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New iPhone leaves iGirl wanting more

June 10th, 2008, 7:10 am · 19 Comments · posted by Sonya Smith

iPhone 3G promo

Whew! Monday was a big day for this blog’s resident Mac addict. Now that she’s had an evening to digest the new iPhone, Sonya ‘iGirl’ Smith offers her expert analysis on the new phone.

The 3G iPhone announced by Apple’s Steve Jobs Monday takes the mobile device a much needed step further in offering GPS and 3G, but some phone features seem ignored in the upcoming device.

The lack of an improved camera, the lack of color options beyond black and white and the lack of memory beyond 16GB in the 3G iPhone make it look like Apple is intentionally holding out so folks keep upgrading and upgrading their phones each year and possibly twice a year. Sure, continuous upgrades to products make companies big money and keep investors happy, but I’d like to know that there won’t be a red iPhone with a 5-megapixel camera released in two months.

Alas, my geekiness won’t let me pass up the new iPhone. I plan to wait in line again at the Irvine Spectrum Apple store (hopefully not needing to stay overnight) to buy yet another shiny, perfectly-wrapped Apple mobile phone. Steve got me at GPS — I just really believe some great new apps will result from GPS - and I can’t wait to try them all (see No. 4 on list below).

mobilemeStill, MobileMe (I already use .Mac, that MobileMe replaces) is the best announcement from Monday. I have spent many a nights hunched over my computer trying to sync all my data between work as a journalist, teaching dance, my personal life and position at a national journalism organization.

Yes, MobileMe costs money — but so far Google’s Calendar (at least for me) has been the only option for “syncing” data between Mac and PC (you can’t edit all the information and have it automatically update flawlessly, though it’s improved). While the 3G iPhone will get the most limelight, I believe that MobileMe if well constructed may be the biggest game-changer out of the Monday Apple announcements.

Now, on to my list of features I wanted in the 2nd-gen iPhone.


Here, I see if the new phone lived up to all my expectations:

check30.jpg1. 3G. The main feature of the new iPhone. I’m looking forward to much faster Internet when away from Wi-Fi after July 11.

x30.jpg2. Longer battery life. Apple says the new phone has 300 hours of standby time, five hours of talk time and five to six hours of browsing time. That is a slight reduction actually when compared to the first iPhone (first version had 10 hours talk time, now its 5). Many people say that’s not bad battery life considering the phone uses 3G (said to be power-draining). But, what if I’m covering wildfires for the Register again and don’t have a chance to charge my phone? Looks like we’ll have to wait for future iPhones so we can talk without worry. Let’s also hope downloading third-party apps will not drain the battery life further.

iphonecolorcalcheck30.jpg3. A better calendar. I asked for iCal to be synced via .Mac and for the iPhone version to be color-coded and both my prayers have been answered. Not only is the calender now synced online through the new service called MobileMe (with editing allowed online, plus wireless syncing) it also includes contacts, mail and photos and my Apple products (Address Book, Mac Mail and iCal) will sync with Microsoft Outlook without third-party software that leads only to frustration and lost information. Also, an Apple screenshot (at right) for the new MobileMe on the iPhone shows a color-coded calendar — hooray!

check30.jpg4. GPS. Another big hooray! Not only is GPS essential (sorry, faked GPS via triangulation is still not GPS) for mapping and directions but it will likely lead to many interesting mobile apps that use a user’s location. Already two apps were announced: AP news formatted for a user’s location and Loopt letting people see where their friends are located. Now, I wonder who will be the first developer to create a truly stunning new Twitter, Flickr or YouTube-like geo-tagged goodness?question30.jpg

5. Turn up the volume Apple says the volume has been “improved” on the new phone, but I’m still skeptical until I hear it.

x30.jpg6. Voice-activated dialing. Still not on the phone. Perhaps a smart mobile developer will figure this out and offer it - I’d pay $20 at least for voice-activated dialing. Perhaps that developer could also throw in talking directions — so I really can use my iPhone for driving directions.

x30.jpg7. A folder for storing documents, etc. Not coming from Apple. We’ll have to see how Zoho and Google battle it out for supremacy in storing and editing documents on the phone.

x30.jpg8. Allow us to see weather forecasts beyond 7 days. Not added by Apple. I’m betting we’ll see at least a few very intelligent weather apps available in July, though, when the iPhone app store opens.

x30.jpg9. Copy/paste. Not added. This, beyond a better camera, is one of the few things that only Apple can control (meaning downloading apps will not solve the situation). Eh, looks like I’ll still carry around a notepad and pen.

x30.jpg10. To-do lists. Not added by Apple. I’m guessing, though, that task managers and games will be the two most competitive apps in the iPhone app store.

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 19 Comments

  • Signal25A says:
    June 10, 2008 at 8:28 am

    What about the ability to receive pictures or video from other cell phones. I hate having to go to a website and enter a username/pass in order to see content friends have sent me through their cell phones. This is awful!

  • Sonya Smith says:
    June 10, 2008 at 9:03 am

    Signal25A_ I agree. This list above is just my personal top 10. I’m sure other people have other features that would be more important to have on the iPhone. Thanks for sharing!

  • Sean Holman says:
    June 10, 2008 at 9:23 am

    I love my iPhone and have had it since Day One (and wouldn’t trade it for the world), but I too was hoping for a 32GB model (especially now with apps), a better camera, copy/paste, iChat, etc. here is to hoping 2.0 fixes the Bluetooth issues too.

    The color doesn’t bother me and the price is great. I’ll probably be with you in line too though, 16GB, GPS, and 3G are huge for when I need info on the fly (I am a journalist too and travel frequently).

    Lastly, I also have .mac and for Mobile Me (stupid name) to update over the air is HUGE. Can’t wait!

    –Sean

  • steph says:
    June 10, 2008 at 9:49 am

    So the million dollar question is will a better phone come out three months later and for $100 less?

  • Nick says:
    June 10, 2008 at 10:35 am

    I’m really on the fence about this new phone. To me, the best and most important announcements yesterday were the 2.0 software update and MobileMe. Both of these things I can have on my “old” iPhone. I agree that 3G and GPS are the main attractions, but other than that I don’t see a reason to buy this new phone. I’m trying to decide if $299 is worth it to get 3G and GPS. I’m not convinced yet.

    I absolutely agree that MobileMe is the single best thing to come out of yesterday. I am also a .mac subscriber and this is going to be awesome.

    Here’s my list and maybe when these features are on the iPhone I’ll buy a new one:

    1. MMS, MMS, MMS!
    2. At least 32GB of disk space
    3. Copy and paste
    4. Document opening, creation, editing, saving
    5. Black matte rubberized design

    (With this wish list as my benchmark maybe I’ll never buy a new iPhone?)

    Also, I have always had a terrible reception problem with my phone. This, I’m convinced, is an AT&T problem. Some people suggest it might be because the antennae is at the bottom and your hand covers it, but I have the same reception problem when I use the headphones and don’t touch the phone. However, I seem to have the reception problem most place I go so I guess there’s an outside chance it’s an Apple problem and not AT&T but I’m still pretty convinced it’s an AT&T thing. Does anyone have some comments about this?

    -Nick

  • Mitch says:
    June 10, 2008 at 10:45 am

    Sorry Steph, since this iPhone is carrier subsidized (hence the $199 or $299 price), your camp at the Spectrum Apple store will be for naught. The iPhone will only be available at AT&T wireless stores. If you aren’t eligible for that upgrade yet (last new phone was less than 2 years ago) be prepared to shell out some more money. Word is also that the unlimited data plan pricing will be $10 more per month.

  • Tom L says:
    June 10, 2008 at 10:55 am

    The $199 price tag for the 8gb phone is great, but it screws up pricing for the Ipod/Iphone lineup… It costs less than the Ipod Touch. Looks like new pricing may need to occur. Maybe now that the Iphone is 3g (our biggest complaint all this time), Apple can introduce a broader lineup ranging from the Shuffle and Nano Ipods to Iphones that have advanced hardware like better cameras and video conferencing. I’m just not sure what the future holds for the old Ipod and even the Touch if pricing doesn’t fall in line.

  • B says:
    June 10, 2008 at 11:19 am

    While the new iphone has GPS, a compass, a device for gameplay enhancement, 50 hours more of idle run tim and runs on a faster line, it really is not a great improvement over the regular iphone. There is no substantial increase in battey life or the quality of the applications already in use on the regular iphone. The firmware 2.0 download will be available for both devices for free, so there isn’t a difference between the phones there.

    With that said, the real drawback that I have noticed is in the overall cost of the new iphone. Yes, it is initially priced at $199 for a 8GB device but when one takes into account the extra $70 a month ($39.99 per month for basic service plus an additional $30 a month for unlimited data) on top of the regular monthly fee for the AT&T phone line, it is a complete and utter ripoff. The initial price may be cheap but Apple more than makes up for it with the additional charges on the back end.

  • David says:
    June 10, 2008 at 12:14 pm

    Rip Off / You are all suckas for buying this POS, read a book.

  • eric h says:
    June 10, 2008 at 12:44 pm

    I was so disappointed yesterday. I was all set to get a new phone but it’s not ready yet? What is wrong with these people? Still no MMS? No video recorder? No video conferencing? 16gb max? Lame! Lame! Lame! Lame!

    The thing should have had 3G to begin with. GPS is cool but I’m not convinced it will work very well. Could just end up being a huge pain in the neck.Oh, and we get to give ATT more money now for network? Please. Can I tether my MBP to the ATT network via the iPhone? No. Can I stream radio stations? No. Does it have a Keychain application that will sync with my existing keychain? No.

    As much as I would like to have an iPhone, I’m still not convinced.

  • Nick says:
    June 10, 2008 at 1:52 pm

    Mitch_ I don’t think you’re correct about your post. There’s no subsidy and you can buy the iPhone from the Apple store. Where did you get this information?

  • David says:
    June 10, 2008 at 2:01 pm

    What the hell do you people need a GPS for? Give me a break, your not climbing any mountains & you know where South Coast Plaza is. Plus Apple will come out with another IPhone in 6 months that will make this one lame. I bet you all wish you didn’t buy the first one at $600 - Suckas, by the way, I hope I don’t see anyone camping out for this stupid phone, please take a look at yourself in the mirror if your even considering this, don’t be a complete loser.

  • T says:
    June 10, 2008 at 2:54 pm

    The Iphone is a horrible device. I bought one the first day and had 14 problems with it. The reception was HORRIBLE compared to other phones. It had low volume while on the phone and no way to turn it up. The text message tone alert was so low you cannot hear it. From what I understand, no improvements have been made. I returned mine on the 14th day and never looked back.

  • Sonya Smith says:
    June 10, 2008 at 3:31 pm

    Sean Holman_ The color doesn’t bug me, but I am a big fan of red and would likely buy an iPhone if offered in that color. The features you mention are also things I was looking for - especially 32GBs for downloading applications. And, yes, over the air updating will be huge with MobileMe. And lastly, yes Mobile Me is a funny name, but I think its better than .Mac (called out loud dot-mac).

    Steph_ I wish I could earn a million dollars and say if a better phone will come out in three months and for $100 less. I don’t think the phone will be sold for only $100, so I doubt the price will drop that much in the next year. A new version of the iPhone within three months? Now there I think there’s a higher chance and we’ll just have to wait and see.

    Nick_ I understand that it’s difficult to decide on upgrading to a 3G iPhone. My only advice is that you think about the new features and if any of those are a must-have (that’s how I decided, at least). And yes, as I said before, Mobile Me will likely be big. I really like your list of wanted features, I agree on all points with a big star next to 32 GB of space and a black rubberized finish. Just so you know on the reception issue, all I’ve heard is that the phone’s back being changed to plastic from alumninum is intended to help with reception. But, as with things such as the audio, we’ll just have to wait and see when the phones become available.

    Mitch_ Yes the unlimited data pricing is $10 more a month. But, so far I’ve heard that both Apple and AT&T stores will be available to carry and sell the next iPhones.

    Tom L_ I agree on the iPod Touch pricing, nothing was said on that issue yesterday. I’ll keep my eyes peeled for any news on that issue.

    B_ The fact that there are little new features in the 3G iPhone was one of my main points, and so I agree with you. Just so you know, the cost per month is no an extra $70 — the new iPhone data plan will cost $10 more per month. I’m sure that some folks who use the Internet and e-mail will be very willing to pay that. Still, it’s not for everyone. I’m thinking that many regular iPhone users will see no need to buy the new phone and they’ll just hold-off until an even better version comes on the market.

    eric h_ If those features you listed are very important for you, I’d suggest going with another smartphone such as a BlackBerry or Nokia. The iPhone does not have everything, it just (to me) has the best user interface.

    David_ I am very glad that I bought the first iPhone at $600. Yes, that is a lot of money. But, I’ve saved lots of time and frustration on having a phone for the past year that just works. Sure, that $600 would have been a bad expense for some people, but it was a choice I made. On the GPS issue you raise, I don’t think it’s only needed for directions and mapping and I think many new applications designed for the 3G iPhone will show other ways that GPS can be useful.

    T_ I’m sorry you had such problems with your iPhone. I agree that the audio is too low, but I’ve never really had a problem with reception (but then again, that depends on where a person lives). I wonder what kind of phone you are using now.

  • B says:
    June 10, 2008 at 3:36 pm

    David don’t be so presumptuous as to know what people do and do not do in their spare time that entails the utilization of devices such as GPS.

    T, there have been a number of change that have remedied the problems. I think the mistake you made here was buying something the day it came out. NEVER do that when it comes to tech items. There are inevitably vast numbers of bugs that take months to work out. The regular iPhone as of right now is fantastic. The volume is fine, text messaging alerts are working as they should, etc. Problems are few and far between. I absolutely love the iPhone despite my lack of love for Apple in general.

  • B says:
    June 10, 2008 at 3:41 pm

    Sonya, I got my figures for the new monthly costs from an article printed in today’s edition of the OC Register paper. If they are printed in error, I stand corrected.

  • Gadgetress says:
    June 10, 2008 at 4:17 pm

    B - AT&T’s new monthly fee is $70 total = $40 for phone service, $30 for data. That’s $10 more than it used to be. We printed a wire story from the Associated Press today that defined the $40 as “service for the phone.” Hope that clarifies!

  • My 2 cents says:
    July 10, 2008 at 11:29 pm

    Ah yes, back to the iPhone foolishness. Please, OC Register, practice real journalism.

    I know it’s the Gadgetress, and that you’re supposed to feed the iPhone frenzy. But considering the number of reporters getting laid off, please, spend your time and resources combing more important beats, not evaluating Apple’s latest gadget and reminding Register readers how superficial so many OC residents truly are.