Apple Watch Review Roundup: Future of the Wrist, But ‘Not For Everyone’

Apple has given members of the media several hands-on experiences with the Apple Watch following its special events, but ahead of Apple Watch pre-orders, select sites have been able to get a much closer look at the device. Apple has provided multiple publications with Apple Watch review units, giving them a chance to spend multiple days with the watch, and they’ve now shared their opinions in reviews published today.

Apple Watch has received favorable reviews, but isn’t for everyone (Image: CNET)
We’ve rounded up tidbits from several of the best reviews in order to give MacRumors readers a look at the Apple Watch from the perspective of those who have finally had a chance to use it extensively. The roundup includes reviews and opinions from The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Verge, Re/code, Yahoo Tech and other large publications that tested the Apple Watch.

Farhad Manjoo, The New York Times:

“It was only on Day 4 that I began appreciating the ways in which the elegant $650 computer on my wrist was more than just another screen. By notifying me of digital events as soon as they happened, and letting me act on them instantly, without having to fumble for my phone, the Watch become something like a natural extension of my body—a direct link, in a way that I’ve never felt before, from the digital world to my brain. […]

What’s more, unlike previous breakthrough Apple products, the Watch’s software requires a learning curve that may deter some people. There’s a good chance it will not work perfectly for most consumers right out of the box, because it is best after you fiddle with various software settings to personalize use. Indeed, to a degree unusual for a new Apple device, the Watch is not suited for tech novices. It is designed for people who are inundated with notifications coming in through their phones, and for those who care to think about, and want to try to manage, the way the digital world intrudes on their lives.”

Geoffrey Fowler, The Wall Street Journal:

“With the Apple Watch, smartwatches finally make sense. The measure of their success shouldn’t be how well they suck you in, but how efficiently they help you get things done. Living on your arm is part of that efficiency—as a convenient display, but also a way to measure your heart rate or pay at a cash register. This is a big idea about how we use technology, the kind of idea we expect from Apple. […]

Yet the Apple Watch isn’t quite the gatekeeper to my digital life that I wanted. Take app alerts—there’s a fine line between being in the know and having your wrist jiggle all day. It never got horrible for me, because Apple lets you assign VIP status to individual contacts and specify which apps can trigger alerts. But setting up all of this is a tedious—and unfortunately ongoing—chore.”

Nilay Patel, The Verge:

“There’s no question that the Apple Watch is the most capable smartwatch available today. It is one of the most ambitious products I’ve ever seen; it wants to do and change so much about how we interact with technology. But that ambition robs it of focus: it can do tiny bits of everything, instead of a few things extraordinarily well. For all of its technological marvel, the Apple Watch is still a smartwatch, and it’s not clear that anyone’s yet figured out what smartwatches are actually for.”

Lauren Goode, Re/code:

“Not everyone has an iPhone 5 or later, which is required for the watch to work. Not everyone wants her wrist pulsing with notifications, finds animated emojis thrilling or needs to control an Apple TV with her wrist. Smartwatches can sometimes feel like a solution in search of a problem. […]

One day this past week, I woke up at 5:15 am, exercised for an hour using the Watch, ran Maps during my commute, made phones calls and received notifications throughout the whole day, and by 11:00 pm the Watch was just hitting its Power Reserve point.”

David Pogue, Yahoo Tech:

“The Apple Watch is light-years better than any of the feeble, clunky efforts that have come before it. The screen is nicer, the software is refined and bug-free, the body is real jewelry. First-time technologies await at every turn: Magnetic bands, push-to-release straps, wrist-to-wrist drawings or Morse codes, force pressing, credit-card payments from the wrist. And the symbiosis with the iPhone is graceful, out of your way, and intelligent.

But the true answer to that question is this: You don’t need one. Nobody needs a smartwatch. After all, it’s something else to buy, care for, charge every night. It’s another cable to pack and track. Your phone already serves most of its purposes. With the battery-life situation as it is, technology is just barely in place to make such a device usable at all.”

The Apple Watch will be available to pre-order beginning on Friday, April 10 at 12:01 a.m. Pacific Time. Orders will go live in all first wave launch countries simultaneously. Try-on appointments for the Apple Watch will also be available on April 10, giving customers a chance to experience the Apple Watch in person ahead of its April 24 launch.

Apple Opening Second Retail Store in Hangzhou, China on Apple Watch Launch Day [Mac Blog]

Apple is opening a second retail store in Hangzhou, China on 701 Fuchun Road in the Jianggan District, less than three months after the company opened its first Apple Store in Hangzhou at West Lake in the Shangcheng District. The new Hangzhou location at the MixC shopping mall is set to open on April 24 at 9:00 AM local time, the same day that the Apple Watch goes on sale in China. Apple will now operate 19 retail stores in China after expanding around the Chinese New Year.

MixC shopping mall in Hangzhou where Apple’s nineteenth store in China will open
Apple commemorated the opening of its first Hangzhou store in West Lake with a calligraphy video in January, with the store officially opening its doors on January 24 at 9 AM local time. Apple is committed to expanding its presence in China, an emerging and increasingly important market for the company, with retail chief Angela Ahrendts commenting on Apple’s expansion into China earlier this year amid five new store openings in the world’s most populous country.

Retail Packaging for Apple Watch and Bands Potentially Revealed

A series of photos have surfaced on social media today that provide a first look at what could be the retail packaging for the Apple Watch and individual bands. Instagram user Jeremy Gan posted the photos to his profile this afternoon, showing off what appears to be a 42mm stainless steel Apple Watch with Milanese Loop within its official packaging and brown leather band in a separate box.

We cannot guarantee the veracity of these photos, and it is entirely possible that the retail packaging is not official. The long, narrow box for the Apple Watch band in particular appears consistent with an image that appeared on Apple’s jobs page last month, which at the time was speculated to be retail packaging for bands. We’ll update the post as we learn more details about the authenticity of these photos.

From the Forums: Retina MacBook Opinions and Discussion [Mac Blog]

Apple’s recently announced 12-inch Retina MacBook has been met with both praise and criticism ahead of its upcoming release on April 10. The new MacBook, positioned at the lower end of Apple’s notebook lineup, paves the way for the future with an ultra-thin design, one USB-C port, redesigned keyboard with an all-new butterfly mechanism, Force Touch trackpad, fanless architecture and all-day battery life.

At the same time, the new MacBook has been criticized for having an Intel Core M processor, a system-on-a-chip that Intel typically markets for use in mobile devices. The single USB-C port, which combines power, USB, DisplayPort, HDMI and VGA connections into one, is also an area of concern for some, especially given that costly adapters must be used to connect many external devices and peripherals to the notebook.

Look no further than this parody of an Apple engineer talking about the Retina MacBook on YouTube, where it has amassed over 5 million views since being uploaded in early March. The video pokes fun at the Retina MacBook for, among other reasons, having one port and a 480p front-facing camera. Rest assured, the parody’s creator Armando Ferreira is an Apple fan that owns an iPad and a few MacBooks himself.

While waiting for Apple to lift its embargo for large tech publications to publish their in-depth Retina MacBook reviews, we’ve sifted through the MacRumors forums and highlighted some of the more interesting discussions about the notebook. Read ahead for a roundup of opinions and noteworthy comments about the Retina MacBook, and be sure to join the conversation within the discussion forums.

Forum Discussion Threads

1. Who Else Changed Their Mind? “When Apple announced the new MacBook, I was very excited and was seriously planning on getting one April 10th even after I’ve seen the price tags and specs. However, two days ago it all of a sudden hit me that I should not get the new MacBook. Even though I can afford one. I’ve started contemplating. I think it’s not worth it at all for the price Apple is asking for it.”
2. 12″ MacBook — Disappointment and Hope: A number of users offer their opinions about the pros and cons of the new MacBook, emphasizing how the notebook paves the way for the future but requires making compromises in the present. Apple has a history of heading in bold new directions with past products such as the original iMac, MacBook Air and iPhone, so this is not unchartered waters for the world’s most valuable company.
3. USB-C Accessories: Belkin announced a new line of USB-C cables and USB-C to Gigabit Ethernet adapter for the new MacBook last month, while LaCie announced the first USB-C external hard drive. This discussion thread is a valuable resource that highlights a number of other USB-C accessories from HydraDock, MonoPrice, Google and other accessory makers and vendors.
4. Retina MacBook Benchmarked: We posted an early 64-bit Geekbench benchmark of the Retina MacBook that places the notebook in line with the 2011 MacBook Air in terms of CPU performance, and this full Geekbench 3 report offers a more in-depth look at the notebook’s single-core and multi-core scores based on integer, floating point and memory performance.
5. Performance Difference Between CPUs: A side-by-side comparison of the performance differences between the three Intel processor options available for the Retina MacBook. The discussion thread includes speculation that the entry-level CPU may generate the most heat inside the fanless notebook and contains other interesting information about the trio of processor options. Apple recently confirmed build-to-order pricing for the 1.3GHz processor.
6. Retina MacBook vs. Surface 3: Microsoft is marketing its new Surface 3 tablet as a potential laptop replacement, so it naturally has been compared with the Retina MacBook. The discussion touches upon a number of factors, including price point, physical design, processors, operating systems, battery life, multipurpose functionality and more. Realistically, the Surface Pro 3 is the more suitable device for drawing comparisons.
7. The Can’t List — Reasons Not to Buy Retina MacBook: A forum user shares eighteen different reasons not to buy the Retina MacBook, including a lack of ports, planned obsolescence, the need for multiple adapters, a 480p FaceTime camera, no SD card slot and, in his opinion, the notebook’s expensive price tag. Some other users are quick to counter that Apple’s new MacBook is not designed for everyone, arguing that refreshed MacBook Airs and Pros are still available.
8. Software for Retina MacBook: A forum user shares a list of software that he plans to install on his Retina MacBook when it becomes available, including Matlab, Parallels, OrCAD Schematic Capture and PCB Layout Tools (Windows), Freescale Symphony Studio (Windows), Microsoft Office, Microchip MPLAB (Windows), XCode, Handbrake and Windows 7. Other users list software such as Chrome, Scrivener, Pages, Notability, OneNote, Skype, Moom, Caffeine, Dropbox, OneDrive, Reeder, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, 1Password, VLC and Logic Pro X.
9. Who’s Buying a Retina MacBook Without Trying It? This popular discussion thread within the forums involves users that plan on purchasing the Retina MacBook without trying it out first at an Apple Store. Many users claim they will be pre-ordering the new MacBook on April 10 and having it shipped to their home under the assurance of Apple’s standard 14-day return policy.
10. Retina MacBook Cases: A list of cases and accessories for the new MacBook.

Visit our MacBook section within the forums to keep up with the latest discussions.

Rumored iPad Mini 4 Rear Shell With iPad Air 2 Design Elements Shown Off in New Video

When Apple launched the iPad Air 2 and the iPad mini 3 in late 2014, many people were disappointed with the iPad mini update, which essentially just added Touch ID to the existing iPad mini 2 with no other external design changes. Since then, there have been a few rumors suggesting Apple is working on an iPad mini 4 update that includes iPad Air 2 design elements like a thinner body.

French site Nowhereelse.fr [Google Translate] today shared a video and some images of what’s said to be an early version of the rear casing for the upcoming iPad mini 4.

The aluminum shell closely resembles the shell of the existing iPad mini, but it does include several design elements introduced with the iPad Air 2. There’s a single row of larger speaker holes alongside the Lightning port at the bottom of the device, rather than two smaller rows, and the mute switch on the device has been removed and replaced with a microphone hole.

Rumors have suggested the iPad mini 4 will be thinner than the iPad mini 2 and the iPad mini 3, giving it a thickness more akin to the iPad Air 2, but it is difficult to determine the device’s possible thickness based on the images that were shared. Along with an iPad Air-style design, an updated iPad mini 4 would likely adopt one of Apple’s more recent processors, possibly the A8X in the iPad Air 2 or an A9 processor coming later this year.

There’s been little word on when an updated iPad mini might launch, but given Apple’s historical fall release schedule for iPads, it’s unlikely we will see the iPad mini 4 until the later months of 2015.

Designers Imagine Fanciful Concepts for What an Apple Car Might Look Like [Mac Blog]

Job site Freelancer.com recently hosted a contest that called on designers to imagine what the rumored Apple Car might look like. We don’t have any details on the car that Apple is said to be developing, so the designs submitted to the contest have no basis in reality.

That said, it’s a fun look at how different designers took Apple design aesthetics and applied them to imaginative, futuristic car renderings. The contest had 193 submissions, with the winning vehicle, from Aristomenis Tsirbas, featuring a flat design with smooth curves and sliding doors.

This concept explores a semi-autonomous electric car in the minimalist tradition of Apple design. It features external high resolution LED screens front and back for user selected headlight/taillight designs. This concept explores a semi-autonomous electric car in the minimalist tradition of Apple design. It features external high resolution LED screens front and back for user selected headlight/taillight designs.

Many of the popular entries had similar futuristic designs and explored different car types from traditional sedans and sports cars to vans and trucks. This third-place Volkswagen Bug-style Apple Car from user Maximchernysh features purple accents, a wide frame, no side windows, and a generous number of Apple logos.

While all of the designs are fanciful, some of the renderings look like they came straight from a science fiction novel. This tiny shark-shaped Apple car from DearbornDesign rides low to the ground and has a front panel for entry.

The winning entry, which is the one at the top of the page, received a $1,500 prize from Freelancer.com for getting the most likes during the contest. All of the different car designs people imagined can be seen over at Freelancer.com’s contest site.

We haven’t heard much about the actual Apple Car in recent weeks as media attention is largely focused on the Apple Watch, but work on the car is still ongoing under the codename Project Titan at an unspecified location near Apple’s Cupertino headquarters. We’ve learned little about the car, but we know that it may resemble a minivan and is being worked on by hundreds of employees.

Apple Watch Reservations Will Be Limited to One Per Customer

Apple Watch reservations for in-store pickup will be limited to one per customer through Apple’s Reserve and Pickup service, MacRumors has learned. Customers in the United States and other launch countries will be required to present a valid government-issued photo ID upon pickup at the Apple Store where they placed their Apple Watch reservation, and only the person named on the reservation will be allowed to pick up the product.

“Inventory is subject to change. Your reservation is valid for pickup only at the Apple Retail Store that you selected. If you do not pick up your selected item(s) by the designated date and time, your reservation will be cancelled and your item(s) will be returned to stock. There is a maximum of 1 reservation per customer. Number of reservations may be limited. Apple reserves the right to refuse, limit or cancel a reservation if Apple determines that a customer has provided misleading or fraudulent information and/or abused, disrupted or attempted to circumvent the reservation system.”

Apple’s one-per-customer reservation limit has been confirmed to be in place in the United States and United Kingdom, and likely other launch countries, but it’s worth noting that the company’s plans could change between now and the Apple Watch launch. Apple was originally planning to allow two reservations per customer as recently as March, according to sources, but is now allowing one per customer as stock is expected to be limited. MacRumors can also confirm recent reports claiming the Apple Watch Edition will be offered at select Apple Stores only.

The limit does not apply to online pre-orders that will be shipped to home beginning April 24, although it is possible that Apple will also restrict online orders to one or two Apple Watch models per customer as it has done for Personal Pickup with the iPhone, iPad and other products in the past. Apple will not be allowing walk-in purchases of the Apple Watch without a reservation, according to leaked Apple Store training documents obtained by MacRumors last month.

Apple Watch pre-orders begin April 10, and the wrist-worn device goes on sale April 24 in the United States, Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan and United Kingdom. Apple Watch starts at $349 for the entry-level Sport model, while the stainless steel model costs between $549 and $1,099, and the gold edition starts at $10,000. Try-on appointments will be available at Apple Stores and select fashion boutiques beginning April 10.

Apple Confirms Retina MacBook Build-to-Order Pricing for 1.3 GHz Processor

Apple this morning released full pricing information for the Retina MacBook to reseller partners such as Expercom, confirming prices of the new 12-inch MacBook for customers who plan to opt for beefed-up processors in the checkout process when the device launches this Friday, April 10.

As stated during the “Spring Forward” event last month, the entry-level MacBook will retail for $1299 with a 1.1 GHz dual-core Intel Core M processor, 8 GB of memory, and 256 GB of flash storage.

According to Expercom, this machine will have a configure-to-order option that bumps its performance with a 1.3 GHz Intel Core M processor, with the same 256 GB flash storage. The upgrade will cost those interested an extra $250, raising the entry-level option to $1549 when choosing the upgraded version.

The high-end stock model announced at last month’s event comes with a 1.2 GHz processor with 8 GB of memory and 512 GB of flash storage, priced at $1599. Apple will offer the 1.3 GHz processor upgrade option here as well, keeping the same 512 GB of flash storage and charging an additional $150 over the base price of the 1.2 GHz model for a total price of $1749.

The new 12-inch MacBook is set to launch this Friday, April 10 on the Apple online store and in Apple retail stores, though recent news from Apple Retail Chief Angela Ahrendts points to better possibilities of a completed order when visiting the company’s online storefront or Apple Store app.

Grovemade Debuts New Maple and Walnut Wood Laptop Stands [Mac Blog]

Grovemade today announced a new Laptop Stand, adding to its line of handmade wooden desk accessories. Available in Walnut and Maple like the company’s other products, the Laptop Stand is made from sheets of wood veneer that have been molded into a curve.

The Laptop Stand is designed to position a laptop at an angle that makes it easy to use on a desktop. There’s an aluminum stop at the end to keep the laptop from falling off and it’s lined with vegetable tanned leather for extra grip. When placed on a desk, there’s room underneath for hiding accessories out of sight.

“Bringing increased function and order to your desktop, the Laptop Stand is the perfect complement to any work or home office, making for a distinctive and comfortable way to help you work, watch, or play,” says Ken Tomita, Grovemade’s co-founder. “The Laptop Stand’s unique design, employing a curvature, molded and shaped from several sheets of wood, lends a welcoming aesthetic boost to your workspace.”

Grovemade’s new Laptop Stand has been created to match a range of other desk accessories, including a monitor stand, a keyboard case, a mouse pad, a wrist rest, a lamp, and more.

The Laptop Stand is available in Walnut and Maple from the Grovemade site and is priced at $119.

HBO Now Channel Goes Live on Apple TV

The recently announced HBO Now channel has gone live on the Apple TV set-top box today, ahead of the series premiere of HBO hit show Game of Thrones on April 12.

The new channel allows Apple TV users to stream all of HBO’s original content, past and present, as well as its entire movie catalog. The standalone streaming service costs $14.99 per month, with customers receiving the first month free if they sign up in April.