Seven problems with the new iPhone
Wed Jun 25, 2008 11:36AM EDT
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The new iPhone hasn't even landed in stores yet, but already pundits are grumbling about the revised iPhone, based on demos and published specs, about what the new model has failed to fix since the first-gen device.
Yes, we get 3G and GPS, a way to connect to Exchange, and the new app store, but what about everything else? Forbes' Brian Caulfield outlines seven (actually eight) iPhone disappointments, and most of these observations are spot on. Some highlights (get his full list here).
The cost - I've written about the value proposition of iPhone 3G already, and sure enough it'll cost you an extra $160 or so over the next two years vs. the original iPhone. Worth it? It's debatable, but I can't blame people for not being happy about the service price hike.
The camera - Forbes notes that there's still no flash and no video recording on the device. I'll add the camera resolution: We're going to see 8 megapixel cell phone cameras in the U.S. this year, and the iPhone is still stuck with a puny 2MP model? Many early rumors also had expected the iPhone 3G to include a forward-facing camera for videoconferencing use. Naturally that didn't happen either.
The battery - Not replaceable. Again. On the other hand, this shouldn't be a surprise considering that Apple is now actually making laptops without replaceable batteries, too.
No MMS - Again, the lack thereof. It just makes no sense. Apple is basically right that you don't need MMS to send pictures on a device that has a full email client, but the problem comes when users of other phones send you a photo via MMS: You simply can't view it on the iPhone. It's a ludicrous limitation on what should be the most advanced phone on the planet.
I'll add a few of my own complaints to Caulfield's list:
No live TV - That YouTube feature was fun last year, but now it's grown tiresome and old. Live TV is coming to all manner of handsets now as part of the standard data plan, but one gets the impression that Apple keeps it off the iPhone just so it can sell you TV episodes at $1.99 a pop instead.
No 32GB option - 8GB feels pathetically small in 2008. 16GB is really barely passable now. 32GB USB thumbdrives have been on the market since 2006, as cheaply as $140. I'm sure Apple will launch a 32GB model in the near future (another $100, please!), probably around Christmas, in the hopes that you'll buy a third phone.
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27 Posted by blforma on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:09PM EDT Report Abuse
Sheesh - I would hardly call these problems. You make it sound like defects. They are simply features not offered - and if those missing features are important to you, don't buy the iPhone. For me and thousands of other people, the iPhone has the features we need and want, and most importantly, delivers those features in the most elegant and friendly way.
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28 Posted by sla620 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:26PM EDT Report Abuse
Wow, you spoiled, impatient Americans. 30 years ago we had nothing of the sort for personal use. Hold on a little bit and you'll have more capabilities (and more demands)
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29 Posted by phanstar330 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:09PM EDT Report Abuse
I watch TV on my Ipod all the time. So it would make sense I would watch it on my iphone if I had it.
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30 Posted by bravestdawg101 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:12PM EDT Report Abuse
i wonder how long it will take people to realize that the iphone CAN record video with the proper software and its camera.....once the 2.0 update comes out, I'm sure almost all iPhone owners will have a video recording app on their iPhone.
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31 Posted by ithinkilostmybrains on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:25PM EDT Report Abuse
Everyone raves about how Apple is ahead of the technology game, then why is the iPhone less usable and affordable than say a Motorola Razr? Microsoft has stopped selling it's XP and has moved on to Vista, so why can't apple get a new computer going? Are they really ahead of the game, or are they just the coolest name?
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32 Posted by katita171981 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:47PM EDT Report Abuse
i just would like to see one... and see for myself what they have and what they don't.. and then make my decision to buy it or not.. There are more choices out there for smart phones anyways.. right?
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33 Posted by nasser.alwehaidah on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:33PM EDT Report Abuse
Software software software software!!!! MMS and Live TV can be added by 3rd party software. Furthermore, you can view MMS if you receive one because the iPhone have a full browser. I really don't consider what you have listed as problems. The cost is the same as the blackberry and other $199 phone because the all use the same plans. You want a 8MP camera go buy a Sony or Canon, it is a phone and 2MP is more than enough! Who replaces or carry a spare battery anymore! you can buy a small AA USB battery charger for a $10 that can fully charge your phone more than 4 times. and the 32GB is coming, be patient. However, I have to say that my 30GB iPod is not even 1/2 full!
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34 Posted by gia_millan1987 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:08PM EDT Report Abuse
Bummer!!! I was just waiting for the new I-phone to come out in July, now im having second thoughts. Might as well buy the Blackjack which has all the features that the I-phone is not carrying. Plus their about the same price!
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35 Posted by ashesofdecay on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:58PM EDT Report Abuse
the way i see it MMS is a crappy old technology designed for old business models so that telecoms can charge you an arm and a leg for a tiny lil picture. maybe by removing it, we can learn that we dont need it and there are better things out there
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36 Posted by rickm48 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:40PM EDT Report Abuse
I read all these "short comings" on the iPhone and seriously, do I or that many really care about video and photo quality for a device that is primarily a phone. Other features like mms I can see. And who even has time or even cares about tv on a phone device or even a movie?! since when did we want all forms of entertainment so miniature that we have to squint. No matter what, the iPhone is still a better smart device than the others even with it's short-comings so these articles become just some forced opinion.
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37 Posted by youngj904 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:57PM EDT Report Abuse
I guess I can live without most of those things anyways except the fact that you can't send or receive pictures. Even the cheapest crappiest phones are able to do this, I can understand the Blackberrys that don't have a camera because they are used mostly for business. The iphone is supposed to be the most advance cell phone on the planet yet you can't send or receive pictures, what's the point of having a camera?
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38 Posted by patriciojp on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:01PM EDT Report Abuse
Well you guys didnt do your homework at all. The new iphone has 5 mega pixels so i'm sure not listening to anything about iphone on here again!
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39 Posted by wava4004 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:40PM EDT Report Abuse
20
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40 Posted by becky11560 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:04PM EDT Report Abuse
when are these companies going to get this stuff straight? No One Has got it right yet, one company has somethings on there phones I need. Others have nothing, I wish someone would get it all on one phone! I have an Idea! Why don't you ask us what we want and need ?
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41 Posted by ramajaym on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:27PM EDT Report Abuse
I think camera features and resolution still need to be improved and also the battery should be able replaceable. Otherwise we know in lot of phones batteries are biggest problem Then we can call it as a best phone on the earth
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42 Posted by robbwend on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:45PM EDT Report Abuse
I heard the phone will have MMS or a way to upgrade that.
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43 Posted by aburd1 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:44PM EDT Report Abuse
I think people are getting over the hyped iphone. With the economy in a free fall the phone is just not as hip. Besides just add rocketshotz to your phone its a lot cheaper.
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44 Posted by slapshot199312 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:26PM EDT Report Abuse
hey
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45 Posted by robbwend on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:45PM EDT Report Abuse
Of all those so-called problems. I don't see a deal killer among them myself.
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26 Posted by bakdds on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:01PM EDT Report Abuse
First gen, second gen, this gizmo, that gadget... who cares? I'd settle for a simple, honest phone that works as advertised- period. My iPhone has never really operated correctly, and certainly not conveniently, despite several replacements and endless hours with "customer service" at Apple and AT&T. For me, it's a technology that just doesn't deliver. It's all hype and without any real purpose. When my contract is up, I'll toss the phone and gladly (re)embrace Luddite'ism!