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General discussion

Thoughts on the iPhone?

Jan 9, 2007 2:56AM PST

That sound you hear? It's the collective release of nine million simultaneous geekgasms as the iPhone is announced. Here are my thoughts - please feel free to add yours.

1) Wow.
2) No, seriously - wow. The adaptable, dynamic interface, push email, photos, iPod video functionality, photos and ten thousand other things all in one device is absolutely incredible. Particularly in terms of the touchscreen, this, like the iPod, will have ramifications for the entire tech sector, specifically in how people conceive of the interplay of design, functionality and interface.
3) But - and it's a big one - did they just 'PS3' themselves? $600 US *with* a contract is an enormous amount of money. Like the PS3, it's 'worth it' in the literal sense, but is this so expensive that it will drastically reduce the rate of uptake? I'm not saying that the device itself is akin to a PS3 - it obviously offers something that nothing else does - but I sorta' felt like it was a huge buildup that led to... "six hundred bucks US?!". Are they out of their minds?

Discussion is locked

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can I just have the internet communicator/video ipod part?
Jan 10, 2007 6:09PM PST

I pretty much agree with everyone to some level:
1) Put an apple badge on anything, make it sexy, and people will pay.
2) It works as a video ipod and an internet communicator - great screen!

BUT, I have issues with it not having a keyboard and having just my fingers to tap away at a virtual keyboard for data entry (no handwriting recognition? I assume this since Steve doesn't want us to use a stylus) - it may suffice for the occassional input of phone numbers, and the odd short text msg, but how about email, chat, or participating in forum discussions? And virtual keyboards take away valuable screen real estate when they're being used.

Also, that screen's gonna get awful smudgy with all that finger poking, no matter how clean and dry your hands are...and just a thought about style - can you imagine what you'd look like holding up one of those to your face?

Bottom line: Apple fanboys will buy it and accept its faults, and if I had the cash, I'd buy one for its video and internet features alone, and live with the shortcomings...but I don't think people will be giving up their treos, blackberries and nokias just yet.

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Big seller, no doubt - but gen 2 probably the sweet spot
Jan 10, 2007 11:52AM PST

I own zero Apple products presently, but went down to my local Apple store the second I heard Jobs say 'iPhone'. I was disappointed to learn there that I arrived 6 months too early.

I agree with many of the opinions about the device limitations, but I carry a PDA (Toshiba e755) around all day, every day - and the iPhone is narrower, shorter and thinner. The PDA was about $400 three or so years ago, so the price isn't far off the mark in terms of the value I'm confortable carrying around. You do carry your $1,000+ laptop around, right?

Oh, and I can ditch the phone - mine is a real cheapie (long story), but I'm on Net10 and am a free agent when it comes to contracts.

Oh, and I can ditch the 1Gb SanDisk Sansa m240.

Oh, and there's added functionality in the convergence of music/phone/contacts relative to my current, three-device distributed system.

Oh, and it's the coolest device from a design standpoint I've seen in a long time.

I could go on, but the bottom line: this isn't your grandfather's phone. I'm in line.

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Price is fine (now), will be lower not long after launch
Jan 10, 2007 1:28PM PST

Price sounds high, but here in Australia that price is right on the mark for a "smartphone" with a basic contract.

Depending on the deal with the Network Provider there will probably be other prices based on contract length, data allowances etc.

Anyway, if you think the price is high just wait and the price will drop, just as the iPod has to smash any competition.

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My Thoughts: iPhone Lite
Jan 11, 2007 1:19AM PST

My thoughts on the iPhone is "wow" and "gotta have it." Although after the rush of enthusiam faded, reality kicked in. So I begin to question the iPhone's functionality and purpose to my daily lifestyle. I take a phone with me where ever I go. I never listen to music on my phone (even though it's capable) b/c when I'm on the go, I'm... in the car, at work, at school, shopping, or at the gym.

If I'm at the gym, I have my iPod. When I'm in the car, I have my iPod connected to the Alpine iPod Unit. So all my iPod angles are covered.

However, the iPhone with Safari and Wi-Fi is fantastic! But, I'm not sure how often I'd use it. If I'm surfing on the web.. I'm "on the web" so I'll just use my 12" PowerBook.

I'd prefer an iPhone Lite that would just sync my address book and have mp3 playback so I can have customized ringtones. I have a Motorola PEBL purley for it's form, not it's function and I regret it because I dislike it's interface. I'd prefer something cleaner, functional, and smoother.

My next phone would probably be a Samsung or Sony b/c of the iPhone's price and my actual use of the iPhone. BUT!!!! If I had it, I'd keep it and make love to it.

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Can't stop comparing to Stand Alone iPod
Jan 11, 2007 5:06AM PST

Even though I know it's not a fair comparison, I just can't stop thinking about the fact that I got a 5th gen iPod with 30 gigs for $249. Apple wants me to pay double that price for 4 gigs. I carry about 14 gigs on my iPod right now and that is going up as I download more video stuff. It just seems like to much money. It would be great if they could strip the phone stuff and just sell it as a Wide Screen Video iPod at the iPod price point.

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it is an apples to oranges comparison
Jan 12, 2007 4:35PM PST

1) even tho technology gets better and cheaper over time, you can't expect to pay the same price (or even only somewhat more) for the same capacity but now with many extras like wifi, BT, cell phone, touch screen, higher res screen, OSX (not to mention the faster proc needed to run it), reportedly better internet access, email, iTunes integration, personal information managers, etc. If you want all of that cheaper, then stick with your ipod at $250, get higher end cell phone for $250, and it'll cost no more than an iphone, but you'll still get many of the features/functions you're clamoring for.

There seems to be an expectation that having more features and functionality bundled as a package or single set item, or having that said item become physically smaller in size, should mean we'll get our purchase at a discount rate. But unlike value menus where the burger + fries + drink are less then the sum of it's parts and where some people wish a salad was cheaper than a burger b/c it's less calories and less filling, technology doesn't necessarily work that way. One can only say "you can get a desktop with more power and it would still cost much less than that laptop" to the point that it just won't pan out anymore. Sure, that's certainly true, but you reach a certain point that you spend extra $$ for less specs and features for MOBILITY.

2) flash memory is expensive. Case in point... the 8GB Ipod Nano and 30GB Ipod Video both cost $300. Is the former a pure trickery by Apple? Perhaps, but that Nano has it's merits. It's even smaller than that Video so it's great for working out or to fit in tight spaces. Having flash memory over microdrive means it's much less affected by shocks and high impact and no moving parts increases battery life. Both great for working out and field work. Of course it's been said that APple would rather you get the better deal. Then consumers will be more tempted to buy music, videos clips, movies, and podcasts with all that extra space, which'll mean more $$ from iTunes. Although there are 20-30GB flash modules, I believe they're only small enough for laptop computers, and they're still in development phase. Even if it were ready for the iphone, it would surely jack up the price at least another $150.

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iPhone screen not 4:3 or 16:9
Jan 11, 2007 5:57AM PST

Is it me, or does anyone else find this odd. The specs on the iPhone list a screen that measures 480 px X 320 px = 3:2 which don't quite match current TV or widescreen. Am I missing something?

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the video display doesn't have to fill the screen exactly
Jan 12, 2007 3:54PM PST

If there is 16:9 video they'll just use the black bars at the top and bottom, or maybe even use that for controls or some task/nav bar.

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My thoughts
Jan 11, 2007 12:14PM PST

Just wow, I want one, only if I could afford it.

My questions are:

1 How many songs can it hold?
2 Can you record videos or only take pictures with the iPhone?
3 How many voice mails can you fit up to?
4 Are there RSS feeds?
5 Is there any news widget?
6 Are there games?
7 Is there a To-Do list feature?
8 Is it a service plan or pay as you go?
9 How strong is it? Can it take a beating from children and being tossed around in the car?
10 Can it record sound? If so, how long?
11 Can the screen get smudged from being a touch screen?
12 Can it use iHome?
13 What if you have pudgy fingers, does it make a lot of typos?

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Takin' A Bite Out The Apple.....
Jan 11, 2007 4:48PM PST

Clearly a case of Applephiles' knee-jerk reaction to anything Apple-like! I wouldn't choose one if it was free with contract!!!! Give me a Nokia N95 anyday......... Some reasons why.....:

Wait til some non-Apple staff get their hands on it before you all go waxing lyrical.... You'll be spending half your time cleaning the screen of your greasy digit marks - and let's hope Apple have learned their lesson about too-easy-to-scratch surfaces... PLUS NO 5mb camera, NO sat-nav, No 3G?!?!? AND what are all the ipod owners gonna do with their, now obsolete, iPods? Except they wont be obsolete cos the phone will only come in 4gb or 8gb flavours so you'll have to carry your 80gb whopper with you for all your video storage....

SO, when you are sewing more pockets into your trousers to carry your iPhone, iPod, 'iCamera','iSat-Nav' and cursing the intrinsic difficulty (not to mention frustration!) of 'trying' to speed txt/type on a touch-sensitive interface I'll be thinking of what to do with my free hand and my Nokia N95. Maybe put my feet up and sip an iced tea........

Plus THAT price!?!?!?

Maybe the expression 'you've gone bananas' should be changed with reference to another fruit........

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I love Macs, but this thing sucks...
Jan 11, 2007 5:44PM PST

I love my Macbook and my G5... can't beat them for some things...

However the iPhone... like the iPod, leaves much to be desired...

1. Cingular (You can get a pocket PC for any carrier - including some that don't suck).
2. No WMA's (If you're going to play music/video, get a creative Zen - can't beat it for value, price, ease of use and flexibility, Ogg Vorbis, WMA, Mpeg, etc.)
3. Closed to development (Apple, true to form shut out many of their supporters and has the iPod closed to development. The Pocket PC on the other hand, anyone can develop for. Apps, Games, whatever!)
4. Price. More than annoying.
5. Memory size. This is a joke.
6. No 3G
7. 2 year contract? With Cingular? Geez... Um... Yeah. Need I say more?

What a waste of two years. I'm just going to bet that after the initial boom, that people realize what they are NOT getting and this thing will tank.

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New York Times think different
Jan 11, 2007 7:25PM PST

If you visit the New York Times web site on your mobile phone you will see a specially designed mobile friendly web page. It loads quickly on your WAP browser using a 2.5G connection. Great! (Auto redirect detection of browser type)

It is different from the web page you see on a pc (or mac) from a desktop machine with a broadband connection. Fair enough you might say.

But my readding of the idea behind the I Phone is that you see the whole page (just like the desktop version) and the zoom in. Is there something really clever going on in the new I Phone browser or is that going to be very slow? I am I missing something?

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actually its the phone browser
Jan 11, 2007 8:34PM PST

Looking at the New York Times again. I think its the phone browser that has interpreted the page and re-presented it for mobile...and done a very good job (pulling out xhtml content?). I still cant get my head around how the i phone can load a 147k page easily. Is there going to be some sort of giant proxy server sitting in a back office in Apple? Does the image on the apple site of the whole New York Times web site represent the fact that the whole page has loaded and that zooming in is only a matter of graphics rather than more page loading.

If the apple I phone web browser really works well and fast then it is clear that the I phone is genuinely the phone re invented. But I cant understand how it loads big web pages through a very narrow bandwidth?

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demo on u tube
Jan 11, 2007 8:57PM PST
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Some people just dont get it
Jan 17, 2007 12:46AM PST

The people that are bashing this phone or saying "this phone sucks" are the same group that said the IPOD was a waste of time and money, and that after years of pumping up other failed MP3 players, including the Zune (the Zune's only been out for a month or two?...it's done, face it. Bad reviews, not one good thing about it. So much for Gate's "IPOD killer", you dont hear them talking now do you?!..running with their tail between their legs is more like it.) you hate this phone because its Apple. or, you dont get it because you say you can get a cell phone for $50 or even for free if you sign a 1 year. Why pay $500, you just dont get it. Save your money then kid, buy some more bubble gum.

Face it, no other cell phone in history...IN HISTORY.. has ever received this type of hype and good publicity, and all this is happening way before the phone even is available. Why do you think that is? Its made front page of magazines, headline television, CNET and more. Ever hear of a Samsung phone get that? Palm, Nokia?...no. Wake up, and get you head out of the sand. This will be huge. Finally a phone that doesn't suck. I just got a RAZR, (as a gift) and I hate it.Everytime you open it, you touch a button that sends it to spkr, or voicemail or whatever, its frustrating. I'd rather go back to the old Star Tac. These phones all have a horrible interface and if you go to Apple's web site and see the demo of the iPhone, you will see why it will be so great. Finally someone got it right and once again, you just hate to admit it, but its clearly Apple whos is the winner here. Hollywood's gonna eat it up too. Every Papparazzi pic will show "so-and-so with his/her Iphone"as the caption. Face it, You'll never hear the words, "And Tiger Woods seen with his new LG" Nobody cares. They do care about the Apple brand. You'll see.

Now, Im not saying I will buy one. I want one, but it does look a little big for my tastes, and its on Cingular and I dont think Im going to cancel my Verizon and get inferior service, just to have a better phone. If it worked with other carriers it would be a no brainer for me, but regardless of what I do, I know this will be a huge sucess and you can bet there will be tons of copy cats. Im sure Microsoft is already developing a crappy Win-fone with a touch screen!

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You might back off a little...
Jan 17, 2007 2:36AM PST

Just a smidge.

I wouldn't dare call the Zune a failure until the thing is on shelves for at least a year. It definitely isn't the zip-bang success that Microsoft was hoping it would be, but it definitely seems to be a solid effort on Microsoft's part. I expect future versions to be more appealing to the masses. We will then see how the battle results.

That sucks that you don't like your RAZR. I just got one, too, and I love the little thing. Maybe I'm just used to how Motorola does things.

Like you, I'm not buying the iPhone, but I want one. Unfortunately, I already have stuff to do all of the functions that the iPhone covers.

-Ryan

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My Zune comment was a bit ignorant
Jan 17, 2007 6:21AM PST

I only read reports on the Zune stating it was not too good, never have I even picked one up, so I cant talk it down much and base an opinion on what others have said, but then, nobody here has picked up an IPhone and they say it sucks already. I want to like my Razr, I really really do. And yes, I literally went from a Star Tac to the Razr. It's Just way different, but Im getting used to it, maybe Ill like it more later. I tend to keep my gadgets for a loooong time. I think the way the Iphone surfs the web, like a real computer, unlike how cell phones do it, will be the deal sealer for the Iphone.

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Zune may not be a killer product, but it does have some +'s
Jan 17, 2007 4:35AM PST

Wifi, landscape screen, easy to use controls.... give it a few generations. Then we could through it in the bin of wanna-be-ipods.

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missing one things
Jan 11, 2007 7:31PM PST

all that is left to put on one of these things is a universal remote and it would be the ultimate device ever created

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This, I command:
Jan 11, 2007 9:53PM PST

Want to see how easy it is being ruler of the universe? Watch:

I command the vast majority of you to buy the new Apple iPhone when it is released. Stay overnight in a line outside the store if necessary, I don't mind.

I command you to shake out the bugs and reduce the price.

Then I'll buy it.

See? Easy.

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To Each Their Own
Jan 11, 2007 10:11PM PST

Some random thoughts on all the posts that I've been reading in this thread:

1)Point: What's with the exclusive deal with Cingular!

Counterpoint: The SAME thing that is going on with ALL cell phone companies! I adore the EnV phone, which is EXCLUSIVELY with Verizon Wireless. I have Cingular, so I'm locked out of buying the phone.

2)Point: $600!? Are you kidding???!!! Only a moron or a Daddy Warbucks would buy this!

Counterpoint: No, that's not true. We ALL have areas in our life that we spend what others call "moron money": Jimmy Choo shoes for $450; Gucci handbags for $4900; PlayStation 3 for $900, etc. I may find it ridiculous to drop a $1000 on a "silly game" or a pair of "silly shoes", but if that's where your passion lies and you're not stealing the money from strangers, then use YOUR money where you best see fit!

Now, if you are living hand-to-mouth and bill collectors have you on their speed dial, then you really can't afford ANY of the unneccessary luxuries. But, then out of fairness, you shouldn't attack people who chose to spend their money on the phone, any more than you should attack anyone for wanting to buy *bling* in other areas.

3) Point: $600 bucks for a phone that I know I'm going to drop/lose/or destroy?!

Counterpoint: If past experience has shown you that you have, indeed, dropped or lost your phone multiple times, than YOU are right, for YOUR specific needs! Then, get the cheapest darn phone that you want, and call them 'disposable'. I have a friend who enjoys going to bars and drinking. To date, she's lost 6 phones in 3 years. If this is your pattern, don't buy this phone unless you are a Trust Fund Baby. But, for others, who DON'T DROP OR LOSE objects, why shouldn't we buy what works for us? I own a construction firm. I deal with hard hats, steel-toe boots and difficult situations on a daily basis. I've never dropped a phone, not even my landline. I'll be buying this phone when it comes out.

4) Point: It's a gimmick, folks! Don't make Apple any richer! Power to the People and Down with the Man.

Counterpoint: Okay, whatever. Perhaps you should go rent REDS with Warren Beatty and get those Sharpies ready for a little more picketing.

It boils down to this: We spend our money on what gives us pleasure, despite detractors questioning our reasoning. Whether it's Lotto tickets that never pay off, Designer shoes and bags that wear out, or Expensive vacations that are soon forgotten, it's everyone's right to be as foolish as they want to be with their money!

As long as I'm not asking YOU to buy the phone for me, please, let people make up their own choices without calling them names and questioning their sanity.

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That's putting it spot on.
Jan 12, 2007 3:52PM PST

oh there are just too many examples to list.....

We're all polarized behind the brands we use and love. On the flipside, believe it or not, there are many Americans who loathe Verizon, let alone the rest of the world.

Let's not forget the early adaptors of HD. They're paying $1Ks extra to absorb the costs of the nicer/cheaper sets that will be available later on.

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RE: Cingular-only
Jan 15, 2007 8:32PM PST

Apple and Cingular had a previous relationship with the ROKR. Seems to be a case of "Better the devil you know than the one you don't."

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Actually
Jan 16, 2007 12:50AM PST

The ROKR was a joint venture between Apple and Motorola. All Apple did was give the phone iTunes and let it sync with a computer. Motorola handled everything else, including the Cingular deal.

-Ryan

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Too expensive for version 1.0
Jan 11, 2007 10:15PM PST

Fisrt off, why only Cingular to boot? Why not Sprint/Nextel? Second, why not a Micro or Mini-SD slot to expand storage? Certainly feasible. Maybe it'll be around in version 2.0? Also, was it necessary to name it iPhone and risk litigation with Cisco? This thing is more than just a phone. iComm would probably be better. A lot of us say, "I can't live without my phone, my phone is my life." I'd rename the iLife software something else and call this new gadget the iLife.

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I think the same about the name
Jan 11, 2007 10:22PM PST

The name could be anything more cool than iPhone... iBoost, iUltra, iLife, iAll, iPortable.... they should hire us to find names for their gadgets!

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wow
Jan 12, 2007 12:12AM PST

I want one. These sound really great. I'll gladly give up my Motorola Sliver L7 for one of these beauties.

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600?!?!?
Jan 12, 2007 12:18AM PST

i was gonna get this fone til i came to know its gonna be a locked fone for 600!

I would rather get the unlocked Sony Ericsson P990 for 500$.

I fly outside US all the time and an unlocked fone is a must for me.

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Too much hype and not enough substance
Jan 12, 2007 12:23AM PST

This phone has some nice advances, but a lot of problems. Some of the problems will likely be fixed by 1st release and some by version 2 (Apple can rely on Apple-geeks who will buy anything from them, so they have a 1st run to rely on). But, one of the biggest issues has to be acceptance of touch screen keyboards. People have consistently not liked them; this is not solved by Apple's intent detection software, but is due to lack of tactile feedback (the feel of a button). The question is whether people will be able and willing to get used to that. The "innovation" with iPod was a better laid out button system compared to most players. But, this relied on the tactile feedback model and enhanced it (swirling along a raised button). For portable devices, tactile feedback is even more of an issue due to the clumsy way you have to hold them, and the small area for the keyboard.

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Iphone, not for me
Jan 12, 2007 1:16AM PST

It's not that I don't have the money. But I can't see buying another crappy apple product. I had two iPods and both of their screens went out 2 weeks after the warranty expired. I have a Samsung Blackjack that has 3G, a 2gig expansion slot for music and syncs with my pc just fine, NO THANKS Steve Jobs.