts come through it as well (but I have reduced the noise by being selective with what is notified).

I obviously tell the time and date and weather stuff as well, but overall, I find the thing super-useful...despite some misgivings when I first started wearing an Apple Watch a few years ago.

I no longer wear any of my 12 or so "actual" watches.

Handsome Dan Has Spoken.
Handsome Dan needs to stop adding three dots to every sentence...

Handsome Dan does not currently have a side hustle as the mascot for Yale

*Gladly accepting donations...

Geektastic

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#2609921 24-Nov-2020 17:48

I prefer my Grand Seiko Spring Drive...!

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ben28

190 posts

Master Geek

#2609926 24-Nov-2020 18:03

I set it on silent and use the alarm to vibrate the watch on my wrist - better than an audible alarm

Never miss a phone call when home, connect it to your wifi and even if your iphone is out of range (but still on wifi) you can take the call on your watch, or at least run to your phone.

More accuracy in step count, as you'll always have it, no need to carry your phone when out walking or running

Display calendar on my wrist. See next appointment or maybe the name of the person you are talking with now - in case you've forgotten

View Iphone battery charge

Read and Respond to messages - you can preset standard replies , or use scribble or dictation

Set a timer, eg remind yourself when need to go back to kitchen and do something.

Look up the time for an overseas city

Senecio

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#2609941 24-Nov-2020 18:51

I would need a divorce lawyer if I tried to seperate my wife from her Apple Watch.

She’s use it for everything mentioned above plus activities like running, cycling, hiking and paddle boarding.

danza

112 posts

Master Geek

#2615250 3-Dec-2020 04:48

ben28:
Never miss a phone call when home, connect it to your wifi and even if your iphone is out of range (but still on wifi) you can take the call on your watch, or at least run to your phone.

Same, the phone is on silent mode 24x7 or even with do not disturbed enabled. Watch set to not mirror phone notification setting and calls/sms still get through silently.

Also the sunrise/sunset face is great for taking photos or just going outside for a walk. Similar feature on a regular watch before would've cost 1k+

Timer shortcut is also great for cooking and other work and can literally be set with 2 taps after wrist raise.

mudguard

2113 posts

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#2615256 3-Dec-2020 06:40

How are the watches for durability? I wear a G Shock mainly as I like the look and I'm outside all day shoving my hands under machines. I'm exclusively Android and the thought of charging yet another object every few days puts me off.

I use a Garmin for all my mountainbike stuff as I don't want anything on my wrists, but I've been curious about sleep patterns etc. How accurate is the heart rate stuff for exercise?

tripp

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#2615257 3-Dec-2020 06:44

If you are in the apple echo system then it just works, for me its about tracking workouts/health etc. But the main thing i love is just being able to add things to my shopping list or reminders knowing that they will be on the phone etc. Siri also never has an issue with commands etc.

alasta

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#2615340 3-Dec-2020 08:44

mudguard:

How are the watches for durability? I wear a G Shock mainly as I like the look and I'm outside all day shoving my hands under machines. I'm exclusively Android and the thought of charging yet another object every few days puts me off.

If you want durability then you probably should go for something like a Garmin Instinct, which is actually a very similar design to the old Casio G-Shock. The housing of my Apple watch appeared to be quite prone to scratches.

I use a Garmin for all my mountainbike stuff as I don't want anything on my wrists, but I've been curious about sleep patterns etc. How accurate is the heart rate stuff for exercise?

Generally speaking optical heart rate monitors have poor accuracy above about 150 bpm, although to be fair the Apple Watch is one of the better ones. If you're doing some serious exercise then your best bet is to get a Garmin watch with a chest strap HRM which will give you much more accurate readings at those higher heart rates.

Grunta47

94 posts

Master Geek

#2615363 3-Dec-2020 08:52

mudguard:

How are the watches for durability? I wear a G Shock mainly as I like the look and I'm outside all day shoving my hands under machines. I'm exclusively Android and the thought of charging yet another object every few days puts me off.

I use a Garmin for all my mountainbike stuff as I don't want anything on my wrists, but I've been curious about sleep patterns etc. How accurate is the heart rate stuff for exercise?

I have the Garmin vivoactive 3 and have been thinking about changing to an Apple Watch, only because my eyes aren't what they used to be and I find it harder to look at the low res screen when exercising. I'll wait a while though as Garmin are moving into high res screens with one out already.

I used to monitor sleep patterns with the Garmin but I find sleeping with a watch on a bit annoying......and it just told me what I already knew, that I have crap sleep patterns.

Heart rate reviews for the Apple show it's a lot more accurate than anything else on the market. The Garmin can be a bit hit and miss as sometimes out exercising, good sweat up and getting knackered....only have a top rate of 100/min. Not that fit these days....or ever:-)

mudguard

2113 posts

Uber Geek

#2615583 3-Dec-2020 13:32

alasta:

If you want durability then you probably should go for something like a Garmin Instinct, which is actually a very similar design to the old Casio G-Shock. The housing of my Apple watch appeared to be quite prone to scratches.

Generally speaking optical heart rate monitors have poor accuracy above about 150 bpm, although to be fair the Apple Watch is one of the better ones. If you're doing some serious exercise then your best bet is to get a Garmin watch with a chest strap HRM which will give you much more accurate readings at those higher heart rates.

Given most of my rides average 150bpm I'll stick to the heart rate strap and my Garmin 520. My interest in a smart watch is more for notifications (IE outside in the rain, don't have to pull my phone out) and perhaps sleep. Though I've never slept with a watch on. As I approach 40 I seem to wake up fully about 4.30AM and have no idea why. Doesn't seem to affect me, it just seems like there's been a switch flicked. Course this is moot as I have no sleep data from before!

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