Comment by jimt1234 | Hacker News Reader

Comment by jimt1234 | Hacker News Reader

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Sorta-related topic: I like to listen to music while I run. I currently use a 7th Gen iPod Nano. It works because it's small and it has Bluetooth; I just put it in my pocket and go. However, I would rather have this same functionality (play music, Bluetooth) on a wristwatch device, as the iPod bouncing around in my pocket can be kinda annoying.

All the popular "smart watch" devices are packed with functionality I just don't want - not interested in having my fitness tracked or reading text messages while I run. I just want music and Bluetooth, and I guess a stopwatch/timer, too. That's it.

I've looked around and the best I could find was a wristwatch device straight outta Shenzhen. I bought it, and unsurprisingly, it was junk.

Does anyone know of a quality wristwatch device that only plays music and has Bluetooth (and stopwatch/timer)? Does a product like this exist? Or, is it "smart watch" or nothing (or junk)?

It’s easier to just get a smartwatch and turn the stuff you don’t care about off. It’s not like the watch’s feelings will be hurt if you don’t use it.

How do you know that exactly?

Yeah, my Apple Watch does this. You can also uninstall all the apps and disable all the notifications to make it dumb so it only plays music.

I know a few folks who bought the older models or the new Apple Watch SE solely for this purpose.

Is it more expensive than an iPod? Yup.

Does it work amazing when running? Also, yup.

Take a look at Garmin's products. Does what you want, and if there is no model that doesn't do what you don't want, just don't turn those features on. For example, I already have an Apple Watch, I don't care about "smart watch" stuff on my Garmin. But their top-of-the-line 945LTE that I bought for running also has "smart watch". I just want running stuff, so I simply did not pair the watch with my phone. There, no smart stuff. (Granted, I guess I'm paying for features I don't use...)

I also couldn't find anything new that rivals the iPod Nano 7th gen's form factor and focused features. I tried looking at Sony players, but they are usually bigger or have an interface that is not as friendly. Knowing it is (soon) obsolete I bought a second one. For many years, I have played Audible audiobooks in these devices in my commutes.

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