After much deliberation, and an awesome wife who was very tired of hearing about the deliberation, I recently got an Apple Watch Series 2. This completes my set of Apple Tech and it is the one I debated the longest. Here is what went into my decision and my thoughts after one week of use.
The Debate
The main question I had was about the cost. While I could justify the cost of the iPhone (which isn’t $200 regardless of what your cell phone provider says) and the iPad, the watch was different. For many years I didn’t even wear a watch. I am a teacher who’s life is dictated by a bell that rings every 63 minutes and I would teach until there were no more kids in my room. However, in the last 2 years, I moved into a different position that being aware of what time it was and where I needed to be (I no longer have a classroom, but support teachers all around my building…but that is a different blog). I had a FitBit and found that I liked it, but I wanted it to do a bit more…$300 more? That was the question. When I decided to buy the watch, I went to Target where I used the Red Card and their 5% discount. Not a lot, but it helps.
Once I made up my mind, I had to figure out what size. As the amazing website The Wirecutter helped me realize, there wasn’t a lot of difference between the content displayed on the 38mm and the 42mm. They recommended trying them on and I was lucky to find a friend with the 38mm version and I realized it looked small on my wrist, so I decided on the 42mm.
After decided on the size, I went with the simple Space Gray Aluminium version with the Black Sport Band…mainly because that is what they had. All of my other Apple devices that I currently use are Space Gray so this worked for me. I went for the series 2 not because I am huge exercise guy (I should be more of an exercise guy…) but I didn’t want to buy an older version of an Apple product. Their version 2 is always better than version 1.
The Unboxing
It was a box…I opened it. I don’t really get the unboxing phenomenon…maybe I am old
The Setup
As with most Apple products, setup was a breeze. I had recently (more like just before opened the watch) reset my iPhone 6 to factory settings (battery issue…been ok since) so I didn’t have a lot to worry about when I went to setup, but take the time to do this right. You can be pestered by notifications if you are not careful.
Using the Watch
Actual screenshot of my watch on a rare “No events” day
After you set up the watch, you get to choose your watch face and customize it. The watchOS automatically recognizes which apps you have that can be used with the watch and helps you set them up. Very easy. There are a ton of watch faces to choose from. I have customized this one to included weather from CARROT, calendar events from Fantastical 2 and Reminders.
The best thing has been the notifications on the watch. It can mirror what you get notified for on your phone and bring it to your wrist. It also knows which device you are using, so if you are messaging someone from the watch and move to your phone, it doesn’t alert you in both places. I have used it with both Apple Messages and GroupMe and it works fine. The quick replies cover many of the responses you need and the scribble feature is easy to use. My son likes writing letters on it and sending messages to my wife. It has been fun.
I have had no issues with battery life at all. 
As of this writing, I have worn it since for more than 24 hours without needing to charge. The quick menu (get to it from a swipe up) gives you access to a battery display, airplane mode, silent mode, do not disturb, find my iPhone, waterproof mode, lock, and airplay. Swiping down from the top lets you see notifications. Swiping from side to side switches your watch faces.
There is a built in “hey Siri” function that works very well on the watch. It is a bit sensitive at times, but I have found it works quite well.
Week One Reflections
So far, so awesome. I will be curious to see how the battery life continues to evolve as I use it more and more. I have not gotten any accessories, but that may change soon. If you like watches, have an iPhone and want wearable tech, the Apple Watch is great.
