Apple’s Watch is launching soon, which means now is the time to decide whether or not you want to take the plunge and purchase the smartwatch. Before you get caught up in the excitement of the device and make a rash purchase, you should consider these five reasons why you should not purchase an Apple Watch right away. If you are not an iPhone owner, then you are exempt from this decision as the Watch requires an iOS device to function.
#1: It’s a first generation device
The Watch is Apple’s grand debut into the smartwatch market, which means the product is in the first generation of its lifecycle. As with most debut devices, the Watch won’t be perfect at launch and will miss the mark in several areas. These weaknesses aren’t evident right now and will be discovered once the early adopters start using the Watch.
Any issues eventually will be fixed in future versions of the device, but customers expecting a flawless product out of the gate may be disappointed. Usually, customers who purchase these first-generation devices go into it knowing that the device may be buggy, may be incomplete in select areas and most likely will be obsolete in a year. Early adopters are aware of these drawbacks, but they buy anyways because they enjoy being on the cutting edge of technology.
If you are one of those early adopter types, then get your plastic out and have it ready next week as we don’t know when pre-orders for the Watch will begin. It could be as early as next week. If you are a customer who prefers a polished device with some history behind it, then you should wait to purchase the Watch. Give Apple some time to work out any kinks and start saving now for the second generation Watch, which will be available next year.
#2: Battery life may be mediocre
Apple has yet to reveal the expected battery life of the Apple Watch, but existing rumors suggest the Watch will require daily charging. Some reports even claim that under very heavy usage, the device could run out of juice in approximately 2.5 hours. This latter estimate is an extreme example, but it showcases the struggle Apple faces with such a small device — how does the company provide sufficient battery life for a computer that resided on your wrist?
Apple reportedly is optimizing the Watch OS to conserve battery life, utilizing power saving techniques that’ll preserve power when the device is not being used. Nonetheless, the Watch’s battery life is a major unknown right now. If you are a person who often is away from a power source and needs all-day battery life, you may want to wait to purchase the Watch until real-life usage can be measured by reviewers and owners alike.
#3: It’s pricey
Let’s face it, Apple is known for its quality products that fetch a premium price, and the Watch is no exception. Pricing details for the Watch are not yet known, but it is widely expected that the wearable will start at $349 for the base model with a simple strap. The price will climb quickly once you add the cost of multiple or luxury watch straps, a gold casing option and other accessories. If you throw caution to the wind, this wrist-worn accessory could cost you upwards of $1000.
If your expendable cash reserves are low, you may want to wait on the Watch and see if the quality of the product justifies its price. Try not to get caught up in the hype and buying frenzy that inevitably will surround the Watch’s launch as you may end up with a bad case of buyer’s remorse.
#4: There are cheaper alternatives
The Apple Watch may be the pinnacle of fashion and luxury in the growing smartwatch market, but it is not the only option out there. Pebble recently introduced its second-generation smartwatch product, the Pebble Time and the Pebble Time Steel. The plastic-based Pebble Time sports a $199 price tag, while the all-metal Time Steel model will set you back $299.
Both the Apple Watch and the Pebble Time will sync with your iOS device and bring notifications, music control, apps and more to your wrist. Depending on your needs, the Pebble Watch may be a perfect fit for your wrist and your wallet.
#5: Do you really need a Watch?
This is the biggest question you should answer — do you really need or even want a smartwatch? The Apple Watch offers the convenience of being able to view your important notifications and scan incoming phone calls and messages just by glancing at your wrist. You don’t have to pull out your phone and take your attention away from your current endeavor just to see who is ringing you.
On the other hand, the purchase of an Apple Watch introduces another device that requires a monetary investment and a time commitment. You will have to setup and maintain the apps on your device so it works according to your needs. The Watch also isn’t a “put it on and forget about it device.” You have to remove it whenever you are near water (swimming, bathing, etc) and also charge it each day. Is the convenience of wrist-worn notifications worth the tradeoff of your time and money?
After you are done reading about why you shouldn’t purchase the Watch, you then should check out five reasons why you should buy the wearable for another perspective on purchasing this first-generation device.
You have to decide for yourself if you need a smartwatch or does your current smartphone provide all the notifications that you need. Examine your motivations for purchasing the device — do you really need the Watch or do you just want it because it is “shiny and new?” For myself, I will be purchasing an Apple Watch, partially because I like shiny, new technology and partially because, as a technology journalist, I should be up to date with the cutting edge technology.
My decision is an easy one to make, but for others, the decision to purchase a Watch is not so cut and dry. It is especially difficult for customers without an iPhone as they will have to purchase both an iPhone and a Watch as the Watch is dependent on a connection to its companion iOS device. What about you? Will you be purchasing an Apple Watch or are you happy with your smartphone? Let us know your plans in the comments.
