Following up on my ‘What Time is It!?!’ blog post, I am finally ready to write about my Apple Watch. I’ve had it for about a month – long enough to share my early thoughts.

I purchased the 42mm Stainless Steel case with the Black Sport Band, which will set you back $599.00. I really wanted the black stainless steel version but it was only available with the Steel Link Bracelet, which added another $500 to the already high price. The only difference in the Sport version and the Watch is that the Watch has a different metal for the case and the glass is sapphire instead of glass.

The setup process is very easy and Apple-like. Out of the box you will receive notifications, phone calls and, if you elect to install 3rd party applications, you will get notifications from them as well.

Notifications are a major reason why someone would want the Apple Watch in the first place. Notifications appear much like they do on an iPhone with the ability to be managed individually.

One of the things that I loved about my Fitbit was it’s ability to accurately track my Fitness. The Apple Watch does a great job of tracking different fitness activities while also capturing heart rate too. Personally, I really like getting credit and awards for meeting my fitness goals. Knowing that at some point I can show off how constant I am adds fuel to my motivation. However, one thing that is starting to get old is having my watch tell me that I have been sitting too long and need to stand up for a few minutes. I guess I am not ready for machines/computers to start telling what to do just yet.

Communication also plays a significant role in the user experience of the Apple Watch. Receiving my notifications for text and phone calls when I am away from my phone means that I can properly screen my calls without having to sprint across the room. But the fact that if someone important is trying to reach me I can speak Dick Tracy-style on a phone call or have Siri dictate a message for me is pretty handy.

One thing Apple wanted to do was add another level of simple but useful communication (probably as a differentiator). I can tap my watch and that will send a tap to someone else’s watch, send animated emojis, send my own heartbeat and even send simple drawings. I did not think I would like the new communication types, but I find that my wife and I use them quite a bit.

One of the less talked about features is that the Apple Watch has 2gigs of storage for music and can be paired to a BlueTooth headset. Keeping with the spirit of an iPod, it is ideal for working out, walking or jogging.

Pros:

• Stylish
• Precise (Touch Interface and Haptic Feedback)
• Easy Integration

Cons:

• Expensive. I bought the stainless steel 42mm version and could have easily bought a new iPad Air 2.
• Battery life is not ideal. One solid day of normal use

My Verdict:

I like it and I am pleasantly surprised. I was honestly prepared to have wasted my money on a first version Apple product. I know in true Apple fashion there will be a slightly better one next year and I will convince myself that being first was cooler than having the latest version. However, I am already over one negative in the fact that I have already purchased the device and if a 3rd party band can extend the life of the battery then I would not see any negative for purchase.