Questions about buying an Apple Watch

[TR]

Ok so I think I want an Apple Watch. I resisted for a long time, but I think I’m ready.

1. How do I know which one I want? I think I’d be good with the features available on the Series 4, 5, or 6.

ETA: They also sell an SE and from what I can tell the only things it doesn’t have are the Blood Oxygen App and ECG app. Which might be cool, but do I really need those features?

2. Where to buy? It doesn’t look like Apple sells the Series 4 or 5 anymore (but they do sell the Series 3?). I know I want gps + cellular and I want the gold aluminum case. It seems kind of hard to find the older ones.

3. What’s your favorite thing about your Apple Watch?

[Velar Fricative]

I got a Series 3 from Costco, which isn’t what you’re looking for but was cheap and didn’t want to spend a lot on something I may not end up liking. I do love it - I use it mostly for fitness tracking (using the Apple Fitness+ subscription service, which is great), but I do enjoy that I can get alerts without needing to have my phone on me.

[puppylove64]

I was going to say I have a 2 and had it about 4 years. I love it and it has held up well, but I think my battery is going out. I will definitely get one new enough to use Apple fitness.

[TR]

Apr 11, 2021 12:48:50 GMT -5 Velar Fricative said:

I got a Series 3 from Costco, which isn’t what you’re looking for but was cheap and didn’t want to spend a lot on something I may not end up liking. I do love it - I use it mostly for fitness tracking (using the Apple Fitness+ subscription service, which is great), but I do enjoy that I can get alerts without needing to have my phone on me.

Costco! I always forget about Costco lol. Thank you, I will check there.

[expatjen]

I bought mine from Costco, too. I have a series 5.

I picked up a bumper case and extra straps from Amazon. The bumper case has saved my watch numerous times from being dented or scratched (I’m a klutz and drop it/ bang it against something frequently. 😬)

I use it mainly to track my workouts, answer texts quickly, and to find my phone.

[abs]

I love my Apple Watch. I have a basic model, not the cellular model.

I mostly use it to track my HR during workouts (I can't let it get too high), take the occasional EKG, get notifications so I'm not on my phone constantly, and have used the find my phone feature more than once.

I also find the challenges pretty motivating. I get great satisfaction from closing my rings.

I had a FitBit before I had my Apple Watch and this is much better. The HR feature never worked well on the FitBit and they always crapped out within in months.

[penguingrrl]

I love my Apple Watch! I got mine through Apple and got the 5 a little over a year ago. I have the cellular version, because I wanted to be reachable when out for a run or bike ride without figuring out where to keep my phone. I also wanted it for while guiding group tours at work since I’m in period clothing and it’s hard to hide a phone.

I love it for pretty much everything!

[mccallister84]

I got mine from Kohl’s. When I got it they were all the same price but I got a lot of money back in Kohl’s cash. I bought one for H last year from Best Buy - they had a sale around Father’s Day. IIRC they also had one for Mother’s Day in May.

[goldengirlz]

Mine was a gift so I don’t know which series it is, but I think the newer ones are waterproof so that’s something to consider. I like tracking swimming workouts with mine and just being able to wear it on the beach without worrying about it (we live by the ocean).

Other things I like are: being able to text from my watch, the fitness challenges, and changing the band based on what I’m doing that day (dressy or sporty).

[RoxMonster]

I just got the SE last month. I didn’t care about the blood oxygen stuff. I really just wanted a way to glance at my messages throughout the day since I can’t have my phone out while I teach and an activity and step tracker.

I’ve had it about three weeks and I like it. I do think the exercise goal entices me to take a second walk and move more and I like seeing how many steps I’ve got. I also really like being able to easily read texts and emails throughout the day.

That’s really all I use it for but it still was worth it to me. I got mine at Best Buy.

I also bought a rose gold magnetic band since I didn’t like the one it. came with.

[icedcoffee]

Apr 11, 2021 13:40:08 GMT -5 goldengirlz said:

Mine was a gift so I don’t know which series it is, but I think the newer ones are waterproof so that’s something to consider. I like tracking swimming workouts with mine and just being able to wear it on the beach without worrying about it (we live by the ocean).

Other things I like are: being able to text from my watch, the fitness challenges, and changing the band based on what I’m doing that day (dressy or sporty).

All the ones 3 and up are waterproof.

I have a 3 and love it. I wear it all day, everyday. I got it at Costco. Rose gold. And I bought some sticker things for the face to protect it. I’m obsessed.

ETA: no cellular. I didn’t want to pay the extra cell fees.

[TR]

Apr 11, 2021 13:40:08 GMT -5 goldengirlz said:

Mine was a gift so I don’t know which series it is, but I think the newer ones are waterproof so that’s something to consider. I like tracking swimming workouts with mine and just being able to wear it on the beach without worrying about it (we live by the ocean).

Other things I like are: being able to text from my watch, the fitness challenges, and changing the band based on what I’m doing that day (dressy or sporty).

I remember you posting about the Hermès strap and I looked it up and now I want that double wrap one lol. But it’s as much as the watch itself so I’ll have to find a dupe lol.

[georgeglass]

Apr 11, 2021 15:06:38 GMT -5 TR said:

Apr 11, 2021 13:40:08 GMT -5 goldengirlz said:

Mine was a gift so I don’t know which series it is, but I think the newer ones are waterproof so that’s something to consider. I like tracking swimming workouts with mine and just being able to wear it on the beach without worrying about it (we live by the ocean).

Other things I like are: being able to text from my watch, the fitness challenges, and changing the band based on what I’m doing that day (dressy or sporty).

I remember you posting about the Hermès strap and I looked it up and now I want that double wrap one lol. But it’s as much as the watch itself so I’ll have to find a dupe lol.

The double wrap is almost comically small, so double check your wrist size before buying!

[TR]

Apr 11, 2021 15:44:30 GMT -5 georgeglass said:

Apr 11, 2021 15:06:38 GMT -5 TR said:

I remember you posting about the Hermès strap and I looked it up and now I want that double wrap one lol. But it’s as much as the watch itself so I’ll have to find a dupe lol.

The double wrap is almost comically small, so double check your wrist size before buying!

I will keep that in mind! Is there a particular one you know of that’s not $400? Lol

[georgeglass]

Apr 11, 2021 16:28:52 GMT -5 TR said:

Apr 11, 2021 15:44:30 GMT -5 georgeglass said:

The double wrap is almost comically small, so double check your wrist size before buying!

I will keep that in mind! Is there a particular one you know of that’s not $400? Lol

Sadly no because my man-wrists and I stopped looking.

[TR]

Apr 11, 2021 17:07:29 GMT -5 georgeglass said:

Apr 11, 2021 16:28:52 GMT -5 TR said:

I will keep that in mind! Is there a particular one you know of that’s not $400? Lol

Sadly no because my man-wrists and I stopped looking.

lol fair enough

[cereal K]

I have a 3, non-cellular and love it. I like getting phone-like alerts on my wrist (so I don’t have to get/check/clear my phone). I LOVE getting previews of texts so I can decide how urgently I want to response, and seeing who’s calling.

Mine is still hanging on, but if it ever dies, I will 100% get a new one. Based on available options right now, I would get an SE. I’m undecided on whether or not I’d get cellular, mostly bc I haven’t had it with this watch, and not sure the cost would enhance the experience for me.

I also love how many band options can be found for cheap on Amazon. My current go-to is a light pink tortoise shell link - kinda blendy with my skin. I get SOOO many compliments on it.

[sadlebred]

I got a 5 cellular last year and love it. I chose the cellular since I mountain bike and can get 10-12 miles away from the car. If my phone dies for some reason and I have a medical emergency/something else I can still call a friend or 911.

[isabel]

If you get cellular, is there an additional monthly fee on my cell phone bill or is it just the one time additional cost?

[sadlebred]

Apr 11, 2021 17:34:04 GMT -5 isabel said:

If you get cellular, is there an additional monthly fee on my cell phone bill or is it just the one time additional cost?

It's a monthly fee. You can add it to your current cell plan. It was super easy. I think Verizon charges $10/month. For me it's worth the comfort of having a back up way to call someone.

[laurack]

I have the 3 and I’ve had it probably 2-3 years. It’s been a delight! The battery isn’t super (1-2 days depending on activity) but it takes an hour to charge, not a huge deal. I use it for workouts, step count, notifications. I don’t have cellular. I also love that it tracks my swim laps very accurately, my brain is terrible at counting them and this takes care of it.

I’ll upgrade at some point but honestly it’s been super solid with no issues so maybe I’ll wait for the 6 to get cheaper first.

[Poeticxpassion]

I have a 5 with cellular that I got last year. I really like it. I can leave my phone at home, and still have texts, calls and some apps. It also has the fall detection that I really like and have used several times.

[Poeticxpassion]

Apr 11, 2021 17:37:41 GMT -5 sadlebred said:

Apr 11, 2021 17:34:04 GMT -5 isabel said:

If you get cellular, is there an additional monthly fee on my cell phone bill or is it just the one time additional cost?

It's a monthly fee. You can add it to your current cell plan. It was super easy. I think Verizon charges $10/month. For me it's worth the comfort of having a back up way to call someone.

I have t-mobile and it is $10 a month as well.

[sparty04]

I have a 3 and I love it. It's 100% motivating to me to be more active and I love getting my texts and calls on it.

The only complaint is that my battery life is awful. I have to charge it after lunch in order to make it to bedtime

[cleo29]

Apr 11, 2021 16:28:52 GMT -5 TR said:

Apr 11, 2021 15:44:30 GMT -5 georgeglass said:

The double wrap is almost comically small, so double check your wrist size before buying!

I will keep that in mind! Is there a particular one you know of that’s not $400? Lol

There are a bunch Etsy. 

Etsy double wrap bands

[MixedBerryJam]

I'm pretty sure the 4 doesn't have the O2 meter just fyi. Mine doesn't anyway.  Have you looked at refurbs on Apple dot com? I've bought a bunch of stuff there and it's all been fantastic and had the year warranty

[luv2rn4fun]

I got a Series 3 from Costco 2.5 years ago and LOVE it! I was very hesitant at first and didn’t feel the strong need to get it. However, I am very glad I did and will be getting another one whenever this one dies. I use it for fitness tracking and I also love that I get my messages (or know someone is calling) without having to carry my phone all the time.

[lexus]

I have a 3 cellular that I wanted so that I could see texts and phone calls when I’m at work without having my phone out or on me. It’s $10 a month with AT&T too. I got mine from AT&T website.

[gerberdaisy]

I have the series 4, got it 2 years ago. Love it, wear it every day. If I were to get a new one, I would go with the SE. I have no reason to regularly use the O2 or ECG sensor, not worth the extra price.

Mine was a gift and I just never thought of adding apple care, and regret it. Somehow the back of mine cracked, must have dropped. When I brought it to the store, the cost to replace was the same as buying a new one. Still works well (has been cracked for a year), but have to be careful not to get it too wet, as its not waterproof anymore.

Definitely look at costco.

No features that others haven't mentioned. Love the fitness aspect/closing rings. Notifications when I'm around the house and never know where my phone is. Oh, and being able to ding my phone from my watch, use that one all the time lol.