Do I want an apple watch?

[yellowDahlia]

Am in two minds:

I'm interested in the heart monitor for health reasons
It might be useful for music, podcasts, notifications etc when I'm running or gardening
organisation - I set regular reminders for all sorts of things to stop me forgetting stuff
portability - I have an iphone 7 plus which I love but is large to carry for aforementioned running/gardening

BUT

Part of me likes to be analogue in a digital world - I don't exactly need a smart watch!
I don't want to be constantly connected IYKWIM - yes it might be useful when out and about but is it easy to use it as 'just a watch' when you are trying to wind down at night, avoid screens etc? (just take it off I suppose?!)
A friend has one and is VERY easily distracted by it - this annoys me (although it's fair to say she's also like this with her phone, not just the watch) and I don't want to become like this.

Do you have one and love it/hate it? I would like to try one out to give it a test run I guess without the ££ commitment! But as that's not really an option I need opinions, people!

I love mine I set the watch face to look like an analog watch! It's handy for Apple Pay, tracks my sleep, exercise, heart rate and other bits it's great.

I am also another lover. You’re right though it can be a huge distraction but you can disable notifications and use it as a watch. I like the fact it’s cellular so you don’t need your phone and it’s really handy for things like Strava which tend to run your phone battery down.

Thanks for the replies folks! Am currently scouring eBay for a second hand one so that I can give it a try but won't mind selling on if I don't get on with it!

I have a FitBit Charge.

Didn't expect to really like the notification feature. Turns out I love it! Thought I'd hate being that tuned in. Wrong! I don't wear it once I've hit my day's steps target though.

Would you consider a Fitbit instead? I have the Alta HR which does heart rate, one of the main reasons I got it. It’s the simplest Fitbit that also does heart rate. Meaning I can see my steps, HR, time, etc. And it will buzz if I get a message or call, but I can’t use it to respond so it’s not really distracting.

I wasn’t sure if I’d like it but I really love it, perfect amount of tech for me.

I only got mine recently and love it. I was also very hesitant, despite being an Apple devotee.

I looked at the Fitbit Versa too, but ultimately thought that it was comparatively expensive for an inferior product - the Fitbit Versa was between $250 and $350 AUD and the Apple Watch with cellular was $550 AUD. I was also aware of the fact that I may buy the Fitbit Versa and like it, but decide I want the Apple Watch as an upgrade, by which point I'd have spent much more money.

Another Apple devotee here. I got one on launch day 'just because' and it took me about a year to love it but I wouldn't be without it now. I wear it every day and then have a posh watch for evenings and nights out. I have been known to tap the screen of my analogue watch...

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I buy all my tech second hand. I have a preloved Apple Watch. I love it. LOVE IT. Took me a while to get used to it but once I'd done that (and found a watch face I loved) it's been plain sailing. I now wish I'd bought a water proof one. I love how it links to my phone (and has helped me answer several important calls when a bit far away from phone) and has helped me find my phone at home. I ping my phone all the time!
I'm thinking about upgrading to waterproof and giving my old one to my son. If I do update it'll be another second hand watch. The only thing I miss my fit bit for is the sleep tracking but now I'm not tracking my sleep I'm actually sleeping better!

Ah more good suggestions! I'll look into the Fitbit options but I guess since I have an iphone I feel an affinity with the Apple tech.

My main concern I suppose is becoming a bit addicted - although I want it primarily for health monitoring, I fear that will go by the wayside and I'll become a bit 'dependent' on it for everything else?! like notifications, reminders etc. I don't want to be constantly gazing at my wrist... And it would be difficult to give up if I did get that way!

Some have said it actually stops them looking at their phone so much, which I would like! - but can that really be true??

I have an iPhone too, so I know what you mean. I think any smartwatch may take the focus off your phone but simply displace it onto your wrist! Not necessarily a bad thing, just depends on your priorities.