No iPhone For Me

Ten Reasons Why the iPhone is not myPhone

As cool as it is to have the latest and greatest, it's important to research new technology before purchasing. The commercials and all the hype regarding this new all-in-one device make it look pretty sexy, but it's smart to take a closer look at what you're actually getting for your money. I have a rule about never buying Version 1.0 of anything, partly because I don't want to PAY for the privilege of being a beta tester, and partly because the passage of a little time usually results in higher quality at a lower price.

Here are my reasons for NOT purchasing an iPhone...

1. Price - At $500 to $600, there is a bit of sticker shock here, compared to your typical portable gadget. The iPhone combines a cell phone, mp3 player, camera and internet in one device, but you can buy comparable devices for much less money. Sure, it does have some other very cool features, but is the iPhone giving YOU the most bang for your buck?
2. Network Speed - The cellular network that the iPhone uses is Slow With a Capital S. Excruciatingly, watching-paint-dry, worse-than-dialup slow, according to some first-hand accounts from friends of mine. Apple struck an exclusive deal with AT&T, which forces iPhone users to connect to the web with AT&T's dated EDGE network, when there is no wireless access available. For most people, that's a throwback to 1995 speeds.
3. Software - Apple has always had proprietary software for Macs and iPhone is no different. Apple has shut out independent software vendors hoping to develop programs for the iPhone, claiming that third-party applications would raise security and stability issues. It's not clear if Apple will yield on this point, but in an age of open source and open interfaces, the iPhone is a closed system.
4. Web - Although the Safari Browser is slick, most people agree the text is so small that it's hard to decipher. Web developers are saying that font sizes must be three times larger than normal to get good readability on the iPhone.
5. Call Quality - Early reports say that iPhone call quality is not the best. It also lacks stereo Bluetooth support and 3G compatibility. Modern 3G standards are five to 20 times faster than what the iPhone offers, so if Bluetooth support is important to you, stick with your current cell phone or PDA.
6. Compatibility - It's disappointing that most third-party headphones will not work with the iPhone, due to the non-standard audio connector. The iPhone's audio jack has four leads instead of the typical three, which makes it possible to listen to music and make phone calls with the same headset, but it also prevents you from using your expensive noise canceling headphones.
7. Missing Features - Let's see, where's the memory-card slot, chat program and voice dialing? Hmmm, can't find 'em on the iPhone anywhere... You also can't install new programs from anyone but Apple and the web browser doesn't support Java or Flash. And horrors! It doesn't do video.
8. Keyboard - Instead of the physical keyboard, there's a touch-pad keyboard on the screen. Therefore, it takes up screen space as well as taking some getting used to. Its vreyy esay to mke typong erors on the tuuch screeen due to teh seensittivty and prxximmty of the kkeyys. There's also some concern that the screen surface will eventually become scratched.
9. Synchronization - Although the iPhone synchronizes once physically connected, the iPhone cannot wirelessly synchronize with a Mac. And don't hold your breath waiting for the iPhone to sync with a Windows-based PC.
10. Camera - There's very little information published by Apple in regards to the camera's features, but that may not be an oversight. The wimpy 2-megapixel built-in camera is far behind most competing devices. And while the whole screen becomes a viewfinder, there's neither flash nor zoom and it isn't capable of handling movement or low-light conditions. And did I mention that this thing doesn't do video? If this thing could make movies and do one-click uploads to YouTube, Apple would rule the world. But it doesn't...

Girlfriend Not Included

I promised you ten reasons, but here's a bonus: Sex appeal is not included in the iPhone. Contrary to what you might have gleaned from the advertising, simply carrying an iPhone will not make you irresistable to the opposite sex. Couldn't they have included a little pheromone sprayer on this thing to justify the $600 price tag? Okay I'll admit it... this is not all about money and sex appeal. I have a philosophical problem with all things trendy. I just never buy the book when it's number one on the bestseller list, and I usually wait for the movie to come out on DVD. I'm purposely one step behind the pop culture curve and the bleeding edge of technology, because that's where I feel comfortable. Maybe that's number twelve. So, I'm not going to buy an iPhone, at least not yet.

But Wait... There's More

Since I first published this article, I've become aware of some other reasons to consider alternatives to the iPhone:

17 July 2007 - I just saw a PC Magazine report which said you can expect your iPhone battery to last about 18 months. Since you cannot open the case or buy a third-party battery, you must send it to Apple and pay $79 to replace the battery.

24 July 2007 - A security firm has found a flaw that allows a hakcer to take over an iPhone through a web or WiFi connection. The hack allows the attacker to completely control the iPhone and access all personal information stored on the device.