What's the deal with those Dick Tracy watches?

peter cornbriar · Nov 23, 2024

My wife just purchased the entry level Apple Watch-SE model. I call these unattractive wrist computers, - Dick Tracy- watches.
I'd like to know more such as: When one receives a phone call on this "watch" does manifest the traditional ring tones, and if so, how does one "answer" a call? Does one lift one's wrist to mouth and speak into it? Or can this abomination pick up voice tones from say 2 feet away? Can one surf the 'Net? Can one make it interface with a printer? Are these drop and shock rated? Howz about when one gets water on it or takes a shower with it, even goes swimming with it - does it self-destruct? Does it have a flashlight?
Just a few questions for you technologically adept BoB.

D.L.Ruth · Nov 23, 2024

While I don't have an apple watch, I have an android watch. Mine is pretty good with picking up voice so don't really need to hold it up to my mouth. I keep my ringer off on the watch and have it set to vibrate for specific notifications, but can set the ring tone to match the regular ones. Haven't tried to hook it to a printer as I have no need to, it does convert with my headphones though. Mine is water resistant so doesn't self-destruct when it gets wet. I have a screen protector on it so it's pretty durable, with the exception of the screen it is a metal watch (not sure about Apple watch though). Mine does have a "flashlight" feature that just uses the watch face as a bright white light. They all apparently tell time as well lol.

Sporkstari · Dec 3, 2024

I get where you’re coming from calling them wrist computers—they do look a bit sci-fi, don’t they? To answer some of your questions, yes, the Apple Watch-SE does have ringtones when you get a call, and you can answer it by just tapping on the screen or using the mic on the watch itself. No need to speak into it like a walkie-talkie, but I guess you could if you really wanted to look extra goofy!

Aussiemike · Dec 3, 2024

D.L.Ruth said:
While I don't have an apple watch, I have an android watch. Mine is pretty good with picking up voice so don't really need to hold it up to my mouth. I keep my ringer off on the watch and have it set to vibrate for specific notifications, but can set the ring tone to match the regular ones. Haven't tried to hook it to a printer as I have no need to, it does convert with my headphones though. Mine is water resistant so doesn't self-destruct when it gets wet. I have a screen protector on it so it's pretty durable, with the exception of the screen it is a metal watch (not sure about Apple watch though). Mine does have a "flashlight" feature that just uses the watch face as a bright white light. They all apparently tell time as well lol.

I dont have a fancy watch D.L but really used my phone and a health braclet heaps last year when I was having heart problems for heat rate and stuff was very handy to monitor. Hook up printer wtf wow and wow truly di ck tracy stuff

As for a light I got one of these bits of gear bloody awesome

pretty bulky though. Only wear it for it uses if necessary.

https://www.surefire.com/2211-signature-wristlight/

Aussiemike · Dec 3, 2024

Sporkstari said:
I get where you’re coming from calling them wrist computers—they do look a bit sci-fi, don’t they? To answer some of your questions, yes, the Apple Watch-SE does have ringtones when you get a call, and you can answer it by just tapping on the screen or using the mic on the watch itself. No need to speak into it like a walkie-talkie, but I guess you could if you really wanted to look extra goofy!

That is so cool

Sporkstari · Dec 11, 2024

Sporkstari said:
I get where you’re coming from calling them wrist computers—they do look a bit sci-fi, don’t they? To answer some of your questions, yes, the Apple Watch-SE does have ringtones when you get a call, and you can answer it by just tapping on the screen or using the mic on the watch itself. No need to speak into it like a walkie-talkie, but I guess you could if you really wanted to look extra goofy!

As for things like swimming, it’s water-resistant but not waterproof, so I wouldn’t take it scuba diving, but showers or a swim in the pool should be fine. Honestly, it’s not quite like a Patek Philippe, but I hear a lot of people are into those watches as a fun alternative. Oh, and yeah, it’s got a flashlight feature, which is surprisingly handy!