Have questions about the new Apple Watch now on sale, with the first pre-orders having arrived Friday?
We have answers.
Q: Who wears watches anymore?
A: Well, no one. Because our phones and tablets replaced a need for watches.
Q: But now watches are going to replace our devices?
A: Not exactly. The Apple Watch relies on connection to an iPhone for much of its functionality.
Q: So why do I need an Apple Watch if the iPhone already does everything?
A: Because, quoting Apple's website (Apple.com), it's an "incredibly precise timepiece."
Q: But don't I already have a car, microwave, computer, oven, wall clock, etc., to tell me the time?
A: Yes, but the Apple Watch "keeps time within 50 milliseconds of the definitive global time standard," says Apple's website.
Q: So if I buy it, I'm guaranteed to never be late again?
A: If you buy it, you're guaranteed to spend a lot of time fidgeting with it. So much so, you'll never get to where you're going on time again.
Q: What else can it do?
A: According to Apple.com, "It can add a physical dimension to alerts and notifications. For example, you'll feel a gentle tap with each incoming message. Apple Watch also lets you connect with your favorite people in fun, spontaneous ways -- like sending a tap, a sketch or even your heartbeat."
Q: Who in the world would want to witness my heartbeat?
A: Probably a hot, rich doctor! Unfortunately, he's just your cardiologist.
Q: I heard it monitors daily activity.
A: It sure does. The website says, it will "show your daily progress and help motivate you to sit less, move more, and get some exercise." You know, like that pricey Fitbit/Jawbone/Garmin tracker that's already fastened around your wrist.
Q: But isn't the watch rather small compared to other devices?
A: Yes ... for now. But that will probably change, as all tech devices have. Remember your first iPod? It was bigger and then they made them smaller. And then your first iPhone was heavier and then they made them lighter and then they made then even bigger again. And then you got a big iPad (because the iPhones were so small) and now they're making those smaller too.
Q: And then I had to go buy new cases for all of them?
A: Yup. And power cords. And car chargers. And ....
Q: How much do they cost?
A: The Sport Edition starts at a mere $349.
Q: That's not too bad! Make mine a 38mm 18-karat Rose Gold Case with the Rose Gray Modern Buckle!
A: That will be $17,000.
Q: What?!
A: Actually that Apple Watch Edition costs $20,165 when you add the $1,500 AppleCare protection plan and $1,665 estimated taxes (at least to our 72201 ZIP code). And, of course, you need a working iPhone, so add that too if applicable.
Q: That watch is the price of a car, for crying out loud! Is it going to drive itself to my house?
A: No. But the shipping is free. Of course, you'll have to wait until July or so because you didn't pre-order.
Q: Is there anything else it can do?
A: Well, there are various applications downloadable at the Apple Watch App Store. And you'll probably have to pay for some of those.
Q: Is that it?
A: And you can use it to buy stuff with digital wallet service Apple Pay -- already available on the iPhone 6. That is, if you have any money left.
How 'bout them Apples? Email:
jchristman@arkansasonline.com
What's in a Dame is a weekly report from the woman 'hood.
Style on 04/28/2015