Gizmodo
Although Apple's iPhone may be feature-packed and great to use, it, like every other product, has limitations. And that's why we're putting it through our Ten Things You Should Know buyer's guide series so new buyers and people who don't live and breathe the iPhone (your parents, your co-workers, or your wife) can be just as well informed as you. Here are the Ten Things You Should Know Before You Buy an iPhone.
1) Not all iPod Accessories and headphones will work with the iPhone: Unless your accessory specifically claims that it works with the iPhone, you're going to have mixed results when you plug in. Some work (but prompt you to turn on Airplane mode), some don't. So far our test show good results.
As for headphones, if you've got an L-shaped plug or a fat plug, you're out of luck. Thanks to the recessed headphone jack, you're going to actually have to buy an adapter to get some of your regular headphones to work with the iPhone.
2) AT&T is Evil: You know this. Being stuck on AT&T for two years is going to be horrible. This is the company that had managers forcing customers to buy accessories with the iPhone just so they could meet their sales quotas. Plus, their reception and customer service leave a lot to be desired.
3) No video recording or MMS: The iPhone's 2-megapixel camera is great if there's enough light, but there's no video recording at all. None. This is odd, since the iPhone has so much video playback capabilities in its iPod "app," but don't expect to make movies with this thing. And since you can't record video, you can't send any video messages (MMS) either.
4) No Instant Messaging: The SMS app may look great with its iChat-esque bubbles, but there's no IM app to be found anywhere. With the Helio Ocean and the Sidekick both featuring on-board multi-client IM apps, and Windows Mobile and Palm smartphones able to add them on later, there's no excuse for not having an IM client.
5) Not for business use: BlackBerry enthusiasts need not apply. In addition to the keyboard being totally different (we're already typing fast with two thumbs, but less "adaptable" people may not pick up on this as fast), there's no push email except for Yahoo Mail. There is Exchange support, but it's just using IMAP access. Good luck getting your IT department to hook this up.
6) It's not a full iPod Replacement, and it has no games: With 4GB or 8GB of storage, this is essentially an iPod nano. It's definitely not an iPod Video, both in terms of storage and functionality. You can watch videos, sure, but there's no TV out, and not nearly enough room to keep all the TV shows and podcasts you keep downloading. Plus, all those 5G iPod games that you thought were going to make it onto the iPhone? Nope. No games at all.
7) It's not a smartphone: As much as Apple wants you to think their "open application development" using webapps is actual apps, it's not. You can get some stuff done using webapps and Safari, but as of right now, support sucks. Until people start developing apps specifically customized for the iPhone's quirks, you won't be doing anything super fancy. And of course there's no way for you to get "real" Cocoa-based apps onto the iPhone.
8) The data connection is slow: Although the iPhone has both EDGE and Wi-Fi, you're probably going to be using EDGE most of the time. Why? Because if you're in Wi-Fi range, you're usually at home or at work, when you've got an actual computer in front of you. When you're outside driving or walking, you'll be on EDGE. If you're on EDGE, expect emails with large attachments and Web pages to download slowly. Unlike other gripes, this is something they can't fix with a software update. Real time traffic is nice though.
9) There's no GPS: The iPhone may have a Google Maps application with turn by turn driving directions, but there's no actual GPS in there. You're going to have find your current location yourself, plus tell the phone exactly when you're turning. Like the data connection, a software update can't fix this.
10) There are no custom ringtones: You can't use your own ringtones (whether they're MP3s, downloaded music, or iTunes tracks) as ringtones for your phone. Luckily for us, since the default ringtones are pretty lousy, custom ringtones may be coming soon.
As you can see, the iPhone has caveats galore. Even though we're still enjoying the iPhone, any prospective buyers should be aware of these limitations before throwing down $500 or $600. Many of these problems (video recording, MMS, Instant Messaging, custom ringtones) can be fixed with a software update, but if any of the other features are important to you, you may have to wait until iPhone 2.0.
Comments
11. don't whine about it
Finally, some balance.
Wait,... I thought this thing was suppose to be better than Jesus?
What happened ladies?
you forgot, "you can't use it as a modem via bluetooth"
at this point nobody really looks at the actual features of the product anymore. they decided a long time ago that they will either support the iphone unconditionally while living in a state of denial, or they will hold a personal vendetta against the phone. those of us left in the middle just have to wait this out until it blows over in a few days.
Well...Jesus couldn't record videos either. =)
You know, I've stayed out of this iPhone comment attack thing. But honestly, damn guys, in this day and age, if they want to glorify the iPhone, or diss it completely, whether you're desperate for one or hate it..let it freaking be!
Everyone can choose what they want to buy, sure the coverage is huge, but nobody is literally forcing anyone to accept their ideas about the phone. Just let everyone think what they want to think instead of attacking each other about a piece of technology.
12. doesn't play doom
13. does indeed blend
I think you can do more with the Zack Morris phone....
Whats funny is that the LG chocolate has evdo, and this thing only has edge.
@Inaki: "Well... Jesus couldn't record videos either."
Correct, but, he walked on water. What would happen if I dropped the iPhone in the toilet??
Ahh, some objectivity here. The availablity of 3rd party apps will decide if I take the plunge or not. I'm such a whore for the 'full internet in your pocket' line it's going to be hard to hold off my purchase though.
not to mention no A2DP and 0 support for voice control
oh and the fact that flash doesnt actually work in safari hence the seperate youtube application... that DOES NOT work for crap on edge.
Oh and dont forget another biggie that everyone seems to skim over... which to many would have been an instant death sentence... NO EXPANDABILITY ... no MicroSD/SD nada zilch you buy a 4gb well tuff thats all you get
Personally though the biggest crapshoot i think is the camera, i mean come on no video recording? Give me a break, even my crappy a$$ razr records videos...
If you want a sexy browser on your windows mobile phone grab deepfish from microsoft or get opera mini both work fine.
The phones pretty (actually oddly enough my fiancee says she hates it for some reason) but when it comes to being a smart phone... it just isnt webapps arent an excute.
it's nice to have some balance, yeah, educated balance! I got so tired of those 'reviews' of the iPhone last week indicating it's major drawbacks... which weren't really unique to the phone (service contract, et-al). This is much better, far more informed. Thanks!
How about you sum all 10 up?
You wont get your money's worht.
i cannot believe you cant set custom ringtones on this phone...that is ridiculous..and the gps...c'mon apple...wtf!
Don't forget that you can't do bluetooth stereo, either.
I have been a longtime AT&T customer (actually AT&T then Cingular then AT&T again). But aside from minor coverage issues in the small town where I live and near a military base I drive by regularly and some annoying policies (re: you cannot take rollover minutes if you switch to a lower plan and charging EDGE PDAs more for DATA than than 3G video phones using the same exact network) I would say that it has not been too bad. Or I should say no worse than any other carrier. Is there some really good carrier with great coverage, low rates, and nice customer service that I am missing out on. I have never heard of one.
Yup. Number 11 needs to highlight the crippled Bluetooth.
Apparently it can only connect to a headset. Lame.
@phantam: i think that apple never targeted any smartphones with this...
ok, it's "crap", or it's not...
for once, it's one hell of a georgeus interface, but for the things that nowadays cellys already do...
period
this phone's not introducing anything new to the cellphones market, NOT AT ALL
it's just setting up a new fancy GUI to the same OLD applications...
so why don't you both sides just SHUT THE F*** UP?!
you want to stick to it just cause it's got an apple on the back? FINE
you want to hate it just cause of the same reason? FINE
we should all admit that this ain't no giving us anything we already didn't have, it's just delivering it in a much more glamorous way
period
at least, IMHO
This is ridiculous I read Gizmodo for its biased opinion of ALL Apple products, I refuse to hear even the truth about the iPhone... jeez.
v1 is always a bogey... It'll get better.
11. Doesn't get you laid.
Dear all you losers who don't want an iPhone,
Shut up. No, listen up.
Love,
Adam Frucci
Editor
Gizmodo
@Harry_Greek:
I bet it would float, but just to be certain; you should test this and let us know.Also, regarding:
Please don't browse the Internet while driving. Please.Mine got me laid...
@rapo: this phone's not introducing anything new to the cellphones market, NOT AT ALL
And the iPod was Yet Another MP3 Player -- with a fancy new interface. Whatever happened with that?
I just don't understand what was so hard of taking all the features of a PDA and put a cell phone in it too. My current HP HX2495 can do all that stuff on a platform that is easily able to be supported by 3rd parties with apps that fill the gaps in functionality. I can also add storage/devices through Bluetooth or the SD and CF slots.
If they had taken all of the features of something like my HP and added a cell phone to it, instead of taking a phone (with all of it's limitations) and adding some PDA features, I would be extremely tempted to buy it. My phone and PDA would cost about $500-600 when bought separately so that would make the iPhone a steal. It may have been AT&T that made the limited features a must for the contract, but if that's so, then that's another reason they would of been better not restricting it to one carrier. Hopefully though, this will bring out devices that combine the 2 successfully without taking all the features that would make this a perfect device.
11. Contact list is not searchable using keypad. In other words, you have to scroll to find every damn contact you want - there's no typing the name and it popping up. It does have some keyboard interface when you are sending an SMS, but not when you are using the phone.
I wondered about GPS when watching one of the iPhone commercials featuring finding a seafood restaurant. How does it know the closest one if it doesn't know where you are?
Ahhhh YES! this is better than the "Shut Up" smuk crap.
This jesus phone reminds me of the larger than life hugly oversized feet of the "Paris" chick. At one time all new was about the over sized feet girl, just like the Jesus Phone. Come on guys...Now you are talking.
I'll sell my LD 4400 (five years old and still work) to anyone stupid enough to shell out 600 bucks for an ATT sucker phone.
The article is correct and right on point. ATT sucks and they are a gang of theives.
Ever try upgrading your contract with more minutes? You'll be whopped with a disconnection charge, whopped again with a new contract, pay all your balance and they; YES they require three (3) months advance payment.
Fact is if ATT was the only provider I'd rather not own a cell phone.
You go guys, now you're talking.
@Flashgordon: With certain area exceptions, T-Mobile delivers better (or at least as good) signal as AT&T, usually at a cheaper price. Their $5.99 Unlimited WAP plan can be used to access any sort of data with just a little tweaking. MyFaves makes it even better. Finally, their customer service is the best in the US. Don't believe me on that one? Ask J.D. Power.
14. You can't find it in some areas!!!!!!!!!! Spend your money on products that are actually available!!!!!!!
I think everyone forgets about a big one: VOIP. There is no VOIP and there is no way to install it, right? No Skype. No IM. So the iPhone is an Internet VIEWER (like PDF or Word viewer) and a slow one too. I love the design, but underneath its fancy skin it is just a fricking viewer with an ability to play songs and reach out and touch someone like any cellphone out there. On the other hand, SFOKEVIN says it gets you laid... SFOKEVIN, did you do it with the 4gb one or you had to show the Big One (8gb) to your date?
Wow...so many people have to go outta their way to say the iphone sucks...and most of you dont even have one yetyour sure they suck.
As for email...IMAP was the only thing i wanted for my companies use. Its how we like our email. Oh and when i tell IT this is how we are doing it. They either get it done or find new jobs. Im the owner of my manufacturing plant....Its good to be the king!
Flash support...um..not needed for my needs.
GPS...nice but not needed....I generally know where im at. Maybe you need a keeper if you dont know where you are at.
Video making on a phone....dont make me slap you. I have a razor...and yes it can shoot a small video. The video picture is CRAP but hey seems like a lot of you haters with your 5 year old "does everything the iphone does" (no it doesnt idjit) may like crappy video.
Heck even the analysts and journalists specializing in this market have NO IDEA about the screen... all they can say is its better than anything anyone has ever seen.
Oh and the #11 posted above about email. simply click the letters down the right hand side to jump down the list.
Keep bashing Apple and its products....if you say it enough times....it still wont make it true.
So far the phone delivers exactly as promised.
Oh and one more thing. APPLE never said it had GPS...now your just trying to make shit up to try to make them look bad. Shame on you.
Sounds like to me there are a lot of jealous little bitches out there. I mean really do i belittle you becuase you bought the cheaper notebook or run an older phone no....but for some reason because you cant afford an iphone you think you must slam it. What a bunch of whinning little bitches.
Oh and be sure to stick to your eat shit attitudes....but in a few years we will all look back and see how Apple forever changed and improved the cell phone business.
ATT is evil. Just like every other phone company! If you dont understand that then you need a basic course in how phone companies operate and their BS raping of the public.
Klew....why would you wonder about GPS...go read the FARKING specs NO WHERE ... NO WHERE does APPLE say or hint that it has GPS. Thats just you making crap up.
Learn to READ and COMPREHEND....your lack of either does not make it apples fault.
God some of your people are idiots.
@szyszek:
Um what your saying is that currently there is not VOIP option. Doesnt mean they cant add it.
You see the device is reprogrammable...that means...now try to stay with me....they can update the software to add new features.
WOW i know ... was that your head that just exploded? Yeah i know it more than your small mind can handle.
Apple's strength has always been 1) it's intuitive UI (my primary reason for liking Macs), 2) its design and 3) it's "cool" factor.
Apple's stuff rarely is the fastest, most powerful, most feature rich, most expandable, most flexible, most agnostic, etc.
So this is typical Apple- nothing more, nothing less.
That said- there seems to be plent of room for growth in V2.
I'm sure I can't be the first to point this out, but ATT doesn't offer insurance on this phone. I was amazed to find out that I wasn't able to purchase insurance for my Cingular 8525, due to the fact that it was too expensive. I figured that would be the perfect reason to pay for the insurance. So when I thought I would get an iPhone, I asked the same question about the insurance, and sure enough, ATT doesn't offer insurance on these things. I can understand that the manufacturers warranty is in place, but it only covers you for half of the 2 year contract your forced to sign. Why is that?!?!?
AT&T is evil? Kinda harsh don't we think. They've been great to me over the past 5 years. No complaints here. Does AT&T + Jobs make them different? They've been better to me than Sprint, and my buddy with Verizon is pretty unhappy with them. Plus they don't cripple phones like Sprint/Verizon do - leaving many of the original features intact - which is great. Apple/AT&T crippled the iPhone, but most other phones can be tethered and have real bluetooth stacks including file transfer ability.
All of these features will be upgradable. You wait and see.
BTW, I know AT&Tingular gets a lot of crap about being evil. However, there are a few good people that are on AT&T. I want to commend them on that. I had a tiny bit of a problem with my iphone, and I called into customer service. The person I spoke to wasn't an expert in the iphone--even told me to take out the battery, but she was patient and kind. That's what's important to me. Together, we found out the solution. I like that.
Good and Patient customer service is better and more important to me than someone who is super knowledgable and acts like an iditot.
So, I know that some people in AT&T are trying. For those of you who are, thank you. Your subscribers are greatful. For those of you at AT&T who are idiots, go work at McDonalds in the back where no one can see or hear you! (no offense to McD's)
Why do you guys always assume a software update will add features? They haven't added basic missing features to AppleTV (except YouTube) or iPods (except screen brightness).
to Zippy, you may be jumping to conclusions too quickly to defend the iPhone. Like everyone, I did read the specs, then when I saw the commercial, I wondered how it could tell you where the closest anything is if it couldn't know your present location. To the general, non-blog reading audience, the television commercial implies that it has GPS.
1. hardware
2. that's AT&T's fault
3. software
4. software
5. software
6. software
7. software
8. hardware
9. hardware
10. software
It seems to me that apple is able to make iphone users a lot happier. In fact, I think they will with that rumored update in october. with the ability to fix six of the top ten things, it would be hard to resist to buy one after that.
I didnt know about the video...soo well i am great with my krzr
Actually, my experience with AT&T's customer service has been excellent this year, not just for wireless service but also for landline and internet elite service (both work perfectly). Their call center people are actually really friendly and helpful. I cannot talk about AT&T stores, though, as I've never set foot there. Anyway, AT&T is not as bad as people like to portray it. As for them being more evil than Verizon or T-Mobile, I don't know. Methinks all of them are in it to maximize return on investment.
I have to admit, I'm an Apple Fanboy. I have a Macbook Pro, a Dual G5 w/20" cinema display, and I'm on my second iPod. Don't worry, this isn't a pissing match. My point is that as a fanboy, even I am leary about the iPhone. Sure, it's sexy, it's innovative, but it's missing a lot of things that I really want and have had previously with my Treo 650, and currently with my Crackberry Curve. Such as: support for 3rd party apps, a good camera, video support, MMS support, custom/MP3 ringtones, GPS, and so on.
What I'm really anxious for is to see how this device affects the market in terms of better design/usability for cell phones and even direct Mac compatibility. Needless to say, I'm waiting for a 2nd Gen iPhone to see how they improve it. Remember, this is the first generation, the second is bound to be better, right?