iPhone Critique
Why You May Not Want An iPhone
Previous-
Steve Jobs' new phone looks cool, but it may not be for everyone. Here are some potential problems that may cause some would-be buyers to wait around for iPhone version 2.0, or pick up an alternative.
In Pictures: Why You Don't Want An iPhone
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Next: Network Speed -
Network Speed
The iPhone isn't equipped for AT&T's fastest "third-generation" (or 3G) wireless data network. Instead, iPhone users are stuck on an older, slower network, which means Web pages will take longer to load. In theory, iPhone users can also hook up to a wi-fi connection, but that's a less useful feature than it should be.
In Pictures: Why You Don't Want An iPhone
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Next: Battery Life -
Battery Life
Apple has recently announced plans to juice up the iPhone's battery, increasing talk time from about five hours to about eight hours between charges. But from all indications, the iPhone's battery -- as with its iPod in-laws -- is sealed inside the device. Problem is, playing songs, making phone calls and surfing the Web can all drain a battery fairly quickly. And it doesn't look as if Apple will let you swap in a spare one on the go.
In Pictures: Why You Don't Want An iPhone
Next: Software -
Software
CrackBerry addicts, beware: It looks as if you won't be able to access your corporate push e-mail system with iPhone's built-in software. The iPhone runs the Mac OS X operating system, so, in theory, writing powerful software should be easy for outsiders. But for now, Apple is opening the iPhone only to Web-based applications that can run inside its Safari browser.
In Pictures: Why You Don't Want An iPhone
Next: Multi-Touch Screen -
Multi-Touch Screen
The iPhone's screen is arguably its most attractive feature. But will it really be good enough to be the phone's only navigation system? Will dialing and typing on a simulated keypad be easy enough to do without your undivided attention? In the rain? And despite a recently announced screen upgrade from plastic to optical-quality glass, will it scratch?
In Pictures: Why You Don't Want An iPhone
Next: Contracts Galore -
Contracts Galore
We're way past the $500 start-up cost. AT&T's contract terms could be a big deal breaker. Will they require a minimum $40-per-month voice plan and a minimum $40-per-month, all-you-can-eat data plan? Before taxes, that adds up to more than $1,900 over two years. And AT&T won't be rewarding loyalty here -- existing customers will get the same deal as new customers.
In Pictures: Why You Don't Want An iPhone -
