Do I want an Apple Watch?

[IknowIknowIknowImJustChecking]

DH would like me to really get on and make a decision on what bloody colour decide what I want for my birthday and an Apple Watch has been footed by both sides.

My priority is really having music without lugging my phone when I’m out for a ‘run’ inverted commas tragically necessary. I’m only looking at the 3 series as I don’t think I need/want anything really above that. As I see it right now:

Pros: music without giganto phone, not checking my phone to see what time it is (don’t wear a watch currently), other bits of good functionality (I think I’d like one just generally?), would work with my iPhone (not keen on Samsung or Garmin for that reason), notifications without looking at my phone

Cons: we’ve got Spotify Premium and I’d be limited to music we bought before that (so nothing I run to right now) or buying more music, it’s still nearly £200, notifications without looking at my phone (do I need to be any more tied to WhatsApp?)

On the GPS model only (so without cellular), could it track my run distance / pace etc or would I need the cellular?

Would it definitely tell me about calories burned during activity or could I disable that bit?

If you’ve got one, how do you find it?

Halp.

I don't like the Apple watch but never had one -- what I don't like is the way that the watches distract people so you can be having a conversation and a notification will beep in and the person disengages to look at it or even if they don't look at it they're distracted. A smaller iPod would be great if you only need it for music.

Yes, I agree with that completely but then tbf my phone lives in my pocket normally so I don’t think I’d be much different with it (I’m planning to use Do Not Disturb on the watch if I get one). Did think about an iPod but then it’s still bulk and a bit more of a one-trick-pony for my needs...

Would you want to disable calories burnt?

I have the GPS and cellular one, think it's a 4. Cost me 500 and it's a colosal waste of money as I never leave my phone anyway. It is handy to know I can...

I don't run but I do walk and it tracks my walk, pace, my journey and heart rate. It's interesting to see after all types of work outs. Unsure how accurate it is as when I do a HIIT workout, the calories burnt move at the same rate whether I am taking a break or not. It also didn't match the rower I used.

You can compete with othe Apple Watch wearers and it encourages you to meet certain goals that really do help.

I know love mine and wouldn't be without it. You can get really nice straps from amazon and cases to change the colour.

I don't understand your comment about Spotify... does it not just move over? I use Apple Music.

Mine has Spotify (we have the family premium one if that makes a difference).

I got mine for Christmas, as a complete surprise and love it. I’ve filled in my rings every single day since Boxing Day (exercise, stand and move) which I don’t think I’d always do if I didn’t have it.

following with interest as I use amazon music which I think wouldn't work?

Also following as my Fitbit has just died.

Trying to decide if I can really justify an Apple in it’s place.

I’ve had one. Anytime I decide not to use it for a longer period of time and then go back to use it it won’t turn on again. I’ve had them replaced under warranty and now out of warranty it’s worthless and useless.

The amount of money these things cost and then become obsolete within a year is obscene

They don't become obsolete when the new one comes out. Realistically, there isn't much difference between each one and the 4 and latest, the only difference is that the newest has an always on display.

You do, yes.

It does support Spotify now so no worries there

To keep costs down, you can stalk Apple’s certified refurbished products which are visually brand new with the same warranty, original box and all accessories included. They don’t have any Apple Watch lines in stock, but did earlier this week! Might be suitable for you if you’re not that invested.

If whatsapp etc notifs would be a distraction, you can always turn them off.

I don’t have one but really want a Series 4. I think apple’s smart watch is miles ahead of their competitors. Unfortunately the stainless steel version only comes with cellular so the ~£600 price is a bit expensive for me right now.

The 38mm S3 Watch is £169 from Apple refurbished btw, linked to the larger one on accident!

I have one and I love it. Get one!

Think I’m fairly persuaded

Yes, I would want the option to disable calories, definitely - or at least have it so that I’d actively have to really go looking for the info?

The Spotify thing is a bit of a misnomer and incredibly fucking annoying - IIRC it basically works as a remote control for playing Spotify on your phone rather than a full app on the watch itself. My understanding is the 3 does have 16GB offline storage for Apple Music or stuff you’ve already got on iTunes, though.

Yes it works as a remote for your phone. Mine tells me I can save a good amount of music to it and connect Bluetooth headphones. Couldn't tell you how but I'm sure it's easy.

The calorie thing is something you have to actively look for. When you create the watch face you have it or you don't and then you have to go into the app to see it.

If you don't want a large bill upfront, a lot of phone networks have them for 20 quid a month or so but then your monthly bill to them is huge considering you pay for the phone too. Vitality health insurance have a deal with them. I think it's £9 upfront for the 3 and £100 for the 4 and then if you stay active you don't pay anymore but the life insurance isn't cheap.

Apple apparently do 0% finance but I went on very and did a buy now pay later. If you want for a code you save more.

Music magpie too.

My teen got one for her 18th, and never uses it. I'm not sure why; she must simply prefer her phone. she's lazy though and definitely not a runner

Series 3 is a great buy, highly recommend

I love my Apple Watch 4, I use my Spotify premium membership no trouble with it, there's a Spotify app for the watch and you can also have it on the watch face too. I just tap it and my library is right there. I can't see it being any different for the 3?

I meant to add: I listen to it through my Bluetooth headphones. No phone required. That stays at home when I'm out walking the dog etc. Mine is gps and 4G.

It only supports Spotify if you have the cellular one. If you have the WiFi version you’ll have to take your phone out running with you.

Ah! I did not know that! Ignore me!

Ah, now there’s something... I didn’t think the cellular 4 supported it like that. But I suspect that would definitely be pushing it on budget (the 3 is fine; I just wondered if I’d missed something that meant I could get away with more like Fitbit prices!).

Great to know about calorie display, thanks. I don’t want it in my face but think I could handle having the information somewhere.

How do the three loop types work?

Also, can anyone please recommend a strap source? I’d like a pale pink or maybe deep purple silicone one - ok with third party ones but would prefer recommendations!

Ok, so I’m being incredibly thick here but I’m not sure at which point - this is a September 2019 piece, so current, and was my understanding but seems to contradict Dead and Bofster

How does it contradict? You either need to bring your phone along to stream through Spotify, or store music on the Apple music app and play it offline.

Yes, but Dead seemed to be talking specifically about Spotify, and the screenshot does also confirm no streaming on the actual watch.