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The iPhone - behind the hype
As you’re probably aware, Apple Inc finally unveiled their much-hyped iPhone in America in June, writes Jecinta Noble
As well as making their fortune in computers, Apple’s iPod is the leading MP3 player and iTunes is the No1 digital media player in the market. The iPhone also has a digital-music player which allows users to sync with iTunes. On top of that, it boasts a touch screen, email, full internet browsing, a two-megapixel camera, stereo Bluetooth, a speakerphone and a high-resolution 3.5-inch display.
Is it any good?
Early reports from the States give it the thumbs-up. Apple customers are extremely brand loyal and as expected, there was a major waiting list when the iPhone first launched. Despite much scepticism, the touch screen, or multitouch user interface, if you’re being proper, is a big hit, with many users citing it as easy to use and scratch-proof. The trademark Apple sleek design is a nice surprise and showcases their main selling point, photos and videos, superbly. As David Pogue from The New York Times comments, ‘lists scroll with a flick of your finger, CD covers flip over as you flick them, e-mail messages collapse down into a trash can. Sure, it’s eye candy. But it makes the phone fun to use, which is not something you can say about most cellphones’.
When
The European iPhone launch is being touted for November, and there was much speculation that Vodafone would be signed as their exclusive UK partner, however, it’s now understood that O2 have won the contract, although an official announcement has yet to be made. Orange has won the deal in France, and T-Mobile in Germany.
Where
O2 shops, if the deal materialises, but you can pre-order your iPhone at any Apple store, and although the demand will be high, the iPhone is not a limited edition. Don’t be tempted to pick one up from the States on eBay just yet though, as you’re bound to pay over the odds and you’ll have the added headache of seeing if a UK SIM will work in it. Be especially careful about UK sites bragging to already have the iPhone in stock. They don’t, so make sure the vendor’s got a good reputation or you’ve dealt with them in the past.
Cost
There are two iPhones selling in the US, the 4GB model for $499 (£250) and the 8GB model for $599 (£300), but expect these prices to vary as no one knows exactly what it's going to cost yet, especially once contract details are added.
The downside
Many users have complained online that they’d like a larger memory than 8MB and under American network AT&T, there was no 3G support, but Apple have reportedly listened to complaints and factored that in when looking for European network partners.
The variable call quality has also been mentioned and the fact you have to sync the iPhone to manage music content, has been cited as a bit of a pain. The other major issue for US users is that they had to sign a two-year contract with AT&T and that SIM-free iPhones aren’t currently on sale. However, we’ll have to wait and see what deal UK operators offers and online rumours say a SIM-free (and contract free) iPhone will be sold.
Overall
Despite some expected hiccups, the iPhone has had a rapturous reception. Competitors are no doubt in hot pursuit, but as an integrated mobile phone and MP3 player, Apple, as usual, is way ahead of the game - especially when it comes to the hype.
This article was created: 9 August 2007.
This article was last edited: 21 August 2007.
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