Obviously subjective, but I think the design is hideous. It reminds me of tacky faux-professional 80s watches. In fact, doing a search for "80s watches" brings this up pretty quickly: <a href="http://modculture.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/02/29/casio_retro.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://modculture.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/02/2...</a><p>Which is exactly what comes to mind for me. I think it really works against what they're going for with the product.
After clicking through I opened Facebook and was served a "suggested story" offering me $15 off a Pebble "Today Only" via retargeting (<a href="http://imgur.com/qcH42af" rel="nofollow">http://imgur.com/qcH42af</a>).<p>Clicked through and got this message that the promotion "isn't active." (<a href="http://imgur.com/pOt9KsR" rel="nofollow">http://imgur.com/pOt9KsR</a>)<p>Stop burning money, team Pebble. You're welcome.
Watches >$20 will always be jewelry first and functionality second. This is a step in the right direction but I think they can do better.<p>I think we need a round face. Years of watch making tells us its clearly more attractive and what most consumers prefer, and a round display will be more 'revolutionary' then just a tiny smart phone on your wrist.
$249 is a lot of money - you're talking the cost of a subsidized high-end phone for something that has less functionality. My intuition tells me smart-watches wont sell in big BIG numbers unless:<p>- It's a phone, therefore it can be subsidized by the carriers<p>- It almost does everything a smartphone can, including having a lot of screen real-estate, but only costs ~$250 unsubsidized. Perhaps like a flexible iPod touch that wraps around your wrist<p>If someone can come up with a $200+ wrist-mounted device that sells in the millions but doesn't meet the same level of functionality as a smartphone then I'll gladly eat my Fitbit.
Specification Clarification: The display is a low-power LCD. Pebble insists on calling it "e-paper" in the specs, likely to make people think it's related to the more advanced e-ink display you'd find in ereaders. It's just a low-power gray-scale LCD that loses image whenever power isn't applied to it. Still a cool product. Just a disingenuous spec listing.
Having been an early Kickstarter backer and wearer for some time now I jumped at the opportunity to get the new Steel version (black in my case). The reasons:<p>- The Pebble has replaced my desire to wear one of my 8 other (yes, I'm one of those people) watches - this really is a case of function over form for those who dislike the look.<p>- I'm addicted to the notifications - especially of incoming calls and SMS (or at least addicted to the feeling that I didn't miss them)<p>- My current resin Pebble is already showing signs of wear, the strap holder never really did it's function and the screen is now a swirly mess of fine scratches and buff marks that hopefully the new Corning GorillaGlass will remedy.<p>Those who make throwaway comments about the need/want for a Pebble watch should really be those who have had the opportunity to wear one for a week or so and see the convenience it brings if you're already tethered to the world by your smart-phone.
I have a Pebble, and I love it. One of the best purchases I have made for the value it adds. I wish that Pebble would come out with a watch design that is more feminine. My wife really wants one, but she thinks the current pebbles are too masculine.
I'm 22 and never wore a watch while growing up, but I've been using a Pebble for about 3 months. I really like it.<p>It's been most helpful when I'm skiing, biking, or flying RC planes. Checking messages at a glance is awesome. I also use it for navigating music while driving.<p>Probably the biggest affect of using the Pebble has been having its function as a watch - somewhat ironic. If I forget it, I'm constantly looking at my bare wrist to check the time.<p>I wanted to see a microphone for Siri/Google Now integration in the next hardware revision. Pebble Steel isn't that impressive to me - but I see where someone might want a fancier Pebble, rather than just a fancier band.