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!

[Kismett]

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.

[yellowDahlia]

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??

[SciFiFan2015]

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!

[Rockbird]

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[Rockbird]

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...

[RedDwarves]

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.

[Kismett]

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.

[MrsMozart]

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.

[yellowDahlia]

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!

[Didsomeonesaybunny]

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.

[MumUnderTheMoon]

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.