So I did it and took the plunge into a smartwatch.
For over a year, I thought the technology just wasn't there yet.
Too clumsy, too difficult to use with such a small device.
First, I considered just a Fitbit for tracking activity, but I quickly ruled it out, since you can get so much more with a full smartwatch.
Then, I looked into the Pebble, in particular the latest model the Time Steel, which runs between $200-$250.
But I watched a review that pointed out the the Pebble does not have a touch screen, and everything are the buttons--okay, I immediately ruled that out.
Next, I looked to old trusty, Apple...they have never failed me yet, and I tried on their various smartwatches.
I settled on a simple sports model, since I figured as the technology continues to evolve or as the watch gets beat up in daily use, I could simply upgrade to the next great thing.
Also, I figured if I really don't like how it works, it wouldn't be such a great loss monetarily.
Well, the verdict is in--I really like it!
Easy to set up by simply syncing with the iPhone.
And then all your major apps just show up on the colorful apps panel.
In no time, I was checking the 10-day weather forecast, reading news headlines, tracking my activity, using the GPS locator, looking up calendar events, checking email and replying with easy voice dictation, sending text messages, and even calling family and talking to them into the watch!
I even started the music on my iPhone from another room by using the smartwatch.
Oh yeah, I almost forget, it tells the time too!
Except for taking photos, which would be really cool with the watch, but it doesn't do--it did most of the basics that I wanted it to.
For not a lot of money, I felt that I was getting a lot of convenient functionality, and I am now encouraging my wife and kids to get it too.
Apple, you still got it--so even though Google surpassed you in market value this week, I am still hopeful that you got some decent mojo left in you. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)