I would like to hear your thoughts. I currently have a BlackBerry 8310 with a contract running out at the end of April – should I get an iPhone and more importantly, why?
As a person, I like to think that I am open minded although very loyal when I find something that works (this contradicts to history with boys, more that I seem to have more luck finding a reliable phone than a person). I’m extremely active and one that tends to look after technological equipment, although if it cannot handle a random bump on the head, then it is just not tough enough for me. Without this sounding like an online dating profile, I would like to hear from users of iPhones whether I should jump the mobile phone ship. Realise this will be a tough battle to win.
Comments along the lines of “cause they are cool”, “just because” or “you’ll look cool” won’t count. What will be appreciated is an analytical response to the needs of me, a consumer and the functionality of the device. If there was a reason why I didn’t get an iPhone last year, convince me that the problem is no longer an issue. My needs are listed below as well as current considerations for why I haven’t gotten an iPhone already. The best comment will receive imaginary warm fuzzy feelings. Main hurdle is still having the idea in my head that in buying something, the more features it has on it, the more things that could break.
I use the phone for the following, all (but the last) are default options on the BlackBerry:
- Old school operations – making phone calls, sending SMS (Daily)
- Sending and receiving email (Daily)
- Instant chat (although this only recently, all I needed was another distraction)
- Taking occasional photos (Note: Professional photographer by trade, refuse to buy a phone ‘for’ the camera, it’s a nice to have)
- Calendar (Weekly)
- Note / Reminders (Daily)
- Maps / Directions (4 – 5 times a week)
- Calculator (Rare)
- Internet (Rare)
- Needed to download: MySpace and Facebook
I did not buy an iPhone last time because:
- No MMS
- Was easier to continue with a phone with buttons rather than touchscreen (previous phone to the BlackBerry was the flip Nokia model that takes over the World in Die Hard 4)
- A touchscreen and being a girl (i.e. having nails) didn’t work
- I have too many keys in my handbag
- I was worried about scratching it
- I was having trouble taking people seriously with some of the Apps they were downloading
- It didn’t fit in my back pocket
- Was more cost effective to get the BlackBerry (I’m a business customer, not a personal shopper, thus great deals and 12 month contracts)
- I was able to crack the screen of my BlackBerry with a nail polish bottle (how girlie is that) – can an iPhone withstand an enemy attack from beauty products?
Other factors and areas that no amount of convincing will effect:
- I have the Internet at home, so do not use the phone to ‘surf’, having the option is nice, although used rarely
- I do not use the phone for music, mainly as collections see tracks about 85MB each and an hour long
- Photography is done via my SLR Digital Camera and is not a factor for phone purchases
So, with all the modifications to the iPhone over the past 2 years, can it now rid me of the reasons why I didn’t buy one 12 months ago? Will I just need to buy a phone sock and bigger pants? Tell me, for reasons other than the ‘idea’ of an iPhone, when you break it down into the real facts of a phone – is the iPhone the model for me?
Please note: If you would like to comment, please be nice and constructive.
A number of April fools jokes have been floating about. Of course they have, like that of a fatal flaw in 3G iPhones requiring a return to Apple.
Reports were out today that the 3G iPhone had developed a ‘terminator’ like intelligence. “It seems that the iPhone’s supreme integration between hardware and software has allowed it to develop a “smart” artificial intelligence.”
Recommendations for the problem for “the dangerous device is turning it off. You can’t be sure exactly when you own smartphone might turn against you, so what we recommend is that you just turn your iPhone off for for today.” Mind you, have I spoiled the joke? It’s already 6pm April 1 for me…
[via PhoneArena]
Loyal Skype users rejoiced yesterday when the official Skype client for iPhone became available in the AppStore yesterday afternoon HST. Skype if you weren’t aware is a Voice Over IP (VOIP) service that allows users to place phone calls for free over the internet.
Although there were other iPhone apps that allow you to use Skype’s services, this is the company’s official client. In addition to being able to place calls via WiFi, there is also an included IM chat feature included, similar to what is available in the desktop client.
Personally, I’ve been waiting a long time for this and I knew it was just a matter of time before it appeared. As stated earlier, there are other VOIP clients for the iPhone its just that this is the “official” client.
One of the reasons this could have been so delayed is that AT&T might have been hesitant to let Skype publish their application for fear of losing some revenue…But, seeing how this app is able to only place and receive calls via WiFi, I don’t think there’s any concern over that.
I may do a followup video and written review of this App, we’ll see if I can get some willing victims, no I meant volunteers…
In any case, go to the AppStore and download it now.
Ready to download now, the DirecTV app from the company of the same name. Coming to you with remote scheduling and program browsing capabilities.
You will need an iPhone with software 2.2.1 or higher and DirecTV subscription for the service. You will also need to review requirements for DirecTV Plus DVR (models R15, R16, R22) and DirecTV Plus HD DVR (models HR20, HR21, HR23). TiVo Series 2 receivers with 6.4a software registered to DirecTV.com can take advantage of the remote scheduling over WiFi, EDGE or 3G.
The application itself is free! Downloads can be made through the App store. What more do you really want in your phone…
[via EngadgetMobile]
Maybe a note for all would-be naughty people out there. Smarten up people!
A thief in New York City made a major boo-boo when emailing a photo of himself through the iPhone he just stole. 18 year old Daquan Mathis and an accomplice grabbed 29 year old Sayaka Fukuda’s handbag and phone while she was waiting for a train.
Assuming she would never see her phone again, she went home via a call to police. Logging into the computer, she noticed that in the outbox was an email. The mugger (pictured) had emailed a picture of himself to his own email account using her iPhone. After passing the picture on to the police, Fukuda sent off an email to Mathis, telling him that she had sent it along and that he should expect to get arrested. His response was one on her life. The youngster was apparently already on file and was soon arrested. He also confessed to other robberies including the snatching of an Apple iPod. Lesson here – A) Don’t send emails via an iPhone you’ve just stolen B) Don’t steal (probably easier).
[via PhoneArena]
A simple solution is now available to stop that annoying buzzing sound you can get from iPhone or iPod Touch. The disturbance in the force is often encountered when standing near speakers.
A unit from Quick Bridge Solutions, fixes this issue. Quick Bridge Solutions features custom iPhone applications for Radio stations and online radio stations. And now, the QB-EM. The QB-EM Shield is a patent pending shield for your iPhone that makes streaming radio on your iphone more listen able.
The unit, is a simple business card shape makes it fit easily into most iPhone cases or docking stations. To use, just place the shield at the back of the case so that the shield will cover the black stripe at the lower section at the back of the iPhone. This reducing the EMI/RFI that can effect speakers, radios, telephones, etc. Although unproven, the website for the unit suggests that it can reduce the amount of EMF exposure to your body, providing a health benefit for individuals with pacemakers.
[via SlashGear, GearLog]
Have you ever needed a quick and easy way to transfer your contact information from your iPhone to another iPhone user? Well, EasyContact 
might just be the app you’re looking for.
Not only does EasyContact send your contact information to iPhone and iTouch devices, it can send your information (business card, vCard or any other contact information) to any email account.
On top of it all, easy contact is safe, with its 256-bit encryption, you will be able to send your information over EDGE, 3G or WiFi networks. If the receiver also has EasyContact, you’ll be able to hear a confirmation that the recipient received your information.
I feel that this app is worth the $.99, especially if you find yourself trying to shout your phone number to someone else in a loud room or a club. Watch my video review to see how the application works.
After last week’s rumors, Skype’s iPhone client has been confirmed. The VoIP software, which will be released on Tuesday March 31st, will be a free download and allow users to make free Skype-to-Skype calls over WiFi networks. Alternatively, calls to landlines will cost 2.1 cents per minute.
What won’t be possible is VoIP over 3G. According to Skype’s chief operating officer, Scott Durchslag, this is a limitation of Apple’s App Store terms of service. Neither AT&T nor Apple answered a request for a comment on the Skype app.
iPod touch owners will also be able to download and use the software, though they’ll need to buy a microphone accessory since the PMP doesn’t have one integrated. After iPhone OS 3.0 is released, however, 2nd-gen iPod touch users should be able to use the PMP’s newly-unlocked Bluetooth with hands-free headsets.
[via GigaOM]
