Everything You Need to Know About Apple Watch Before Buying

For starters, you'll need an appointment to try on a watch.

— -- Pre-orders and reservations are here for the Apple Watch, but getting a slot to try on the new wearable is only part of the battle.

Then comes the question of which of the 20 styles to choose.

Here's a breakdown of everything you need to know before you buy an Apple Watch.

How to Order

Pre-orders for the wearable began at 12:01 a.m. PT today, with the first customers getting them on April 24.

Those who aren't completely sold on the idea yet or don't know which watch they want can schedule a try-on appointment online.

While Apple is directing people to the website to schedule a 15-minute fitting experience, they'll also accommodate walk-ins if time permits. Customers can also play with an Apple Watch display unit that lets them demo the interface. However they won't be able to try one on without meeting with an Apple employee.

Compatibility

Choices, Choices, Choices

The watch comes in three models: the Apple Watch Sport, Apple Watch and the high-end Apple Watch Edition. Each packs as much as 18 hours of battery life, ensuring the device can stay helpful to its user day and night.

The Apple Watch Sport, which is made of aluminum, starts at $349. The Apple Watch starts at $549 for the smaller version and goes as high as $1,049 depending on the watch band. The larger version starts at $599.

The Apple Watch Edition will begin at $10,000 and will be available in limited quantities, making it the ultimate techie status symbol.

What Makes It Different

Much of the interaction on the watch is driven by notifications. Expect the Apple Watch to keep you on track for your appointments, advise you when you may need an umbrella or show you a text message from a friend.

"You can measure a lot of things from there and you can just get, honestly, a tidbit today of what all it can do," Cook said. "But I think it's huge."

Navigation

While other wearables focus on a touch screen, Apple is making navigation on the watch head easier by letting users move the digital crown to toggle between apps. (You can of course still use the touch screen on the watch.)