My conclusion: most folks don’t need to pony up for the Apple Vision Pro

I’ve been running daily reviews about the Apple Vision Pro for the past week. The headset is definitely, as Apple puts it, “magical” and is certainly a glimpse at at the future, but I can’t really recommend it for most folks right now.

It’s not due to the spatial computing features, which are incredible. It’s due to the price which starts at US$3,499 with 256GB of storage. ZEISS Optical Inserts are available: $99 for reading lens and $149 for prescription lens. More storage will cost you extra. The pricey device seems a big fragile, so you’ll want Apple Care (another $499). And if you plan on taking it with you when you travel, you’ll need (at least until third parties develop alternatives), an Apple Vision Pro Travel Case from Apple.

That adds up to about $4,200 IF you don’t need prescription or reading lenses. If you’re going to be using the Vision Pro on battery power alone for long periods, you’ll need a Belkin Battery Holder for $49.99.

That’s a lot of moolah to spend on a first gen product. Future iterations will almost certainly be less expensive. However, if you fall into one of these categories, heck, go ahead and spring for the Vision Pro:

° You’re a person who can afford it.

° You just gotta have the latest, greatest tech.

° You will use it regularly as an external display with your Mac.

° You watch lots of movies by yourself and want a fantastic home theater for one.

I’m certainly enjoying my Vision Pro. For me, it’s a business investment as I run an Apple news site (and Apple gives me nada in the way of review products). Otherwise, I wouldn’t have spent a butt-load of money for the spatial computer. I’d be waiting with bated breath for a follow-up, lower-priced headset.