Looking for cheapest/best value smart watch that has a good vibration alarm

Lysander on 03/08/2015 - 13:42

Hello everybody,

I am looking for advice on which smart watch to buy. A friend of mine wants to use the watch as a discrete signal to know when his next patient has arrived, without the front staff using intercom or knocking on the door.

There are only three criteria:

  1. It must have a good vibration alarm. One that will be felt if set to the strongest setting.
  2. It must be reliable and be able to receive text messages sent from an Australian mobile/network
  3. It should be as cheap as possible.

It does not have to have health functions etc.

Does anybody have any experience with smart watches? Any insight and advice would be greatly appreciated.

Mobile

Comments

  • iridiumstem on 03/08/2015 - 13:51

    Hmmm, if you remove the 2nd criteria, you might be able to use the MiBand for it (they are like $20 AUD). I guess you could find an app that gives you a notification given certain criteria on the text message as well (so after it vibrates, when the LED flashes, you could see what kind of message as well by looking at the colour). Though, the vibration might be too weak.

    I am assuming you have an Android phone, am I correct? The phone you own might limit your option.

  • Lysander on 03/08/2015 - 14:11

    Yes, Android Phone or Windows phone.

    Never heard of the MiBand. Will check it out now.

    • iridiumstem on 03/08/2015 - 14:21

      It's a fitness band by XiaoMi.

  • scrimshaw on 03/08/2015 - 14:24
    +2

    The Pebble when on sale goes for 89 bucks via dick Smith.

    It's not as cheap as the mi band but it can display text messages and even reply to them using preset responses. Also runs mini apps.

  • Maki on 03/08/2015 - 14:25

    Cheapest Option: Get an armband and put your phone in it to feel the vibration.

  • Lysander on 03/08/2015 - 14:30

    Thanks. Will discuss it with him but since he is not tech savy and would probably forget what the colours that the MiBand uses to communicate mean maybe the Pebble is a good choice. Would anybody happen to know when the Pebble is likely to go on sale with DS?
    I do not think his patients would be able to take him seriously if he had a mobile phone strapped to his wrist or arm but otherwise an innovative and interesting idea. ;-)

  • Lysander on 03/08/2015 - 14:34

    Is the Sony SW2 any good for this purpose?

    • scrimshaw on 03/08/2015 - 15:53

      Where you going to buy this from? No stores stock this anymore AFAIK.

      edit: OO.com still has some left but its definitely not as cheap as it was a few months back.

  • Lysander on 03/08/2015 - 19:44

    Ebay

  • Lysander on 03/08/2015 - 19:44

    $130

  • mingofmongo on 04/08/2015 - 08:08

    Microsoft Band works with both Android and Windows phones. Has notifications (configurable) for SMS, email, phone call, etc. The vibration is configurable - on its highest level it would be impossible to ignore!
    Only problem is you need to either import them for $350 or buy on ebay second hand. Picked mine up for $130 AUD.
    There are 3 different sizes and Microsoft provides a sizing chart you can print. Let me know if you want me to find a copy.

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