One of the questions my friends in real life and on the internet have in common, is “How do you like your Apple Watch?!” The truth is, long before Apple even announced a watch, I was searching for a watch with standalone GPS function. I never found one that seemed worth the purchase though, so I postponed the purchase. When Apple launched the Series Two, B got himself one, and I waited with baited breath to hear his full review. As the technology world tends to do, the whispers around the Series 3 kept me waiting around for that launch, and in September I decided the new Apple Watch finally had everything I was looking for. My family actually bought me one for my birthday, and I have gleefully worn it every day since then. Every week or so, someone has asked me for my review and recommendation.
My number one interest in the Apple Watch was its health features. As mentioned, I have long searched for wearable technology that allows me to track my runs (and walks) without carrying my phone around. Some of my other favorite features include the activity rings, the “stand” alerts, and the workout app, which allows you to track cycling, elliptical, and stair master workouts, amongst others. It’s also really nice to not need my phone strapped onto my arm at the gym, I just use my watch and Bose Earphones.
The unsung hero of the Apple Watch, in my option, is its integration with Maps. No more forgetting to take a turn, the watch will gently, but repeatedly, tap you when you have a turn coming up.
My friend Brad told me I would never notice how many notifications I got in a day until I got an Apple Watch, and he was 100% right. I had to turn off everything except calls and texts after just one day! I do love that I can check my texts even when I don’t have my phone nearby, and the Siri is very useful in its own right.
A slightly annoying, but fixable, side effect was that after a couple months of wearing the Watch all day long (besides sleeping), I began to notice some small red bumps on my wrist. I assumed it was because of my dry winter skin, and I had never worn a watch all day, through workouts and all, before. So I asked my mom (an avid watch wearer), and she said some hydrocortisone would fix it! (She was right, as always).
My only real complaint about the Apple Watch is the lack of Spotify integration. It works great with Apple Music, but I’m very loyal to Spotify for a plethora of reasons, which can make leaving behind your phone very frustrating. I’m not sure the future the Watch and Spotify have together, but in my book it’s the only real area for improvement.
Do any of you have the Apple Watch? What are your thoughts on it?
xo, C
The Sol Compass 
Before buying my Apple watch, I was an avid Fitbit user. However, the newer Fitbits require a smartphone for it’s GPS tracking, so I figured that I would go with an Apple watch to match my iPhone. Within 36 hours of buying the Apple Watch, the watch crashed and would not turn on. I was so ENRAGED, because I spent close to 400 bucks on something that was nonfunctional. Three months later, I reasonably like the watch. I really wish that the user could change/set the exercise and standing goal rings. Typically, I walk to work, so the 30 min “exercise” goal gives me a false sense of accomplishment.
I will say that I had the phone when I was in Virginia (my home state) and I agree with your assessment about the maps. While driving, it was so convenient to have the turn-by-turn notifications on my wrist.
OK, I’ve rambled enough on your post. I hope that you are enjoying your watch.
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