I've been using an ESP8266 as a wifi/modem adapter with my original Commodore 64. Works really well! You may be able to get away with something cheaper if you push.
What is this article even trying to say? Clickbait title but the whole thing is about using a mouse? Yeah, interfaces are evolving. Most of the populace use a computer not for using's sake, but to accomplish a goal. Touchscreens are great for information consumption and free-form entry. Keyboards are good for text production. What is a mouse good for other than manipulating 2d objects?
Same. I've had a fossil hybrid HR for several years and am pretty happy with it.
From what I read, you can do some more automation if it connects with an android watch, but I use iOS so I only get the out of box functionality -- which includes customizable display with information like heart rate, steps, and weather. Notifications with vibration and readable text. And probably my favorite thing, physical hands so it looks like a "normal" watch.
http://tech.guitarsite.de/c64_wifimodem.html