An Apple Watch vs. Fitbit Inspire 2

That's the Apple Watch, Series 7, on the left; the Fitbit Inspire 2 is at right.

     An Apple Watch -- Series 7 -- arrived recently. It was a gift from my husband for Mother's Day, but actually getting a working watch was a weeks-long experience.

    At any case I have embraced the watch, and given Steve my former exercise tracker, the Fitbit Inspire 2.

    The Inspire 2 is not as intuitive as the Apple device but I used one for many years without complaint. Recently, however, Steve because more concerned about me needing help in some situation, usually related to my solo exercise routines. The Apple Watch has a "danger" mode where it automatically calls 911 if one, for example, falls off a bicycle and is hurt.

    This actually happened to my brother-in-law who regularly rides. He took a tumble, was unhurt, and subsequently explained it was a bit embarrassing as he had to find his glasses to see on the Apple device where you STOPPED the ambulance from coming.

    But I digress. My Apple Watch was purchased at Best Buy, where I have a contract with the "Geek Squad." It took a week or so to arrive after it was ordered, and I made an appointment and stopped in to pick it up. I asked that the new device be explained and that the employee put on the watchband.

    None of this occurred because that first watch never fired up. It was a dud. It took a while to figure this out, but the manager on duty suggested that watch be sent back, and another one ordered.

    This was fine by me. I like the Fitbit, but was planning to give it to Steve when my working watch finally arrived. This took another week or so. I got the tutorial on the new watch, which charged up nicely.

    What followed was dumb. I didn't realize the watch needed to be charged nightly (mine does), so it ran out of juice quickly. I dutifully put it on charge, but the electric outlet wasn't working.

    I take regular exercise seriously and this quickly became an issue. I struggled through Days 1 and 2, and belatedly realized the outlet wasn't working and I also had flipped over the magnetic charger cable that easily attaches to the watch. Duh! I finally got it all squared up on Day 3 or 4.

    I'm now a few weeks into using the watch and I love it. Importantly, it speaks to me when I run a mile, to tell me my time. That feature actually disappeared a while but our daughter Kirstin, who also has an Apple Watch, sorted out the problem (it's on the phone app).

    It's also encourages me to stand and to move, among other messages.

    I do miss the Fitbit at times. For example, it's more useful when I garden.

    Gardening for me is daily exercise in addition to what I do under the "Workouts" offered on the watch. A Fitbit Inspire does not talk, but it sure records all the movements you make, like out in the yard.

    One thing I do is pick up errant sticks which fall daily from the Birch trees. The Fitbit unflinchingly notes every step taken, even in the yard.

    I recently tried "Outdoor Walk" when I was out working in the yard and the watch messaged me pretty quickly and said, "still working out?" Well, yes, Apple Watch, I seldom sit still, especially in the gardens!

    I think I'll ask the Apple community what others do when wearing a watch in the gardens.

    On the other hand I recently walked very slowly up through our neighborhood. When I got home the watch messaged me: "Was that a workout?" Well, yes, I guess! 

    That's what I mean by saying an Apple Watch is intuitive.

  One more intuitive example came as I recently used the "Maps" app on my IPhone. It was talking to me while I was driving when  I soon noticed my watch was flashing a notice such as: "Obey all traffic laws!" I didn't know what to think at first, but quickly realized it was "talking" to the cell phone. I had two devices tracking the car and where I wanted to go.

    I can now more easily navigate the car, especially when alone.

    Others who take exercise seriously may consider this product. I really appreciate the positive reinforcement I get when correctly using it!