Starting on Friday, April 10, you will be able to pre-order the Apple Watch. But just because you can order one, doesn't mean you necessarily should. Analysts are predicting that Apple will sell somewhere between 8 million and 41 million watches for all of 2015. But do you really need one? Let's look at five questions you must ask yourself before you place that order.
1. Do I like the way it looks?
One of the biggest problems with many smartwatches including the Apple Watch is the look and the size. For some, the watch may just be too big and bulky on the wrist. Others may not like the style. Visit an Apple Store and take a look at the watch carefully to make sure it is something you would actually wear before you buy it.
2. Will it be a distraction for me?
Some people already have a hard enough time focusing on the task at hand with their phones in their pockets constantly going off while others find them the perfect tool to keep them organized. Take a look at how you use your smartphone and try to judge whether or not it will help you or actually hurt you in your life. If you think it will be too much of a distraction, you may want to consider other solutions.
3. Would I use it to pay for stuff?
Apple Pay is one of the biggest features coming with the Apple Watch allowing you to make payments with your wrist at many participating stores. Apple has streamlined the pay process on the watch to make it easier than ever. But just because its easy, doesn't make it the best way to pay for goods. This largely depends on your financial and spending habits meaning you must ask yourself if you really need to be able to pay for stuff with just a flick of your wrist.
4. Should I wait for the second generation?
While Apple's products are always solid, they are well known for making the second version of a product so much better than the first release. New technology also means the potential for new bugs that you must deal with. If you don't want to deal with the potential hassle of using a device that is brand new you may want to wait at least a little while before you shell out your hard earned money for the device.
5. Is it worth the money?
One thing is for sure, the Apple Watch is not cheap. The watch starts at $349 and can skyrocket to over $10,000. You will have to decide for yourself whether or not the device is worth the money. This goes back to the last question as well as you are likely to see many more features on the second generation watch compared to this one, which could make you regret investing that money so soon.
There is little doubt that the Apple Watch will change the smartwatch market forever and many experts believe it is definitely the smartwatch to buy. But remember, before you invest in a watch like this, to consider how you will use it and if it will work for you. That way, you don't waste your hard earned money on a device that simply isn't right for you.
