No, I’m not a hater. Really, I just don’t want one. Actually, it’s not that I don’t want one, it’s just that the iPone isn’t what I want in a phone…yet. I’ve read lots of other blogs where people share their love and excitement for the iPhone. Well, here are my thoughts:
Don’t get me wrong, I think the iPhone is genius. Those guys at Apple keep turning the industry on its head. It’s the best web web viewing experience I’ve ever seen in a phone. The design is nearly flawless. Control is amazing. Truly, as far as a device is concerned, it is near perfect. And it’s the cheapest data plan around.
However, here is why I’m out on the iPhone:
- The initial $600 price. Yikes! When it dropped to $400, it was much better, but still too much for my blood.
- Locked in contract. Makes me want to punch them in the face and congratulate them at the same time. Typically when you sign a contract, you get a heavily discounted price on device. The only time you pay full price for a device is when you don’t want to be on contract. Apple charges you full price and requires a two year contract. First of all, they’re making money off the contract as well (I don’t know of any other devices that do). Second of all, they’re profitable on the phone when it sells for $400. Yeah, they’re making bank. I don’t hate them for this… actually I respect them for it. They made a device so desired that people are willing to do what they’d never do for any other phone device. Way to go Apple… I just don’t want it that bad.
- Not yet what it’s going to be… For me it’s too early. That’s okay for those of you who already have one. I don’t have anything against the early adopters. If it weren’t for them, they product wouldn’t survive long enough to become the device I want. I would imagine that the second generation iPhone is going to be hard for anyone to turn away.
Yeah, that’s about it. The iPhone is pretty desirable, but not enough for me to shell out the cash for something I’d rather have in another year or two… and probably at a better price. Right now the iPhone options are 8GB or 16GB. In the next 12-18 months when you can get a 32GB iPhone on a 3G cell network… I might just be in. For now I’m still find using my Cingular 8125 and when that contract is up I may consider the Blackjack II. It’s already on the 3G network and is a good device.
My compromise? I have an iPod Touch. My brother got it for me for Christmas. I had already planned to snag this when the 32GB came out and came down in price. Now the 32GB is out, but still more than I’d be willing to pay. But, I do LOVE my iPod touch. My wife does do… she got my old iPod and is happy too!
Regardless of whether you are a lover or hater, you’ve got to love this video:
Technorati Tags: iPhone,Ministry,3G
great balanced post, and I do love my iPhone and it has MORE than paid for itself it the information I was able to on the go, the staff and email communication integration (less to do when I get to computer) and built in GPS has prevented being late to critical engagements, bottom line, it has saved me hundreds of dollars AND time, which is another whole level of value. And for the record, it is not on G3 network because of poor choice but because Edge is battery efficient. The G3 network is a power sucker and people with G3 phones struggle to have battery life all day and they aren’t using their phone nearly as much as an iPhone user does. Phone calls are now less than 50% of what I use this for. (yes, posting from it right now while rocking sleeping boy)
I admire your patience. When the better ones cone out, I’ll get one too and bless my wife with this one. 🙂
Ok, Kenny… Bottom line is this: Should you get your hands on an iphone and you still feel the same way, I would happily take it off of your hands!
Have you unlocked your iPod Touch yet? If not did you know that you could and add tons of extra programs on it for free? Of course I have an unlocked iPhone and love it. I don’t use AT&T and therefore save a bunch of money per month. I also think that the experience of the phone and the user interface is well worth the extra money. I have only had mine for a month but compared to Windows Mobile 5 or 6 there isn’t a comparison to the iPhone.
Can’t wait. My verizion contract is up in 10months and I will be buying a iPhone. LOVE everything steve jobs does. well most things. I am a proud cool-aid drinker (disclaimer).
I think it’s funny how this article generated so much buzz. We like our iPhones, huh?
Karl, I forgot about the power consumption issues with 3G. I had heard that but forgot. It seems that battery power is an issue with many electronic devices… keeping them back from what they “could be.”
Jamie, I’ll keep you in mind. Although I’m that once I had one, I wouldn’t want to give it up. I wasn’t planning to get the iPod touch as I felt that 16GB was too small, but I was perfectly happy to get one as a gift.
Matt, I have not jail broken my touch… yet. I’ve thought about it, but haven’t seen the need, yet. I haven’t seen a 3rd party app that was worth it yet. Initially I was frustrated that my iPod didn’t have mail and maps, but I did get that update. What apps do you recommend being worth hacking the device over (I’m certainly willing to be convinced). I’ve seen a lot of “cute” apps, but nothing worth the trouble…
Sam, I was surprised you still didn’t have one. Talk about patience. Well, having to wait that long my be to your favor… by then it wouldn’t surprise me that they’d have the 2nd gen iPhone.