Technology Any iPhoners Out There?

[southerndoc]

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OK, against what I was telling other people, I purchased an iPhone tonight. I didn't have to wait in line either. Got off work at 5 pm, went home, ate dinner, took a nap (only got a few hours sleep the night before), then drove to the Hartford Apple store at 9 pm. Got there around 10 pm, absolutely no line. Purchased an 8 gig iPhone in only 5 minutes.

First impression: OH MY GOD

Seriously, this thing lives up to the hype, and I'm not just saying that because I'm a Mac fanatic.

The keyboard is incredible. It's amazing how well it can recognize your writing.

The screen looks impressive, and automatically adjusts brightness based on the degree of lighting.

Sound quality of calls is pretty good.

The scrolling feature is cool, especially when you scroll through a lot of contacts. If you scroll really fast, it will gradually slow down. (Something you have to see to appreciate.)

I have about 3 gig of photos, music, etc. stored on it. I think music is downsized (sampling rate) to make more room on the iPhone.

The only downside I've seen so far is that the screen can get a little smudgy. I'll probably buy a screen protector if they are offered.

Overall impression: same as the first impression.

Any other new iPhone users out there?

 

[deleted59964]

who knows when they'll come to Aus...
southerndoc, can you view pdf documents on it?
can the iphone replace your pda?

 

[QuantumMechanic]

iWantone

 

[southerndoc]

who knows when they'll come to Aus...
southerndoc, can you view pdf documents on it?
can the iphone replace your pda?

Yep, you can read Word, Excel, and PDF documents. You can't edit them though, at least to my knowledge.

I primarily love it for the way it keeps all my contacts sorted and the calendar feature. Of course there are a lot of things about the iPhone that make it cool in my opinion.

The reports I've read seem to suggest it's very difficult to scratch the glass (they purposefully tried to scratch the glass with car keys -- no luck).

The major problem with the iPhone is the lack of a user changeable battery. You must send it in when the battery dies, much like the iPods. Despite the negative publicity, Apple has yet to change this. There is a consumer group who plans to sue AT&T and Apple because AT&T requires a 2-year contract, and they are predicting only a year of battery life out of the battery. It's likely Apple will charge $50 for a new battery, and it's even more likely that you must part with the phone for a few days as it gets sent to Cupertino, California. Apple may plan to send a replacement to you for a few days, but there's been no official word about it.

(My philosophy is that as much of a gadget freak as I am, by the time the battery dies, I will likely upgrade the iPhone to a newer generation.)

 

[tscottturner]

Yep, you can read Word, Excel, and PDF documents. You can't edit them though, at least to my knowledge.

Can you search through PDFs, like in preview or with spotlight? or can you only flip through one page at a time?

 

[southerndoc]

Can you search through PDFs, like in preview or with spotlight? or can you only flip through one page at a time?

Not sure. Haven't tried it. Will let you know the next time I read a PDF on there.

 

[DOctorJay]

typing this on gfs iphone and really wanted to hate it but I have to admit its pretty slick. Still won't replace the trusty treo though as I have too much med software on it that won't work with iphone.

 

[southerndoc]

typing this on gfs iphone and really wanted to hate it but I have to admit its pretty slick. Still won't replace the trusty treo though as I have too much med software on it that won't work with iphone.

Despite what I was saying earlier, it appears ePocrates may be offered on the iPhone soon enough.

http://epocrates1.custhelp.com/cgi-...Bfc2VhcmNoX3RleHQ9aXBob25l&p_li=&p_topview=1]

Thank you for your interest in using Epocrates products on the new iPhone.

Please note: We expect this information to change frequently, so please be sure to click the link below to be notified by email when we provide updates.

Based on recent information provided by Apple regarding browser support, we believe that Epocrates Online web-based products are likely to work on the new iPhone. Once the product is released, we will perform extensive testing and will provide additional updates.

We are currently investigating the possibility of providing a native application that will run on the iPhone. We will carefully monitor iPhone adoption once the product is released and will continue to work with Apple on providing an application development platform.

You may register your request with Apple for Epocrates support on the iPhone at: http://www.apple.com/feedback/ipod.html

Please refer back to this frequently asked question for updates.

The bolded text about information changing often was done by ePocrates. Therefore, I think they are actively working on this issue.

So far I've found the following things wrong with the iPhone:
1. Battery can't be replaced by user; requires sending phone to Apple
2. No voice dialing
3. No downloadable ringtones (yet)
4. Screen gets smudgy

I think #2 and #3 will be fixed soon, probably with an iPhone software update.

#4 really isn't a problem as you can't tell there are finger smudges when the phone is on. The screen is bright enough that it makes the smudges unnoticeable.

#1 will be an issue in a year or two. Apple is offering a $29 phone rental during the time your iPhone is away. Or, you can simply pop out your SIM card and use it in your old phone for a few days. If you switched to AT&T from another service provider, then this may be a problem if your old phone is a locked phone.

After two days of using it, I'm still quite content with the iPhone. The screen and keyboard recognition are still astonishing.

Can't wait to see what widgets are available in the next few weeks. I've heard a flight tracker, Fandango movie listings, iChat, etc. are all around the corner. Excellent!

 

[Ryo-Ohki]

Is it true that you guys are locked into a $1200 2-year service contract with AT&T?

 

[southerndoc]

Is it true that you guys are locked into a $1200 2-year service contract with AT&T?

$60/month (cheapest plan) times 24 months = $1440 for the contract.

You can cancel it for a $150 fee (if memory serves me correctly).

The iPhone is not a phone for the poor.

 

[omnione]

The iPhone is not a phone for the poor.

Many college and professional students comprise the poor or at least soon-to-be poor unfortunately.😀

I love the concept of easy-to-use web browser in such a small device, but I don't like the idea of being forced to get a data plan with the wireless provider.

I wish Apple would come out with the sixth generation iPod that has everything but the wireless phone capability. Also, 8 GB of storage isn't enough for me as I am picky about the audio and video quality of my files.🙂

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

I've been hesitant to switch over to a Treo/PDA phone because I didn't feel like they were quite there yet....until the iPhone came out. Unfortunately VZ does not have the iPhone, and I REALLy would rather not switch carriers, but we'll see what the PDA phone options are in the coming year. The data packages at VZ are $$$, so that may off-set any possible cost in calling 'out of network' (since 90%+ of my friends on VZ)
?
What kind of phone plan is needed for the iPhone (min and data packages) ?

-t

 

[stbxTechie]

I've been hesitant to switch over to a Treo/PDA phone because I didn't feel like they were quite there yet....until the iPhone came out. Unfortunately VZ does not have the iPhone, and I REALLy would rather not switch carriers, but we'll see what the PDA phone options are in the coming year. The data packages at VZ are $$$, so that may off-set any possible cost in calling 'out of network' (since 90%+ of my friends on VZ)

The iPhone may finally force VZ to have some cheaper data plans (although the cheap data plans at Sprint and T-mobile haven't done it, so who knows.)

One other think to bear in mind is that some folks at MS are probably busily at work trying to copy everything they can into WM7, and that may be true for Palm as well (if there are enough PalmOS developers left there to be in anything but legacy mode.)

What kind of phone plan is needed for the iPhone (min and data packages) ?

They're pushing the $60 standard plan (450 min, 5000 n&w, unl. mobile-to-mobile and data) but I think you can also transfer your existing plan to the iPhone in which case the mandatory data plan is a $20 add-on (pretty good compared to their prior $40+ for smartphones.)

 

[southerndoc]

As stbx pointed out, MS is probably readying a device to counter the iPhone. It will probably take two to three years to come to market though. One news article I recently read summed it up: even if you hate Apple products, you must admit that the iPhone will revolutionize the smartphone industry. Other manufacturers will likely copy and even improve upon the technology that is part of the iPhone.

So it's likely that Palm, HP, etc. will adopt touch screen technologies. This will likely lead to lawsuits for patent infringements against Apple. Nonetheless, the products will come to market in a year or two.

Regarding the iPhone rate plans, there are three plans available. All of them are available on AT&T Wireless' website. This is not a problem for me since I used AT&T prior to buying the iPhone. I get pretty good signals everywhere in the two places I travel the most (DC and Georgia) and the place where I live (Connecticut).

The iPhone will NOT be available on other carriers anytime soon. Apple signed a 5 year exclusivity contract with AT&T.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

The iPhone may finally force VZ to have some cheaper data plans (although the cheap data plans at Sprint and T-mobile haven't done it, so who knows.)

I sure hope so, the VZ data plans stink!

-t

 

[Ryo-Ohki]

The iPhone is not a phone for the poor.

Quoted for its Steve Jobisian-like scope, simplicity and truth. 👍

I want one.

 

[tscottturner]

Other manufacturers will likely copy and even improve upon the technology that is part of the iPhone.

But Apple will be on their 2nd gen iPhone (with GPS and 3G probably by this Christmas) while the other manufacturer's are still on their 1st gen iPhone competitor. Any word yet on whether the PDF files are searchable like in preview.app? If so, you can put a large pdf file on there with all of your pharm (or other) info, and it's almost as good as epocrates, except you'd have it today instead of waiting.

 

[southerndoc]

But Apple will be on their 2nd gen iPhone (with GPS and 3G probably by this Christmas) while the other manufacturer's are still on their 1st gen iPhone competitor. Any word yet on whether the PDF files are searchable like in preview.app? If so, you can put a large pdf file on there with all of your pharm (or other) info, and it's almost as good as epocrates, except you'd have it today instead of waiting.

Still haven't searched the PDF. Right now there is no way to import the PDF directly (you must email it to yourself). However, I think a software update will resolve a lot of these issues.

You're right that the iPhone 2G will likely have GPS. I doubt it will be out by Christmas though. Probably more like a year or year and a half.

Apple usually updates its iPod lineup every year to 18 months. The iPhone will probably be updated less than the iPod. Jobs doesn't want to risk ticking people off by updating too early when they are still locked into their old iPhone contract. Purchasing a new 2G model would mean extending your contract.

 

[stbxTechie]

As stbx pointed out, MS is probably readying a device to counter the iPhone. It will probably take two to three years to come to market though.

A full iPhone killer, probably - and MS will probably screw it up just like the Zune. Fortunately, there are existing very good hardware platforms from companies like HTC, and rolling out Windows Mobile 7 (or 6.5) should be a lot quicker.

One news article I recently read summed it up: even if you hate Apple products, you must admit that the iPhone will revolutionize the smartphone industry. Other manufacturers will likely copy and even improve upon the technology that is part of the iPhone.

Worryingly, they may well take some of the stupider features:

So it's likely that Palm, HP, etc. will adopt touch screen technologies.

Real PDA phones all have touch screens (halfway "smartphone" devices like the motorola Q don't.) And touch screen only is a step backwards.

This will likely lead to lawsuits for patent infringements against Apple. Nonetheless, the products will come to market in a year or two.

"Look and feel" basically isn't patentable.

The iPhone will NOT be available on other carriers anytime soon. Apple signed a 5 year exclusivity contract with AT&T.

We'll see how long it takes to get unlocked ones reimported from abroad ("gray market" is not illegal, despite the efforts of companies to convince people that it is, although it typically means you won't have warranty coverage). For that matter, once a secondary market (used or resold new) develops, odds are they'll end up unlocked and useable with T-mobile.

 

[omnione]

We'll see how long it takes to get unlocked ones reimported from abroad ("gray market" is not illegal, despite the efforts of companies to convince people that it is, although it typically means you won't have warranty coverage). For that matter, once a secondary market (used or resold new) develops, odds are they'll end up unlocked and useable with T-mobile.

Yeah, I expect some techie to figure out how to unlock the phone for other GSM carriers.

Still, I have CDMA (Sprint) so.....

...come out with the 6th generation iPod Apple, I don't need a stinkin' phone built-in....🙂

 

[southerndoc]

The weekend estimates are out, but no official word from Apple. 250,000-500,000 units sold during the weekend.

I wonder how many were actually sold. If only Apple will release the numbers. It's aiming for 3 million units by the end of this year.

 

[lobelsteve]

iPhone looks like the coolest thing ever.
But it dos not wrap up the need to not bring my laptop.

Look at the new HTC products, the Nokia N95, and especially the iMate ultimate collection. I may be getting the Ultimate 7500. It's like an iphone for the business user.

 

[tscottturner]

The weekend estimates are out, but no official word from Apple. 250,000-500,000 units sold during the weekend.

I wonder how many were actually sold. If only Apple will release the numbers. It's aiming for 3 million units by the end of this year.

I read that AT&T is reporting over 600,000 now since the 29th

 

[southerndoc]

I read that AT&T is reporting over 600,000 now since the 29th

Yea, I'm hearing the same (up to 750,000 by some analysts).

I've had a lot of friends who say they are waiting for new iPhones to come out in December. This is highly unlikely since the iPhones will probably follow the iPod update timeframe (once every 12-18 months). Given that AT&T contracts might be extended if current iPhone users upgraded to 2G iPhones, I don't think Apple will release the 2G iPhone until 18-20 months from now.

The good thing about the iPhone is that is can be upgraded through software updates. I'm hoping voice dialing is including in a future update, and many people are hoping for ringtones, voice recognition (for dictating), to do lists, flight trackers, and other widgets. We'll see what Apple releases in the coming months. It may be that six months from now, the current iPhone users may have a lot of cool new features added to their phone.

 

[tscottturner]

Yea, I'm hearing the same (up to 750,000 by some analysts).

I've had a lot of friends who say they are waiting for new iPhones to come out in December. This is highly unlikely since the iPhones will probably follow the iPod update timeframe (once every 12-18 months). Given that AT&T contracts might be extended if current iPhone users upgraded to 2G iPhones, I don't think Apple will release the 2G iPhone until 18-20 months from now.

I actually expect them to follow the typical cell phone update pattern of most companies - about 6-9 months. They are in the cellphone game now, and the technology advances considerably faster than the media player world has in the past. If Apple sat on a phone design as long as they have sat on the design for the 5th gen iPod, they would likely be two generations behind everyone else. There are simply too many rumors about a 2nd gen iPhone coming out prior to Christmas not to ignore. The current design is at least 12 months old, probably closer to 18.

 

[southerndoc]

I actually expect them to follow the typical cell phone update pattern of most companies - about 6-9 months. They are in the cellphone game now, and the technology advances considerably faster than the media player world has in the past. If Apple sat on a phone design as long as they have sat on the design for the 5th gen iPod, they would likely be two generations behind everyone else. There are simply too many rumors about a 2nd gen iPhone coming out prior to Christmas not to ignore. The current design is at least 12 months old, probably closer to 18.

I would expect them to follow the smart phone market, not the cellphone market. The smart phone market doesn't follow the six-month upgrade plan.

Keep in mind that because the iPhone is based on Mac OS X, many future upgrades are possible with software updates alone.

There may be a minor upgrade for more memory that occurs earlier, but non-EDGE 3G is unlikely for another 18 months.

 

[tscottturner]

I would expect them to follow the smart phone market, not the cellphone market. The smart phone market doesn't follow the six-month upgrade plan.

Keep in mind that because the iPhone is based on Mac OS X, many future upgrades are possible with software updates alone.

There may be a minor upgrade for more memory that occurs earlier, but non-EDGE 3G is unlikely for another 18 months.

Good points. I wonder what the likelyhood is that the phone is already 3G capable but with a software lock, much like the recent 802.11n capable macbooks.

 

[southerndoc]

Good points. I wonder what the likelyhood is that the phone is already 3G capable but with a software lock, much like the recent 802.11n capable macbooks.

There are some sites that have posted information that when they took the iPhone apart, it did not contain 3G capable hardware. It appears that battery life would be non-existent with 3G technology. Also, the thickness of the iPhone would increase.

I have a feeling that 2 years from now, the iPhone will have 3G technology, a much longer battery life, and an option for laptops to connect to the internet via the iPhone's 3G technology. The laptop could connect to the iPhone via Bluetooth, direct cable, or possibly even WiFi. There is a possibility that Apple may add this technology via a software update while still on the EDGE network.

 

[breezey]

so can the iphone use the normal pda programs like first consult and epocrates? can it be used during rotations or is that a bad idea?

 

[southerndoc]

so can the iphone use the normal pda programs like first consult and epocrates? can it be used during rotations or is that a bad idea?

The iPhone isn't Palm/Windows Mobile compatible, so no, you can't use it for ePocrates. There isn't a specific version of ePocrates written for the iPhone yet (who knows if one will be written).

 

[ItsGavinC]

Here are my iPhone thoughts:

I love the device and have enjoyed using it for the last month. Unlike the OP, I *did* wait in line on opening day to get one. It was worth it, though. I've had some trouble with it, however. I returned my first iPhone to the store because I was having battery issues. I was assured this would be fixed with a firmware update, but chose to have it replaced anyway.

My second phone has been wonderful, but just 3 days ago the lower 1/4 of the touch screen stopped working. This made the phone useless since I could not longer access the Phone function (not to mention iPod, etc.). Apple sent me a loaner phone (was at my house in less than 24 hours!) and I mailed them my phone back for repair. The loaner didn't cost anything, nor did shipping. They say I should have my original phone back in less than 5 days.

Despite all of that, I love the device. I'm still learning how to incorporate it fully into my everyday schedule. I have some gripes with the Calendar and Notes applications, but I'm sure those items will be polished in subsequent releases.

 

[brittanykgw]

Southerndoc... is the keyboard easy to use to? I played around with it the other day, and had the hardest time with it (I don't have fat fingers!). And does the iPhone scratch as easily as the iPod? Thanks!

 

[southerndoc]

One website tried intentionally to scratch the screen and was unable to do so.

The keyboard is easy for me to use.

 

[southerndoc]

The rumors are starting to surface: Apple will offer ring tones next week. This is supposedly to be announced at their 5 September event.

Here's hoping Apple also releases the next software update for the iPhone that will include voice dialing.

 

[southerndoc]

Apple released v 1.1.1 of the iPhone software. This adds iTunes WiFi and a few other features (Bluetooth earpiece battery level, double-tap home button to go to Phone Favorites, better volume on the speakerphone, etc.).

More to come when Leopard is released!

 

[tscottturner]

Apple released v 1.1.1 of the iPhone software. This adds iTunes WiFi and a few other features (Bluetooth earpiece battery level, double-tap home button to go to Phone Favorites, better volume on the speakerphone, etc.).

More to come when Leopard is released!

And they are tight when they say it will brick your iPhone. It bricked mine for a few hours. I never used any unlocking software on it - I simply had iFuntastic OPEN (to see what all it could do) while my iPhone was plugged in. I had to eventually attach it to a Windows Vista computer, associate the phone with that computer, upgrade it through itunes, and then reassociate with my home computer and re-sync.

 

[Stroganoff]

pfffft, 3G. 3.5G (HSDPA) has been out forever. 😉

pfffft, Apple.

pfffft Steve Jobs even more!