Match the Apple Watch and accessories to best fit your needs
Numerous Apple Watch choices breed confusion. Selecting the case material and band you require is challenging enough. You must also select 38mm or 42mm sizes. Adding a variety of accessories to the mix further complicates the time piece's purchase. But it's actually not all that hard. Just follow these tips to best match the Apple Watch model and accessories to your specific needs.
Let's start with the model choices. Consider either the least-expensive Sport or mid-range Watch version. If you're debating the upscale Watch Edition, buy the Watch or Watch Sport version instead, and pass the dough you save to Compassion International, which improves the lives of children living in poverty, or a nonprofit such as WaterStep, which strives to provide safe water in developing countries.
If you're a fitness buff, always on the go, and hard on your digital devices, definitely go with the Watch Sport. This is also likely the model you should select if you just want an interactive timepiece and love Apple technology. The Watch Sports are less expensive and feature a forgiving and durable fluoroelastomer band. With an anodized 7000-series aluminum case and strengthened Ion-X glass, they hold up to daily use. Thanks to a choice of silver or space gray cases and numerous different band colors, you can still make it stylish, too.
If you're more fashion inclined and typically adopt business casual or formal dress, the Apple Watch deserves consideration. The stainless steel case and sapphire crystal are an attractive combination, mating good looks and functionality. Because so many bands are available, including the Sport band, fancy bracelets, and even leather options, you can assuredly tailor the model to your personality. The Watch version also boasts a black crown that adds an upscale touch vs. the regular Sport model.
Next, let's review size. Size does matter. A proper fit is important, as the time piece is interactive (sending gentle taps to the wearer as alerts) and also functions as a fitness device.
Many women choose 38mm models, while many men choose 42mm versions. But there's no rule saying a woman can't sport a 42mm model or a man can't opt for the 38mm version. If you're not sure which one fits your body or looks best, schedule an appointment with an Apple retailer. The fitting will enable you to try selections on for size. Literally.
Bands are another consideration. The popular and less expensive 38mm Sport bands accommodate wrists 125mm to 200mm in size, while the 42mm Sport bands fit wrists 140-210mm. So, there are significant sizing differences to consider. Fortunately, with all the band options, Apple maintains a sizing guide online to help you select the combination you require.
Last, let's address basic accessories. When you purchase an Apple Watch, add AppleCare+. Sure, it adds to the cost of an Apple Watch ($49 for the Apple Sport and $69 for the Apple Watch), but the investment is intelligent. In addition to extending Apple's limited hardware warranty two years (for three years of coverage total), AppleCare+ also provides for two incidents of accidental coverage. That's a no brainer for a first-generation daily wearable.
You should also consider investing in a second genuine charging cable. The two-meter cable is $39. An extra corresponding genuine Apple five-watt power supply is $19.
One other Apple Watch accessory business professionals should consider is a charging stand. TwelveSouth's HiRise, which adopts sleek silver aesthetic and styling cues from other Apple accessories, is an attractive option. At $49.99, the stand enables users to charge an Apple Watch, regardless of band, while also positioning the Watch's display for viewing. Note: the HiRise stands aren't scheduled to ship until May.
Which Apple Watch and accessories are right for you? Let us know in the discussion thread below.
