So I finally got a smartwatch...LOVE IT!

[cbrunny]

It depends on the level of fitness you're after.

If you're the sort who's continually trying to optimize your pace and otherwise manage every nuance of your fitness, then definitely go for Garmin. But not everyone is aiming for that! Some just want to know whether they're being reasonably active, record their runs and otherwise get motivated. For that, the Apple Watch does a good job. Google Fit is getting there, but it's still a bit rudimentary in comparison.

Garmin does far more than that. On to of basic running features, their watches have full cycling functionality, including pairing with additional tools (e.g. HRM, Power meter, etc.). As well, swimming, which is an absolutely massive strength they have over everyone. Both in pool and open water. My Garmin device has profiles for skiing (XC & downhill), hiking, climbing, trail running, treadmill ru nning, bike turbo trainers, stand up paddle boarding, rowing (indoor & out), Golf (HUGE strength), and multisport. There is even a strength area, though from what I understand it is lacking a bit.

I agree that if you're not into fitness it probably makes no sense, but if you have any interest in fitness, going with any other brand just makes no sense.

edit: plus step counters, on-wrist HR, calorie tracking, etc.

 

[Commodus]

Garmin does far more than that. On to of basic running features, their watches have full cycling functionality, including pairing with additional tools (e.g. HRM, Power meter, etc.). As well, swimming, which is an absolutely massive strength they have over everyone. Both in pool and open water. My Garmin device has profiles for skiing (XC & downhill), hiking, climbing, trail running, treadmill ru nning, bike turbo trainers, stand up paddle boarding, rowing (indoor & out), Golf (HUGE strength), and multisport. There is even a strength area, though from what I understand it is lacking a bit.

I agree that if you're not into fitness it probably makes no sense, but if you have any interest in fitness, going with any other brand just makes no sense.

edit: plus step counters, on-wrist HR, calorie tracking, etc.

The Apple Watch Series 2 does open and pool swimming as well. It's mainly the amount of detail Garmin collects that matters... and yes, it does cover some areas that Apple doesn't.

I'm interested in fitness! It's just more for an overall improvement in health than, say, proving I can run a full marathon. Think of it as couch-to-5K rather than training.

 

[Raduque]

Confirmation for messages isn't new, but it's odd to roll back when you don't need them. Maybe they're concerned that this could contribute to distracted driving and want to be safe.

If you ask me, having the message auto send is safer and less distracting than having to use both hands and your eyes to tap on a small accept/check/send button.

 

[MrSquished]

I have the moto 3602 and really liked it. I wore it for 2 months and got various complements on its looks. But at the end of the day I just prefer wearing my prettier regular watches. The moto 3602 is now an expensive nightstand clock.

I may give it a go again now that I got a new phone. It's not that the moto 3602 wasn't functional, but it didn't wow me with anything either.

 

[thestrangebrew1]

...All in all Im very happy with the purchase. Im on TMobile so also got the JUMP+INS for it, in case a new badass watch comes out later (which it will, as this is still fairly new technology).

OP, and anyone else using an S3 in the past few months, how are you liking it? I just ordered 1 and it should be here in a few days. Curious to hear thoughts, issues, cool things you use it for.

 

[MuchTooSexy]

i have a samsung gear s3 frontier and really like it. one of the things not discussed much earlier in this thread is Samsung Pay, which i feel is better than both Android and Apple versions. The main reason being that Samsung Pay can interface with magnetic strip readers, while the others require NFC. This means going to a CVS or some other lame retailer who doesn't enable NFC in their credit card machines will still work.

This had been an exclusive feature of samsung phones, but with the gear s3, you can get that feature through the watch and keep using whatever phone you like. (though i've read that iphone users can't do this while the phone and watch are paired. the s3 needs to be running LTE standalone for it to work.)

being able to pay at the register with only a smartwatch is great. better than having to reach into your pocket to get the smartphone out, not to mention digging into your pocket to fetch a credit card out of the wallet.

 

[cronos]

being able to pay at the register with only a smartwatch is great. better than having to reach into your pocket to get the smartphone out, not to mention digging into your pocket to fetch a credit card out of the wallet.

I feel like I've been saying this several times, but what really got me after I'm able to make a payment with my watch is the vending machines. It's really super convenient not to have to worry about carrying change or singles (that may or may not be accepted by the machine based on how bad the wrinkles are )

 

[thestrangebrew1]

So in order to just use your watch for payment, you need to have lte? Otherwise, you would just use your phone correct?

 

[MuchTooSexy]

So in order to just use your watch for payment, you need to have lte? Otherwise, you would just use your phone correct?

LTE watches can do most things without the smartphone nearby. for non-LTE watches, the smartphone would need to be on your person.

 

[thestrangebrew1]

LTE watches can do most things without the smartphone nearby. for non-LTE watches, the smartphone would need to be on your person.

Thanks. The watch I ordered doesn't have lte ability so I guess it's moot at this point for me lol

 

[MuchTooSexy]

Thanks. The watch I ordered doesn't have lte ability so I guess it's moot at this point for me lol

if you got the non-lte gear s3, you should still be able to do mobile payments with the watch. your smartphone can stay in your pocket.

 

[Commodus]

So in order to just use your watch for payment, you need to have lte? Otherwise, you would just use your phone correct?

I believe this is true for all payment-capable watches, but the Apple Watch definitely works for purchases without any kind of internet connection... I've done it myself. Nothing like going for a run with empty pockets and picking up an energy drink before you get home.

Also: I'm definitely a smartwatch fan. Just pre-ordered an Apple Watch Series 3 sight unseen because I know I'll use the hell out of it.

 

[Red Storm]

I believe this is true for all payment-capable watches, but the Apple Watch definitely works for purchases without any kind of internet connection... I've done it myself. Nothing like going for a run with empty pockets and picking up an energy drink before you get home.

Also: I'm definitely a smartwatch fan. Just pre-ordered an Apple Watch Series 3 sight unseen because I know I'll use the hell out of it.

The Series 3 looks good. I personally like circular designs a lot more (plus always on displays are a must for me), but the improvements in the Series 3 are nice to see.

 

[Commodus]

The Series 3 looks good. I personally like circular designs a lot more (plus always on displays are a must for me), but the improvements in the Series 3 are nice to see.

I'll say this: you get used to rectangular designs quicker than you think, and it's nice to have info tucked into the corners. Always-on would be nice, but at the same time, many of the smartwatches that have it tend to nosedive in battery life while it's on. We're a while away from always-on being a no-brainer for nearly everyone.

 

[FIVR]

I also ordered a Series 3 today (38mm Stainless steel w white sport band). I have never had an apple watch but I have family members who wear them, so I am familiar with their functions and capabilities. I am hoping it will be useful to have a stock ticker on my wrist at all times (trading is my main source of income at the moment).

I'm holding off on the iPhone X until I see how well FaceID works.

 

[Arachnotronic]

I also ordered a Series 3 today (38mm Stainless steel w white sport band). I have never had an apple watch but I have family members who wear them, so I am familiar with their functions and capabilities. I am hoping it will be useful to have a stock ticker on my wrist at all times (trading is my main source of income at the moment).

I'm holding off on the iPhone X until I see how well FaceID works.

Nice. I want a Series 3, but I just dropped quite a lot of cash on new iPhones, so going to hold off on the tech purchases for a while.

 

[Ackmed]

i have a samsung gear s3 frontier and really like it. one of the things not discussed much earlier in this thread is Samsung Pay, which i feel is better than both Android and Apple versions. The main reason being that Samsung Pay can interface with magnetic strip readers, while the others require NFC. This means going to a CVS or some other lame retailer who doesn't enable NFC in their credit card machines will still work.

This had been an exclusive feature of samsung phones, but with the gear s3, you can get that feature through the watch and keep using whatever phone you like. (though i've read that iphone users can't do this while the phone and watch are paired. the s3 needs to be running LTE standalone for it to work.)

being able to pay at the register with only a smartwatch is great. better than having to reach into your pocket to get the smartphone out, not to mention digging into your pocket to fetch a credit card out of the wallet.

I too have this with Verizon. Great watch, very useful. I use Samsung Pay all the time, works virtually everywhere. I can't overstate how great this is. I like the LTE aspect of it, use it with my wireless ear buds at the gym, mowing the yard, etc. No need for wifi of phone connection. My wife who has the Apple Watch 2 has penis envy with it. But already has eyes on the new one.

 

[MuchTooSexy]

until the problem of Samsung Pay not working with iphones gets sorted, i wouldn't suggest that people with iphones get an s3. if it had worked, i think an s3 would be great for iphone users since they would get the advantages of samsung pay while keeping their preferred phone.

the series 3 apple watch closes the gap with the s3, but not being round kinda turns me off.

 

[thestrangebrew1]

I finally got it and I've been playing with it for the last few hours. I still need to setup samsung pay, unfortunately right now my CU doesn't support (or vice versa, not sure which) but I guess I link a cc for now just to try it out. I love this gadget though. I never thought I'd like the whole smartwatch thing but so far, it's fun playing around with it. I hope more apps come out though.

 

[FIVR]

Nice. I want a Series 3, but I just dropped quite a lot of cash on new iPhones, so going to hold off on the tech purchases for a while.

You bought the 8? I think pre orders for the X start on the 27th of october. Depending on how well I do on my Equifax puts I may just buy the X to celebrate just because.


I remember I was skeptical about touchID when the 5s came out, and it turned out to be amazing. I think FaceID will be the same...

 

[MuchTooSexy]

I finally got it and I've been playing with it for the last few hours. I still need to setup samsung pay, unfortunately right now my CU doesn't support (or vice versa, not sure which) but I guess I link a cc for now just to try it out. I love this gadget though. I never thought I'd like the whole smartwatch thing but so far, it's fun playing around with it. I hope more apps come out though.

i don't expect many apps for the gear s3 given that it isn't android or ios. i am getting along fine with just he base capabilities including samsung pay. i figured i didn't really want third party apps that could potential drain the watch's battery.

i suppose it would have been cool to be able to get credit in PokemonGO by walking with just your smartwatch, but i haven't played that recently, lol.

 

[KentState]

I believe this is true for all payment-capable watches, but the Apple Watch definitely works for purchases without any kind of internet connection... I've done it myself. Nothing like going for a run with empty pockets and picking up an energy drink before you get home.

Also: I'm definitely a smartwatch fan. Just pre-ordered an Apple Watch Series 3 sight unseen because I know I'll use the hell out of it.

Did you end up keeping the pre-order?

https://www.theverge.com/2017/9/20/16337874/apple-watch-lte-connectivity-problems-software-update

 

[Commodus]

Did you end up keeping the pre-order?

https://www.theverge.com/2017/9/20/16337874/apple-watch-lte-connectivity-problems-software-update

Yeah, I'm not too worried about that.

To start, Apple already has a fix in the works. Canceling an order because you can't wait for a patch? That's... a little hasty.

The other part is simply that I'm not going to have active LTE on day one, if ever. I'm getting mine for the particular band/style combo, and it's more justifiable to get it in the cellular trim than to buy a band after the fact.

 

[thestrangebrew1]

i don't expect many apps for the gear s3 given that it isn't android or ios. i am getting along fine with just he base capabilities including samsung pay. i figured i didn't really want third party apps that could potential drain the watch's battery.

i suppose it would have been cool to be able to get credit in PokemonGO by walking with just your smartwatch, but i haven't played that recently, lol.

yea i didn't think the support would be there but it'd be nice. it's a new toy and i love it though. I tried to use pay at target the other day but i couldn't get the reader to work. but later i used it at lunch and it worked fine. i just need to get out more and use it, right now i feel weird using it with people behind me in line lol

 

[KentState]

Yeah, I'm not too worried about that.

To start, Apple already has a fix in the works. Canceling an order because you can't wait for a patch? That's... a little hasty.

The other part is simply that I'm not going to have active LTE on day one, if ever. I'm getting mine for the particular band/style combo, and it's more justifiable to get it in the cellular trim than to buy a band after the fact.

Most are activating the LTE function which is why I asked. If you don't care about that feature, then you are right, not a big deal.