noble-zone (![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} noble_zone) wrote,@ 2008-10-19 20:02:00 |
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My very brief review of the iPhone 3G
I've had the iPhone 3G since early August. I bought it primarily as a data-device, a palm-top computer that would be easy to use because I thought that the AppStore would signficantly lend functionality to the device and I wanted 3G speeds. FYI, I'm keeping my Blackberry as it's just too good at what it does best -- messaging with a hardware keyboard -- to use anything else; besides, it's the only way I can access my company's corporate e-mail.
I waited to give my thoughts on the iPhone so I could be a bit distanced from the "new toy" feel.
I think the iPhone is a very amazing device that manages to gain new functionality with each app that I download from the very-easy-to-use AppStore. Honestly, this is the future of mobile computing and easily downloading new apps to your device is terrific. Apple always seems to be updating the OS, essentially making your phone better, and, like I said already, getting new apps every so often. By comparison, my Blackberry's O.S. has never been updated -- my wireless carrier and RIM both point at each other as the obstacle -- so it's no "better" than the day I bought it. The iPhone system is fast, has a gorgeous display and is really easy to use. It's not perfect -- no cut 'n paste yet -- but it'll only get better. The full-blown safari browser installed is great and has handled most every site just fine.
My only problem with the iPhone's operation really isn't the iPhone's fault. The 3G network here in L.A. is overloaded and slow; seems like far too often, I'm getting Edge speeds. Mind you, I've used the iPhone in other cities outside of California and then the 3G speed is killer; AT&T really needs to get their act together here in Los Angeles. It's not just the iPhone that's problematic here; DevilMayCare's 3G experiences on her HTC are about the same as mine. L.A. = sucky 3G.
I'd unequivocally recommend the iPhone except for one, very crucial problem. The iPhone has TERRIBLE battery life. After about 2 hours of moderate use (mostly net surfing, in my case), it's a brick. I'm very glad not to depend on it as a phone as the battery life would be even worse, especially with bluetooth turned on. I think the battery life is so awful for anything calling itself a "phone", seems to me that Apple is selling a product that needs another couple years for battery tech to be R&D'd to match everything else about the phone. Apple really has managed to convince the masses that they don't need longer battery time. They would be wrong.
So, buyer beware -- the iPhone is an amazing technological device that needs a better power solution.
I've had the iPhone 3G since early August. I bought it primarily as a data-device, a palm-top computer that would be easy to use because I thought that the AppStore would signficantly lend functionality to the device and I wanted 3G speeds. FYI, I'm keeping my Blackberry as it's just too good at what it does best -- messaging with a hardware keyboard -- to use anything else; besides, it's the only way I can access my company's corporate e-mail.
I waited to give my thoughts on the iPhone so I could be a bit distanced from the "new toy" feel.
I think the iPhone is a very amazing device that manages to gain new functionality with each app that I download from the very-easy-to-use AppStore. Honestly, this is the future of mobile computing and easily downloading new apps to your device is terrific. Apple always seems to be updating the OS, essentially making your phone better, and, like I said already, getting new apps every so often. By comparison, my Blackberry's O.S. has never been updated -- my wireless carrier and RIM both point at each other as the obstacle -- so it's no "better" than the day I bought it. The iPhone system is fast, has a gorgeous display and is really easy to use. It's not perfect -- no cut 'n paste yet -- but it'll only get better. The full-blown safari browser installed is great and has handled most every site just fine.
My only problem with the iPhone's operation really isn't the iPhone's fault. The 3G network here in L.A. is overloaded and slow; seems like far too often, I'm getting Edge speeds. Mind you, I've used the iPhone in other cities outside of California and then the 3G speed is killer; AT&T really needs to get their act together here in Los Angeles. It's not just the iPhone that's problematic here; DevilMayCare's 3G experiences on her HTC are about the same as mine. L.A. = sucky 3G.
I'd unequivocally recommend the iPhone except for one, very crucial problem. The iPhone has TERRIBLE battery life. After about 2 hours of moderate use (mostly net surfing, in my case), it's a brick. I'm very glad not to depend on it as a phone as the battery life would be even worse, especially with bluetooth turned on. I think the battery life is so awful for anything calling itself a "phone", seems to me that Apple is selling a product that needs another couple years for battery tech to be R&D'd to match everything else about the phone. Apple really has managed to convince the masses that they don't need longer battery time. They would be wrong.
So, buyer beware -- the iPhone is an amazing technological device that needs a better power solution.
