TUAW Advises Against Buying iPhone 3G, Erica Sadun Gets Roughed Up

[chris]

Wow, pretty surprising article from Erica Sadun over at TUAW entitled, "Why you shouldn't buy the iPhone 3G on Friday (http://www.tuaw.com/2008/07/08/why-you-shouldnt-buy-the-iphone-3g-on-friday/)." While I understand her viewpoint, the product being more evolutionary than revolutionary, it does come off a bit snippy.

"Other than 3G speeds and GPS, the new iPhone does not bring a lot to the table. It still has the same crappy 2 MegaPixel camera. It appears to have the same sized screen, the same speakers, the same microphone with a few cosmetic re-designs. If the speed issue isn't do-or-die for you, this is the upgrade to skip. You'll pay a lot of money for little more than a design bump."

[jarofclay73]

And, really, she's talking to the current v1 iPhone users, not really new iPhone owners.

[chris]

I think she makes some valid points, many of which have been discussed here at length.


Twice the speed
$15 more monthly
GPS, but no real time guidance

True, you'll have to reup for 2 more years, but chances are that most are staying with AT&T anyway due their iPhone exclusivity.

If you're handy, you can unlock and eBay your v1 thus reducing the cost of v2.

[chris]

FWIW, I think it's worth the $199. I'm a little peeved at lack of real time guidance, but I think that's coming down the road. (pardon the pun)

[jarofclay73]

I think she makes some valid points, many of which have been discussed here at length.


Twice the speed
$15 more monthly
GPS, but no real time guidance
True, you'll have to reup for 2 more years, but chances are that most are staying with AT&T anyway due their iPhone exclusivity.

If you're handy, you can unlock and eBay your v1 thus reducing the cost of v2.

I definitely think the reasons NOT to upgrade are legitimate. In fact, all of my v1 friends are NOT upgrading.

[jarofclay73]

FWIW, I think it's worth the $199. I'm a little peeved at lack of real time guidance, but I think that's coming down the road. (pardon the pun)

Yeah, I couldn't resist the price. I've been grumbling about the price since day one. So, I'll be getting one finally.

I don't need turn by turn nav... already got one in my car. :D

[chris]

I definitely think the reasons NOT to upgrade are legitimate. In fact, all of my v1 friends are NOT upgrading.

I think it's more so the title of the article and comments like "same crappy camera" that have caused a bit of a backlash.

[jarofclay73]

I think it's more so the title of the article and comments like "same crappy camera" that have caused a bit of a backlash.

I guess the devil is in the details... it's not so much WHAT she said... but HOW she said it... :smile: I'm in the news business and I'm very aware of how my wording can seriously offend people.

[jjvaldez]

I think it's more so the title of the article and comments like "same crappy camera" that have caused a bit of a backlash.

i noticed that too as i read the article comments, people are pissed that she wrote that.....:foot:

[justahsquirrel]

FWIW, I think it's worth the $199. I'm a little peeved at lack of real time guidance, but I think that's coming down the road. (pardon the pun)

Chris, am I going to see you on the line friday morning?

Apple store Roosevelt Field Mall?

[chris]

Chris, am I going to see you on the line friday morning?

Apple store Roosevelt Field Mall?

I don't think I'm going to wait on line this year. I'll probably make my way to the Apple Store around 9 or 10. Figure the dust will settle from the initial mayhem and I can always run over to the AT&T Store if it's still nuts at the Apple Store.

What time are you going to the Field?

[Iphonehead]

its funny she brings up "same screen size" like the iphones size isn't already the biggest one on the market.

[justahsquirrel]

I don't think I'm going to wait on line this year. I'll probably make my way to the Apple Store around 9 or 10. Figure the dust will settle from the initial mayhem and I can always run over to the AT&T Store if it's still nuts at the Apple Store.

What time are you going to the Field?

I'll make my way there around the same time. I have to go to the apple store to use up my store credit that I have to make my purchase all that much the better...yeah I dont want to go when the store opens cause it might be crazy and its too early for me...
well if I see you I will say hi this year...

[Lincoln]

Yeah, I saw that, and for a person who writes for TUAW, that was pretty negative. I gave her some crap for it in the comments, and so did Spin This.

- John

[dancavallaro]

Chris, am I going to see you on the line friday morning?

Apple store Roosevelt Field Mall?

I might be at the Roosevelt Field Mall Apple store too, although I'll be staying with my gf for a few days so I won't drag her there if there's a crazy line or something :tounge:

[Hayesimus]

i agree with all her statements in the qoute you provided. It is a crappy camera. I don't care how you look at it. I loathe using it and can't wait to get an actual digital camera for taking pics. I think that anyone who would disagree is in denial lol. They could have at least put a better camera and a better SET of speakers. That would've been worth the price of upgrading alone...

[ravman]

I'm personally waiting another month and going for the Samsung Omnia. It blows the V2 iPhone away in terms of functionality and specs.

The new 3G is a waste of cash if you ask me. Better off just buying a V1 when they drop in price this Friday.

Interesting to see so many "new" iPhones for sale on eBay. I wonder how many of them are actually new, as opposed to second hand phones being sold as brand new. If your phone has no marks and you still have the box, it's very easy to pawn it off as new.



Wow, pretty surprising article from Erica Sadun over at TUAW entitled, "Why you shouldn't buy the iPhone 3G on Friday (http://www.tuaw.com/2008/07/08/why-you-shouldnt-buy-the-iphone-3g-on-friday/)." While I understand her viewpoint, the product being more evolutionary than revolutionary, it does come off a bit snippy.

"Other than 3G speeds and GPS, the new iPhone does not bring a lot to the table. It still has the same crappy 2 MegaPixel camera. It appears to have the same sized screen, the same speakers, the same microphone with a few cosmetic re-designs. If the speed issue isn't do-or-die for you, this is the upgrade to skip. You'll pay a lot of money for little more than a design bump."

[mlass]

It's a few upgrades, but worth buying to me. My Wii and 360 get less use than my iPhone and I don't have to buy $60 games for it :laugh2:.

[Lincoln]

i agree with all her statements in the qoute you provided. It is a crappy camera. I don't care how you look at it. I loathe using it and can't wait to get an actual digital camera for taking pics. I think that anyone who would disagree is in denial lol. They could have at least put a better camera and a better SET of speakers. That would've been worth the price of upgrading alone...

I do a lot of photography, and I've used some really nice cameras. And based on this, the iPhones camera is good. Some of the shots I've taken with it are amazing; clear and stunning. Of course, it isn't the greatest, but it's nice for a cell phone.

- John

[Lincoln]

I'm personally waiting another month and going for the Samsung Omnia. It blows the V2 iPhone away in terms of functionality and specs.

The new 3G is a waste of cash if you ask me. Better off just buying a V1 when they drop in price this Friday.

Interesting to see so many "new" iPhones for sale on eBay. I wonder how many of them are actually new, as opposed to second hand phones being sold as brand new. If your phone has no marks and you still have the box, it's very easy to pawn it off as new.

Really? That thing... ew. Anyway, guess you're going to be hopping over here (http://mobileroar.com/forum/samsung-omnia/) soon.

- John

[Youngbinks]

i agree with all her statements in the qoute you provided. It is a crappy camera. I don't care how you look at it. I loathe using it and can't wait to get an actual digital camera for taking pics. I think that anyone who would disagree is in denial lol. They could have at least put a better camera and a better SET of speakers. That would've been worth the price of upgrading alone...

Does your digital camera also make phone calls? I don't think the camera was the primary focus when making the iPhone. It should be better but it's still a secondary.

[ravman]

Interesting reading. They are saying that the AT&T version of the Omnia won't have 3G or GPS, just so it will not kill their iPhone sales. If that is the case, I don't think I will be getting the US version of the Omnia now. But I'm still going to wait the month and see what happens.



Really? That thing... ew. Anyway, guess you're going to be hopping over here (http://mobileroar.com/forum/samsung-omnia/) soon.

- John

[chris]

What's important to me is 3G + Slingplayer for iPhone. On Friday, I'll have the first part of that equation. Sounds like I'll have to wait quite a bit longer for SlingPlayer. (http://www.slingcommunity.com/forum/thread/28842/Why-no-approval-for-iPhone-SDK-It-s-about-the/?highlight=iphone)

[iphone1027]

Wow, pretty surprising article from Erica Sadun over at TUAW entitled, "Why you shouldn't buy the iPhone 3G on Friday (http://www.tuaw.com/2008/07/08/why-you-shouldnt-buy-the-iphone-3g-on-friday/)." While I understand her viewpoint, the product being more evolutionary than revolutionary, it does come off a bit snippy.

"Other than 3G speeds and GPS, the new iPhone does not bring a lot to the table. It still has the same crappy 2 MegaPixel camera. It appears to have the same sized screen, the same speakers, the same microphone with a few cosmetic re-designs. If the speed issue isn't do-or-die for you, this is the upgrade to skip. You'll pay a lot of money for little more than a design bump."
Didn't Jobs say that the speakers were "improved" over V1? Correct me if Im wrong but I couldve sworn he said that in the WWDC

[Hayesimus]

Does your digital camera also make phone calls? I don't think the camera was the primary focus when making the iPhone. It should be better but it's still a secondary.
right but the whole platform they are using is that the iphone is everything you want in one device. well that's not true if i need to go and buy a seperate digital camera. And as for your question. Sometimes even my iphone doesn't make phonecalls. but i figure that is just AT&T raising the bar. ANyway, the point is that the V2 should be an improvement and so far it doesn't seem to live up to that ideal.

[Lincoln]

What's important to me is 3G + Slingplayer for iPhone. On Friday, I'll have the first part of that equation. Sounds like I'll have to wait quite a bit longer for SlingPlayer. (http://www.slingcommunity.com/forum/thread/28842/Why-no-approval-for-iPhone-SDK-It-s-about-the/?highlight=iphone)

That's a shame, really. I'd love to have a Slingplayer on the iPhone, right beside a TomTom app. Looks like both are going to have to put in some effort to get through, though.

- John

[DUKEL]

right but the whole platform they are using is that the iphone is everything you want in one device. well that's not true if i need to go and buy a seperate digital camera. And as for your question. Sometimes even my iphone doesn't make phonecalls. but i figure that is just AT&T raising the bar. ANyway, the point is that the V2 should be an improvement and so far it doesn't seem to live up to that ideal.

No its the iPhone. The reception on it is very subpar compared to say..a motorola phone. Places where my iPhone gets 0-2 bars my motorola phone will get full coverage, both using at&t. And I agree, lets face it, the camera sucks!! Worst 2MP camera I've ever seen on a camera phone. Again, my motorola phones 2MP camera destroys it thoroughly.

[Napoleon_PhoneApart]

FWIW, I think it's worth the $199. I'm a little peeved at lack of real time guidance, but I think that's coming down the road. (pardon the pun)

Please, Chris -- leave the bad puns to me...

[Napoleon_PhoneApart]

What's important to me is 3G + Slingplayer for iPhone. On Friday, I'll have the first part of that equation. Sounds like I'll have to wait quite a bit longer for SlingPlayer. (http://www.slingcommunity.com/forum/thread/28842/Why-no-approval-for-iPhone-SDK-It-s-about-the/?highlight=iphone)

I'm hoping that OrbLive will either be made available on the AppStore oir made available to jailbroken iPhone 3Gs. Failing that, the SlingBox seems like the way to go.

[joe]

This is a little surprising. I hadn't heard so many complaints about the camera until this thread. I think it takes great pictures when the lighting is decent. It suits my casual picture taking perfectly which I think is the point of it. Now if they were to improve the lens and low-light capabilities that would be a bonus.

I also haven't seen so many reports of poor iPhone signal until now. I have never really had a problem with it. On a drive from AZ to WA there was only one small spot where I lost signal (top of a mountain). I often have bars where Verizon does not. YMMV

[Napoleon_PhoneApart]

right but the whole platform they are using is that the iphone is everything you want in one device. well that's not true if i need to go and buy a seperate digital camera. And as for your question. Sometimes even my iphone doesn't make phonecalls. but i figure that is just AT&T raising the bar. ANyway, the point is that the V2 should be an improvement and so far it doesn't seem to live up to that ideal.

I have a nice digital camera, but the iPhone camera is nice for those quick shots you need when you're out without your standalone digital camera.

As a side note, to anyone with an iSkin Revo case -- take the damned clear plastic protective disc for the camera lens off and your picture quality will improve dramatically.

[Napoleon_PhoneApart]

This is a little surprising. I hadn't heard so many complaints about the camera until this thread. I think it takes great pictures when the lighting is decent. It suits my casual picture taking perfectly which I think is the point of it. Now if they were to improve the lens and low-light capabilities that would be a bonus.

I also haven't seen so many reports of poor iPhone signal until now. I have never really had a problem with it. On a drive from AZ to WA there was only one small spot where I lost signal (top of a mountain). I often have bars where Verizon does not. YMMV

I've been using my Motorola L2 (my v1 iPhone was sold on eBay) until the 3G comes out and it's constantly dropping calls, something that didn't happen so much with my v1 iPhone.

[ravman]

You won't have that problem with the Samsung Omnia.


What's important to me is 3G + Slingplayer for iPhone. On Friday, I'll have the first part of that equation. Sounds like I'll have to wait quite a bit longer for SlingPlayer. (http://www.slingcommunity.com/forum/thread/28842/Why-no-approval-for-iPhone-SDK-It-s-about-the/?highlight=iphone)

[hoits2000]

Well, its a good deal for poeple who never got one. But upgrading to it, is understandibly arguable.

[psylichon]

It is a crappy camera. I don't care how you look at it. I loathe using it

I think this is a case where you should be blaming the indian, not the arrow. Right, Geordisjd?

I mean... come on... you can't deny her impressive body of evidential proof that the iPhone's camera is, indeed, very worthy.

I don't know if you've seen any photos coming from all these other phones with "better cameras," but they're not really that much better. It's always a compromise in a device like this (and I swear to god aggie, if you chime in here, I'ma kick your butt. We know.)

[psylichon]

You won't have that problem with the Samsung Omnia.

Dude, tap the player... the record is skipping. :tounge:

[joe]

You won't have that problem with the Samsung Omnia.

Wow, does anyone actually like to use that interface? I watched a couple of videos and it looks horrid and the interaction is just awful. The icons look very childish, screen rotate is a gimicky me-too, along with the small buttons and micro arrow. I'll take the iPhone OS over the extra features. You can have them. :laugh2:

Forgot to mention... anyone complaining about the increased black area around the screen on iPhone 3G take a look at the black area around the Omnia: huge!

[Youngbinks]

What's important to me is 3G + Slingplayer for iPhone. On Friday, I'll have the first part of that equation. Sounds like I'll have to wait quite a bit longer for SlingPlayer. (http://www.slingcommunity.com/forum/thread/28842/Why-no-approval-for-iPhone-SDK-It-s-about-the/?highlight=iphone)

This is exactly what I'm wanting. I had SlingPlayer on my BlackJack while ON AT&T and there were no additional charges for it. I don't see they would consider that different than an iPhone if they're both using the same amount of data.

[3Guser]

Well, its a good deal for poeple who never got one. But upgrading to it, is understandibly arguable.

Which is why Iam getting one! Its more affordable to me!

[aenti]

not neccessarily.
i am coming off a 5 year family plan i've had that att no longer will support. my bill is going to be jacked up beyond reason, but hey, i dont care. i need this phone.

[coasts]

Dude, tap the player... the record is skipping. :tounge:

thats good humor. Love it.

[NateEssex]

not neccessarily.
i am coming off a 5 year family plan i've had that att no longer will support. my bill is going to be jacked up beyond reason, but hey, i dont care. i need this phone.

what do you mean "they won't support"!?!?
don't give up a grandfathered plan!

[Napoleon_PhoneApart]

Wow, does anyone actually like to use that interface? I watched a couple of videos and it looks horrid and the interaction is just awful. The icons look very childish, screen rotate is a gimicky me-too, along with the small buttons and micro arrow. I'll take the iPhone OS over the extra features. You can have them. :laugh2:

Forgot to mention... anyone complaining about the increased black area around the screen on iPhone 3G take a look at the black area around the Omnia: huge!

The video I saw made it look like the user was having to apply a bit more pressure on the touchscreen than iPhone users are accustomed to...

[Lincoln]

Wow, does anyone actually like to use that interface? I watched a couple of videos and it looks horrid and the interaction is just awful. The icons look very childish, screen rotate is a gimicky me-too, along with the small buttons and micro arrow. I'll take the iPhone OS over the extra features. You can have them. :laugh2:

Forgot to mention... anyone complaining about the increased black area around the screen on iPhone 3G take a look at the black area around the Omnia: huge!

Plus one, there. Ravman, best of luck convincing people here to switch to the Omnia.

- John

[eye-Fone]

Interesting to see so many "new" iPhones for sale on eBay. I wonder how many of them are actually new, as opposed to second hand phones being sold as brand new. If your phone has no marks and you still have the box, it's very easy to pawn it off as new.
Doesn't each phone device (iPhone or otherwise) have a running total of minutes used based on their unique "International Mobile Equipment Identity" (IMEA) serial number?

This could tell you if the phone has been used (as a phone).

[eye-Fone]

I watched a couple of videos and it looks horrid and the interaction is just awful.
Can anyone provide a link to said video(s)?

[kevlar08]

who here as been influenced by this article at all?

[Hondamaker]

If you're handy, you can unlock and eBay your v1 thus reducing the cost of v2.
Which is, of course, my plan. :wink:

[joe]

Can anyone provide a link to said video(s)?

I started with this one, comes up as one of the first videos when searching for "Samsung Omnia (http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en-us&q=Samsung+Omnia&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8)":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_xZFsyYJus

Then work your way down the Related Videos on the side, starting with this one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95Ky6nwR8ms

[kevlar08]

I started with this one, comes up as one of the first videos when searching for "Samsung Omnia (http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en-us&q=Samsung+Omnia&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8)":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_xZFsyYJus

Then work your way down the Related Videos on the side, starting with this one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95Ky6nwR8ms

at least its not an exact rip off of the iphone os, and the optical mouse idea could be cool...

[jarofclay73]

at least its not an exact rip off of the iphone os, and the optical mouse idea could be cool...

I guess an optical mouse would be good for anal retentive people who don't like to smudge their screen. :laugh2:

[up10ad]

right but the whole platform they are using is that the iphone is everything you want in one device. well that's not true if i need to go and buy a seperate digital camera.
One of the primary ideas behind the iPhone is to avoid carrying two or more tools (phone and camera and...). As psylichon noted, the camera is certainly capable of taking nice shots in the right hands. I wouldn't use it to record a wedding for posterity, but it is a much better alternative than carrying my Canon 20D around daily. It's a poor workman who blames his tools. The current 2MP camera isn't the best available but it is acceptable for a phone. And it too will be improved over time...eventually. Practice with it. Maybe we need a thread by geordisjd with tips & techniques for best performance.

That's a shame, really. I'd love to have a Slingplayer on the iPhone, right beside a TomTom app. Looks like both are going to have to put in some effort to get through, though.
- John

I don't see why it would be so bad if the Slingplayer was limited to WiFi, then there should be no objection from AT&T. Better than nothing

[chris]

I don't see why it would be so bad if the Slingplayer was limited to WiFi, then there should be no objection from AT&T. Better than nothing

I don't believe SlingMedia wants to limit it to WiFi. They want to deliver a full blown app.

The problem I have is that it's readily available for other platforms, so why not the iPhone. What's the only difference in the equation? Apple's approval. AT&T hasn't stopped Windows Mobile, Palm OS versions of Sling.

[aenti]

what do you mean "they won't support"!?!?
don't give up a grandfathered plan!

you think i should keep my grandfather plan?
i mean, its better than today's plans, and way cheaper...but still...
i mean, i've been waiting since december for the 3g...

any ideas guys?