5 reasons I won't be buying an iPhone

[Gruntina]

Oh I forgot to add... the iPhone has the screen keyboard. It would mean I would not be able to see much of the email or text while I wanted to type. That would annoy me so much.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

I guess I'll get one in 5 year when they are cheap. I just my phone as a phone period. I'm not into ipods even though we've got 3 for 2 people. I don't even use mine.

[Skooby]

Well, not that this is a big deal, but since I'm here....

My phone is a Treo 650. It's capable of MP3, Quicktime video, and Flash. Being a Palm (or PocketPCs for that matter), it also has lite version of Quicken or other money managers, handles word and excel documents, surfs the net, show photos, measurement conversions, games, and so on and so forth. With additional hardware, it is also capable of WiFi or showing Powerpoint presentations off of a projector. And being Palm (or PPC), it's also wide open for 3rd party developer support (which the community has had years of).

How much do you pay a month for this?

[poundwise]

From the ads I've seen, the only real appeal to me would be the ability to access the "real" Internet. Even so, if I were to buy a new gadget along these lines anytime soon, I'd probably opt for a Blackberry.

The market for the iPhone is clear. Young people who are trendy and gadget lovers who want the newest technology. I am not at all the former and while I am a gadget lover, I am not into paying the price to always have the latest/greatest thing.

[disneysteve]

From the ads I've seen, the only real appeal to me would be the ability to access the "real" Internet.

What I heard this AM on the news is that the phones are $600.
Monthly service starts at $50 or $60.
IF you want Internet access, it is an additional $50/month.

[jmjj215]

How much do you pay a month for this?

And I'm curious how the internet surfing is working. From the smartphones I've seen, it's not really too usable?

[Gruntina]

What I heard this AM on the news is that the phones are $600.
Monthly service starts at $50 or $60.
IF you want Internet access, it is an additional $50/month.

OOuch!!!! I currently have the PPC from Sprint (I soooo missed the Treos). I have full internet, unlimited text, unlimited online relay phone calls in the US, 500 minutes per month of phone usage (additional cost if over 500 minutes a month), 2waynet program installed and only pay $64.00 p/month! - however that includes a 15 dollars discount I got from Sprint when I singed up.

I even connect my phone into my laptop and have internet on my laptop that is from the phone internet!!!!!!

But yes the phone very was pricey to begin with (I used my upgrade discount since I have been with Sprint for 8 years to lower the market cost)

[LuxLiving]

uuuhhhh, I just don't have any desire for one.

OTOH, I'm longingly looking forward to October when my contract w/US Cellular ends and I'll go get myself a tracphone or cricket service.

I see a $15.00+ a month increase in cashflow in my future!

[jmjj215]

I have to admit that the iPhone's keyboard technology demonstrated here is absolutely amazing.

[Gruntina]

I have to admit that the iPhone's keyboard technology demonstrated here is absolutely amazing.

Great concept but not fully thought out though. Did you notice that you would have to use a different key board for the numbers, symbols etc? I would hate to have to go back and forth. It seems like too much work.

but PDA and PPC phone like the one I have do have an on screen keyboard as an alternative option so its not a new technology idea. I agree though that the iPhone has some wonderful design and look appeals to the features.

[mom-from-missouri]

iphone??
smartphone??

I just use my plain old cell for free long distance and breakdowns when I am out.

Like Ima, I don't even know what those things are. Heck, I still play with an Atari game system on an old black and white TV...

[Broken Arrow]

How much do you pay a month for this?

And I'm curious how the internet surfing is working. From the smartphones I've seen, it's not really too usable?

Hmm, Cingular/AT&T's SmartPhone Connect Unlimited w/Xpress Mail data plan is listed at only $20/mo. Shocking, since the last time I asked about it, they quoted me $30/mo. However, that may not be the same plan that the iPhone will be using.

As for usability, Treos use Palm's default Blazer, which is a minimal, no-frills browser. A better choice would be Opera's offering, and I hear that Opera has a way of "chopping" the page down to a layout better suited for small, portable screens.

I must agree that I much prefer Apple's implementation, which involves zooming in and out without any kind of "chopping".

Having said that, it's worth noting that the typical PPC smartphone has a resolution of 320x240, Treos have a resolution of 320x320, and the iPhone has a resolution of 320x480. In short, while the resolution is indeed bigger, it's still in the same ball park as other smartphones. (HTC's latest smartphones have a 640x480 screen.)

But again, if Apple's implementation of web pages are as slick as the tech demos are showing, then I don't think that's going to be a problem. Apple has also wisely chosen several popular internet features such as YouTube, Google Maps, and eventually Flash to be standalone apps, as it would have been a nightmare to implement them as a browser plug-in.

You know, I don't know why I'm taking the side of the Devil's Advocate here, because the iPhone also has me mesmerized. I still can't justify buying one for myself, but hey, today is I-Day! Might as well join the festive atmosphere.

[Broken Arrow]

iphone??
smartphone??

I just use my plain old cell for free long distance and breakdowns when I am out.

Like Ima, I don't even know what those things are. Heck, I still play with an Atari game system on an old black and white TV...

Y...you have an Atari? Which model? Depending on what it is, and what conditions they are in, you just might be able to sell it for a handsome price on eBay.

[mom-from-missouri]

Y...you have an Atari? Which model? Depending on what it is, and what conditions they are in, you just might be able to sell it for a handsome price on eBay.

Don't faint, but I also still have and listen to my old 8 tracks and records from when I was a teen.

[Broken Arrow]

*thud*