theducks: (Default)
theducks ([personal profile] theducks) wrote2008-07-19 08:40 am

(no subject)

I found myself pondering iphones again today, but again I am reminded that some of the sacrifices made for carriers/ease of use piss me off, as do a few other things about them...

1) MAJOR - No bluetooth send/receive of photos/ringtones. While you can email photos, it is a pain
2) MAJOR - No flash on the camera - I use mine as a flashlight all the time
3) MINOR - Phone with a data plan that I can't tether (either by bluetooth or cable) and use as a modem. But how often will I have and need to use my a laptop somewhere without a wireless connection?
4) TRIVIAL - Only 2MP Camera.. I have one of those on my current phone, but the iPhone one seems better

But it does have some pretty big pluses..

1) Internet! Anywhere! The number of times I've wanted to just check something quick online (I don't mean LJ, I mean prices, reviews, bus times, etc) and haven't been able to..
2) GPS! I love geotagging stuff I take for flickr
3) iPod!

Hmm!

This Google Document from the Internets shows various plans and options. I'm looking at the $49/month Yes Cap Plan. Hmm!

[identity profile] garethness.livejournal.com 2008-07-19 01:55 am (UTC)(link)
I pondered similar thoughts, and what killed it for me is network choice, poor battery life and most of the points above you've highlighted. Then i came across nokia's new e71 and i really want that. it isnt as snazzy looking though as it has a keyboard, and it's not been picked up by any networks yet (certainly not where i am) which means its expensive to buy. it will be mine though.

[identity profile] pennae.livejournal.com 2008-07-19 02:04 am (UTC)(link)
1) Annoying, true. But it's theoretically possible, and I rekon it'll happen.

2) There's so many flashlight aps, it's not funny. You can also have a purple light. I like purple lights.

3) Yeh, and you can do most of what you'd want to do on your laptop while on the run directly on the iphone anyway.

4) And the photos are grainy!

What I've found annoying -

1) No video camera
2) Unable to use it as a data storage device (although there's an app coming out soon that'll do that, fingers crossed)
3) No cut'n'paste
4) Can't edit Google Docs (?!?!!?!?)
5) Never being able to escape your email.
6) Can't make custom SMS's so you're stuck with the few tri-tone SMS sounds. Boo.
7) The battery sucks for a phone but rocks for an iPod. Depends on how you think of it. Investing in a spare charger cable and car charger (one at work, one at home, one in car) is wise.
8) RSI! Seriously. My hand hurts.

But seriously, the good outweigh the bad. And once I move and ditch the landline, the savings for that will cancel out the extra I'm paying for the phone contract :)

[identity profile] conradin.livejournal.com 2008-07-19 02:44 am (UTC)(link)
1) That does kinda suck, but given my current Nokia 5100 can't do that either, is still a step up ;)

2) I have the web office touch, and while the screen isn't QUITE as good as the Nokia as an impromptu torch, it is good enough that I don't fall arse over tit. If you are looking for small screws under things, then yeah, might nt cut the mustard.

3) Yeah, not really bothered by that :)

4) Phones have cameras now? ;)

I am curious about how quickly the battery gets chewed through on the iPhone. It is the biggest question mark for me, but then again, I don't really mind plugging it in a work and at home.

[identity profile] pennae.livejournal.com 2008-07-19 09:59 am (UTC)(link)
in retrospect I should have ton for the 8gb on the 49 plan but I was greedy and wanted the 16gb. The 59 cap is by far the best value if you want 16g. But I wish I had been able to go prepaid!