I think I’ve had my Pebble for at least a week now and I can say I really do like it. It’s not massive on the wrist, which was my initial concern, my wife tried hers and said it was just acceptable for her to wear too. I guess this just goes to show I have girly wrists!
Like I said in my first impressions post, it’s a watch which has a strap and a face that tells the time. 😉
It will not take or receive calls for you, it is not touch enabled, it’s simply an extension of the notification bar on your phone, but isn’t that cool!
Hardware
I have a screen protector on the ‘lense’ since I got it so I can not comment on the scratch resistance (or lack of) on the screen. The strap, although just plain black rubber, seems pretty hard wearing and the fastener is of a good quality too.
Being an Android owner I’m used to charging my devices daily so it’s a bit odd not having charged it for four or five days. In the latest firmware there is a battery indicator that shows when the battery needs charging again – handy. I noticed it in the morning when I was at work and it made it through the whole day. But, if you think about it, theres not really much to power. The manufacturer’s claims of 7+ days I’d say are valid.
The actual watch is a good size on the wrist that I have had little to no problems adjusting to it from my previous watch, which was a lot heavier.
Software
Navigation around the watch is really intuitive. There’s a”Back” button on the left hand side of the watch and, on the right, “Up”, “In/Select” and “Down”.
After the 1.8.2-224 firmware update the UI was a lot easier to navigate around, with functions like music and watch faces grouped rather than just one root/flat folder structure where everything was grouped on one level.
I have noticed that the battery last a lot longer on the 1.9 firmware than it did on the earlier ones, this may be in part due to the battery settling in after a few cycles
Pros
You don’t have to get your phone out of your pocket to decide if you want to answer the phone to someone, check a text or email that has just been received. Best of all; play snake whilst you are in meetings!
Cons
Wheres the SDK?! No RunKeeper integration yet!!!
Summary
Apart from my little rant there in the cons I can think of no reason if you are considering getting a Pebble as to why you shouldn’t. If you are in the market for an ePaper watch compatible with iPhone and Android smartphones then this is what you’re after.
As yet I have not been charged any import taxes but there is still a chance. I have read on Google+ you can get an invoice up to six weeks after taking receipt of your parcel before getting charged tax.
It cost $180 for a “his and hers”, which works out to around £120 for two. £60 for the watch, worth it? Well I think the most I’ve paid for a watch previously is around £120 and that didn’t vibrate when I got a text message
You can find all the photos of the watch you could possibly want by taking a trip back to the un-boxing!
Interesting what you say about the import taxes – I’d really like to know if anybody has had to pay duty yet. I’m still waiting for mine, but it should (in theory) be here any day now. Very excited! I’m also quite excited to get my hands on the SDK, but it seems there is a fair bit to play with in the meantime. Good to hear you are liking it anyway.
Usually when I buy from the US I get charged the tax by the postman/courier before delivery. I didn’t get taxed on the Pebble (yet!).
Waoww.. !!! This gadget so damn rocks !!!!!