Comments on: “Applephone” scorecard

By: Ben Drawbaugh

Ben Drawbaugh — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 20:34:27 +0000

Michael,
Yes I tried 3way on my treo650 and what I remember is continually hitting the answer button and it not accepting my input. Google maps wasn’t out for my treo when I had it, but I did have google maps on my Blackberry and while it works good, was never able to get the search to work and found the use of the job wheel cumbersome for maps, especially for zooming in and out.

By: Jay Srinivasan

Jay Srinivasan — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 20:02:29 +0000

3.5 out of 6? The future is bright. I’m eagerly anticipating other (better) phones dropping in price due to the iPhone demand. RIM, Treo, etc, they’ll have to think of something to stop new/current users from going to the iPhone.

I wonder how the smartphone market on Craiglist is doing these days…

By: Michael Ducker

Michael Ducker — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 17:05:32 +0000

Ryan - aren’t you so smart ;) congrats

Ben - Have you every tried Google Maps on a Treo? Or 3 way calling on a treo? 3-way calling IS identical, google maps is only slightly worse…

By: Ben Drawbaugh

Ben Drawbaugh — Sun, 08 Jul 2007 03:26:11 +0000

“The most annoying thing in all this iPhone hoopla is how many people think Apple invented things like Mobile Google Maps, web browsing, predictive text and 3-way calling.”

We’ll… the difference is that these things actually just work and are even pleasant to use.

I’ve never been able to use 3-way calling since the days of the flash button, google maps isn’t installed by default on any other phone as far as I know and also isn’t tied into other applications like it is on the iPhone. As for predictive text, not sure about that one.

By: John B.

John B. — Sun, 08 Jul 2007 02:15:36 +0000

I’m with others on #6.

I have to disagree with Cole, though - Apple is more than aware of its limitations and users’ disappointments with them. One need only have tried visiting the Apple Support forums earlier this week, when they were so overloaded they actually crashed, and Apple had to remove some features like Search to make sure the site could still run.

#3 I only partially agree with - as a tech enthusiast, I don’t “demand” a physical keyboard or MMS or even GPS. I never use MMS, the GPS frightens me honestly, and I only demand a keyboard that works and works well… and never on a phone have I found one until now. But you’re right in that it’s missing a lot - how do they not include iChat? Or 3G?

Interesting how the SIM chip proudly displays the 3G logo though… ;)

Most of the gripes can be fixed with software updates… and I’ve no doubt that in 6-12 months, we’re going to see so much more in the iPhone.

By: Cole

Cole — Sun, 08 Jul 2007 01:18:39 +0000

I think the easiest way to describe the iPhone is that its for entry-level power-users. It’s not a slam to say that because it is a great device but it cripples a few areas that high-end users wouldn’t put up with if it weren’t an Apple product (bluetooth limitations, no expandable memory, no files system etc).

The most annoying thing in all this iPhone hoopla is how many people think Apple invented things like Mobile Google Maps, web browsing, predictive text and 3-way calling. Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s the product of the year but I was hoping people would’ve been more critical of its flaws because all this blind Apple praise will only result in Apple withholding/crippling features just because they can.

I guess I like the old days when the consumer determined what they wanted rather than the big corporate labs

By: Diego

Diego — Sun, 08 Jul 2007 00:43:55 +0000

I agree with most of what you said except for the last point. No, it won’t blow people’s minds because of /what/ it does but of /how/ it does what it does do.

By: Ben Drawbaugh

Ben Drawbaugh — Sat, 07 Jul 2007 23:32:40 +0000

Not too bad Ryan, but I’m not going to give you half a point on #6. I think it’s revolutionary in the way Apple uses the touchscreen; for one it’s designed to use your finger, — I believe that’s a first — and most of all, it isn’t just a mouse replacement. I’m not just talking about multi-touch either, but also the way you scroll and zoom.

If that isn’t revolutionary change in the way we interact with a gadget, I don’t know what is.