article: The Apple Watch version one, with its much-hyped unbreakable sapphire screen and hundreds of apps, may not be all that it's cracked up to be and has been labelled 'a waste of money' by some of Australia's tech experts. With the wait almost over, release date for the whiz-bang time-piece is set down for April 24, the price comparison website finder.com.au suggests, if you haven't already pre-ordered, you might be better off waiting until next year for the second generation Apple Watch. 'If you want an Apple Watch battery that lasts longer than a day, better apps and GPS, you might be better off waiting,' said Michelle Hutchison, Finder's money expert. 'While the first generation Apple Watch is a very exciting piece of wearable technology, there are clearly many key features missing from the watch. If you’re going to spend between $499 and $24,000 on the first edition, you might end up being disappointed with its functionality in 11 months time.' Scroll down for videos . The long-awaited Apple Watch is about to go from being on display to being on the wrist of buyers world-wide but a panel of technical experts claim it is far from perfect . The Apple Watch 1 will retail from $499 for the cheapest version right up to $24,000 for an 18-carat model . Michelle Hutchison and Jeremy Cabral from comparison website finder.com.au are among those who have run the rule of the soon-to-be released futuristic watch . The Apple Watch gadget went on sale on-line in nine countries and the initial stock sold out in just a few hours. Those who pre-ordered are expected to take delivery on Friday . While Apple is promoting the release with ads stating "you’re going to be amazed by how many things you can do with Apple Watch", a survey of five Australian technology experts found a less than enthusiastic response to the current offerings available on the watch. They all expect the second version to be a vast improvement, pointing to a long lasting battery life as the number one feature missing from the current Apple Watch. Other key features which are absent, include an independent internet connection (the watch relies on an iPhone for data), GPS and water-proofing was also an issue. Apple proudly exclaims it to be 'our most personal device yet'. 'Apple Watch is unlike any device we’ve ever made,' the company states on its "Watch Technology" website. 'The result is an experience that’s both unique to Apple Watch and quintessentially Apple. To make the best use of its size and location on your wrist, Apple Watch has all-new interactions and technologies. 'They let you do familiar things more quickly and conveniently.' But Ms Hutchison said the first version of the Apple Watch might simply be 'a waste of money' for some consumers, who might be better off waiting until the 2016 version. The price comparison for the Apple Watch across the UK, Australia and US. From $499 right up to $24,000 . The Apple Watch 1 has been in high demand but some tech heads say version two might be worth waiting for . She also estimated that Apple Watch version two would be released on or around March 18, 2016. That was based on a study of release dates between Apple’s first and second edition iPods, iPhones and iPads. Two new features the panellists expect to be available on the second version of the Apple Watch are the GPS facility, and being able to work more independently from the iPhone. Greater access for app developers is also likely to be available on the second version, so said the experts. Mike Rundle, the owner of Flyosity, said he wanted to see it 'work independently from the iPhone or won't need an iPhone to set it up'. He also hoped there would be better GPS capability, along with a 'thinner and faster device with a brighter screen' Chris Stead, Editor in Chief, Old Mate Media added: 'Better battery life is a given as Apple improve its tech efficiency.' 'We can also expect more user interface/control options, and greater access to those options for developers. 'This will be required if app makers are going to be able to make bespoke experiences that maximise the Apple Watch, as currently a number of features are gated off, presumably, to minimise quality assurance issues during the device’s launch.' Mike Rundle (left) from Flyosity and Chris Stead of Old Mate Media were among the panel assembled to look at what Apple Watch 1 has to offer.  Rundle wanted it to 'work independently of the iPhone' Mike Bantick (left) is from iTWire.com wants the Apple Watch to be water-proof while Angus Kidman (right) representing Lifehacker Australia on the panel said the new model should be altered to allow for more apps . But the number one technology upgrade that will have the biggest impact on the Apple Watch is the iPhone 7, according to those surveyed, followed by iOS9 – the next mobile operating system – and Apple Pay where users can make contact-less transactions through the so-called Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. 'The most exciting part about the Apple Watch and wearable technology is the endless potential for how these devices will change our lives,' said Ms Hutchison. 'From turning on our TV to pre-empting a heart attack, to the way we access information and how we pay for things, it has the potential to make our lives more convenient and even more productive.' Mike Bantick, Contributing Editor at iTWire.com has called for a water-proof sport version, with GP and headphone options, while Angus Kidman, the editor of Lifehacker Australia called on Apple to 'open SDK so there are more apps' and Jeremy Cabral, Head of Publishing and Editorial at Finder also wants to see it 'work independently to the iPhone'. The Apple Watch will initially be available in just nine countries: Australia, UK, US, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong and Japan but the company says more countries will come on line at a later date.
highlights: Tech heads say the new Apple Watch could be 'a waste of money'
  Low battery life, no GPS and lack of water-proofing are among its turn-offs .
  Apple Watch 1 will be released on Friday but they say you might be better off waiting until next year for version two .
  Apple Watches range in price from $499 up to the most expensive at $24,000 .
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