With my Centennial Wireless contract expiring I decided to discard my Palm Treo and switch to AT&T and the new iPhone. It was waiting for me when I returned home Thursday evening from the BbWorld'09 conference in Washington D.C.
Since the iPhone came out two years ago I've been watching it. Based on my experience the past 3 days I really don't think it's been overhyped. Over the past year-and-a-half my 3 lb. mobile laptop has changed the way I operate. The iPhone is going to change my modus operandi even more.
It is pretty amazing having one pocket device that functions for all these purposes: 1) phone, 2) email, 3) calendar, 4) web browser, 5) camera, 6) video camera, 7) music player, 8) video player, 9) e-reader, 10) GPS.
Add to this the list of dozens (actually hundreds) of fun apps that are available either for free or as little as $.99. I've been playing with the calculator, compass, night-stand alarm clock, flashlight, and a very readable e-Bible.
What have I been most impressed with so far?
1) Readability is excellent. The screen seems bigger than it really is.
2) Typing is easier than on any mobile device that I have tried so far (I've had an iPAQ and a Treo). It has a self-correcting feature that gets better the more you use it.
3) The interface is extremely intuitive. The only thing I couldn't figure out was the little sliding button that turns the phone to vibrate.
4) Twitter finally makes sense to me now that I have a web-enabled mobile device.
What tip can I leave new iPhone users?
1) Purchase the $19.95 Case Mate "Clear Armor". It's a protective plastic kit that applies to the front and back of your iPhone. A bit of a challenge to apply, especially around the corners, but it puts a scratch-proof coating on your iPhone (that is virtually invisible). Something it will need as it resides each day in my front left pocket with my keys.
But if one is in front of a computer all of the time--at work and home--does one need it? The only time I wish I had one is when I travel out of town. For folks who do that a lot, or who don't work in front of a computer at work and home, it makes sense to me. I'm glad you got one Gary, though, it will keep you up to speed with what people are up to.
Posted by: Andy Rowell | July 19, 2009 at 03:42 PM