Is the Iphone all glitz and no substance?

[DereX888]

I do realize I'm totally out of the "hip, slick, and cool" style loop out there -- I don't even own an iPod! -- but while I do think the iPhone is fascinating in a technological way, as far as I'm personally concerned it just rates an "eh, I've already got a phone that works and I don't need a portable music device." So no lines for me.

EDIT: Though I am genuinely curious about people who do web browsing or send email on a cell phone? I just can't work the buttons or read the screen!

For anyone who does use a cell phone for email and/or web, how long did it take you to get decent with using the features and which phone or phones appeal most to you?

I've tried quite few. I think there are some of my early posts asking about 'more capable cellphones' in this forum too, since I remember searching for same answers to questions you've just ask
To make it short (since its an OT) I tell you about my experience:
Blackberries and such RIMs - garbage. Theyre just underpowered portable text editors with calendar.
Symbian-based smartphones (Nokia, SE) - great at first, but very very limited. Been waiting for a good symbian-based smartphone/pocketpc forever... probably it will disappear from consumer market sooner rather than later
Windows Mobile based smartphones - useful, but you have to be well-accustomed to windows-world quirks if you want to do anything more than what they come with; most are so underpowered that is not funny (a 200MHz devices build on a 7yr old CPU design are still common in 2007!) Lack of touchscreen (mostly) and keyboard (although lately most of them got keyboards too) makes them even less useful.
Windows Mobile based PocketPCs - very versatile and most useful, but still with the same problems as WinMo smartphones, clunky and inconsistant UI etc (what can I say - "Windows" ... ). Some have great keyboard and large screens, but if you want it all you are doomed to carrying a small brick, specially that you'll need an "extended" battery if you want to really use it for more than just a phone on a daily basis.
linux based pocketpc - unfortunately i had only 1 old model of Zaurus (couldnt find any other) and even though it had lots of potential, it was so badly underpowered and resource limited it was basically useless too, but since I had only 1 like this, I cant say much.

So as you see, its either typical "dumbphone" or any of the not-so-convenient or not-so-well-designed other mobile devices I described above.
Thus I have no doubt iPhone will have no problem in finding this obvious market niche among users who want bit more than typical dumbphone, but dont have the minimum knowledge required by (or don't want the hassle that usually comes with) anything-windows.
However I must add that starting with Windows Mobile 2003 SE and newer, the platform is surprisingly very reliable.


BTW: I have posted quite many of my posts here (and other forums) using my PocketPCs. I bet no one noticed the difference
Typing on a keyboards of TYTN or HP iPaqs is actually quite comfortable once you get used to it (and have sleek fingers, if you have fat fingers or a "constructor's hands" I'd say forget it, your thumb will probably hit 4 keys at once every time you try to type, I've seen some people in my office trying that ).
The screens are usually larger than 2' with resolutions of 320x240 usually (iPAQs started with square IMHO stupid 240x240 which gained some small popularity), which is adequate to read ebooks or watch short videos for normal eyes.
Im always reading ebooks, check news and read mail on my pocketpcs, usually in bed
I've been watching few movies on them too, and I found it OK (not that I would prefer it for long term, but if youre waiting for someone in a car or at the airport etc its better than carrying a laptop or book - just pull it out from the pocket and voila, youre watching last night's Tonight Show, browsing your favorite forum or chatting on IRC, Messenger or Skype... basically most of the normal tasks you'd do on a "full computer" you can do on a pocketpc).
And nothing beats built-in GPS and good GPS software (TomTom, iNav) when you drive
Constant traffic updates are such timesavers, I can't live without it anymore
so
They are sure handy and make live easier (but not more comfortable - not yet, and until they have really fully complete and excellent voice recognition and dictation, they will never be really comfortable for average person).

/edit/
my apologies for such long "short OT reply"

[solarfox]

Where's the "I don't own or want a cell phone, so it's just an (even more) overpriced iPod to me" option?

yet you have interweb?

Yes, obviously -- but I fail to see what one has to do with the other.

Just that both are high tech means of location-independent high speed communication. I was wondering why you're happy to use one but "don't want" the other; other than cost, I suppose, but then just get a line rental-free pre-pay device and use it only when totally necessary.

Well, for one thing, because the internet can't be used to bother me at inconvenient times that I don't wish to be bothered. Too many people seem to have this peculiar belief that the mere act of owning a cell phone obligates you to be available, 24/7, at their convenience, and act as if turning your phone off or not answering it is some kind of upardonable insult against them personally. (Relatives are particularly bad about this.) Frankly, I see no reason why I should waste perfectly good money just to put myself on an electronic leash.

Beyond that -- I just don't like cell phones. They're irritating, intrusive nuisances.

[DereX888]

Where's the "I don't own or want a cell phone, so it's just an (even more) overpriced iPod to me" option?

yet you have interweb?

Yes, obviously -- but I fail to see what one has to do with the other.

Just that both are high tech means of location-independent high speed communication. I was wondering why you're happy to use one but "don't want" the other; other than cost, I suppose, but then just get a line rental-free pre-pay device and use it only when totally necessary.

Well, for one thing, because the internet can't be used to bother me at inconvenient times that I don't wish to be bothered. Too many people seem to have this peculiar belief that the mere act of owning a cell phone obligates you to be available, 24/7, at their convenience, and act as if turning your phone off or not answering it is some kind of upardonable insult against them personally. (Relatives are particularly bad about this.) Frankly, I see no reason why I should waste perfectly good money just to put myself on an electronic leash.

Beyond that -- I just don't like cell phones. They're irritating, intrusive nuisances.

You just have to 'train' your friends and family
All of my relatives and friends know to leave a message and I will call back (or not )
I don't expect anything more or less from them either.

Yes, the notion of having to answer 24/7 because you carry a cell is ridiculus.
I hated cellphones until I found first pocketpc i liked (an ipaq) and found it very useful for other tasks, so its "cellphone" feature was just an extra bonus there

[Conquest10]

Well, count me in on the iDiots list. I bought one. Pretty good actually. Very easy to use the keyboard. Actually lots faster than previous phones I've used since you don't have to press down hard to type the key.

[edDV]

Anyone serious about the iPhone check out Walter Mossberg's review + others on the Charlie Rose Show. You can view it here tomorrow.
http://www.charlierose.com/home

[DereX888]

Well, count me in on the iDiots list. I bought one. Pretty good actually. Very easy to use the keyboard. Actually lots faster than previous phones I've used since you don't have to press down hard to type the key.

I like "pinching" idea (to enlarge or shrink pics, txt etc), thats about all whats left from this "revolutionary propaganda" IMHO.
Pls don't tell me keyboard in this phone is any good in your opinion, I can't believe it What did you use before, a RAZR or something? :O

[Xylob the Destroyer]

it's pointless.
All I need my phone to do is be a phone.

[oldandinthe way]

Walt Mossberg's review in the Wall Street Journal had the advantage of being writtten by his young associate.

Walt is in the tank for Apple. His associate makes some attempt to curb her enthusiasm and evaluate issues that might affect serious users.

She clearly points to its deficiencies as a phone, related to the AT&T network it uses.

Looks like you can pay $500 plus a monthly fee and go hunting for wi-fi hotspots when you need to use its online capability.

[MJA]

AT&T got a 5 year contract to sell the Iphone.

[Conquest10]

Pls don't tell me keyboard in this phone is any good in your opinion, I can't believe it

We all know how you feel about Apple but please try it out before you bash. The first thing I always hear from people is, "but it doesn't have a keyboard." Not physically but it does have one. Its actually very comfortable to use.

[handyguy]

A lot of people were waiting in line for it locally.

[MOVIEGEEK]

I guess Apple fanbois waited in line for nothing:
http://news.com.com/2100-1041_3-6194361.html

There's plenty of iPhones to go around and the scalpers on eBay aren't making any money.

[edDV]

They should be waiting for the third generation iPhone. I'd expect it will be cheaper, better and on the fast network.

[usually_quiet]

I don't currently have a cell phone, and would rarely use it if I did, but even I said "Cool" when the commecials for the iPhone aired.

Having seen some of the reviews for the iPhone, I have to agree it is not quite where it needs to be technologically to live up to its hype, especailly given its expense. Right now it is only a status symbol, and a fun new toy, for those who can afford it and live in the right place.

[edDV]

Like in previous Apple product design, Apple takes the work of others, packages it with good design and then promotes it as if it was all their technology.

This user interface was largely developed externally.
http://www.apple.com/iphone/technology/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi-touch
http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/view/id/65
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcKqyn-gUbY
http://cs.nyu.edu/~jhan/ftirtouch/

My main point is Apple has little proprietary technology here. What they have is a multi-year exclusive with AT&T. The other phone makers and system carriers will be building products on the same base technology.

Apple's talent is user interface packaging and product promotion. We shall see if that keeps them front and center or if they slowly drop back to traditional 5% market share. Unlike computers, 5% share of the cell phone/PDA market is substantial.

[edDV]

Leo Laporte, usually an Apple zealot, nails it on the iPhone.

(see attached mp3)

leo_060730_iphone_5.mp3

[MOVIEGEEK]

I'll make one more point then I'll shutup:the battery isn't replacable which means in two years (when it's out of warranty) you will have to send the iPhone in to get a new one.Every other SmartPhone on the market has a replacable battery and to not include one is idiotic.

[handiman876]

When watching the commercials it seemed that they promoted the phone more as a web browser and MP3 player. I would be curious to find out what the average battery life of the phone would be if you utilized those features constantly. I think that would be a key to the phones popularity especially when considering a fixed battery.

[FulciLives]

Just wanted to say a big thanks to edDV for providing those links. I watched the two CHARLIE ROSE video clips and that MP3 link.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[Conquest10]

While it does suck that the battery is not replaceable, people seem to blow that WAY out of proportion. My iPod is going on 4 years and still no problems with the battery (its actually the hard drive that seems to be having problems right now but I'll bet you guys will blame Apple for that too).

When watching the commercials it seemed that they promoted the phone more as a web browser and MP3 player. I would be curious to find out what the average battery life of the phone would be if you utilized those features constantly. I think that would be a key to the phones popularity especially when considering a fixed battery.

I used it with a wifi connection for a few hours last night and this morning. Used it to watch some Youtube videos and browsed the web. Today I played a couple of songs to test the iPod functionality and used it to make some calls, texted and used the EDGE connection to look up Google Maps to find the address to a place (plus it shows the closest train station, too). I would say I could still use it for three more days before I had to recharge it at this rate.

The one problem I've had is the volume. Way too low. Seems the phone is intended to be used with the headphones as the volume is absolutely perfect with them on.

[edDV]

What does one do on an airplane when they say cell phones can't be used but personal electronic devices can be used after reaching altitude?

If the iPhone can be used to play audio, does that mean that I can now play audio from my Motorola cellphone 256MB miniSD card to my Bluetooth earphone?

[Conquest10]

iPhone has an airplane mode. Switches everything except the iPod features off.

[Conquest10]

quick shot of the settings screen:

[DereX888]

They should be waiting for the third generation iPhone. I'd expect it will be cheaper, better and on the fast network.

What "fast network" are you talking about?
Unless some real 'revolution' happens, and telcos start providing real service for the real money they take from us, there is NOTHING FAST about "cellullar wireless".
UMTS? HSDPA? What you had in mind? (you didn't mean snail-funny Edge or such I hope)
Do you know what speeds they provide...? Is it even close to old wi-fi "G" standard of 54 Mbps? (I m not even asking for "today's" standard wifi "N" with 108 Mbps...).
TelCos are so greedy and so desperate to NOT provide us with built-in Wi-Fi in every phone and they will twitch, squeeze, tinker and play with their proprietary snail-slow "fast wireless" cellullar connections because they know it is their only source of money in very near future, and unless they lock majority of cellullar user on their proprietary "HSDPA" crap etc, they will simply vanish.
If every city of USA had public wi-fi access (note I don't mean free - just publicly available to everyone) do you think anyone with half brain would still pay for 10x slower so-called "fast wireless" from their cellullar providers? Of course not. Thats why they kill right away any "public wi-fi access" ideas in most of the cities. Thats why many of their so-called "internet ready" cellphones have their crappy so-called "fast wireless" but deliberately don't have 10x-100x faster wi-fi, even if originally designed by manufacturer model had wi-fi from the get-go, they *request* that the model they order should NOT have wi-fi...
The US TelCos are the sole reason why North America is so far behind Asia and Europe in mobile progress.
Most of US papers are writing lately about some mediocre cellphone from Apple, which has nothing revolutionary nor even excellent per today's standards (all of its specs are so 2006), while better than iPhone devices are available for long time on a mass markets of Asia (and partially in Europe) and no one here even bother to mention that taiwanese have many tv channels available on their cellphones for at least 2 years already, that Swedes can buy a pop or pay for gas using their cellphone like we use a credit card for many years, that unlimited UMTS cost less than $20/mth at some euro providers - while we pay much MUCH more for less speed and worsen service (where are info channels with ie traffic updates every minute so popular on many asian and euro GSM providers? Anyone seen even one GSM channel in use in USA?!)
And I haven't even mention any world-leaders in mobiles like Korea, to which your US services and models are so outdated that you'd have to pay them well before they would finally decide to take your iPhones and dump it in the garbage!
I just can't stand it.

This whole discussion seems to me like some bunch of idiots got together and are patting themselves on the back and praising some crappy phone thinking or saying "how revolutionary device we just got - ooh, it has a touchscreen, and a virtual keyboard, wow!", while rest of the world has it and uses it for years and just laughs at yous. Its not even funny.

[edDV]

They should be waiting for the third generation iPhone. I'd expect it will be cheaper, better and on the fast network.

What "fast network" are you talking about?

AT&T claim

Edge network 70-135 kbps
BroadbandConnect Network 400-700 kbps
http://www.wireless.att.com/businesscenter/plans/connections-coverage.jsp

I'm still on Verizon and sometimes still use their speedy 19 kbps "connect 2 net"
At least it works for email.

[DereX888]

They should be waiting for the third generation iPhone. I'd expect it will be cheaper, better and on the fast network.

What "fast network" are you talking about?

AT&T claim

Edge network 70-135 kbps
BroadbandConnect Network 400-700 kbps

I'm still on Verizon and sometimes still use their speedy 19 kbps "connect 2 net"
At least it works for email.

so if 700 kbps is "fast", how would they call 108,000 kbps (108 Mbps)? LOL
I know their unbelievably slow "fast" speeds, I'm just trying to stir in some of the user's thoughts so they understand how badly they are fu***d in their asses by their providers whenever they use their "wireless data" instead of wi-fi.

iPhone has an airplane mode. Switches everything except the iPod features off.

every smartphone since at least 2002 has it too, its so obvious 'standard feature' that normal people without the hype from marketing propagandists won't even ask about it...

[edDV]

With Verizon, I could get

EV-DO Rev. A @ 600 Kbps to 1.4 Mbps or
the older CDMA 60 to 80 Kbps (144kbps burst)
http://b2b.vzw.com/broadband/coveragearea.html

I just wish they would offer it with a day rate instead of a minimal annual plan.

[Conquest10]

iPhone has an airplane mode. Switches everything except the iPod features off.

every smartphone since at least 2002 has it too, its so obvious 'standard feature' that normal people without the hype from marketing propagandists won't even ask about it...

I was answering edDV's question. Shit.

OK, you hate Apple. OK. I think we've all gotten it by now. OK. Damn.

What country do you live in, btw? If you're not too ashamed to admit.

[lordsmurf]

Last week's USA TODAY article covered it pretty well. Read all the pros/cons there. Should be online, too. The conclusion, as I understood it, was the iPhone was nifty, but is a definite first-generation type of unit. It's way before it's time, and as such has a number of drawbacks (not just price).

[NiteLite]

To answer the poll, I cant think of any reason, for me, to have one. I dont care who makes it. I still see it as another device to distract people while they are driving. And I dont like that. As stated before, you can now talk to someone while D/L'ing text, while watching videos and D/L'ing - listening to music and all kinds of other things while coming towards me on the highway.
Drive safe,
NL