Last week I introduced you to Smartwatches. I think they are terrific gadgets…especially for the more geeky among us. They provide lots of information as I mentioned last week when I outlined many things the two I have are able to do. We will compare them today. By the way, the prices listed are for the versions I have (first version of each brand) not the newer versions now available. Check current prices if you are interested in these and online for other brand names.
The Moto 360 (original version $250) is a much prettier watch. It has a very colorful, bright sharp screen and a tremendous number of interesting and useful watch faces. As a matter of fact I have even made a couple of my own. I can see very little pixilation unless I get my eyes closer than necessary to the watch.
When you swing your wrist up to look it lights up so you can see it for a few seconds, then goes back to black. It stays lit for a very short period of time. You may have five items you want to check and have time to see two or three.
There is one button control and touch screen control. When you get a phone call you can see the number calling, and the picture of the caller if it is in your address book. You can slide the face one way to answer and another to hang up. You cannot use the phone to talk to the caller (Dick Tracey would be sad) so you still have to pull your phone out of your pocket or wherever it may be to answer.
The largest problem that I have with the Moto 360 is the battery life. It charges so you do not have to replace batteries; however, a max of 12-14 hours on a full charge is not good performance in my book.
The Pebble (original version $149) watch faces are more limited and not color but consistent with most regular digital watches today. It has the standard gray/black screen. (See DoubleClicks.info for a few views.) However, that being said the watch is constantly viewable. It uses e-ink which allows me to see the watch all the time unless in the dark. As with the Moto 360 you flip your watch-arm up as you normally would to view the time, then the light comes on.
The Pebble has four button control without touchscreen. The biggest PLUS for me is that once a week is usually the only charging it needs.
They are both interesting and good functional gadgets. Still with the charge time and the constantly visible watch faces I vote for the Pebble, even though it is not as cool and "glamorous" looking as the Moto 360. Pebble now has some color versions which I have not seen so it may be even better now.
Below are the Moto 360 (left) and the Pebble (right) with their chargers.
