Took the plunge - bought an iPhone!

[disneysteve]

way back when in my day, we used to use our phones for messages not conversations. this burden has been brought upon yourself

I have no idea what this means?

[disneysteve]

phones are for messages not music, pictures conversations your generation.

Strange as it may sound, I almost never use a cell phone to make a phone call. My monthly bill shows that my typical usage is 20-30 minutes/month tops. About the only time I use it is to call my cousin who lives in another state since there are no long distance charges when I use the cell phone instead of my land line. I also use it when we are traveling for the same reason.

So for me, the fact that an iPhone can make calls is secondary. I'm much more interested in having it as a pocket-sized portable computer. That's why the iPhone appealed to me. It can do so many different things besides just make phone calls. I like being able to access maps and directions on the go. I like being able to access work-related websites and educational information. Just yesterday, I used it while in an exam room with a patient to look up info on a medication they asked me about. I like being able to do medical surveys (that I get paid for) anywhere I happen to be, not just when I'm at my computer. I like being able to send an e-mail message without having to boot up my computer, or when I don't have access to another computer. I like being able to download educational podcasts to listen to when I'm driving.

[biff]

Steve,
Since you are an MD, Medscape is a great app, and it's free.
Try it.

[elessar78]

So about 2 weeks in. How do you like it? I'm thinking about getting one now too (albeit a smartphone on the Verizon network). I'm just having trouble getting over the $30 more per month hurdle.

[disneysteve]

So about 2 weeks in. How do you like it? I'm thinking about getting one now too (albeit a smartphone on the Verizon network). I'm just having trouble getting over the $30 more per month hurdle.

Funny that you posted this. I was just thinking about bringing up this thread with an update.

There is certainly a learning curve with the iPhone. Not so much in terms of how it works but rather what to do with the thing. Little by little, I've been adding to my assortment of apps and finding more and more useful stuff to do with it.

For example, 2 days ago I got an e-mail from Medscape, one of the medical websites that I belong to (I'm a physician for those who don't know). The e-mail was advertising their iPhone app. So I pulled out my phone and downloaded it. Not 10 minutes later, I was reviewing a patient's labwork and needed to research if any of the patient's supplements could be causing their abnormal lab results. I opened the Medscape app and had an answer to my question within 2 minutes. Yes, I could have accomplished the same thing on my laptop but it was quick and easy on the phone and in my office, I don't have a computer in every exam room, so this gives me a simple way to look stuff up while I'm sitting with a patient, rather than having to go into another room to do it.

I've been downloading the podcasts of the Suze Orman show and listening to them in the car. They are actually video podcasts but if you watch the show, you know that the video really isn't important. You get all you need to know from the audio, so it is perfect for the car. I have an adapter from my old CD player that lets me play the iPhone through the car stereo so the sound is great. I've also listened to Freakonomics and MarketWatch.com podcasts.

I've used the camera both for regular picture taking and some more novel uses like when I went to set up my mother's new computer and network. I wrote down all of the passwords for her and then photographed the list with my phone. That way, if she ever calls me with a problem, I'll have all the info with me and can walk her through fixing it.

One of my favorite apps so far is tv.com. I've used it numerous times both at work on my lunch break and at home when there was nothing on TV worth watching. I've watched a few episodes of Twilight Zone, one of my favorite old shows, CSI and a couple of other things. I've found that lying in bed, I can prop the phone on my chest at just the right distance and angle to view it comfortably. My wife likes to read in bed. I prefer to watch TV. This way, I can watch something on-demand with headphones and she can read without being disturbed by the TV.

I have used facebook. I've also used BoA's mobile banking app to pay bills and check on my accounts. I've done a few medical survey programs that I get paid for. And, of course, I've gotten a few games that are perfect for killing time like last night while I was sitting at a restaurant waiting for my take out order to be ready. Oh, and being able to read and send e-mail anytime, anywhere is a great feature. I've also used the map/GPS access a couple of times. And checked the stock market and my own individual investments, though that's just a perk that I could live just fine without.

So after 2 weeks, I'm loving it and still exploring the tens of thousands of available apps. I'm sure I've barely scratched the surface of what is out there.

[pretty cheap jewelry]

I'm much more interested in having it as a pocket-sized portable computer. That's why the iPhone appealed to me. It can do so many different things besides just make phone calls. I like being able to access maps and directions on the go. I like being able to access work-related websites and educational information .

Exactly my DH reason, and he got one (for himself) for a December gift. Actually, his spin on it went something like this:

"there wasn't a model simple and inexpensive enough when shopping for our 12 yo son's first new cell phone, so it was time to pass mine down as it wasn't fulfilling my needs as I'd hoped"

S'ok he is a great provider to us, but please don't take away my lil 'ole flip thingy phone.

[disneysteve]

Two other things that I like.

1. I've discovered that part of the reason I didn't use my cell for calls very much was that it was awkward to hold and the sound wasn't that great. The iPhone is much more comfortable in my hand and, even better, it has a very clear speakerphone. In fact, almost every call I've made has been with the speaker on. I can make calls sitting at my desk and still have my hands free to do work.

2. I find I'm texting a lot more because it is so much easier to do than on my old phone. Also, the screen shows the messages that have gone back and forth, not just the one you just typed or just received.

[SmarterSpend]

I still use my faithful T-mobile G1. I find it easier to type with and more powerful for techy people than the iPhone. Plus, the android operating system is more customizable and programming friendly.

But congrats on your purchase!

[elessar78]

DS, thanks for the update. If that isn't a glowing review of a device, I don't know what is. I may just take the plunge if I end up liking any of the smartphones in Verizon's stable. The fact that it has practical uses (for work and life) and not just some glorified toy makes it more likely for me to get one. Thanks!

[disneysteve]

Let me add to my review as with each passing day, I find more and more uses and perks.

My daughter and I went to the Philly flower show yesterday, an annual tradition for us. I pick her up from school and then we take the train into the city. We usually grab the free paper in the station and do the SuDoKu puzzle together during the ride. There were no papers left so I pulled out my phone, went to the App store, downloaded a free SuDoKu app and we proceeded to do a puzzle that way, one going, one coming home.

At the flower show, I tested out the mobile photo upload feature on the Facebook app. Wow! It is so much easier to deal with photos on the phone than it is on my home computer. In the Facebook app, you just tap the camera icon. Your camera opens and you take a picture. Then you tap "Add caption" and write whatever you want to write and tap "Upload" and you're done. The picture posts to your profile right away. Sure beats taking a picture with my camera, waiting until I get home, transferring the files to my computer and then uploading them to Facebook. Having the camera fully integrated with the Facebook app is great. I haven't used it yet, but I also have the Photobucket.com app which does the same thing and lets me upload photos to my Photobucket online account as soon as I take them. That will be great when we are traveling as I like to post photos for my mom to see while we're away.

[am_vanquish]

I'm jealous!!! My birthday was yesterday & I'm supposed to be getting an iPhone for my b-day, but the account upgrade isn't until 3/22 ... so I have to wait a few more weeks.

My wife recently found an app called GorillaCam. If you're actually taking pics on the iPhone, I'd really suggest it. It's got a ton of great features, but our favorites are the timer & the touch-anywhere feature (makes taking pictures of yourself a lot easier when you can't see the phone's screen).

[disneysteve]

My wife recently found an app called GorillaCam. If you're actually taking pics on the iPhone, I'd really suggest it. It's got a ton of great features, but our favorites are the timer & the touch-anywhere feature (makes taking pictures of yourself a lot easier when you can't see the phone's screen).

I'll check that one out. Thanks.

[snafu]

DH bought an iPhone yesterday likely based on your comments; hear him upstairs swearing as he tries to figure out how the various apps work.

[patrenia]

I got my Iphone last year and have LOVED it! My upgrade was a major one as I'd had my previous phone since they were invented. I haven't gotten into too many apps other than FB and Twitter though.

[zakity]

Thanks! DH is trying to convince me to get an Iphone. The phone I have now works just fine so it won't be a while, but I am keeping it in mind for the future.


Also, I have a question:

How do you like it not having buttons?

I have a phone with a qwerty keyboard (or key pad or whatever they are called). It has buttons. The Iphone doesn't have buttons, just the one screen "letter windows".