My iPhone Review

    I've been using the iPhone for over a week now and finally it's starting to feel like second nature to use it.  As a comparison I switched back to my old Sony Ericsson K750i today, which felt positively foreign.  This is what prompted me to write this brief review of the iPhone.
    This review is based solely on what my needs are when it comes to a phone/convergence device and how well the device meets those demands - phone functionality, SMS/MMS, and camera.  Anything beyond that is icing on the cake.
    First of all, as a telephone, I think the iPhone is amazing.  The user interface works just as you expect it to.  The integration of your contacts information with other peripheral applications is great.  For example, if I am looking at a particular contact's information page I can tap on their phone number to make a call to them, or tap on their address to have Google Maps locate them, or I can send them an SMS by tapping the SMS button - all without having to leave the phone application.  The only gripe I have is that the Phone app isn't integrated with the Calender app.  For example, the other day I made an entry into Calender for lunch with my friend James at Google.  Even though James is already in my contacts list, the iPhone Calender app doesn't recognize that so I can't directly dial him or map out his address without having to exit Calender.   Aside from that, everything works seamlessly, including having to type on a virtual number pad.  I know that one of my concerns was not having haptic feedback when typing on the iPhone, however, there is audio feedback when you hit the virtual keys.  I happen to like the virtual keypad a lot actually, and don't miss having physical buttons whatsoever.
    On that note, let's move on to SMS.  By now you know that the virtual keyboard probably doesn't work well for people with larger fingers.  Fortunately, I've got smaller digits so typing is a breeze for me and I love it.  I do miss not having MMS, which is my main complaint about the messaging features.  Also, the fact that you can't highlight/copy/paste text it aggravating.  Lastly, I am very fond of the conversation-string presentation of the messages.
    As far as the camera goes, it is sub-par in my opinion.  My SE K750i takes GREAT pictures, even in low light situations (and I hardly use the flash functionality).  With the iPhone, even though they're both 2 megapixel sensors, it just has a difficult time with the white balance so even when there's ample light, the mere presence of contrasting hues takes the phone for a spin and your photos come out dark and ugly.  Lastly, not being able to Bluetooth my photos directly to my computer is killing me!
    Now for the extras.   First of all, Google Maps works great.  I thought it would load slowly on EDGE, but it actually loads at a usable rate so I'm very happy with that.  As well, Safari does a good job for my needs-namely looking up store hours or finding movie times.  Text loads swiftly and just having that full browser look makes the experience so satisfying.  I haven't missed not having Flash, although it would be a nice addtion.  The Email app is decent.  I haven't found much fault with it for simple emails, except with Gmail.  For some reason whenever I send an email from my main computer, a copy gets sent to my iPhone Gmail INBOX.  People have discussed this issue in online forums, and I think it's a Gmail issue, not an iPhone settings issue.
    All in all, the iPhone does just what you would expect - but nothing more.  After a week with it, I am more pleased than wowed by it.  It is basically a competent phone with a completely refreshing and functional user interface.  Most of its currently flaws - lack of MMS, contacts list-Calender integration, camera software, full-feature Bluetooth, text manipulation (cut/paste, highlight) - seems like they can be fixed with software updates.  What can't be immediately fixed is the amount of productivity you'll gain from using it.  That, obviously, would require more programs to be added to the phone - ie MS Word/Exel compatibility.  For me, personally, I would like to see some medicine programs that are so overwhelmingly available for the Palm OS.  The only one currently available is Unbound Medicine, which is web-based and agonizingly SLOW to use!  So, for now, the iPhone is a work in progress.  I am pleased enough with the features that it offers to keep it, but at the same time, it is frustrating to know that that I've got a piece of hardware in my hand that could make my life so much more productive, but fails miserably on that front.  Bring on the software updates, Apple - FAST!

Comments

[Maria Budge]

I'm waiting for epocrates to be available on iphone