AT&T launched the iPhone last year. Despite some severe limitations (slower network, no easy way to install apps) the platform took off like a rocket. Now with the ability to install apps (from a managed distribution channel) and fast network support it would seem the iPhone has become the killer smartphone device.
I finally took the plunge and got a 8GB iPhone. I had the AT&T Tilt, but became furious with the user interface. Nothing could realistically be done without a stylus. Yes, I tried the cubes, slide2, CMContacts – they were just ok. The IE browser was terrible and the windows mobile version of webkit (the cool factor behind the iPhone Safari browser) was buggy and not usable yet (and the screen is too small) AT&T is really great on the price (with appropriate plan of course) – $200! I’m selling my Tilt on eBay for more than that.
So, is the iPhone perfect? Let’s say practically perfect.
Pros for me
1) Unlike my other smartphones it handles wifi and cell data connections seamlessly without bothering me.
2) No stylus. Both the screen responsiveness and the UI make a perfect touch environment.
3) Huge screen. Yes, when you turn sideways you can view normal web pages and actually read them. Finally!
4) Finally a mobile application repository that notifies me of updates.
5) A great phone. It is easy to dial, the visual voicemail is nice, and I get as good of call quality as any other phone I’ve had (If you read the news YMMV on this one). I had it for a day before I even tried the phone feature.
6) Sync. I have an iMac. It just worked.
Cons for me
1) Programs stop. I’d like to listen to aol music and browse the web. When you switch programs the streaming audio stops. Maybe that’s a “program” thing but I don’t think so.
2) I can’t configure the email program to change the reply-to address.
3) On-screen keyboard still growing on me.
4) I’d like to be able to store files on it and use them (PDF, etc)
Will Android come and change the game? I’m sure it will make it more interesting. For people that want “it just works” I think the iPhone has a lot to offer. I’m very happy with it and feel like I carry around a mac mini-mini in my pocket!