Interested in trying out the Apple Watch before you buy one? We’re not just talking about heading to a local Apple store and trying it on for a few minutes. We’re talking about using the device for a week before you actually make up your mind.
Yep, it’s possible thanks to a company called Lumoid.
Lumoid is a relatively new startup that will soon be offering Apple Watch rentals to interested customers. They don’t have anything available just yet, after all the Apple Watch won’t hit the market until April 24th.
That said, you can add your name to a waiting list, and you’ll be given the option to rent a unit when the time is right.
Of course, their try-it-before-you-buy-it system is open to several different wearables including fitness trackers. If you want to try out a different device, you can do that too. Heck, you could even try a couple of different devices and compare the experience to that of the Apple Watch.
What Does It Cost?
If you’re interested in renting the Apple Watch, you can get the Sport model for $45. If you decide to keep the device after your rental, $25 of that price would go towards the final purchase price. If you want the steel variant you’ll need to pay $55 ($30 of which goes toward the purchase price).
Want to try out a fitness tracker instead? No problem! You’ll get to try five different devices for $20. In addition, you’ll get a week with each wearable before you have to send them back. If you decide to keep one, you can pay the remaining balance.
Keep in mind, if you pay the rental price for the Apple Watch you’ll also get to try out four other devices for a week, as well.
It’s a pretty good deal if you’re interested in trying out these devices before you run to a store and drop down the full price. In store, you’ll only get to demo each one for a few minutes and even then they’re usually in a special presentation mode — if they’re powered on at all. Just like with mobile devices, you can’t get a true feel for the experience they offer without using them for an extended period of time. That’s why Lumoid’s rental system is such a great idea.
What About Availability?
Since the Apple Watch doesn’t launch until April 24, and pre-orders don’t open until April 10, it’s difficult to say what kind of availability Lumoid will have. You can add your name to the waiting list for rentals, but there’s no guarantee you’ll get a unit close to launch. Furthermore, Lumoid has given no indication as to how many units they will have in their inventory. Considering each renter is allowed to keep them for a week, it might be a while before you get your hands on one.
There’s no mention of which style you’ll get either, or whether or not you’ll be able to choose one you like. Sure, you get the Apple Watch Sport edition but you’d have dozens of styles to choose from if you were to purchase directly from Apple. It’s likely Lumoid won’t have all the styles available, or maybe they will — who knows at this point.
It begs the question, what will happen to the device should it come to harm during the period of rental. The renter will likely be the one responsible — for the full purchase price — if the unit is damaged or lost. That might definitely turn some folks off.
If you’re wondering what wearables Lumoid has available to try, here’s a list:
- Fitbit Charge
- Withings Pulse O2
- Jawbone UP24
- Push Band
- Moov
- Jawbone UP Move
- Pebble Smartwatch
- Fitbit Surge
- Samsung Gear Fit
- Lifetrak Zone C410
- Basis Peak
- Fitbit Charge HR
- LifeTrak Move C300
- Garmin Vivosmart
- Striib Fusion
- Garmin Vivofit
- Fitbit One
- Apple Watch Sport
- Apple Watch (Steel)
As you can see from the recent announcement that Lumoid is adding the Apple Watch to their lineup, they do update their device library. That means, if you don’t see something you like in the list right now, just give them some time.
What are your thoughts on renting a wearable, smartwatch or fitness tracker? Does the prospect interest you? Do you think it’s a bad idea? Feel free to share!