In an effort to expand our conversations beyond mostly televisions, I thought the iPhone would be an interesting topic now that the hype has settled.
I have been a big Nokia fan since the 6110. Every phone since has been a Nokia. I find them easy to use and functional. For instance, I connect my laptop (using bluetooth) to my N95 and access the internet through the 3G on my phone plan.
I have felt that Nokia have always had superior phones to the competition. Now that Apple have launched the 3G iPhone, Nokia's dominance is in question. I think the iPhone is a good mp3 and media player with built in phone, but, I don't think it's a great phone.
A few of my mates have jumped on the iPhone bandwagon. They all love their new toy. I've challenged a few to a "phone-off"..it's where someone with an iPhone lines up against someone without an iPhone and then you nominate a random person in the room whose number would be stored in both phones. The challenge is to see whose call gets through to the person. The iPhone loses this challenge by over 5 seconds usually.
There is no doubting the touch screen is very innovative. It's a great way to turn the screen into a very flexible interface allowing all types of dynamic applications. If you use your phone extensively throughout the day, I think the iPhone would be too tedious. I love my N95 8GB -- it's got all the features the iPhone has and more.
I've been thinking about a mobile phone for the Kogan range for a while. Apple and Nokia are doing some good work at the moment but ultimately I would like to see an open source operating environment for mobile phone. This would allow phones to be faster, easier to use, more secure, with more functionality. Google is working on a similar Operating System at the moment called Android. I am keeping a close eye on it and will look at introducing some compatible mobile phones as soon as they are available.
What are your thoughts on the iPhone? Got one? Goind to get one? I must say I've been talking them down but I am still very tempted!
APPLE IPHONE: WHAT DO YOU THINK?
26 AUG 2008
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TrickeeT says...
I just got an iphone and I tend to agree that using it as a phone is very tedious. I could write messages and make calls much faster on my last phone. I like all the easy internet connectivity with the iphone and all the additional easy to use applications...So I'm still undecided
Posted at 5:27 p.m. on August 27, 2008
Cogsmeister says...
Overall I think I'm happy with my iPhone. A good read of the instructions is required, and VERY useful!
I have had the phone for about a month now and there are a couple of minor problems I have encountered so far. The phone has frozen up once or twice so have had to reset the thing and that takes time! And the phone can tend to slow down heaps every now and again, but if you just hit the home button then go back to what you were doing, this seems to fix the problem. (havent had this problem since the 2.0.2 update).
The inabillity to have your own ringtones is a let down but with a little research and around $20AU ($0 if you only want 1 ringtone) then you can have the song of your choice as a ringtone. Can't make own message, email etc, etc tones. (make sure you pick a program that will make ringtones that wont be deleted when iTunes or the phone is updated!)
The large screen and widescreen format for internet connection is great, havent had much to do with the bluetooth side of things yet.
You cant send picture or MMS with this phone, but you can email the photos or file to whoever you want. Camera is ok as long as you want to display the photos only on the phone, otherwise go and get yourself a digital camera.
Love the fact you can sync your contacts, and email settings, and the usual calender things, must have outlook or apple equivalant though, not sure of the compatability with other applications.
Free and purchasable add on applications are numerous. Some are junk but there are a few good ones. Be careful with the free ones though cause after use they can and do open up safari (apple's version of internet explorer) and take you to a website of some sort.
VERY VERY easy to make a conference call, and to switch between calls if you have call waiting, much more easy than all my other phones!
Look seriously, every piece of technology that's around today has it's good points and it's bad points, but they are eventually worked out and fixed by updates, so why not? If you are still umm-ing and arr-ing, just get one and be done with it!
Posted at 4:32 p.m. on August 29, 2008
kimbo says...
I WAS going to get an iphone but won't worry about it now. With all this talk about the chipset problems amongst others I thinks it's better to wait for a couple of generations before jumping on the bandwagon.
The other rumour about iphone is some hidden file that has been reported to have been found which "calls" back to Apple and reports on apps that are installed on it. Suggestion is that Apple can remotely disable any app on any iphone at any time they wish.
Potential privacy issues there.......
Posted at 11:11 a.m. on August 30, 2008
Wayno says...
The iPhone is the best gadget available today. It single handedly cancels out the ipod and GPS, while allowing email and internet access.
It is so easy to use that no instruction manual is necessary, Apple tend to make thing more intuitive (or dumbed down)
I love it.
Posted at 6:27 p.m. on August 31, 2008
Mark says...
I can start my bicycle far faster than I can start my porsche. Therefore, the bicycle must be better.
Posted at 6:53 p.m. on September 2, 2008
Grant says...
I purchased the Iphone and it is whithout a doubt the best multi purpose phone on the market. GPS can get you anywhere around the city or country in no time.
Most people cant afford them, im sure thats the only reason they have mixed opinions.
Every feature within the phone is amazing and the internet is so much easier than every other expensive phone around.
Basically i have one, and if you any type of busy person in the western world, you need one.
G
Posted at 6:55 p.m. on September 3, 2008
Ray says...
Not as good as an LG Viewty. Viewty out performs the phone in every way and can replace the battery without sending it to Apple :)
Posted at 5:27 a.m. on September 4, 2008
chipstar says...
everyone has one so why bovver i want a original look and feel and use
Posted at 10:25 a.m. on September 9, 2008
greg says...
Just replaced my viewty with a iphone 3g and its absolutely brilliant. Leaves it for dead. Every thing's so easy to use quick and reliable. Since update 2.1 the reception and performance have increased in a huge way.
There are 2 camps Those who have the iphone love them Those who dont think its the devil reincarnate, and think it lacks here there and everywhere. But like everything apple its not how many things it does, but how well it does it and how easy its functions are. Lets face it, it does everything you need and does it so well.
Posted at 6:29 a.m. on September 18, 2008
donut says...
Wayno.. just to make note of you saying is cancels out the job for a ipod or gps is just down right pathetic information.. the gps on the iphone is crap and doesn't allow for turn by turn information and the hard drive is also crap allowing up to 16gb of songs which is like 2 songs at the end of the day after loading all of your applications and videos.. my opinion would be to wait off on the so called iphone hype which has already died off. and grab your self like a new samsung instinct when it approaches australian shores.. even the samsung disses the iphone hardware lol [http://www.instinctthephone.com/]
Posted at 11:15 p.m. on September 21, 2008
wombat says...
got one and threw it in the cupboard a week later gone back to my N95 8gig. can do more stuff and do it quicker. what a waste
Posted at 4:40 p.m. on September 25, 2008
Matt says...
I am a rather light phone user, but the iPhone does appeal to me because of the ability to connect online using a 3G network. Generally most of my calls are skype calls (beit skype out calls or skype-to-skype calls) so phone features aren't really important. I have considered getting an iPod touch and trying my luck with whatever wifi network i can get near, but considering that my phone needs are rather low, i'm really undecided at this stage. If there were more wifi hotspots installed then i would definitely go with the touch, but at the moment it's not to be :(
Posted at 2:37 p.m. on September 29, 2008
John Cox says...
Have had my iPhone for a while and still discovering little tricks about it's functionality. But an absolutely must is "jailbreaking" it (don't worry it doesn't void the warranty, apple won't hunt you down, and you can always restore it back the way it was). After all this thing is basic hardware with a software layer over the top. Being a touch screen means that EVERYTHING is controlled by software. There are numerous applications available for the iPhone that are only available for "jailbroken" phones that make the software easier to use or extend the functionality. Apples has always been cautious with their software - only releasing basic functionality that works properly - over time the software will improve, but for now I enjoy what is a great tool.
Posted at 3:28 p.m. on October 30, 2008
Mia Anstee says...
I am more interested in your idea of an Android based phone actually! Seeing as no one has released one in Australia yet, you could have the uber-geek market cornered! My Dad recently bought an OpenMoko Neo Freerunner which he is obsessed with but the software he uses is really clunky with terrible usability. I would buy an Android loaded phone if it had decent usability.
Posted at 1:27 a.m. on November 2, 2008
Macca says...
I'd be interested in an Android phone. I don't like how 'locked down' Apple products are and I buy all my phones outright to avoid contractual arrangements.
I recently read some articles about Kogan in the newspaper in which you mentioned building an Android phone and releasing before Christmas 2008. But what about passing all the emissions laws etc. that are in place in Australia? I can't see how you can build this thing and get it approved for sale in Australia (and use on Australian networks) prior to Christmas.
HAving said that, I sure hope you do! I am in the market for a touch screen android phone that's cheap. :)
Posted at 12:55 p.m. on November 2, 2008
Mik says...
I have read that you were releasing an Android-based phone before Christmas as well, and sure hope you do. I am in the market for a new phone, but there is nothing that quite meets my desires out there. I initially did not want to stray from buttons, but I'm sure at the right price I can be persuaded.
I just want to know if the information that was released was just a stunt for advertisement, or if Kogan is actually going to release a phone by Christmas, because I would assume that if it were to be released by then the wheels would have been in motion for some time now.
Bringing this back to the actual topic of the post, I am tempted to get an iPhone soley for the user interface. I don't like Windows Mobile but want a smart phone. This leaves me with Blackberry, Symbian, Palm OS, or OSX (iPhone).
I wanted to see if I could hold out until either an Android device made it to Australia or until the ALP Palm OS was released (if it ever is).
Due to limited options, I may end up considering an iPhone more seriously.. but in saying that, I feel it needs to be cracked in order to gain features (such as MMS) which I disagree with (especially when paying so much for a phone!)
I also don't want to jump into a contract again just yet.. my current one is not up until Christmas.
So yeh, I would like to know more details about this phone that you may be bringing it out.. is this just vapour? Can I expect it to be out in time? Will it have the features I desire? (3g/HSDPA, GPS, 2mpx+ camera, Android/Linux) .. or should I look elsewhere? For $200 I would DEFINATELY get one.
Cheers
Posted at 7:28 p.m. on November 2, 2008
christexaport says...
Even though it isn't yet open source, Symbian will be open source in a year. As you know, since you and I use the same device, nothing beats the functionality and features of Symbian.
That being said, I'm just as open to an Android device, just not as a first preference. Its a terrific idea.
I have a compelling form factor design that has gotten overwhelmingly positive response across the globe. I'd love to volunteer/donate my design to help further your aspirations. I've been searching for a fabricator willing to step up and create a superphone. Today is the day anyone can create one and set the world on fire.
If my idea is of interest to you, please contact me via email at christexaport@sbcglobal.net.
Sincerely,
Chris McFann, Senior Analyst, PhoneReport aka christexaport from Symbian-Freak
Posted at 5:05 p.m. on November 7, 2008
christexaport says...
Even though it isn't yet open source, Symbian will be open source in a year. As you know, since you and I use the same device, nothing beats the functionality and features of Symbian.
That being said, I'm just as open to an Android device, just not as a first preference. Its a terrific idea.
I have a compelling form factor design that has gotten overwhelmingly positive response across the globe. I'd love to volunteer/donate my design to help further your aspirations. I've been searching for a fabricator willing to step up and create a superphone. Today is the day anyone can create one and set the world on fire.
If my idea is of interest to you, please contact me via email at christexaport@sbcglobal.net.
Sincerely,
Chris McFann, Senior Analyst, PhoneReport
aka christexaport from Symbian-Freak
Posted at 5:06 p.m. on November 7, 2008
christexaport says...
Here's a link to images of my design, just to give you an idea what I mean. http://www.symbian-freak.com/news/008/09/nxt_nokia_concept_by_chris.htm Change around the specs a bit, it's the best device on the market.
Posted at 5:11 p.m. on November 7, 2008
Deka says...
iPhone 3G 16Gb - Best phone I've ever had. Sometimes I use it more than my computer. I get 1 to 3 days out of the battery, depending on what you use on it. Games can chew the battery.
You can do so much on this thing. Here's what I do on it, I've listed the Program name then function for those who are not sure what it can do.
"Things", Manage my Projects and ToDo items. "Calendar", Schedule my day with reminders. "Mail", email of course ;-). "Safari", Browse the web. "Camera", resolution is the everyday 6"x4" print. "Photos", Have 156 photos on it at the moment. "Maps", use as phone/address directory with directions. "GPSLite" SatNav without a phone signal. "Say Who" Voice dial... handfree with TomTom GPS. "AccuFuel" - track fuel economy on my car. "Shopper", shopping/gift lists with photos. "SpeakEasy", dictaphone and record conferences. "IceTV", TV guide. "Showtimes", Movie times with previews. "iBlueSky", mind mapping - planning and idea capture. "Additives", check nasty additives when shopping. "eBay", shop/buy on ebay. "Clinometer", makes phone a spirit level. "AirSharing", view, share and store documents. "Go Calc", Spreadsheet functions. "BP Tracker", Track my blood pressure readings. Games, it's like a PSP and Nintendo DS / Wii in one. Movies. Music. Listen to AudioBooks. etc, etc...
Overall I have 128 programs installed, which include many games. This thing can do virtually everything. If not, someone usually adds the function through a program.
Many programs are free and most average at $2.50. As of writing this, there are 1,573 games, 166 business programs, 413 Educational programs, etc, etc. on iTunes.
I found that protective cases tend to hinder the finger tapping on the screen and also hide its great looks and makes it bulkier. Best thing I found to protect it was the "Bodyguardz" skin. It's scratch resistant and virtually invisible on the phone.
Any problems I've had have been related to the phone network. Optus was rated the slowest network in the world. Telstra charge around $2000 per gig for data (Yes $2000 do the math).
The cheapest way to own the phone is to buy it outright.
Cost me $856 as a prepaid thru Optus. Used $80 worth of calls on it and I'll have them unlock the network lock (free) next week and I'll go with someone else.
Hope this helps those who are interested.
Posted at 10:23 p.m. on November 13, 2008
Roddy Sprocket says...
All you silly funkers that wasted $600 for an I phone will be forking out another $600 for a new phone in 6 months. I've just been over to Europe where i phones have been out for over a year. Everyone over there thought they were great initially, but now thinks they are shiite because they break within 6 months.
Love and Kisses
Rod Sprocket.
Posted at 9:34 p.m. on December 4, 2008
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