About a year ago the Pebble watch was featured on the kickstarterfundraiser platform and I was not only talking about it on What We Have Noticed, but also became an early backer. The Pebble watch folks tried to raise $100,000, but in the end attracted 68,929 backers and raised a stunning $10,266,845. While the Pebble folks must have rejoiced about this turn of events, it was also a fine case study for 'be careful what you ask for.' The overwhelming demand put the Pebble team into a delivery problem situation, and in my specific case, the watch was estimated to be delivered in September of 2012 finally arrived on May 10th 2013. Meanwhile though some new apps like the RunKeeper partnered with Pebble, and more such connections are promised to come. But for now let us have a first look at this bluetooth connected iPhone or Android device.

The Big Time watch face is one of my favorites.

The box arrived late on Friday and I could not wait to unpack the watch.

The watch and the US charging cable were all that was in the box, all instructions came via the Pebble app on the iPhone.

Another watch face that I enjoy quite a bit. Faces are switchable with the touch of a button.

When paired with the Runkeeper app you can see time, distance and either pace or speed. You can pause and resume with the watch, but you need to start the activity on the phone.

Phone calls show up on your Pebble too and that allows you to decide quickly if it is worth to pull your phone out of the pocket. In this case I took the Dan Empfield call. (we blurred out the number since so many asked)

You can also control your music from the Pebble.

Some folks might prefer a more traditional watch face.

Others can opt for something a bit more artsy and funky.

The watch is very light 39 grams and the watch face measures 2"x1.25". It is rated to 5ATM and that means you can swim with it.

First impressions: I like the watch quite a bit even if it was just a watch with a growing supply of watch faces. The phone and RunKeeper app integrations are much appreciated bonus items though. The pebble also lets you see reminders and emails, and as we had mentioned earlier, you can control your music. There is also a golfing app and more, but who has time to golf here. If this were a watch that cost more than $250, we might come up with some gripes, but as it stands, the Pebble offers a lot of bang for the buck in an attractive package, if you have the patience to wait for one.

MSRP: $150
Colors: White, Black, Red


More info at getpebble.com