The Hickensian

9.01.07 The only drawback with the iPhone

54 comments

iPhone

Touchscreens look lovely, until you touch them!

‘Course I want one…

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No.1

∞ The Missis said 1127 days ago:

me first!

No.2

∞ Jon Crosby said 1127 days ago:

Apple is thinking ahead here. The ease of smudging isn’t a phone problem as much as it is a case of outdated pocket technology. Like the other hardware makers and phone carriers, makers of pants will need to catch up as well. 1) Build pants with soft, screen cleaning pocket liners. 2) Sell them on Insanely Great Tees where Mac geeks probably already shop for clothing. 3) Profit :-)

No.3

∞ Alexandre Juneau said 1127 days ago:

We’ll just have to wait and see, I’m sure Apple thought it out though!
I’m just hoping we’ll be able to use it here in Canada. God I hope :)

No.4

∞ Ben said 1127 days ago:

Nono, me first, I want one !!!

... Actually, I’ll be polite, I’ll let you get your one first and then I’ll get mine next. =)

No.5

∞ Aaron T. said 1127 days ago:

I hope they come to Canada. Very much so. This is destined to be one of the greatest products of 2007. A revolution in the mobile industry.

No.6

∞ Jason Santa Maria said 1127 days ago:

I’m already in the habit of wiping off my cellphone… smudges are a small price to pay for all that goodness. For a moment there during all the announcements, I thought Apple might have found a way to convert fingerprint smudges into electricity to further power the phone. Oh well, maybe next year :D

No.7

∞ BenJ said 1127 days ago:

The only drawback? What about the 2 yr Cingular contract (have you seen their data rates?!)

No.8

∞ quis said 1127 days ago:

That, and the lack of tactile feedback.

No.9

∞ Dan Rubin said 1127 days ago:

I wipe down my Treo650 every time I use it (and did the same with my last flip phone from Sanyo, and the phone before that, and…), and I really don’t mind the smudges on the iPod, so I think it’ll be just fine. I’ll buy one as soon as they ship :)

No.10

∞ paul haine said 1127 days ago:

I don’t care what Steve Jobs thinks, if I have one of these, I’m getting a stylus.

No.11

∞ Cindy Li said 1127 days ago:

Maybe it comes with an iWiipe?

No.12

∞ Jaap Bakker said 1127 days ago:

Just the moment I saw it. I fell in love with it.

I allready have one extra stylus from my Nintendo DS.

No.13

∞ Hayo Bethlehem said 1127 days ago:

no, not an iWipe. but maybe a great pastel-coloured sock; starting at $69,95

No.14

∞ Frank Taillandier said 1127 days ago:

Will it be less scratchable than the iPod ?

No.15

∞ Angela Kaine said 1127 days ago:

Our home is all a-twitter about this cool piece of technology and I guarantee one will grace our mailbox at the earliest delivery date possible – prints or no prints.

No.16

∞ Peter Parkes said 1127 days ago:

That was my first thought, too, Jon. The second was related to the size of the thing, and the fact that I quite like my phone being a phone, thankyouverymuch. But maybe that’s because I’m secretly a grumpy old man.

No.17

∞ pauldwaite said 1127 days ago:

Yeah, word to Frank. Scratches. Yikes. We’ll see.

Ah, so Cingular have steep data rates just like mobile phone companies in this country eh? That’s what makes all the e-mail and Google Maps stuff so much less cool. It’s awesome that the phone knows where I am, and can ask Google Maps where my nearest Starbucks is. It’s much less cool that my phone company will charge me £1 for the privilege.

No.18

∞ Leebo said 1127 days ago:

Any rumours on who will pick this up in the UK ?
Surely Apple will have thought this through but not a mention of any other market than the US. It seems odd not to mention the EU and Asian markets when Korea is phone design mad and the UK seems to take up new designs much much quicker than the US.

No.19

∞ Dave S. said 1127 days ago:

I’ve bought plastic adhesive screen protectors for both my Treo and my DS, and they work like a charm for scratches, and they’re easy to clean. I can’t imagine NOT going the same route with an iPhone.

No.20

∞ Oliver said 1127 days ago:

If only it had 3G capabilities and would be available in the UK on Three X-series (unlimited data).

Sigh, if only..

No.21

∞ shorty114 said 1127 days ago:

This was actually the first thing that passed through my mind when I first saw the iPhone. We’ll see, I guess… hopefully Apple’s thought this one through but let’s hope it doesn’t turn out like those nanos that scratched from fingernails…

No.22

∞ Richard said 1127 days ago:

paul haine: A stylus won’t work with the iPhone, it senses by electrical conductivity, not by pressure. You’ll be needing to use your fingers… sorry!

No.23

∞ Bone said 1127 days ago:

Two-year-old Treo with touch screen of course.

Always keep it in my back pocket.

No case. No protector. NO SCRATCHES.

Sure I have to wipe the screen of smudges every now and then but when it is on I don’t even notice them.

Kinda silly to assume this will happen without even seeing the prodct first hand. BTW.

No.24

∞ Anthony Baker said 1126 days ago:

Just back from Macworld. This phone is going to make them soooo much money. It’s brilliant.

Few points:

* Re: Smudges, they say that you can wipe them off with your shirt. They thought about that one.

* Regarding scratches, I’m banking that they’ve given that one some thought, given the problems with the last gen of Nanos. Can’t imagine they’d get themselves into that situation again, particularly with a device like this.

* Not confirmed, but I’m banking that the big thing with this phone, moving forward, is the accessory ecosystem they can build, ala the iPod. Steve has already said that he sees this as a new iPod, not a phone in and of itself. And the Apple TV is a new Mac, he’s noted. The sucker has the iPod dock, one can imagine an array of stuff that folks want, but Apple’s no interest in providing itself. Mobile companies would love that kind of business—but no phones allow for the scale of that kind of business.

* Software. I’m banking they’ve got plans for this sucker. I mean, getting software updates from Apple should be a snap. If they have an SDK, one can imagine another ecosystem here—software developers. It would be brilliant. And, of course, I don’t think there’s a huge software dev ecosystem around the iPod itself. Hopefully, the iPhone will offer that.

I still hate mobile companies, but have got to get one of these. I think that crackberry addicts won’t necessarily go for it (I’ll be using a stylus for my keypad, thanks), but it’s got so much else going for it that it’s going to be huge.

The gasps from the audience during demos was amazing. Folks were seeing cellphone nirvana left and right. I saw one old guy who was beside himself with amazement at how easy it was.

Folks watching the units in these plexiglass cases was odd—almost like it was The Ring of Power and they were all LOTR groupies. Hilarious. But, hopefully, deserving of the worship.

I’ve got T-Mobile currently, but we’ll be moving soon.

Cheers,

Anthony

No.25

∞ eric said 1126 days ago:

I’ve heard it described as tempting, and that seems a bit off. F-ing cool? Yes. Tempting? Not at $500 plus two years of Cingular data-plan rape. I’m on their smallest plan now, and I pay $39/mo; if I want data (and I do, when I’m in cities) it’s another $19/mo.

Hardly a good deal; it’s a cool product, but I’m not tempted.

No.26

∞ Jon Hicks said 1126 days ago:

Kinda silly to assume this will happen without even seeing the prodct first hand. BTW.

Kinda silly to take this post so seriously. BTW.

No.27

∞ Russ said 1126 days ago:

Steve Jobs Has done it, he has reinvented crack!

No.28

∞ Kate Bolin said 1126 days ago:

Hey, now that I’m learning how to knit, I can start my career of creating iPhone covers, made from the finest hand-shorn newborn lambswool, knitted with delicate pure gold needles, and carefully imbued with New Apple Product Smell.

Cash money, here I come!

No.29

∞ Jon Hicks said 1126 days ago:

Not at $500 plus two years of Cingular data-plan rape.

Yeah, it’ll be interesting to see if there is tie-in when it’d released in the UK.

@Kate – You’re onto something there!

No.30

∞ ian said 1126 days ago:

My nokia 7710 came with a stylus. I lost it. Now I just prod it with fingers or whatever comes to hand… I thought I might want one of these iphones, but on balance, I think I still want a Nokia N95.

No.31

∞ Richard Earney said 1126 days ago:

Nice image ;)

From the New York Times – David Pogue

Apple went through numerous iterations of the glass surface, trying to find one that’s not too slick or too rough, or that shows grease and fingerprints too much. You still get finger streaks, but they’re relatively subtle and a quick wipe on your sleeve takes care of them.

No.32

∞ Alexander Graf said 1126 days ago:

I want one. Now. Please.

Guess it will take a while for them to be available in Europe, though. Since it was mentioned they want to include 3g capabilities, I could probably get one via Three (Austria) by the end of summer. I guess I should start saving up…

Oh and for those worried about scratches: Currently I use a Motorola RAZR v3x which I carry around in my pockets (or in my 24/Jack Bauer style canvas messenger bag – hey, i had it before the series started!). It has dozens of smudges but you can wipe them away with your hands, your shirt or a kleenex. There is not a single scratch on the outer screen however. And i usually throw it in the bag along with pencils, my keys and all other sort of stuff likely to scratch a fragile glass surface.

If the iPhone is made from the same material, there will be no problem with scratches.

No.33

∞ Charles Roper said 1126 days ago:

The first thing that struck me about the Apple/Cingular deal was the potential stinkyness of it. It doesn’t seem right that Apple is so beholden to a company that people don’t seem to have much good to say about. So I’m not so convinced by the hype of Apple reinventing the phone – it’s a nice interface, that’s all. A decent innovation, and a very highly desirable device, sure, but nothing truly revolutionary. IF Apple had been able to somehow swing unlimited 3G data access then that would have been revolutionary, just like when when, here in the UK, we finally got unlimited access to the internet for a fixed fee after years of paying by the minute. People suddenly started using the net here. So no matter how good the device is, I’m still not convinced that it’s truly revolutionary without either a) a lot of cash to burn or b) much more sensible data rates. You won’t even be able to install 3rd party software, apparently. Actually that Engadget article highlights some of the more painful omissions of iPhone. Ouch.

Also, is it just me, or doesn’t 4GB or 8GB sound a bit stingy for such premium device? I know the same was said about the Mini and the Nano, but the iPhone is a different kettle ‘o fish.

No.34

∞ Charles Roper said 1126 days ago:

Here’s an innovation: replaceable screen. Wonder if it’s possible?

No.35

∞ Richie said 1126 days ago:

what about women with long nails?

No.36

∞ James Kenwood said 1126 days ago:

there is no other way to look at it, Apple have produced a device that is years ahead of anyone else and has patented to the hilt!

so if you want this kind of functionality, with that amazing touch screen interface there is only one choice.

But the most important thing is…

this is just their first offering!

Imagine the leap from the old mac only 5gb hd ipod (sans iTMS) to the cover flow touch scrolling iPhone. Just 5 years. Think what the next 5 years of iPhone could hold….

wifi calls from your home network, iChat video when bandwidth allows, office compatible apps, remote control of your mac…the list goes on

No.37

∞ Joshua Hughes said 1126 days ago:

That phone is stunning! It’s just such a bummer that the UK’s got to wait til the end of the year for it. I’ve got a feeling it’s going to be even harder than waiting for Creative Suiite 3 :-)

No.38

∞ Bramus! said 1126 days ago:

Just ingenious! This one had me laughing … yet it’ll become reality when the iPhone is released.

No.39

∞ Jeff said 1126 days ago:

I see quite a few more drawbacks: no VoIP, no Skype, no IM, no 3G, no stylus for writing, etc. No thanks, I need this stuff more. I’ll wait for a Nokia Symbian OS based phone with a cool multitouch screen, and a stylus for writing.

Apple’s phone is pretty, but here is the most improtant news in the mobile market: Symbian OS will have handwriting recognition.
http://www.symbian.com/news/cn/2004/cn20042395.html

True handwriting recognition will kill Apple’s phone. Just like Apple’s stupid one button mouse idea cost them thousands of users. Apple’s still no stylus idea means no writing. So Apple’s phone will remain just a phone & mp3 player while other phones are true PDAs.

No.40

∞ Tim B said 1126 days ago:

As long as Vodafone or Orange don’t stick their logo’s all over it… Somehow I don’t think Apple will let ‘em, but will be interesting to see.

Where will this leave other ‘phone manufacturers?!!

No.41

∞ ian said 1126 days ago:

Jeff 39 – my Nokia 7710 does handwriting recognition. Not MY handwriting, admittedly, but it does do it.

No.42

∞ Anthony Baker said 1126 days ago:

I think going with Cingular to start is all about building momentum. Americans, in particular, don’t buy unlocked cellphones en masse. Just doesn’t happen, we’re not geared for it. Doing this cuts around that hurdle to start.

I did think the price was high, but look what I’m getting for it: Phone, killer video iPod. 8GB. Wifi capability. Killer mobile web browsing. Frankly, I think it all adds up quite well.

As for the Cingular data plan—the phone’s go wifi. I think it actually defaults to wifi if it’s available. Do you NEED the data plan with Cingular? Not necessarily.

Am hoping someone will add in a Skype app to run on it so I can bypass the mobile company straight away.

No.43

∞ Nev said 1126 days ago:

I broked the stylus for my T-Mobile MDA Vario (a rebadged HTC Wizard) and never even bothered to dig out the spare that came with it. Fingers work just fine (plus they’re harder to lose).

Anyway, the worst thing isn’t finger smudges, its the marks left from your ear after you’ve been on the phone for 30 minutes.

No.44

∞ Bone said 1126 days ago:

Kinda silly to take this post so seriously. BTW.

DId not really take the post that seriously and especially not as seriously as some of the comments saying that it would be a problem.

My “silly to assume” comment was meant more for those who were seriously jumping the gun.

No.45

∞ Mani Sheriar said 1126 days ago:

As my business partner said in response to me sharing this post with him, “That’s why I think I’ll just get one and keep it in its box. I won’t even use it for the fear of scratching or smudging it. :)”

No.46

∞ Mark Huot said 1125 days ago:

Ya know people are complaining about some of the missing functionality on the iPhone, but if it’s got a full featured Safari browser with JavaScript enabled (and it should) then you have Meebo for IM’ing and Ta-da list for to-do’s. Plus access to any other web2.0 “hotness” (and who says the iPhone is closed).

What will be really interesting is to see if the iPhone supports Flash?

No.47

∞ Julian Schrader said 1123 days ago:

I want it — now!

No.48

∞ Mallorca Blogger said 1121 days ago:

i think, we all will have fun to clean the touchscreen ;-)

No.49

∞ Bramus! said 1121 days ago:

Made an interactive version of this one: http://www.bram.us/2007/01/15/my-ismudginator-01/ ;)

Kindly,
Bram.

No.50

∞ Bramus! said 1121 days ago:

Oops, didn’t make that clickable…
http://www.bram.us/2007/01/15/my-ismudginator-01/
;)

No.51

∞ Sebhelyesfarku said 1121 days ago:

Another overhyped electroturd for Maczealots and fashion lemmings.

No.52

∞ Jon Hicks said 1121 days ago:

“Another overhyped electroturd for Maczealots and fashion lemmings.”

Such insight. Not a hint of an innovative interface/input device here. Just a polished Apple Turd.

No.53

∞ nikster said 1119 days ago:

Jon, I am sure you meant this as a joke: ”...Build pants with soft, screen cleaning pocket liners”...

But you know what? This may be a brilliant idea! I would definitely buy them. For the simple reason that I keep a candybar phone in my front pocket basically every single day, all day.

I would definitely go for pants with a soft cell pocket inside the left front pocket. Damn – a huge business opportunity! I mean I know there’s specialized “gadget freak” clothing available but most of it looks really stupid and most of it is also way over the top – I don’t need to carry 7 personal devices on my body and a volume control up the sleeve. Just a cell pocket would be enough…