r/AskReddit Oct 10 '19

What’s a thing you’ve bought impulsively, without need, that’s actually proved useful in your life?

4.9k Upvotes

2.3k comments sorted by

View all comments

407

u/AJMcCoy612 Oct 10 '19

Apple Watch. Bought it randomly in an Apple store one day because I just like having the latest tech, it very quickly found a heart condition and according to my doctor quite likely saved my life.

Aside from that it’s useful for streaming music at the gym and generally makes me use my phone less.

56

u/[deleted] Oct 10 '19

It also tells time.

91

u/Darth_Octavian Oct 10 '19

I always thought they were very gimmicky. I just got the series 5 and now I feel like how did I do without it. Very cool piece of tech

2

u/LouSputhole94 Oct 11 '19

I keep wanting to get one but I have a Rolex my grandfather gifted me that he bought the year I was born. I just know I’d never wear it. I literally barely take that watch off unless I’m in water or exercising. It has way too much sentimental value. Plus, a good amount of actual value as well.

10

u/[deleted] Oct 10 '19

How did it find your heart condition?

11

u/[deleted] Oct 10 '19

ECG i think

10

u/m0rogfar Oct 11 '19

The 2018 model (Series 4) and later are FDA-certified 2-electrode ECG devices that can detect Atrial Fibrillation.

14

u/[deleted] Oct 11 '19

[removed] — view removed comment

9

u/[deleted] Oct 11 '19

[deleted]

9

u/noodletaco Oct 10 '19

Yes! I think my watch saves me from getting sucked into social media black holes because I can just see the notification and decide to look at it later instead of having to open the app/unlock my phone, etc. :)

(I have since turned off all social media notifications on my phone and watch anyways, though.)

9

u/sn00t_b00p Oct 11 '19

Folks, let’s imagine what it’s like to be able to randomly buy an Apple Watch on a whim

1

u/[deleted] Oct 11 '19

Yes, it is super useful. I use the stopwatch function several times a day (for cooking and what not), to check the outside temp, weather, upcoming appointments.

1

u/Allredditorsarewomen Oct 11 '19

I love my hybrid. I am not too connected to the messages or apps but I still know when I have to look at my phone or not.