Tech Blogger Tries Apple Watch, Buys Garmin vivoactive
Matthew Miller, The Mobile Gadgeteer, ZDNet:
Since I am in New York City for the week, I decided to visit the 24-hour Fifth Avenue Apple store late last night and have an Apple Genius take me through the formal Apple Watch fitting process. …
I was thinking the 42mm stainless steel Apple Watch with Milanese loop and a sport band was what I would buy if they were available right then and there. …
The Garmin Vivoactive just started shipping and after reading the excellent DC Rainmaker review it looks like this device fits my needs better. I’ve been using and enjoying the Fitbit Surge, but it is a bit chunky and has very limited smartwatch functionality.
While Miller claims that the vivoactive is simply the superior choice for his lifestyle, it’s clear that his decision to forego Apple Watch had more to do with availability than anything else. It’s not that the Garmin “fit [his] needs better,” it’s that the Garmin fit his needs better right now. Apple Watch wouldn’t be able to fit them for another two to three months.
It’s also worth mentioning that the psychology of Miller’s transaction is something the wearable industry desperately needs Apple Watch to encourage. There was no imperative reason for Miller to buy a smartwatch in the middle of the night from his hotel room, but once that bug got into his head, it legitimized all the other “competitors” in ways they hadn’t enjoyed before Apple Watch demoes hit Apple Stores last week.
Now you know why Apple took all those FuelBands and Jawbones off their shelves.