Name:   Webmaster - Subject:   Thoughts on the Apple watch Date:   4/27/2015 2:55:52 PM (updated 4/27/2015 2:58:14 PM)

I haven't bought an Apple Watch but I've read a lot about it. I can't think of a reason to buy one personally. It can't replace your phone with voice/SMS capability so you still have to have a phone in your pocket or on your belt clip. It is designed as an extension/companion/accessory to an iPhone but will operate some apps independently.

The only market that I can think that would benefit from it is people that jog/walk and want to know what time it is and/or more importantly record/monitor their heart/distance/path during exercise. It does eliminate carrying a phone for those purposes. Most people that play ball sports or work out with weights don't like wearching a watch of any kind. People that walk/run don't like anything in their pockets.

It also won't work with Android phones (iPhones only)... So although a huge market, Apple has alienated 50% of their market. It doesn't have a GPS radio in the watch either, so it relies on having an iPhone nearby.

About all the use you get without an iPhone is a Heart Rate Sensor, an Accelerometer and a Bluetooth radio for listening to music on bluetooth headphones. It does have a Wi-Fi radio, but you'll need to have wireless access (something you're not going to have running down the road or walking through the woods). It is also NOT waterproof, which is a huge deal-breaker for boating and swimming for me.

My two cents. I'll be sticking with the Timex Ironman watch for now.

Bruce