The iPhone...

I had no intention of buying this thing. I already have a PDA phone with a touch sensitive screen. Yes, it's the size of the new testament and weighs more than a bar of gold, but it serves me well.

I'm walking through the mall on Friday eve, June 29th, not coincidentally the launch date of the new iPhone and a line of people have gathered outside the Mac store. I thought to myself... get a life! So I stop to see what all the fuss is about and was greeted by a larger than life display phone in the window, playing the full length version of the trailer that's taunted Mac-addicts for the past few weeks.

I step inside the store for a closer look, nudging my way through the herd of cattle tying to feed on this thing. I spot a demo model being handled by an elderly woman. She is clearly baffled. I offer to help her, explain how to use it. Of course, I had no idea how to operate it yet, but she handed it over. Yep, like taking candy from a baby!

Few things live up to their marketing hype these days. Five minutes into playing with this pint-size window to the world, I absolutely HAD TO HAVE IT! I have never parted with that much gadget money w/o feeling a little guilty, but I'm here to tell ya... I'm guilt free. No remorse. Knotta!

The iPhone. Get it.

ROFLMAO!

Loren, you come up with some good ones, but that was a doozy. You're SOOOO right!

Here's a day after, mini review...

Not crazy about the keyboard. My hands (or fingers) are about average size, yet 25% of the time I can't accurately type on the keyboard. The letters are simply too close together. Apple could remedy this with a software app that allows you to turn the iPhone horizontal for typing, thus spreading out the keyboard. (included in Safari, but not for messaging)

Net surfing speed is slightly faster than dial-up, but nowhere near hi-speed service. My biggest complaint may not be related to the phone, but I'm having trouble hearing callers even with the phone pressed so hard against my ear it cuts off circulation (yes, the volume is turned all the way up).

So much for a slim, pocket size cell to carry about, because you HAVE to use the earbuds to hear anything. On the other hand, the problem could be the rock concerts I attended in the 80's! That said, the included earphones instantly remedy the situation. The volume is great AND... it's stereo. Kind of like having a conversation in your head. (did I mention I see dead people too?)

In the end, the phone is WAY cool. IMO, the touch screen leaves previous PDA based screens obsolete. The stylus is literally history! I said this earlier, but it's worth repeating... marketing hype has become the norm these days and few products live up to expectation. I think the iPhone is the exception to that rule.

For me, the single most important factor in buying the iPhone was to stay connected to YF full time. With my previous PDA, I could barely see the screen, scrolling was a pain and there was no zoom capability. Quite simply, it was difficult to move around a website. The iPhone changed all that.

Is it perfect? No. But it's a big leap.

Thanks Arnie, but don't be envious just yet. I'm experiencing a little buyers remorse, mostly due to the ear-piece sound volume. I may head to the Mac store and lick my $59 return wounds.

Over the past year, I stopped carrying my PDA phone with me. Usually I leave it in the car. It's simply too large to carry. In contrast, the iPhone is easily carried in your pocket. BUT... if you can't hear a caller on the other end of the line, what's the purpose?

Maybe I should stop by the Beltone hearing aid store too?

Hi Kenny,

In the case of the iPhone, I wouldn't trust my opinion. Let me explain...

First, I need to make a disclaimer... I'M AN IDIOT! I'm the lamest excuse for a gadget guy I ever met. This really brings my Admin skills into serious question...

There is nothing wrong with the volume on the iPhone. The phone was shipped with a clear plastic overlay to protect the screen from scratches. It *appeared* a hole was cut-out of the overlay around the ear piece, to facilitate use. I was WRONG. After removing the overlay, the volume is loud and far better than many other phones I've used. Matter of fact, typing on the touch screen keyboard is more accurate now.

BTW... I had a chance to try the phone in a couple of WiFi's today. VERY fast. The phone automatically detects WiFi's where ever you are and prompts you to log-on. Speed is nearly broadband.

In the end, I have no more reservations about the iPhone. My brain on the other hand, is questionable.

Over 160 user reviews and counting on cNet...

http://reviews.cnet.com/smart-phones/apple-iphone-8gb/4505-6452_7-32309245.html?tag=bubbl_1

AT&T activated my phone today. We're hitched for the next 2 years. Makes you wonder why marriage licenses don't expire? Anyhow, after a business day with the new toy, it's simply remarkable how Apple is able to interface with humans. Everything should be this intuitive. The more I use the phone, the more I like it, but I sure wish it was delivered with a 3G chipset and a replaceable battery. People are already talking about a newer version, the "iPhone II", which makes me and 3 million others this weekend... living proof that a sucker is born everyday.

Our plan is to drag the rest of you down with us. The iPhone. Get it.