iPhone 4: Consider the following...

[zsdersw]

Before you genuflect to Steve Jobs and Apple and get forever distracted by the shiny objects they dangle in front of you, please... Consider the Following:

1. The battery remains non-user-replaceable.

2. Highly capable hardware remains limited by the software/OS; you must wait for updates to enable features the phone was always capable of.

3. You're still stuck with AT&T as your only option.

Thank you for joining me on Consider the Following.

 

[dwell]

1. The battery remains non-user-replaceable.

Nobody really cares. Especially when the battery life is far better than the competition.

2. Highly capable hardware remains limited by the software/OS; you must wait for updates to enable features the phone was always capable of.

That's true of any technology.

3. You're still stuck with AT&T as your only option.

That's also true of many cell contracts.

 

[zsdersw]

Nobody really cares. Especially when the battery life is far better than the competition.

So you like going to Apple stores for every problem? Bad batteries are of no concern to you?

I also didn't know you spoke for everybody.

That's true of any technology.

More true of the iPhone and anything from Apple than most others.

That's also true of many cell contracts.

Some individual phones, yes, but not the UI.. which is the only thing that really sets the iPhone apart. The Android OS (and HTC Sense) is available through multiple carriers.

 

[Deeko]

I can see people who would have an issue with the battery thing, but it doesn't really bother me. In terms of software updates, while I do think for a long time Apple withheld some iPhone features just for the sake of having something cool and new to add later, they've caught up on a lot of it. Being stuck with AT&T is a valid concern.

The new iPhone isn't perfect, no phone is, and I don't plan to get one for several reasons. However, it is a very positive step forward. They have a device that competes well on a hardware level with the competition, and will continue to do so until we see 1.5ghz snapdragons and 720p screens (which I'm sure we will).

 

[TheWart]

Ah yes, because the only people who could possibly think the new iphone looks cool are those who bow to steve jobs and are distracted by shiny objects..sigh.

Removable battery is a non-issue for the vast majority of users. Yes, it is a valid critique for those that absolutely need them, but they make up a tiny fraction of users so they are just out of luck.

Waiting for updates...thankfully you don't have to wait for Sprint or Verizon to rollout updates for Android....oh wait you do. And don't say root cause you can then say jailbreak, and its still 'even.'

As for being stuck on AT&T...again, a valid concern, but I think that horse has been beaten so much it is almost back to life. Thankfully the EVO isn't offered on one carrier...oh wait. Not to mention that the AT&T issue is specific to the US.

 

[dwell]

I also didn't know you spoke for everybody.

I know about 100 people with iPhones and battery problems are not their main concern. If the batteries were crapping out in mass like first and second gen iPods it would be a bigger issue.

More true of the iPhone and anything from Apple than most others.

Tell that to all the Android owners who have to twiddle their thumbs waiting for 2.2 to come to their carrier/device (if at all).

 

[zsdersw]

Ah yes, because the only people who could possibly think the new iphone looks cool are those who bow to steve jobs and are distracted by shiny objects..sigh.

Usually, yes. Looks cool != good phone.

Removable battery is a non-issue for the vast majority of users. Yes, it is a valid critique for those that absolutely need them, but they make up a tiny fraction of users so they are just out of luck.

Yup, I'm sure the vast majority of users love going to the Apple store to replace a bad battery.

Waiting for updates...thankfully you don't have to wait for Sprint or Verizon to rollout updates for Android....oh wait you do. And don't say root cause you can then say jailbreak, and its still 'even.'

Yes, you have to wait for updates, but most of the time for Android those updates don't enable features the phone is capable of.. they just improve the usability of the feature.

As for being stuck on AT&T...again, a valid concern, but I think that horse has been beaten so much it is almost back to life. Thankfully the EVO isn't offered on one carrier...oh wait. Not to mention that the AT&T issue is specific to the US.

The EVO isn't the only Android phone.. or even the only one worth getting.

 

[zsdersw]

I know about 100 people with iPhones and battery problems are not their main concern. If the batteries were crapping out in mass like first and second gen iPods it would be a bigger issue.

100 people != cross-section.

Tell that to all the Android owners who have to twiddle their thumbs waiting for 2.2 to come to their carrier/device (if at all).

Again, updates for Android are mostly about improving features, not enabling them.

 

[Deeko]

100 people != cross-section.



Again, updates for Android are mostly about improving features, not enabling them.

Actually, early versions of Android lacked a lot of features. For example, Android didn't get native Exchange integration until 2.0, and even then it was pretty half-assed (not enough to pass a lot of company's security requirements) until 2.2.

 

[NikolaeVarius]

 

[zsdersw]

Actually, early versions of Android lacked a lot of features. For example, Android didn't get native Exchange integration until 2.0, and even then it was pretty half-assed (not enough to pass a lot of company's security requirements) until 2.2.

That's a bit different. I'm talking about hardware features.

 

[Deeko]

That's a bit different. I'm talking about hardware features.

What iPhone hardware is limited by software updates that they withhold?

Every platform has issues & limitations. Android among them, especially in its early days. A lot of people are jumping on the Android bandwagon in the post 2.1 days. I had a G1 at launch. Believe me - I know what Android has been through.

 

[MJinZ]

:awe:

 

[TheWart]

Usually, yes. Looks cool != good phone.

Umm, are you saying that a cool looking phone cannot be good? Or are you saying that just because a phone looks good doesn't make it so...the second point is true, but the first is ludicrous.

Yup, I'm sure the vast majority of users love going to the Apple store to replace a bad battery.

Yea, b/c iphone users have to do this all the time....except they don't. I know lots of people who use their phones and drain the battery down pretty much every day..and none have had to replace their battery.

Yes, you have to wait for updates, but most of the time for Android those updates don't enable features the phone is capable of.. they just improve the usability of the feature.

Completely subjective, not worth arguing over.

The EVO isn't the only Android phone.. or even the only one worth getting.

I never said it was. I just used it as an example of a phone AT loves despite it being carrier locked. Carrier locking phones is not Apple's fault...it is a fact of life in the US mobile space.

 

[Deeko]

Carrier locking phones is not Apple's fault...it is a fact of life in the US mobile space.

However, it IS Apple's "fault" that they have an exclusive deal with AT&T. That was their decision. I'm sure AT&T pays for that right, and Apple considers it to be financially beneficial - but its not like they were forced into the exclusive deal.

 

[TheWart]

However, it IS Apple's "fault" that they have an exclusive deal with AT&T. That was their decision. I'm sure AT&T pays for that right, and Apple considers it to be financially beneficial - but its not like they were forced into the exclusive deal.

Many (most?) phones are carrier locked...and Apple went to Verizon first but got turned down. I guess I just don't see it as a huge deal. If you don't like AT&T, then don't get the iphone. There are plenty of other cool phones on $networkname. I didn't see all this moaning from people saying "woe is me, the Blackberry Storm and Motorola Droid are only on Verizon!!"

Ideally, of course all phones would be on all networks....but this is reality. Besides, you can use an iphone on Tmobile, and per reports yesterday it supports Tmobile 3g.

 

[shocksyde]

Newsflash: AT&T doesn't suck everywhere.

I'm in the Baltimore/DC area and have never had a problem with reception or dropped calls. I get 3G coverage almost everywhere.

 

[zsdersw]

What iPhone hardware is limited by software updates that they withhold?

Copy/paste didn't come until version 3, and multitasking had to wait until version 4. The phone was clearly capable of doing both from the start.

 

[zsdersw]

Umm, are you saying that a cool looking phone cannot be good? Or are you saying that just because a phone looks good doesn't make it so...the second point is true, but the first is ludicrous.

The second point.

Yea, b/c iphone users have to do this all the time....except they don't. I know lots of people who use their phones and drain the battery down pretty much every day..and none have had to replace their battery.

And what of the people who don't avoid training their batteries incorrectly?

 

[MJinZ]

iPhone 4 is actually the first good looking iPhone I would consider buying.

But knowing the iPhone...

1) Tethering limitations
2) Physical Keyboard (lack of)
3) Horrible AT&T service

I would not consider it.

 

[zsdersw]

Newsflash: AT&T doesn't suck everywhere.

Newsflash: No one said it did.

I have AT&T too, with my Blackberry. It's been mostly fine. I can still get a Blackberry from another carrier if I want, though.. and that's the point.

 

[TheWart]

The second point.



And what of the people who don't avoid training their batteries incorrectly?

Look, I think we all get it that you do not like the iPhone. Some of your reasons make sense, some do not, but that's ok!

However, your noble attempt to make people "consider the following," brings up points that everyone already knows...

 

[Deeko]

Many (most?) phones are carrier locked...and Apple went to Verizon first but got turned down. I guess I just don't see it as a huge deal. If you don't like AT&T, then don't get the iphone. There are plenty of other cool phones on $networkname. I didn't see all this moaning from people saying "woe is me, the Blackberry Storm and Motorola Droid are only on Verizon!!"

Ideally, of course all phones would be on all networks....but this is reality. Besides, you can use an iphone on Tmobile, and per reports yesterday it supports Tmobile 3g.

Yes, most phones are carrier locked (assuming you buy it from the carrier...a lot of them are available unlocked on Amazon and whatnot). However, my point is that its not AT&T's fault you can't use an iPhone on Verizon, its 100% Apple's fault for seeking an exclusive deal. And while you can only get a Droid on Verizon, there are at least Android phones on all carriers. If the Storm hadn't been such garbage, RIM probably would have extended that one to other carriers too.

There's not point in trying to dismiss that. When discussing the virtues of the iPhone 4, the fact that its an AT&T exclusive is a deal breaker for many people, so it absolutely belongs in the discussion.

Copy/paste didn't come until version 3, and multitasking had to wait until version 4. The phone was clearly capable of doing both from the start.

Yes - and Android phones were clearly capable of running Exchange in version 1.0, but Google still didn't add it for several releases.

Look, like I said, Apple absolutely was very slow in adding a lot of common features (especially their curious lack of MMS), however, they are mostly caught up now, and they are not alone in that one. Android, WebOS, WinMo, they all lacked important features at some point or another.

 

[TheWart]

Yes, most phones are carrier locked (assuming you buy it from the carrier...a lot of them are available unlocked on Amazon and whatnot). However, my point is that its not AT&T's fault you can't use an iPhone on Verizon, its 100% Apple's fault for seeking an exclusive deal. And while you can only get a Droid on Verizon, there are at least Android phones on all carriers. If the Storm hadn't been such garbage, RIM probably would have extended that one to other carriers too.

There's not point in trying to dismiss that. When discussing the virtues of the iPhone 4, the fact that its an AT&T exclusive is a deal breaker for many people, so it absolutely belongs in the discussion.



Yes - and Android phones were clearly capable of running Exchange in version 1.0, but Google still didn't add it for several releases.

Look, like I said, Apple absolutely was very slow in adding a lot of common features (especially their curious lack of MMS), however, they are mostly caught up now, and they are not alone in that one. Android, WebOS, WinMo, they all lacked important features at some point or another.

The iPhone's tie-in to AT&T is absolutely an issue, but I don't understand why people keep bringing it up like it is some new development. It has been that way for oh, three years now. Everyone knows that if you want an iPhone, you have to have AT&T (or get one unlocked). For people who live in areas where AT&T has poor reception, that sucks, but there is nothing to do about it....except wait.

 

[zsdersw]

Look, I think we all get it that you do not like the iPhone. Some of your reasons make sense, some do not, but that's ok!

I don't hate the iPhone, I hate the worship of it... which happens far more often with the iPhone by the blissfully ignorant than with any other smartphone.

However, your noble attempt to make people "consider the following," brings up points that everyone already knows...

... and usually forgets, because they're distracted by the "shiny object" aspects.