Pebble Time Steel smartwatch now available for pre-order

The Pebble Time Steel is now open for reservations on the Pebble site. Pebble states on the website that orders should ship in 6 to 8 weeks.

The company is asking $249 (about £160) for the Time Steel, but for those who wish to add a matching steel strap into the mix it’ll be $299 (about £192). There are also metal band models, priced at $299.

Early impressions are already trickling in.

The Time Steel packs a significantly improved display over that of the Time smartwatch. The tiny 64-color LCD nonetheless bears a restricted palette and muted colours, however it’s notably much less reflective, bringing an improved indoor studying high quality. This smartwatch does not have the visible air gap between the LCD panel and glass lens as that in the display of Pebble Time. The timepiece supports both iOS and Android, and Pebble Time Steel can download and install apps for either platform. And, unfortunately, it’s also impossible to personalize notifications, unlike with Apple Watch. Whether that’s enough to warrant spending the extra money (sometimes upwards of $100 more) for a Pebble Time Steel is between you, your wife, and your conscience.

For the price, unless an extensive battery life, an always-on display, and compatibility across multiple devices are determining factors in whether to purchase a smartwatch or not, it may be a better idea to look elsewhere for your next (first?) smartwatch. Same goes for most things in life, but thankfully there are options and easily one of the most compelling is the Pebble Time.