Do You Really Need or Want an iPhone ?
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So, why did the title include iPhone? First, it's the most hyped device in history so I have to talk about it. Second, it's a true touch interface and has forced the entire industry to change the way it thinks about the mobile phone. What this means is that even if the iPhone isn't a runaway success, it has still succeeded in moving the mobile industry into the next stage. This will be the year of TOUCH for mobile phones, mark my words. In addition, AT&T succeeded in putting their own servers behind the walled garden that is the mobile operator. Expect other companies to follow suit. I've been debating about getting one for a long time now and have to say that with less than 24 hours to go, I'm still debating. At this point, though, I'm not debating about buying, but more about allowing it to be my primary device. Why? Here's a quick rundown of some negatives: 1. In order to own an iPhone you have to switch to AT&T. 2. The subsidized price of the iPhone is $500 or $600 (4GB and 8GB versions)--that's a lot of money to spend on a phone! Granted it does a lot more than your typical phone but still ... 3. It runs on AT&T's EDGE network. AT&T has been making a huge claim about having this great 3G network--which they do--but then they go and release the iPhone on EDGE. Why? The rumors are to conserve battery life. Still, that's a SLOW network. I've been using the T-Mobile Dash on EDGE and surfing is SLOW. Of course, you can hop to Wi-Fi when available but 3G is already there so why go find Wi-Fi? 4. The battery can't be replaced by a user so you have to send the iPhone in when it dies to have the battery replaced. Basically, you'll be without a mobile phone while you wait for a new battery. 5. No Flash support. 6. No video recording, 7. No real keyboard--it's on-screen. 8. Limited Bluetooth functionality. 9. Only Contacts and Calendar support--what about tasks?? 10. A bunch of steps to make a phone call--I can make a call with two clicks in most cases. I could go on but the funny thing about the list above is that I'm still going to wait in line to get one. Why? Again, because it's revolutionary in its design. I have to have it, being a mobile geek and all. I won't stay overnight like others I know **cough** palmsolo **cough** but I will wait in line for at least a couple of hours. Since I'm a mobile geek I can always use the 3G SIM, so even if I don't switch to the iPhone being my primary mobile device, I can still switch to AT&T without too much hassle. If you're wondering what the other carriers are planning while Apple and AT&T try to lock up the market, Verizon is keeping its stores open late Friday night and showcasing all of their wares and touting the fact that they have the best network. While I don't necessarily agree, my wife proved to me that coverage is better than fancy gadgets in this little exchange: Joel: "Do you want an iPhone?" Donna: "Sure." Joel: "You have to leave Verizon and switch to AT&T." Donna: "Forget it. I don't want one."
http://www.vintagecomputermanuals.com
http://www.g2analyst.com/