So as I prepare for the release of the Apple iPhone, I'm looking at all its capabilities, and it may truly be the most amazing phone...... I'll never own.
See, I have this thing about having the best electronics I can afford. For the $$, the laptop I'm typing on right now is the absolute Cadillac, a 17" widescreen, dual core, 2 gigs of memory, 200 gigs of hard drive... etc. And I replace my laptops about once a year.
Same with cell phones. Currently, I have a Samsung slide phone and a Sprint PDA. Yes, carrying both means all I'm missing is a pocket protector. Screw you... it works for me.
The iPhone is threatening to replace both of them. It has extreme internet capabilities, automatic synching of contacts, bookmarks, calendar, all touch screen, a built-in iPod, mapping and GPS capabilities, auto sensors which turn the screen off (touch and light) when you put the phone to your ear... I'm telling you, it's ALMOST the perfect cell phone.
Almost.
Trouble is, it's only as fast as the network it functions on... and that network is Cingular's EDGE. Why on EARTH they would develop a new state-of-the-art cellular phone that runs on the OLD data network - is completely beyond me. That would be like building a new line of hybrid automobile whose electric motor is disabled.
Sure, the phone includes Bluetooth and Wi-Fi data capabilities, as well. But on a routine basis, when out in the real world, your only high speed option is EDGE.
How stupid is that?
This may be the breaking point for me. When Cingular sells Treos, Blackberries, etc. which run on the new, MUCH faster 3G network, yet leave their newest, hottest product functioning on their old system, they may have lost the sale.
Plus, it doesn't support third-party applications at all, including the ability to open and edit Word documents.
I was convinced I was going to be among the first iPhone owners. Now, I think I will wait a while...
7 comments:
I have a Samsung slider, too. It makes and takes calls. I think it might do a few other things, too, but I'm not sure. I've never tried.
I lust for the iPhone, but will not own one anytime soon. Remember, this is only version 1.0.
At the keynote address wherein the iPhone was introduced, Apple CEO Steve Jobs said that other network versions would be forthcoming.
Also, according to the latest reports, Jobs noted to stockholders that the company is "wrestling" with allowing 3rd party apps. I hope they make the right decision. Everyone -- including Apple -- will be richer for it.
I won't be one of the first iPhone owners, but I imagine I will be one someday.
Will you let me know when you write your book on how to have unlimited disposable income? Thanks.
Dave,
I felt that it is great to own a good phone with lots of features, but on the other hand, it will make us too dependent on them and end up felt very lost/stressed when we loss them. :)
Does seem odd, but I'll bet they foist a lot of them onto people who don't research things as carefully as you (and I also) do.
Daves,
Thanks for visiting me.
I have just created a link to your blog. :)
Slow, and no third party support. No surprise, it sounds just like all of Apples other iProducts to me.
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