The IPhone is totally awesome oh my gawd thread

RobVarak · Post by **RobVarak** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 12:08 am

pk500 wrote:
EZSnappin wrote:I'm a back in the paleolithic with PK - no cell phone, never owned a pager, don't even have cable. It's nice not being tethered by tech all the time.
Wow -- more of a mastodon than me!

The Speedway gave me a pager in 1998, which it shut off in 2004 because everyone had cell phones by then. I didn't even know it was shut off until last summer, which tells you how much it was used.

I've been on cable TV since I was 11, in 1976. Digital cable now with a DVR. I'm high-tech!

But I'm with you, E. I don't want to be tethered. I don't have the need to talk to someone at the second I think of it, and there are times where I sure as f*ck don't want people to be able to reach me.

I can also see Naples' point. If I was single and in my mid-20s, I doubt I'd even have a land line today. I'd probably go exclusively mobile as I would be on the go all the time.

I have nothing against mobile phones or mobile technology. But since I work at home and enjoy spending time here with my family after years of wildness on the town, both single and with my wife before kids, I have no need for a cell phone.

Take care,
PK

I have the directly opposite opinion on all counts. Cell phones, especially my Treo, are right up with the internet as technology that has most positively influenced my life on a daily basis. I can run my entire business from the little bugger. Emergency situations, of which I've had more than anyone should, are infinitely more manageable.

Plus there's the convenience/fun factor of having something to do in doctors office waiting rooms, waiting in line for my daughter at school etc. There are far too many situations where I wouldn't have a book with me and would otherwise be staring at a wall. Hell, I was able to send PMs here yesterday while waiting for my daughter to finish her hair cut. Little things, but nice nonetheless. Not to mention the countless amazing pictures I've gotten because I have a camera with me all the time.

I respect the opposite opinion, but the positive impact of tech like this has had makes me hard to identify with it.

Sport73 · Post by **Sport73** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 1:08 am

I hope I didn't disappoint anyone by waiting this long to post. I had a busy day at work and wanted to watch the Keynote via webcast this evening (a 2+ hour Steve Jobs extravaganza).

Then, I had to clean up with some tissues - to confirm PK's suggestion.

My Apple TV is already ordered, and I'll be in line on day 1 for my iPhone (fortunately I'm already a Cingular customer).

The bottom line is that this is a revolutionary, game-changing device, and any reference to it as simply another cell-phone is short-sighted. Granted, I'm a little bias, but even the biggest Apple-hater has to admit that this thing packs more cool technology, more sexiness in interface and design, and more functionality, than anythig you've ever held in your hand.

Apple introduced it by graphing Capability and Ease of Use, accurately portraying the weakness of every other product on the market (including the Blackberry I currently carry). The iPhone is off the charts in both categories, providing incredible function with usability that anyone can grasp.

This is a watershed moment for the Apple faithful. Mac; iPod; Portable Computing, Entertainment & Communications (calling it a Phone is almost insulting) 3 revolutions ushered in Cupertino.

I expect a number of doubters among the DSP group, and I expect most of them desperately want one of these as well.

Orgasm? I had about ten watching the Keynote - and he didn't even mention the next OS (coming before the iPhone's release), new versions of iLife and iWork (the most compelling application bundles for digital entertainment and productivity) or new Mac hardware.

I expect a 'Special Event' in a few weeks to tie up those loose ends. My problem is the massive dent my wallet takes every time Steve Jobs opens his mouth. Let's see, that's about $900 today.

RESISTANCE IS FUTILE.

Sport73 · Post by **Sport73** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 1:30 am

While a 'Smart Phone' or even a cell phone may not appeal to everyone here, the fact remains that much of our society (mysef included) has become accustomed to ubiquitous connectivity.

I love my iPod (or the one I had until I ebay'd it in advance of today's announcements)

I love mobile e-mail and SMS.

I really want to love the mobile web, but it's never been done right.

Apple did that plus 100 other things with the iPhone. Apparently I'm not the only one. The following showcases Apple stock vs. the other Smart Phone makers (RIM; Palm) in the moments AS Jobs was introducing the product...

Herbsinator · Post by **Herbsinator** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 2:05 am

this kind of phone would fit right up my alley. I'm a 19 year old college kid and I'm always on the go and have easy access to WiFi all over my campus. I like to be able to check email between classes, listen to music on my way to class, I don't even have a land line, and my free time comes in 30min to 1 hour spurts during the day when I could sit down and watch an episode of The Office or whatever. But I'm not about to carry around 2-3 high priced electronic toys in my backpack. So the iPhones is great for me. Except at $400 Apple can go f*ck themselves. I don't have that kind of scratch.

JRod · Post by **JRod** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 2:12 am

How did this get turned into a thread about the true value of cell phones?

I have a blackberry at work and while I don't love it it integrates everything for me except a phone because its a government blackberry; so I have to use a personal cell phone.

I also MUST have a cell phone. I could probably go without one but the demands of work are such that I need one.

I don't have a ipod currently. I had one but sold it because it wasn't getting much use out of it.

If I could get one maching that does, the ipod, phone and internet, I would buy it. The iphone is what I have been looking for.

I will be buying one once I have the funds. The reason is simple. I don't want to have a blackberry, cell phone and an ipod. Two devices are just fine.

I have to agree with sport, as a device that deals puts a phone, mp3 player, with other features in one device is going to be a killer device. But I think apple is making a critical mistake. They should have come up with a better name than an iphone. People are going to see iphone and $600 and say no way. Maybe I'm wrong.

I will be getting one of these.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 2:24 am

I'm doubtful the IPhone will be much of an email machine. How exactly do they think a keyboard will be usable without getting a bluetooth one or something that it plugs in to? I use my Q for all of my messaging for work and for my home...so without a keyboard, it would be pointless. I'll get a regular flip phone if that's the case.

RobVarak · Post by **RobVarak** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 4:08 am

Sport73 wrote:
I expect a number of doubters among the DSP group, and I expect most of them desperately want one of these as well.

The ultimate Apply fanboy sentence! It demonstrates combination of condescension and persecution complex that is the hallmark of the species

Airdog · Post by **Airdog** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 9:33 am

AppleTV doesn't seem to do much more than what the XBox 360 can already do as far as streaming to the television, other than being wireless (which the 360 can be made to do anyway), being able to play secure Apple content, and having an HDMI port.

Am I right or am I missing something? It just doesn't seem as revolutionary as Apple's making it out to be. I'd expect MS to counter back with some 360 spin soon.

EDIT: And with 360 you have to convert movie files to .wmv, but I'm assuming you'd have to convert other formats to Apple's format to play as well.

Sport73 · Post by **Sport73** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 9:42 am

dbdynsty25 wrote:I'm doubtful the IPhone will be much of an email machine. How exactly do they think a keyboard will be usable without getting a bluetooth one or something that it plugs in to? I use my Q for all of my messaging for work and for my home...so without a keyboard, it would be pointless. I'll get a regular flip phone if that's the case.

It has a keyboard, a full Qwerty keyboard with bigger keys than your Q (by far). The screen is multi-touch, meaning it recognizes input from multiple locations simultaneously. You can type with your thumbs just like you would on your Q; the 'revolutionary' part is that the keyboard goes away when you don't need it, and gives that real-estate back to applications or information. With software created interfaces, it's amazingly versatile the kinds of input you will be able to build on this thing...

As for the Apple TV, it's NOT a revolutionary product (did I just say that?). If you have a 360 and you don't have a ton of tunes tied up in Apple's iTunes format, you probably don't need it. If you've got a Mac, however, full of iTunes, iMovies (home-made video), Photos, etc. and you want to view it in a way that is completely 'Apple', then this is the box for you.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 9:53 am

I would be interested in Apple TV if it wasn't tied to iTunes. F*cking DRM strikes again.

Then again, someone probably will come up with some homebrew software that will allow Apple TV streaming of movies and programming found through the "alternative" methods that I love so.

But then again, I just bought a "Swiss Army Knife" Philips DVD player for $40 from Circuit City that will play ANY kind of disc medium. I can "obtain" programming, burn it to a damn CD and play it on my TV. I do that with all sorts of motorsport from Eurosport that's not shown in the U.S.

So I guess Apple TV is superfluous for me. Neat concept, though. But limiting because it's mated to iTunes. Can't blame Apple, though.

Take care,
PK

matthewk · Post by **matthewk** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 10:07 am

pk500 wrote:King:

As someone who never has owned a cell phone, I agree!

Take care,
PK

I'm not the only one ?!?!?

I don't get it either. Phones take crappy pictures and the sound of music on them isn't great either. In certain cases I can see the camera being useful. I cannot imagine trying to surf the web on a 2" display. Even if I thought it was cool, there are times (pretyy much any time I'm not at work) that I WANT to be unplugged. Why is there such a fascination and/or need to be wired to the collective consciousness every waking moment? The most relaxed I felt all year in 2006 was when we vacationed on an island north of Michigan that did not have cell service or internet (at least for us in the cbin we stayed at).

Sorry to the OT rant

matthewk · Post by **matthewk** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 10:19 am

...You can type with your thumbs ...

Who's the caveman now?

James_E · Post by **James_E** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 10:31 am

I don't get the "cellphones are a leash" thing. Don't want to be contacted? TURN IT OFF. Simple enough. Need only to hear from your wife and not work? Get callerid and don't answer non-wife calls.

JRod · Post by **JRod** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 10:51 am

I think everyone is missing the point with the iphone. Apple will change the market again because this will be a fully functional multi-use device. Right now we have dedicated devices for each use. The smart phones for calanders, email etc. The ipod/mp3 player for music. And the cell phone for communication. If they were to just combine them into a smart phone with a qwerty keypad and an itunes program, I think this would turn into another newton.

But what apple is good at is not just creating a create mp3 player, it's changing the way we use a device. I watched Steve Jobs presentation and he has a few great points. The mac introduce visual gui to the computing world but more importantly to the masses. The Ipod was so easy to use that it took over the music world. I think the Iphone is set-up in the same way. Not because its a multi-functioning device. Rather how it handles input from the user with its multi-touch screen.

One other note, I think its important to note which companies are making innovations and others with don't see to have a clue in the market. In one presentation, apple made the Zune look obsolete. The Wii while no threat to the 360, will change the way people play games. Without apple and nintendo and of course others that I'm failing to mention, Microsoft, Sony would rarely offer the user anything remarkable.

Diablo25 · Post by **Diablo25** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 10:58 am

Sport73 wrote: ...but even the biggest Apple-hater has to admit that this thing packs more cool technology, more sexiness in interface and design, and more functionality, than anythig you've ever held in your hand.

RESISTANCE IS FUTILE.

I will agree with you here. I went to Apple's website and watched the demo of the IPhone yesterday and was very impressed. Some cool stuff packed into this baby.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 11:07 am

As for the hefty price tag, that will drop once the product becomes more mature and possibly as different models are introduced.

I'm not interested in this gadget because I don't need mobile communications, but if I did, it would interest me. Pretty nifty.

But, as I always joke to people, I should become a small-time crook because if I was arrested, convicted and sentenced to home confinement, my life wouldn't change that much.

Take care,
PK

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 11:21 am

Sport, I understand that the keyboard shows up and goes away when you don't need it....BUT. Do you really want to share keyboard buttons with the screen you are typing on? How distracting would that be? I also like the feedback of a click...especially on a small keyboard like the Q. Have you ever tried typing on one of those laser keyboards...it is horrible. I expect the IPhone to be the same. Trust me, I think that thing is one badass piece of equipment....I just don't see it as a mobile solution to internet, email, etc...especially being on Cingular's craptastic snail-like network. No phone will get me to switch back to Cingular...I can promise that.

DivotMaker · Post by **DivotMaker** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 11:25 am

dbdynsty25 wrote:especially being on Cingular's craptastic snail-like network. No phone will get me to switch back to Cingular...I can promise that.

I can attest to the slow performance of Cingular. However, I do believe they have introduced new 3G phones such as the Samsung Blackjack and the Cingular 8525. They are awfully slow to react to the marketplace though...3G has been around a long time....

Diablo25 · Post by **Diablo25** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 12:04 pm

DivotMaker wrote:
dbdynsty25 wrote:especially being on Cingular's craptastic snail-like network. No phone will get me to switch back to Cingular...I can promise that.
I can attest to the slow performance of Cingular. However, I do believe they have introduced new 3G phones such as the Samsung Blackjack and the Cingular 8525. They are awfully slow to react to the marketplace though...3G has been around a long time....

Wow, I am a Cingular subscriber and have had very few problems with their network. I have a Treo 650 and its been a solid device for me.

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 12:09 pm

If the philosophy of the company was more open, you would think foldable Bluetooth keyboards would be an option for this thing.

No you wouldn't break out a keyboard to type a short SMS. But for emails, you're sitting down for an hour at Starbucks, it would work.

But I'm hearing that this may be a closed device. For instance, no third-party apps. even though it runs OS X. That may be a deal-breaker.

Yes the interface is very flashy but with Wifi, Skype and other VOIP would be such a slam-dunk for this thing.

Also GPS, Sling player client, etc.

No doubt they will update this thing and bring down prices over time. Remember that the first iPod with color screen was $600 for a 40GB model without video support. They quickly brought down prices and added features.

As for Cingular, well you know it has to be GSM because Apple wants to sell this thing overseas and Cingular is the biggest GSM carrier in the US.

Sell it unlocked with the ability to use pay-as-you-go plans and prepaid SIMs for use while overseas and you'll get far more takers. You'll lose visual voice mail and some other features for which Cingular supposedly changed their back-end infrastructure.

DivotMaker · Post by **DivotMaker** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 12:58 pm

Diablo25 wrote:
DivotMaker wrote:
dbdynsty25 wrote:especially being on Cingular's craptastic snail-like network. No phone will get me to switch back to Cingular...I can promise that.
I can attest to the slow performance of Cingular. However, I do believe they have introduced new 3G phones such as the Samsung Blackjack and the Cingular 8525. They are awfully slow to react to the marketplace though...3G has been around a long time....
Wow, I am a Cingular subscriber and have had very few problems with their network. I have a Treo 650 and its been a solid device for me.

I did not say I had problems with the network, just that it can be pretty slow at times.

The Treo 650 is the worst phone I have ever owned. Went through 3 of them. Using the Cingular 8125 and it is the best all in one phone I have ever owned. Glad you have had better luck with your Treo....

DivotMaker · Post by **DivotMaker** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 1:01 pm

wco81 wrote: Sell it unlocked with the ability to use pay-as-you-go plans and prepaid SIMs for use while overseas and you'll get far more takers. You'll lose visual voice mail and some other features for which Cingular supposedly changed their back-end infrastructure.

Not sure why you need pay as you go or prepaid sim cards when the Cingular network does very well at least in Europe and West Africa. I have no issues with my Cingular phone overseas. I don't use the visual voice mail anyway, so I don't see what I am losing by using another company's plan or sim card....

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 1:02 pm

That 8125 is pretty sweet on Cingular...still won't get me to change over though. My buddy just bought one...the only bad part about it is the screen...what the hell were they thinking. They really needed a lot higher res screen to compete...that thing is a blurry washed out mess. Otherwise it's a hellova hybrid phone.

DivotMaker · Post by **DivotMaker** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 1:04 pm

Hmmm, got no issues with the screen on mine...the new 8525 is supposed to support a higher resolution though...

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 1:24 pm

DivotMaker wrote:
wco81 wrote: Sell it unlocked with the ability to use pay-as-you-go plans and prepaid SIMs for use while overseas and you'll get far more takers. You'll lose visual voice mail and some other features for which Cingular supposedly changed their back-end infrastructure.
Not sure why you need pay as you go or prepaid sim cards when the Cingular network does very well at least in Europe and West Africa. I have no issues with my Cingular phone overseas. I don't use the visual voice mail anyway, so I don't see what I am losing by using another company's plan or sim card....

I'm guessing you don't pay for international roaming out of your own pocket.

Or you get reimbursed.

There's a huge market for prepaid SIMs in Europe and Asia, just for travelers.