June 29, 2007
Want an iPhone? Of course you do. It looks sexy, it's innovative, and--for a while at least--it'll be the ultimate status symbol. But in the fog of iPhone hype, it's easy to lose sight of the fact that the latest Apple sensation will still have its share of disadvantages. We don't have the king of gadgets in our mitts yet, but judging from the information that has already been released, clearly some folks could have problems with the iPhone. So before you dump your current cell phone, consider these issues.
Data that crawls: When AT&T's EDGE network debuted in 2005, it seemed zippy indeed, delivering data at up to 100 kilobits per second. But that was then. Today, with true 3G technologies delivering data at up to several hundred kbps, Apple's decision not to support AT&T's UMTS-HSDPA 3G network seems short-sighted--especially given the iPhone's investment in cool new Web browsing technology that doesn't suffer from the compromises of a mobile browser. In our limited hands-on tests a few months ago, downloading the New York Times' front page via EDGE took quite a few seconds. AT&T has tacitly acknowledged this potential problem by announcing upgrades to its EDGE network in anticipation of the iPhone launch. And of course, the iPhone will support Wi-Fi, which will make Web page downloads much more feasible if you're in range of a hotspot.
Limited third-party apps: Lots of cell phone power users get more value out of the applications they've loaded on their handsets themselves than the often lame or expensive offerings from their carriers. When the iPhone was first announced, third-party apps seemed shut out entirely, a move that prompted one online petition of protest. Now Apple says that developers can create iPhone apps that run in Safari. Only two problems with that: First, those apps may be fairly poky given the iPhone's slower EDGE network connection. Second, many developers seem to hate writing for Safari. As PC World forums member dazeddan said, "As a developer, we have more problems designing around Safari than any other platform. I wish it would just go away."
Where are the keys? The iPhone's software keyboard, with its on-screen key images, may work fine with Steve Jobs's single-finger hunt-and-peck approach, but it could prove problematic for those folks who have honed their thumb-typing skills on BlackBerry units, Treos, Motorola Q handsets, or other PDA phones with physical QWERTY keyboards. Things did not go well for one PC World editor when she tried typing on a prototype iPhone in January; even the best predictive text entry software would have been stymied by the string of incorrect characters. Plus, what happens when the on-screen keyboard covers up the very e-mail text you're trying to respond to?
It costs how much?! You've probably already heard about the iPhone's astronomical price: US$500 for a 4GB model and $600 for 8GB. But you may not have calculated all the other costs associated with buying one. You'll have to make a two-year commitment to AT&T at a per-month cost that starts at $60, recent reports say (though that includes unlimited data access, something AT&T often charges $40 for on smart phones). And unlike with pretty much every other phone in the world, making that commitment doesn't knock down the price, it's just a requirement. Plus, if you're in the midst of a prior two-year commitment with a competing carrier, your cost of iPhone ownership could be further inflated by the early termination penalty you'll pay your current carrier. And finally, AT&T doesn't always receive high marks for its service. You may be okay with the deal now, but how will you feel in a year if the iPhone is no longer the coolest handset on the planet?
Businesspeople need not apply: It's a safe bet that many professionals will want an iPhone. But BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, Palm, and Symbian smart phones offer a long list of business-related features that the iPhone apparently won't, at least upon release. For instance, while the iPhone apparently will connect with Exchange servers, it will require some security trade-offs that could make your IT department nervous. There's no word on connecting to Domino servers. And though you can open Word and Excel files on the iPhone, you can't edit them.
More potential drawbacks
Unplugged Web plug-ins: The iPhone's Safari may turn out to be the most desktop-like browser ever to appear on a phone. But it won't offer the full complement of plug-ins, players, and other enhancements that today's sites require. And an iPhone without Java, Windows Media, Real, and Flash Video support will fall short of delivering an uncompromised Web experience. (Even its much-touted YouTube capability won't let you watch the full catalog of YouTube videos, at least initially.)
The battery life question: Apple says that the iPhone's battery will survive up to 8 hours of talk time, up to 250 hours of idle time, up to 6 hours of Internet use, up to 7 hours of video playback, and up to 24 hours of audio playback. And to explain how it came up with these numbers, the company has posted a list of footnotes and disclaimers that rivals the rules you find on a "free trip to Hawaii" sweepstakes form. We won't know the reality until we're holding the iPhone in our trembling, multitouching fingers. Apple's spec page says that the 8 hours of talk time was achieved when "the Wi-Fi feature Ask to Join Networks was turned off." So how disabled was the Wi-Fi when talk time was tested? Apple also doesn't make clear what combination of 802.11b/g Wi-Fi and EDGE was employed to achieve the 7 hours of Internet use. Macs have pretty good power management settings. What will the iPhone offer? Until more is known, be prepared to carry around the phone charger.
Off-limits battery: While we're on the subject of the battery, it's worth noting that, like the original iPod, the iPhone has its battery enclosed in a superslim case among tightly negotiated electronics and behind a top surface of glass--reducing the chances of a DIY battery replacement to next to nil. (Plus, we suspect that attempting a replacement voids the warranty.) So if your battery life dwindles to roughly 6.5 minutes per charge, or the battery malfunctions, you'll have to send your iPhone in for repair.
Finally, a few other issues that probably aren't deal-breakers but are still worth considering:
It's a thief magnet: Everybody wants an iPhone, including people who aren't above stealing yours.
Multismudge screen: You can use all five fingers on the screen at once? Better wash your hands first.
OMG no IM: Inveterate chatters won't be so :) about being limited to SMS.
Posted by: PC World staff
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Comments
Posted by Ryan G on June 30, 2007 :
Your just ignorant go touch an iphone and then you'll will understand
Posted by FrankM on June 30, 2007 :
Its pathetic to review a gadget you have never even used, and ultimately understand that the market will render judgment on: you could just as well write, "11 reasons why the I-Phone will bring peace to the middle east", and you'd probably be as accurate. I may never buy one, but if they sell a million this week, even I wouldn't argue with a 'box office' liek that.
Posted by Javier Z. RODRIGUEZ on June 30, 2007 :
you sounded like you are out of this revolutionary world, maybe you received a quote for your negativism. You should be neutral and open to recognize when new technologies really contribute positively. Regarless of your impartial position, nowadays people is smart enough to recognize Iphone has future as Apple has it, even as you said is a one year product, what is better? try and enjoy or just wait for MS competition copying true advanced innovations.
Posted by John Smith on June 30, 2007 :
1. Steve Jobs publicly stated that the iPhone would eventually support 3G, just not at launch.
2. The blackberry's small keys took time to get used to, people will adapt to typing through the iPhone screen.
3. features such as Java support can be added through software and firmware updates.
4. The iPhone's target market is the average person who doesn't want to carry around their iPod and a smartphone which doesn't have all of the features that they want and has features that they will never use.
5. More and more e-mail services that are supported by the iPhone have their own version of chat like Gmail and Yahoo mail.
Posted by james Parsell on June 30, 2007 :
jabber, jabber, jabber from the nameless staff of PC World and all its PC sponsorship; iphone is awesome ! YOU GO, S.J.!
Posted by John Smith on June 30, 2007 :
Oh, and by the way, 3G systems are power hungry and 3G isn't available across the country. Selecting EDGE is a better choice at the time until battery capacity increases and 3G is more widely available.
Posted by Steve on June 30, 2007 :
What a hatchet job. You have no clue. Clearly a shill. The question is...who for?
Posted by blackout on June 30, 2007 :
Blah blah blah...It's always interesting to hear all the haters out there dig up business-case arguments for something that is clearly not a "traditional" business device. The iPhone "is" revolutionary in that it employs a range of existing "as well as" new functionality in the "most" innovative, compelling, and (yes) "cool" fashion ever created. Sure other phones and devices off similar capabilities, but none do so in such a way that raises the ire of grey-suits and curmudgeons. A segment of our society has a pre-occupation with taking issue with "non-issues".
No worries... business folks in-the-know "will" purchase and employ iPhones in due time if for nothing else than to become part of the progressive world of "me-toos"... think about the phenomenal numbers of "suits" who use iPods at gym or plugged into the dash of their MBZ's and Bimmers! If you don't like the iPhone... just stick with your Treo or Blackberry and call it a day! But remember, you'll never be as "cool" as an iP
Posted by Ron Smith on July 1, 2007 :
Its really not that the iPhone sucks, its just you hate Apple. Business people WILL want one. EDGE HAS been upgraded and is very acceptable. Local WI-FI IS cool and works well. Treos have ALWAYS been just as expensive (I've got two and talke about POJs). I never used third party apps on them anyway... and nothing they have compares with the BUILT-IN iPhone apps. What other company upgrades their stuff like Apple. Do you really think innovation ended the day iPhone went on sale. I'm convinced therefore as I said... you just hate Apple and anything they make.
Posted by Darden Cavalcade on July 1, 2007 :
Luddites.
Posted by Drull on July 1, 2007 :
I agree with all these reasons that make the iphone a not-so-good phone afterall. This explains why they did not have a sell out and why relatively few units were sold thus far in spite of ALL THAT HYPE, the biggest hype ever mounted by Steve Jobs and his braindead brainwashed braingay crowd.
Other reasons why this piece of crap sucks are: very expensive accesories at ripoff prices, very difficult to type navigate operate with one hand or without looking at it, THIS PHONE IS NOT FOR HANDICAPPED PEOPLE, i am not quite sure how well if any it will connect with Microsoft Exchange and while every other smart phone is already writing Microsoft Office documents, this cripple iphone can only read-only a couple of Office formats? hello? the year is 2007 noobs!
This overhyped piece of crap is meant for music and multimedia but id does not support stereo bluetooth, no Flash video either, no Flash Web sites, no Flash nothing!
No FM radio for variety or talk radio, for sports, etc no voi
Posted by samasu on July 1, 2007 :
I am amazed at how stupid and narrow minded some people can be. The PC World Staff member that posted this article is a total idiot. I bet he has not even used an iPhone. I have an iPhone and the on-screen keyboard is great. It is very intuitive and I can type with both thumbs very fast after only one day. Also I have never had a smart phone with a keyboard. As someone totally new to thumb typing I picked it up really easily. Also I am so sick of hearing people say that the iPhone cost to much. If you believe that you are a narrow minded fool. Compared to other smart phones such as the Treo it is a bargin. Not only do you get a smart phone, you also get an iPod, Video Player, and much more for a lot less than you would spend for a Treo and an iPod Video. Get a clue and at least try a product before bashing it. Anyone that complains and down talks a device before trying it should be shot. All the podcasts I listen to talked bad about the iPhone before it was released. LIke a bunch of vu
Posted by physicsgeek on July 1, 2007 :
These reasons are stupid. Looks a million times better than most phones available already.
Posted by nad on July 1, 2007 :
I'm posting this on my new iphone. After just a few hours of use I can see you don't have a clue what the average person wants or needs. I couldn't be happier!
Posted by nad on July 1, 2007 :
I'm posting this on my new iphone. After just a few hours of use I can see you don't have a clue what the average person wants or needs. I couldn't be happier!
Posted by Ryan W on July 1, 2007 :
Why do people find it so hard to believe that the iphone is going to suck? I think that it is a great concept, but it's very hard to get it right on the first go round. I think the gen. 2 iphone will probably be worth it.
The biggest leap this phone makes is the large touch screen. I think that is an awesome feature, but no physical keys is a drawback. Anyone who has had a touch screen remote can recognize the downside not having buttons. The touchscreen is more versatile, but I need actual keys.
It's still an awesome looking phone, and people will buy it just to be seen with it. That's America.
Posted by J G on July 1, 2007 :
what a way to write a shitty argument!!! Don't hate because Apple is the one that created iphone not some other company you like. Always looking at the negatives!!! YOU PIECE OF SHITTY PC WORLD STAFF!!!!!
Posted by William on July 1, 2007 :
"Data that crawls:"
Strange thing is, it's faster than the Blackberry my company gave me AND I get to see a full website instead of a minced down site.
"Limited third-party apps:"
Correct. That's why you can use Ajax, etc, based web pages designed for the iPhone screen width. Here's a good starting place: iphonewidgetlist com
"Where are the keys?"
1/3 of my blackberry interface is taken up by a keyboard. 0/3 of my iPhone is taken up. I use the keyboard only to enter my password on the blackberry. I use the keyboard more often on the iPhone. I like how the iPhone did it more than having that static, constant keyboard sitting in front of me. and, get this, you have different keyboards on the iPhone and only one keyboard on all the other phones. Amazing isn't it? The keyboard on my iPhone can change based on what I'm doing. The other keyboards on other phones cannot.
"It costs how much?!"
New iPod (8G) 150$ but doesn't play video. new PDA (100$ for minimal
Posted by William on July 1, 2007 :
"It costs how much?!"
New iPod (8G) 150$ but doesn't play video. new PDA (100$ for minimal abilities). New Cellphone with a decent web browers, camera, and bluetooth, (150-300$ unless you get rebate for contract signing which I don't since the coverage isn't here for those deals). new phone = 400$ to 700$ to compare to the iPhone. Me, I'm willing to spend the 600$ for an iPhone since it gives me all the above in one and adds web applications to boot.
"Businesspeople need not apply:"
Why? It works with business networks. Those companies just don't want to open IMAP. As it is, the people I work with that have blackberries only use them to read emails.
More potential drawbacks
"Unplugged Web plug-ins:"
Not yet.. but the iPhone has OSX underneath which means it is probably software upgradeable. They add new features, the phones get upgraded. viola!
Posted by William on July 1, 2007 :
"The battery life question:"
It's not a question for me. I've read the test and, because of lessons learned with other phones, have a charge at home (it's called my iPod cable), a charge in my car (it's called my iPod cable), and a charger at work (it's called my iPod cable). Did I mention that the iPhone uses the iPod cable?
"Off-limits battery:"
Yep. Which means I don't have to dispose if it and comply with local regulations with regards to hazardous materials. as it is, I've had several ipods and none of them developer battery problems. So, in 2 or 3 years (what I consider a decent lifetime for a phone), I'll upgrade to the next model and, you guessed it, still won't have to worry about the battery.
"It's a thief magnet:"
So is a wallet and purse and car.
Posted by William on July 1, 2007 :
"Multismudge screen:"
And, yet, why would someone dip their hands in catsup and type on any other phone?
"OMG no IM:"
See the response for "Limited third-party apps:".
Look at it this way, this phone is the first one that allows Web application developers to write apps for it. A properly built web application will only send data back to the web server so it won't take long to reprocess the responses. Just wait.. Google will eventually give us Google Docs and then the phone will be the first with an Office Type Suite.
So, keep in mind that the iPhone isn't a computer and isn't a phone. It's a new device that provides great phone features and internet utility and music/video all in one thing. Treat it like that and it's great. Treat it like a computer and you'll never like it.
Posted by Kevin G on July 1, 2007 :
Ha ha ha. Lacking a Real Player plug-in is bad? That's like buying a new car and wondering where the 8 track player is. Honestly who uses Real?
Posted by Requiem on July 1, 2007 :
Well you may not have your hands on an iPhone yet, but at least you do have a firm grasp on the obvious.
Posted by Vivek on July 1, 2007 :
you sir are an idiot
Posted by ApplesIsForMorons on July 1, 2007 :
Looks like you riled the cult of Apple's wrath with this one. When when when will you people stop sucking off Job's and get clue that Apple is ALL style and nothing else. I love how you zealots freak when your sacred cow gets revealed for the rat that it is. As for those of you who will NEVER get it, see you in about 5 years when there is no reason to use Apple products at all anymore.
Posted by Keith on July 1, 2007 :
The iPhone is a revolutionary first gen device that will define all the follows. Yes it has flaws but the next generations that come will address them. I am appreciative of all that Apple brings to the table. Be patient...better things are yet to happen.
Posted by FrankZ on July 2, 2007 :
What can the new iPhone do that a year old $299 PPC like Verizon's XV6700 do? I can watch videos and listen to music on Windows Media Player. It has both a slide out keyboard and a terrible on screen one that gunks up the screen whenever it's used for dialing, not the best phone in the world, but the iPhone doesn't seem so revolutionary when compared to even this older technology. That and as a Verizon customer I can actually use my phone wherever I am, usually without roaming. The 6700 isn't the best phone, great little Internet computer, but never again with the touch screen dialing for me!
Posted by FrankZ on July 2, 2007 :
What can the new iPhone do that a year old $299 PPC like Verizon's XV6700 do? I can watch videos and listen to music on Windows Media Player. It has both a slide out keyboard and a terrible on screen one that gunks up the screen whenever it's used for dialing, not the best phone in the world, but the iPhone doesn't seem so revolutionary when compared to even this older technology. That and as a Verizon customer I can actually use my phone wherever I am, usually without roaming. The 6700 isn't the best phone, great little Internet computer, but never again with the touch screen dialing for me!
Posted by Dale DeWitt on July 2, 2007 :
I'll consider the market when they get the virtual projection keyboard perfected. You're right about Safari. I wish it would go away.
Posted by Mrwhite on July 2, 2007 :
"Posted by ApplesIsForMorons on July 1, 2007 :
Looks like you riled the cult of Apple's wrath with this one. When when when will you people stop sucking off Job's and get clue that Apple is ALL style and nothing else. I love how you zealots freak when your sacred cow gets revealed for the rat that it is. As for those of you who will NEVER get it, see you in about 5 years when there is no reason to use Apple products at all anymore."
and you not sucking off Mr. Gates everytimes you start windows up? Give us all a break and go back to bending over and taking in the A** and download the next security fix.
Posted by Bignumone on July 2, 2007 :
11 reasons why this article sucks
Data that crawls- I heard this was an overblown complaint and it actually was pretty good
Limited third-party apps-Give me a break, it has been out 48 hours
Where are the keys? Touch screen, dummy!
It costs how much?! Uh, look at most of the smart phone competitors? The price is comparable.
Businesspeople need not apply-Again, 48 hours! Besides, have you ever edited an excel sheet on a hand-held. I have, forget about it!
More potential drawbacks Unplugged Web plug-ins- Someone else does it better? Getting a little desperate, no?
The battery life question- What question? My cell phone battery lasts for about 2 hours of talk time, regardless of what they say it will. I think 8 hours of talk is pretty darn good.
It's a thief magnet- And your blackberry isn't?
Multismudge screen- I started washing my hands when I was 2, how old are you anyway?
OMG no IM- I don't use it, and I don't know anyone that does.
Posted by superUser on July 2, 2007 :
Watch all the sheep trample each other just to purchase this new toy. This is NOT a revolutionary new device. For crying out loud it's just a glamourized cell-phone tied to a crappy network. You people are mindless consumers and Jobs is laughing all the way to the bank.
Posted by superUser on July 2, 2007 :
Watch all the sheep trample each other just to purchase this new toy. This is NOT a revolutionary new device. For crying out loud it's just a glamourized cell-phone tied to a crappy network. You people are mindless consumers and Jobs is laughing all the way to the bank.
Posted by superUser on July 2, 2007 :
Watch all the sheep trample each other just to purchase this new toy. This is NOT a revolutionary new device. For crying out loud it's just a glamourized cell-phone tied to a crappy network. You people are mindless consumers and Jobs is laughing all the way to the bank.
Posted by ma3m^/\/ on July 4, 2007 :
OMG! WTh, b/c idk, !1k3 n0 im? bbQ! lmao, s0 w()7thl3s$, lol, h0w c&n 7h3y do that? omg.
Posted by APPLE SUCKS on July 5, 2007 :
This phone is a real piece of garbage and another example of overpriced hype crap that people in the US are more addicted to by hype over function. You all knock this review , yet this review is saying exactly what every other review is saying. If you've owned a Symbian OS phone in the past, and taken the time to use a full functioned browser and sample some of the thousands of freeware apps available for Symbian, there is no way in hell you would even ponder buying this piece of junk. Apple is out to make money off of people by appealing to the typical American, lazy "Its pretty and it works right out of the box so I'll pay twice as much for it" attitude. Look at the commercial, where Apple brags about having internet over the phone. Phones have had internet browser capability for years now. Alot of people think this is the first phone that does this just because a damn commercial says so. Go ahead morons. Go buy one. Sell out. Ill buy stock in your stupidity.
Posted by Brian on July 6, 2007 :
It's very amusing to see all the hysterical reactions to this review. For God's sake, if I were going to spend $600 on a new phone, I would want to know what I'm spending my hard earned money on. So far, I'm not impressed. Yes, it's a good design but a cell phone with a battery that can't be replaced is 100% unacceptable to me. I recall all the unhappy Treo 600 customers. For an iPod, it's ok. But *NOT* for a cell phone.
Never be the first on the block with the latest gizmo.
Posted by pwnifier on July 6, 2007 :
everyone thinks the iphone rules. it clearly doesnt. it costs $200 to produce one iphone. RIP OFF!
most of you iphone lovers only love it cuz you watched all the adds. mac and apple suck more than the suckiest suck times infinity.
i talked to a mac/apple lover once. he said "havent you watched those commercials with the mac guy vs the pc guy? mac always wins"
you people are retarded.
what a dumbass.
Posted by steveo on July 8, 2007 :
A non-replaceable battery seems to be a horrible idea, isn't that the most common thing to go bad on a phone? Especially since they have a fixed recharged life (say 10,000 recharges, though I base this on nothing more than layman's knowledge) I see this from reading above, but it just has to be replaceable, maybe you just have to take the phone apart, it just has to be. There's going to be angry Apple fans if these things start to fail, or not hold full charge, etc. Must be a new generation of super lithium battery.
Posted by mack on July 9, 2007 :
The iphone can supposedly be charged 300 to 500 times before needing a replacement, then you need to send the phone to apple for replacement. They give you one year service for free, then you have to pay.
Posted by Pervo on July 11, 2007 :
People really seem to be getting pissed off at your opinion and hurling some abuse. They obviously do not realise that you can say what the fuck you want as it's your opinion. If they don't like it, don't listen to it.
You silly silly commenters.
The creative stuff we come across that we've just got to share (rather than simply getting on with creating Digital Arts magazine)
