[dstrauss]

Like many, since Monday I've been contemplating the iPhone I release today, but as I used my Blackjack each day, it became clear that there are certain invaluable factors to the Blackjack that I just couldn't give up:

>With the phone off, typing a name that pops up and can be dialed

>HSDPA vs EDGE (despite today's speed doubling of EDGE)

>Exchange 2003 push email

>Voice Command

>Docs to Go MS Office document editing

>Enhanced calendar software (Papyrus and Agenda)

>Bluetooth stereo audio

>I paid too much for mine, but it's now down to $75 with 2 yr contract

Yes, I would KILL for the bigger screen, iTunes compatibility, WiFi, and huge storage capacity - but every time I pick up my Blackjack I just get this little smile...strange, huh.

[dstrauss]

Like many, since Monday I've been contemplating the iPhone I release today, but as I used my Blackjack each day, it became clear that there are certain invaluable factors to the Blackjack that I just couldn't give up:

>With the phone off, typing a name that pops up and can be dialed

>HSDPA vs EDGE (despite today's speed doubling of EDGE)

>Exchange 2003 push email

>Voice Command

>Docs to Go MS Office document editing

>Enhanced calendar software (Papyrus and Agenda)

>Bluetooth stereo audio

>I paid too much for mine, but it's now down to $75 with 2 yr contract

Yes, I would KILL for the bigger screen, iTunes compatibility, WiFi, and huge storage capacity - but every time I pick up my Blackjack I just get this little smile...strange, huh.

[Jerry Raia]

Not strange at all. The interface on the iPhone is incredible and that's where it ends.

[dstrauss]

Jerry - you're right. I'm usually not one to remain rational in the face of a new high tech geek device 8O , but so far, not much tug at all.

I have to admit, I love the pictures and videos I've seen of the screen. But I also realize I can't have that screen with my trusty Samsung keyboard. And I'm surprised at the number of folks buying on the "Apple will add future software" to add this or that (eg - IM, Exchange Activesync,etc.). :roll:

[laakness]

I agree...I wanted to buy into the hype but each of the points listed above apply to me and why I didn't get it.

I will also add the inability to remove/swap the SIM card from what I've read. I do this all the time to test devices at my job.

Let's also not forget the screw job the first gen owners of Ipods got compared to models that came out just a year later

[Mike Temporale]

Some of the other negative points about the iphone that I've seen around

• You have to send the phone in to have the battery replaced - expect this around the 300+ charge point
• Voice quality is only so-so
• the OS actually takes up 700MB of storage!
• there's no way to load 3rd party applications - browser only
• you can't set an MP3 as your ringtone - I'm surprised by this. I wonder if they mean it has to be an iTunes track and not just any old MP3?

[dstrauss]

Saw one in the wild yesterday, and I have to say it has the best screen I've seen on any portable device, laptops included (as his resolve cracks just a little - thank goodness it doesn't have OTA Exchange Activesync or my wandering eyes might get me in trouble with my trusty BJ).

[onlydarksets]

Originally Posted by Mike Temporale

• the OS actually takes up 700MB of storage!

I think it has been established that the OS only takes up 200MB

Originally Posted by Jerry Raia

Not strange at all. The interface on the iPhone is incredible and that's where it ends.

I would not sell short the user interface as it is such a huge piece of the experience. The scrolling contacts and zoom feature are major innovations to how a touchscreen phone is used, and I would not be surprised to see WM follow suit (you already can through hacks). Also, I count the Safari browser as a leg up on the competition, although I still haven't gotten my Deepfish invite. Finally, I would count the multimedia capabilities (8GB flash storage, iTunes integration, 3.5mm jack) as significant value-adds. Of course, I know that not every agrees with that!

[Mike Temporale]

Originally Posted by onlydarksets

I think it has been established that the OS only takes up 200MB

Yeah, I saw that after I posted this. Still, 200MB is pretty large for a mobile OS. Heck, even Microsoft can fit it into 20MB.

[txcaesar]

I have to admit that the BJ is one sweet device, it does pretty much everything that i really need....well...actually...im eyeing the European version as i want that WiFi, and that front camera....ok, ok im a super geek..anyone wanna sell me one? save me having to go thru ebay?...rofl!

BTW, want to thank all for the imputs here and on other sites, I have learned alot and enjoyed the experiences...


ok, maybe ive had too much caffeine this am.....

[Mike Temporale]

The i600 is a good device - the wifi is a nice addition, but be wared, it isn't quad band. You won't get full 3G coverage and the phone will just work as a tri-band unit (so you'll really have just 1 useable band).

The WiFi is nice, but I would rather have the 3G coverage.