Apple Watch

[chrissy92972]

My daughter is trying to save for an Apple Watch. She will be 16 in November. Considering itforabirthday/Christmas gift for her.

I have no clue what to look for, which model, where to buy etc.

She does have an iPhone 8.

Chrissy

 

[cvjw]

Go to the apple store. I was just there looking at all the different Apple Watch models. There were so many in the display case, it was a little overwhelming. The nicest associate took the time to explain all the differences. They could also help you pick out the best model for your daughter.

Oh, and they came with the absolute cutest bands. I am sure your daughter would love them, I sure did!

 

[chrissy92972]

Thank you!!!!

 

[Jax1023]

I just got a 38mm series 3 gps only at Costco for 269.

A new watch is expected to be announced this week.

Currently there are 2 sizes- 38mm and 42mm. For a 16 year old the 38mm will probably be best, the larger one seemed more sized for a man with larger wrists.

Then there lte vs gps. The lte version has a service charge through your cell provider monthly, but can act as an indendent phone. So you can make calls if your running etc without your phone.

The gps only works for calls and texts within range of the phone. But still Tracks fitness if you leave your phone at home- like how far you ran etc.

Other than that the choices are basically color, band style. Those are more personal preference.

 

[chrissy92972]

Thank you! The Costco price is great. Hopefully Sam's Club will have that type of price. We do not have a Costco nearby.

 

[Tiki_Sara]

Apple products are best bought from the Apple store, just in case anything goes wrong. I've had to deal with the convoluted returns system for an Apple product bought from another store (e.g. Best Buy) when if had I bought the item directly from the Apple, I would have been able to go in and exchange it there and then. Not worth the time and effort and I won't make the mistake again.

 

[chrissy92972]

Thanks for the advice. Now to find an Apple Store near NE PA.

 

[HHMcG]

Thanks for the advice. Now to find an Apple Store near NE PA.

There is one at the Lehigh Valley Mall. My mom was at it yesterday. (Not sure how far north you are though.)

 

[GZanta77]

Apple products are best bought from the Apple store, just in case anything goes wrong. I've had to deal with the convoluted returns system for an Apple product bought from another store (e.g. Best Buy) when if had I bought the item directly from the Apple, I would have been able to go in and exchange it there and then. Not worth the time and effort and I won't make the mistake again.

Not sure of the circumstances of your return, but I have bought and returned Apple products at Best Buy without problem. Also, Costco's return policy is one of the best.

If OP is going to go with the newest model coming out imminently - Apple Watch 4 - then the Apple store could be the way to go, but unlikely to get the best price that way. Kohl's had some great deals on AW3 last year in early November, and again around Black Friday.

If OP is thinking of sticking with the Apple Watch 3, there may be some deals to be had over the next couple weeks. Also, don't forget there is a refurbished section on the apple website - prices might well drop in the next few days after the announcement of a new watch tomorrow. Apple refurbished products are rock solid and indistinguishable from new with full warranty - the only difference might be the box.

 

[Tiki_Sara]

Not sure of the circumstances of your return, but I have bought and returned Apple products at Best Buy without problem. Also, Costco's return policy is one of the best.

If OP is going to go with the newest model coming out imminently - Apple Watch 4 - then the Apple store could be the way to go, but unlikely to get the best price that way. Kohl's had some great deals on AW3 last year in early November, and again around Black Friday.

If OP is thinking of sticking with the Apple Watch 3, there may be some deals to be had over the next couple weeks. Also, don't forget there is a refurbished section on the apple website - prices might well drop in the next few days after the announcement of a new watch tomorrow. Apple refurbished products are rock solid and indistinguishable from new with full warranty - the only difference might be the box.

 

[Tiki_Sara]

Sorry that posted before I could respond.

I bought some headphones at BestBuy and when they stopped working after a couple of months, BestBuy wouldn't exchange them or have anything to do with it other than scribble the Apple helpline number on a bit of paper. I had to call Apple directly twice and they called me back a third time, go over all the possible resets and solutions on the phone, none of which worked, then eventually arrange for a return via FedEx box which they send you and put the goods in and then take it to the FedEx store myself and await another delivery, which I had to be in to sign for. It was a major PIA and had I gone two miles up the road and purchased them directly from an Apple store, I could have just returned them and got a replacement on the day.

 

[GZanta77]

Sorry that posted before I could respond.

I bought some headphones at BestBuy and when they stopped working after a couple of months, BestBuy wouldn't exchange them or have anything to do with it other than scribble the Apple helpline number on a bit of paper. I had to call Apple directly twice and they called me back a third time, go over all the possible resets and solutions on the phone, none of which worked, then eventually arrange for a return via FedEx box which they send you and put the goods in and then take it to the FedEx store myself and await another delivery, which I had to be in to sign for. It was a major PIA and had I gone two miles up the road and purchased them directly from an Apple store, I could have just returned them and got a replacement on the day.

I can see why that was a frustrating process, but in my experience Apple are very good about seeing you in their store even if you purchased elsewhere - and if the item is still under warranty, will usually deal with any exchange/replacements just as if you had bought it in their store.

 

[chrissy92972]

There is one at the Lehigh Valley Mall. My mom was at it yesterday. (Not sure how far north you are though.)

I am an hour from there. Thanks!!!

 

[chrissy92972]

Sorry that posted before I could respond.

I bought some headphones at BestBuy and when they stopped working after a couple of months, BestBuy wouldn't exchange them or have anything to do with it other than scribble the Apple helpline number on a bit of paper. I had to call Apple directly twice and they called me back a third time, go over all the possible resets and solutions on the phone, none of which worked, then eventually arrange for a return via FedEx box which they send you and put the goods in and then take it to the FedEx store myself and await another delivery, which I had to be in to sign for. It was a major PIA and had I gone two miles up the road and purchased them directly from an Apple store, I could have just returned them and got a replacement on the day.

That is ridiculous. Definately an Apple Store.

 

[chrissy92972]

Not sure of the circumstances of your return, but I have bought and returned Apple products at Best Buy without problem. Also, Costco's return policy is one of the best.

If OP is going to go with the newest model coming out imminently - Apple Watch 4 - then the Apple store could be the way to go, but unlikely to get the best price that way. Kohl's had some great deals on AW3 last year in early November, and again around Black Friday.

If OP is thinking of sticking with the Apple Watch 3, there may be some deals to be had over the next couple weeks. Also, don't forget there is a refurbished section on the apple website - prices might well drop in the next few days after the announcement of a new watch tomorrow. Apple refurbished products are rock solid and indistinguishable from new with full warranty - the only difference might be the box.

I had no idea about returns. Thanks!!!

 

[Tiki_Sara]

I can see why that was a frustrating process, but in my experience Apple are very good about seeing you in their store even if you purchased elsewhere - and if the item is still under warranty, will usually deal with any exchange/replacements just as if you had bought it in their store.

Tried that. Unfortunately my local Apple store is a stickler for policy and will only deal with returned/ faulty goods if you bought them at an Apple store or from Apple online. Can you tell I was majorly (and perhaps somewhat disproportionately) annoyed with it all?

 

[Hikergirl]

Tried that. Unfortunately my local Apple store is a stickler for policy and will only deal with returned/ faulty goods if you bought them at an Apple store or from Apple online. Can you tell I was majorly (and perhaps somewhat disproportionately) annoyed with it all?

If they broke after the Best Buy return period it would make sense that you had to go to Apple because at that point they would fall under Apple's warranty, they were no longer covered by Best Buy.
What is more ridiculous IMO is that your Apple store doesn't accept Apple products still under warranty for repair if they were purchased elsewhere.

OP, check slickdeals. I see Apple Watch deals on there frequently.

 

[Teal03]

Apple products are best bought from the Apple store, just in case anything goes wrong. I've had to deal with the convoluted returns system for an Apple product bought from another store (e.g. Best Buy) when if had I bought the item directly from the Apple, I would have been able to go in and exchange it there and then. Not worth the time and effort and I won't make the mistake again.

I think it’s just Best Buy with their stupid policy on Apple products. My aunt bought beats from there with warranty and they wouldn’t replace them. Didn’t have that problem with Walmart. They replaced my brother’s beats. No matter how cheap they have the previous MacBook after a new one is announced to Day I’m not buying it from them.

 

[GZanta77]

Tried that. Unfortunately my local Apple store is a stickler for policy and will only deal with returned/ faulty goods if you bought them at an Apple store or from Apple online. Can you tell I was majorly (and perhaps somewhat disproportionately) annoyed with it all?

Wow - you forced me to check the 'official' Apple policy and I am shocked. I guess, as you experienced, some stores apply the policy more rigorously than others. Personally, I have had great experiences at the apple store irrespective of where I purchased the product.

 

[chrissy92972]

Thanks everyone. Will definately be watching for deals as it gets closer to Christmas. 3rd version and 38mm.