iPhone

[Numbers]

It drops this Friday. Who's getting one?

All the reviews are pretty favorable. Apparently the only drawback is the price (duh) and the fact that it uses AT&T.

I'll probably wait a year to pick one up, for two reasons. The first, knowing Apple, by then the 7th generation iPhone will be out. And two, I'm stuck in a lousy contract with Verizon until next August.

That doesn't mean I won't be insanely jealous of anyone who nabs one, though.

[Drew]

Already got the Nokia N95 a couple of months ago, blows the iPhone out of the water.

[SpunGirl]

I think I'm stuck in a contract with Verizon until 2040.

-K

[Drew]

Also the iphone plans kind of suck, they all include unlimited data if you want it or not.

http://www.technewsworld.com/story/58032.html

Cheapest plan is 60 bucks and comes with 450 minutes. Text messaging costs 20 bucks for 200 message, 30 for 1500, unlimited for 40. I pay 5 bucks for unlimited with t-mobile.

[fallenSaint]

No A2DP, embedded video support, still pics no video, 700mb OS...... List doesn't look too pleasing over all. Stick with verizon get a PDA and use some EVDO.

[Hips]

AT&T/Cingular has shitty service no matter where I try to use my current phone (house in CT, house in ME, condo in FL, apartment in DE, etc.) so even if I wanted the phone, I wouldn't stick with AT&T to get it. Just a couple more weeks until I can switch to Verizon at last. :)

That and I don't trust first gen Apple products, considering all the issues there were with ipods.

[Ignot]

I heard the screen is to small to web surf, and the touch screen does not work so well. I think i saw that on G4.The second wave is always worth the wait.

[Back]

AT&T/Cingular has shitty service no matter where I try to use my current phone (house in CT, house in ME, condo in FL, apartment in DE, etc.) so even if I wanted the phone, I wouldn't stick with AT&T to get it. Just a couple more weeks until I can switch to Verizon at last. :)

That and I don't trust first gen Apple products, considering all the issues there were with ipods.

Thats my biggest problem. I have Verizon now and I have never had a call drop. Ok, once in the belly of DC on the Metro it dropped but otherwise I can actually use it on the Metro. No lie.

I was a huge fan of the Sidekick, but T-Mobile just would not cover the areas I lived in thus the switch to Verizon. My cell is my phone. I don’t have a land line at the house. Cell coverage is everything.

Wall Street Journal gave it a rave review but until AT&T gets coverage, or or you can choose another carrier, I’m waiting.

[Back]

Here is a link to AT&T’s coverage areas...

http://www.wireless.att.com/coverageviewer/

[Apotheosis]

I'd wait for next gen iPhones.

[Alfster]

Woot for having no coverage where I live

[Doughboy]

I'll stick with my POS Treo for now...or until the price drops some.

Edited to add: Just for stupid funny humor (thats probably been posted and seen many times before) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rw2nkoGLhrE

iRack pwns

[Rysk]

So the following items are not "drawbacks"?

1) Lack of an SDK. If I'm buying a smartphone, I want to use more software than the all mighty Apple says I can. If Apple doesn't release it, you aren't using it... unless you hack it.
2) MMS. Gizmodo had a copy of the AT&T handbook for the iPhone, that said it didn't have MMS. I am actually astonished that they would release a phone that was incapable of sending picture mesages.... but hey, whatever.
3) Fingerprint city. Anyone else have the old style iPod with the glossy finish? Remember what it looked like after about 30 seconds?
4) Not 3G compatible. This is the biggest point I have to make. This would be like Apple releasing a computer that came with a 56k modem, and was incapable of having a NIC installed. AT&T has a 3G network, and Apple is too lazy/stupid to use it. I don't understand the draw of a "smart phone" that doesn't use the network that a phone 1/4 of its price uses.

[Skeeter]

spotty coverage in my area as well. iPhone could be a huge flop early by picking shitty coverage.

Sell your stock PB

[Sean]

People from Ohio can't afford IPhones anyway...

[Sean]

http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/ptech/06/27/iphone.mobile.music.ap/index.html

I can see how that'd be pretty annoying. I've never bought any of the cables to interface my phones with my computer, but then again I've never had a phone as advanced as the iPhone.

[Celephais]

So the following items are not "drawbacks"?

1) Lack of an SDK. If I'm buying a smartphone, I want to use more software than the all mighty Apple says I can. If Apple doesn't release it, you aren't using it... unless you hack it.

Fully agree, this is the reason I wouldn't want it even if it wasn't $600.


4) Not 3G compatible. This is the biggest point I have to make. This would be like Apple releasing a computer that came with a 56k modem, and was incapable of having a NIC installed. AT&T has a 3G network, and Apple is too lazy/stupid to use it. I don't understand the draw of a "smart phone" that doesn't use the network that a phone 1/4 of its price uses.

Another glaring mistake.

They might fix these mistakes, but it's a really stupid buy right now. That and the lack of a qwerty keyboard...

[Parkbandit]

http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/ptech/06/27/iphone.mobile.music.ap/index.html

I can see how that'd be pretty annoying. I've never bought any of the cables to interface my phones with my computer, but then again I've never had a phone as advanced as the iPhone.

I have a PocketPC and all I do is come home and sit it in it's cradle. It recharges and synchs up with my Outlook automatically. Far from annoying.

[Skeeter]

People from Ohio can't afford IPhones anyway...

I make more than you. :moon2:

[Celephais]

I have a PocketPC and all I do is come home and sit it in it's cradle. It recharges and synchs up with my Outlook automatically. Far from annoying.

Umm... the actual article isn't about that, the article is about how you can't just download music directly from the iPhone... you have to buy the music from your PC and then upload it to your phone when you sync it. It's more an "instant gratification" issue then an annoying process issue. I doubt that'll last long though, no way they don't integrate it into iTunes directly, impulse purchases are pure gold.

[Rysk]

See the list of features that the iPhone doesn't have. It's funny, this is the typical list of stuff that people WANT in a phone. Maybe Apple got it backwards. If not for the Apple Fanboy's and people who are too enthralled with the pretty touchscreen to realize that this is useless as a Smartphone... This phone would be the next PS3.

EDIT: Gizmodo just released a new list, so to be fair I'll include it instead.

What it has:
• Built-in iPod with Video playback
• Intelligent predictive typing
• Multi-touch interface (fast)
• Great scratch resistant screen (easily cleaned with your sleeve)
• Tilt sensors that lock the screen when up to your face, but unlocks it when you lower it to type numbers
• Screen that's visible in direct sunlight
• Software upgrades over time
• Decent voice quality
• Call and song control from its headphones
• Viewing Word, Excel and PDF documents
• Free live traffic in Google Maps
• Turn by turn directions that simulate a GPS (need to tell the phone when you're turning)
• Dedicated volume control and mute switch
• Microsoft Exchange support if your IT staff enables a setting on the server
• Push email via Yahoo Mail
• Syncing via Outlook calendar and contacts through iTunes (works even on Vista with the latest Outlook)
• Ability to play with other applications while you talk
• Good battery life
• A "real" browser
• Yahoo, Gmail, AOL, EarthLink, and various other email support
• Visual voicemail (support for rewinding, fast forwarding like a song)
• YouTube support
• Decent 2-megapixel camera
• It's thin
• Lots of eye candy
• Conference call with up to 5 people
• Built-in speakers if you don't want to use headphones
• Quicktime support in Safari


What it doesn't have:
• Support for all iPod accessories—doesn't support all car adapters for playing back, only charging
• An easy way to transfer phone numbers, via AT&T, from an existing phone
• Copy and paste support
• MP3/iTunes music ringtones
• Built-in game support
• Flash support anywhere (including browser)
• Instant Messaging
• Picture messaging (MMS)
• Video recording
• Voice recognition or voice dialing
• Wireless Bluetooth Stereo Streaming (A2DP support)
• One-size-fits-all headset jack (May have to buy an adapter for certain headphones)
• 3G (EV-DO/HSDPA)
• A hardware keyboard
• GPS
• Removable battery
• Expandable Storage
• Direct iTunes Music Store Access (Over Wi-Fi or EDGE)
• BlackBerry support
• Flash or zoom on the camera
• Windows Media support
EDIT: Gizmodo didn't include the lack of an SDK. WHich is a huge hit in my opinion.


Known Problems:
• Can get a little warm after use
• Battery will need to be replaced by Apple after 300-400 charges
• Levy had problems with one of his email accounts, due to his ISP blocking port 25. Apple's engineers "suggested a fix and said that this was something that would probably be addressed in an update."
• EDGE data is very slow
• AT&T's signal is lousy
• No hardware playback buttons make you go back to the iPod app to change songs or stop music
• Takes more taps to reach the phone interface than other smartphones
• Getting your contacts onto here from your old phone may be a hassle
• No real-time navigation
• The few web-app programs Mossberg tried weren't' impressive
• Camera is only good with ample light and no motion
• Only 200 text messages included on any calling plan


What we still don't know:
• How fingerprinty/face greasy it gets
• Whether Bluetooth file transfer works
• When and how often software updates (with new features) will appear
• Playing back music through an iPod dock may cause interference, so the iPhone "offered to switch to airplane mode". Doing so means you get no calls.

[Rysk]

So... 7 hours until JesusPhone drops. I can't go four seconds without hearing about it via Internet or people at work blathering about it. I just talked someone out of buying one. I feel like I did my good deed for the day.

[Celephais]

I fucking hate the "This is" commercials... "This is; us gouging the everloving shit out of you"

[Rysk]

lol

"This is: Us Creating an Expensive Finger Print and Oil Collection Device"

"This is: Your new, slow browsing, non picture messaging, non flash supporting paperweight"

[Skeeter]

you guys will all have one within 2 years.

[CrystalTears]

I'll eventually get one... once they wise up and add standard cell phone features.

[Celephais]

you guys will all have one within 2 years.

Lack of an SDK = never going to get one. I'm waiting till HTC makes a Windows Mobile 6.0 phone (I have a Mobile 5.0 and I love it, and the development features in 6.0 make it even better).

[Rysk]

The HTC 8525 (For Cingular, not sure of the HTC name) will be upgraded for current customers to WM6.0 later this year. For free. check on yours :)

[Celephais]

The HTC 8525 (For Cingular, not sure of the HTC name) will be upgraded for current customers to WM6.0 later this year. For free. check on yours :)

I have an 8125, but I have a copy of WM6.0 (legit, attended a conference on mobile development). I'm waiting for an HTC specifically designed for native 6.0... I imagine they'll put a dedicatated graphics chip in to handle the new Direct3D features (I've done some D3D in 5.0, it's just not very robust; and I don't think the 8525 has a (good) dedicated chip).

[Drew2]

I just bought a Sidekick 3 last week and have sent no less than 1000 text messages / Instant Messages. I love it. Fuck iPhone, I have an iPod.

[Sean of the Thread]

Hahahhaa my friend's Iphone already fucking died. POS.

[Back]

Picked up an AT&T phone today just to test coverage. So far so good. One more spot to check and I’ll return it tomorrow for a full refund.

Then I am iPhone strong.

[Sean of the Thread]

Enjoy your broken piece of shit.

p.s. I forgot overpriced and outclassed

[Back]

Enjoy your broken piece of shit.

p.s. I forgot overpriced and outclassed

Considering I bought a video iPod for $400, adding phone, web, email and other features for an extra $100 isn’t bad at all. Also, my monthly cell bill will be lower than my current Verizon plan.

[Sean of the Thread]

In that case no harm in trying it out.

[Numbers]

Went to the Cambridgeside Galleria mall today to buy a few things, and there's an Apple store there. This isn't a big mall by any means, but half of the entire first floor had turned into a line for the iPhone. There were news crews there and everything.

Never thought I'd see people lining up to buy a phone.

[Back]

Went to the Cambridgeside Galleria mall today to buy a few things, and there's an Apple store there. This isn't a big mall by any means, but half of the entire first floor had turned into a line for the iPhone. There were news crews there and everything.

Never thought I'd see people lining up to buy a phone.

Huh, I hit a couple of AT&T places today around 2pm. The lines were only 5-10 deep. When I got my test drive, which I did not have to wait in line for, I wanted to walk out and yell “First iPhone! Eat this suckas!” but I decided against it.

[Sean]

Considering I bought a video iPod for $400, adding phone, web, email and other features for an extra $100 isn’t bad at all. Also, my monthly cell bill will be lower than my current Verizon plan.

Yea except now you'll have spent a combined $900

[Back]

Yea except now you'll have spent a combined $900

How do you figure?

[Tolwynn]

400 for video iPod + 500 for the iPhone = 900.

That's exclusive of tax, accessories, service plan for the iPhone, etc, though.

[Sean]

You spend $400 on the iPod and now you'll spend $500 on the iPhone which duplicates your iPod (with less memory) in addition to it's other functions. Unless you plan to continue to use your iPod in which case that portion of your phone function becomes somewhat irrelevant towards the cost.

[Back]

You spend $400 on the iPod and now you'll spend $500 on the iPhone which duplicates your iPod (with less memory) in addition to it's other functions. Unless you plan to continue to use your iPod in which case that portion of your phone function becomes somewhat irrelevant towards the cost.

Dur. Gotcha. But I plan on selling my iPod. I may even do a minimum bid war here on the PC.

[Sean of the Thread]

ahhahah. I thought it was some deal they had.

I retract my earlier statement..!

[Back]

Looks like you can play WoW on your iPhone... though I don’t know why you would want to.

WoW on iPhone (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFZA6gRK4qs&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ejoystiq%2Ecom%2F2007%2F07% 2F09%2Fguy%2Dplays%2Dwow%2Don%2Diphone%2Duniverse% 2Dexplodes%2F)

[TheEschaton]

Seems like you'd need a stylus to play it effectively.

Plus, the whole dragging thing seems to be not so sensitive. The touch screen in general, even.

[Back]

Seems like you'd need a stylus to play it effectively.

Plus, the whole dragging thing seems to be not so sensitive. The touch screen in general, even.

I doubt the iPhone has enough processing power to keep up. Like trying to drag a Google map with all your apps open or on a slow connection.

[Blazing247]

Err...isn't that just clever photo manipulation by him? I didn't for a second think he was really playing WoW. You know, cause nothing in the background was moving.

[CrystalTears]

Yeah that's kinda what I thought too after watching it for a while. It was all very odd looking.

At first I figured that it was just NPCs not moving as some normally don't. But the chat balloon was up for quite a while.
When he "logged in" he had already quite the chatter going on in the chat window. I'm not really sure what he did.
The character in the character selection screen wasn't moving either. I tried to see if the loading bar in the beginning was actually moving but couldn't tell.

[Bobmuhthol]

Except the iPhone is only receiving the image and not actually running the game. It's like a remote desktop; you could "play WoW" with a computer from 1985 if you felt like it.

[Mistomeer]

What it doesn't have:
• Support for all iPod accessories—doesn't support all car adapters for playing back, only charging
• An easy way to transfer phone numbers, via AT&T, from an existing phone
• Copy and paste support
• MP3/iTunes music ringtones
• Built-in game support
• Flash support anywhere (including browser)
• Instant Messaging
• Picture messaging (MMS)
• Video recording
• Voice recognition or voice dialing
• Wireless Bluetooth Stereo Streaming (A2DP support)
• One-size-fits-all headset jack (May have to buy an adapter for certain headphones)
• 3G (EV-DO/HSDPA)
• A hardware keyboard
• GPS
• Removable battery
• Expandable Storage
• Direct iTunes Music Store Access (Over Wi-Fi or EDGE)
• BlackBerry support
• Flash or zoom on the camera
• Windows Media support
EDIT: Gizmodo didn't include the lack of an SDK. WHich is a huge hit in my opinion.


Known Problems:
• Can get a little warm after use
• Battery will need to be replaced by Apple after 300-400 charges
• Levy had problems with one of his email accounts, due to his ISP blocking port 25. Apple's engineers "suggested a fix and said that this was something that would probably be addressed in an update."
• EDGE data is very slow
• AT&T's signal is lousy
• No hardware playback buttons make you go back to the iPod app to change songs or stop music
• Takes more taps to reach the phone interface than other smartphones
• Getting your contacts onto here from your old phone may be a hassle
• No real-time navigation
• The few web-app programs Mossberg tried weren't' impressive
• Camera is only good with ample light and no motion
• Only 200 text messages included on any calling plan


Alot of the things in these lists are just dumb. For example, the lack of a hardware keyboard. Was that included as a joke? I bought a phone that has a screen twice as big and a killer software keyboard and the biggest drawback is that the screen isn't half as big with a hardware keyboard. The Port 25 thing is another example. That's the standard SMTP port. I would suggest Levy switch away from his Chinese ISP and trying again. Any port blocking from ISP's is just dumb.

[Bobmuhthol]

Yeah, if an ISP blocks port 25, they're fucking retarded. That has nothing to do with the iPod. It's like blaming Microsoft when Internet Explorer stops working because the ISP blocked ports 80 and 443.

[Bobmuhthol]

Bump.

http://www.thebestpageintheuniverse.net/images/holy_shit_iphone1.gif

[TheEschaton]

I love Maddox. In a non-gay way.

[Sean]

Score 1 for New Jersey.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/ptech/08/24/iphone.unlocked.ap/index.html

I still wont buy one because I'm a Verizon guy but it's pretty cool that it's unlocked for those who don't want shitty AT&T service.

[Bobmuhthol]

"While the possibility of switching from AT&T to T-Mobile may not be a major development for U.S. consumers,"

Bullshit. That's absolutely major, as AT&T does, in fact, suck.

[Stanley Burrell]

Bump.

http://www.thebestpageintheuniverse.net/images/holy_shit_iphone1.gif

dofl at SIN function

[Parkbandit]

Fucking Apple.. why does it insist on limiting itself all the time? It's like they don't want to make too much money.

If the iPhone was available on Sprint, I'd already have one... but it's not worth the $160 charge Sprint will gouge me for breaking my contract.

PS - Apple stock has almost doubled since I posted that you should buy it. Hope someone listened to me.

[Sean]

I think in this case it wasn't really a choice. AT&T helped them develop the phone in exchange for exclusive rights to carry it. I've still yet to see anyone with one when I'm out and the marketing campaign is much slower now post release.