Article: Not Another iPhone Article
You’re probably sitting comfortable at your desk or in some chair (if you have a laptop), and are browsing the Mac Web and just can’t seem to get enough of things related to the iPhone. Fortunately for you, this is yet another one of those articles. I would like to offer my thoughts on the subject since we’re merely 3 weeks away from one of the most anticipated launches in gadget history.
Unfortunately, I’m a bit pessimistic. First of all, I love the iPhone as a device. I think the idea of carrying a cell phone, iPod, and laptop (when you’re only using it for web browsing) is a bit excessive, but in this day and age, you need all three. By mixing the three into a completely new device, Apple has created something that you can carry anywhere and not worry about excess “stuff”. Here are some things that I think might be of concern with the iPhone.
AT&T
Gadget freaks (myself included) are very particular about their phones. I made sure I had something with Bluetooth, not to use with a headset, but so I could sync it with my Mac. If a certain provider does not offer a phone, GSM users can pick a different “unlocked” one. By locking in the iPhone with AT&T (and based on some rumors, not allowing the SIM card to be removed), Apple is locking out a big group of users, not only in the US, but around the world. If the SIM card is not user-removable, one couldn’t have, say, a cheap Nokia that would serve as a “junk phone” if they had to travel to questionable places, or just don’t want their iPhone to get hurt. I have a friend who has both a Windows Mobile PDA/phone combo and a Samsung flip phone and he switches them out quite frequently. It’s all about flexibility.
“Real” OS X?
As Apple has been claiming that the iPhone runs a full-blown version of OS X, why does everyone seem scared that you can’t add programs yourself? Anything, even the cheap Motorolas can have additional Java apps added at least, so Apple would be foolish for creating a closed platform. I could see the iPhone has having a small word processor, spreadsheet, or presentation player that syncs with their desktop counterparts, allowing one to take business files with them when the laptop might be overkill.
The Battery
The battery has always been a complaint with iPod users. The idea of not being able to remove it has caused headaches for some, who have brand new iPods. It’s not that they want to remove it right now, but down the road, it’s good to have that flexibility. With iPods, the battery is still not too hard to replace, but the battery could still last an entire day of continous audio playback. Unfortunately, with the iPhone having more laptop-like activities, 2 or 3 hours and a dead battery is not going to cut it. My Motorola lasts days when its sitting idle, and even when I’m doing things, I still can expect a couple of days. My dad’s Nokia is the same. If your battery dies, you are without a phone, especially if you can’t put the SIM card in another phone.
These are just some concerns I have, and although the iPhones are probably already boxes up, and nobody from Apple probably reads this site, I think that these things could be major hurdles the iPhone would have to overcome before it becomes a “hit” like the iPod. Look what opening up the iPod to the PC market did…