Walt Mossberg, David Pogue post first iPhone reviews

The Walt Street Journal's Walt Mossberg has posted the first genuine review of the iPhone (that we know of). The overall verdict is that "despite some flaws and feature omissions, the iPhone is, on balance, a beautiful and breakthrough handheld computer."

His primary points of praise and contention:

• The best Web browser ever offered on a phone
• Synchronizes easily and well with Macs and Windows systems
• Highest-resolution screen of any smart phone
• Virtual keyboard is a "nonissue" -- partly because of the error correction
• "Major drawback": only works with AT&T
• Works overseas but only with a roaming plan, and only supports EDGE
• Heavier than the BlackBerry and BlackJack.
• Some accessories for iPods may not work properly on the iPhone
• No way to cut, copy, or paste text.
• Seven hours and 18 minutes of continuous talk time with WiFi on
• Voice call quality was "good, but not great."

David Pogue is close behind with his review for the New York Times. Saying that the iPhone "matches the hype," he notes the following:

• Screen doesn't scratch easily -- smudges, but wipes clean
• Making a call can take six steps: "wake the phone, unlock its buttons, summon the Home screen, (etc.)"
• Battery life: 5 hours of video and 23 hours of audio
• "Apple says that the battery starts to lose capacity after 300 or 400 charges" -- Battery replacement program like iPod's
• Pogue differs with Mossberg, saying that text entry is "not the iPhone's strong suit," and that the keyboard is "frustrating."

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