At least one South African is so enamoured of Apple’s latest gadget that he (or she) bought two smartwatches that went on sale online.
On Monday, two Apple Watches were bought after coming up for sale on the Bidorbuy website on 28 April.
An aluminium watch was offered for R9 000 and a stainless steel version for R11 000.
However, the winning bidder bought them for R10 750 and R13 000 respectively, well above the recommended retail price the devices sell for in the US.
The watches have a list price of US$349 and $549, but some buyers are prepared to pay premium prices for the bragging rights of having the gadgets first.
But not everyone around the world that has bought the latest Apple gadget has been happy with their purchase.
Multiple Web forums and news outlets have reported that some users experienced skin rashes when wearing the watch.
While Apple conceded that users might experience difficulties, the company indicated on its website that it has been checked by certified dermatologists and users might be wearing the device incorrectly.
There have also been reports that users with tattoos found that the Watch did not operate as expected. Social media erupted with the hash tag #tattoogate as people expressed their frustration.
Apple has confirmed that heart rate readings for the Watch could potentially affect users who have tattoos.
“Permanent or temporary changes to your skin, such as some tattoos, can also impact heart rate sensor performance. The ink, pattern, and saturation of some tattoos can block light from the sensor, making it difficult to get reliable readings,” the company said on its support page.
Despite any potential flaws in the first generation Apple device, customers in South Africa could buy the device in their droves.
“Apple loyalists are naturally going to love the smart watch. The watch’s release again represents a chance for Apple to change the world, again, with an industry-defining product,” said Christopher Riley, CEO of The Notebook Company.
The watch, which went on sale internationally on 24 April, has not been officially released in South Africa, and it is unclear from official Apple distributor Core Group when that will happen and at what price it will launch. — Fin24