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iPhone Reviews Are In, And They're Positive
Well, the four tech reviewers hand-picked by Apple to play around with the iPhone for two weeks have turned in their verdicts, and the reviews are mostly positive.
Walt Mossberg and Katie Boehret of the Wall Street Journal say that "despite some flaws and feature omissions, the iPhone is, on balance, a beautiful and breakthrough handheld computer." Battery life is impressive, lasting about seven hours for video, which is more than other smart phones.The duo praises the large screen ("makes other smart phones look primitive"), the thinner-than-a-BlackJack design, and the smart and elegant software. Complaints include the multiple steps it takes to complete many functions, including advancing or stopping songs, and the inconsistent quality of AT&T's network.
David Pogue of the New York Times also gives props to the software ("It's beautiful, menu-free, and dead simple to operate," he says) and the full Safari browser, but is more critical of the virtual keyboard ("Text entry is not the iPhone's strong suit."), the lack of Flash and Java support for many Web videos, the multiple steps required to make calls, and the slow EDGE network. Also, Pogue only gets five hours of battery life with video (due, most likely, to the fact that he kept his iPhone's Wi-Fi on). Pogue's funnier walk-through with the iPhone shows up in this video.
Ed Baig of USA Today says the iPhone is worth the hype, despite a few flaws. He prefers the iPhone's iPod functions to the actual iPod and doesn't miss the scroll wheel at all. He echoes what others have said about the iPhone being the first iPod with the CoverFlow feature you may know and love from iTunes (that it works beautifully). Baig complains that some accessories, such as the Shure headphones he's testing out, will most likely need an adapter to fit into the iPhone's headphone jack. And, he says, the iPhone does not support Bluetooth stereo, so no wireless Bluetooth stereo headphones for you.
Steven Levy of Newsweek has the longest and most in-depth review. Again, he's essentially positive on the iPhone ("one of the most hyped consumer products ever comes pretty close to justifying the bombast."), but he also is the only reviewer to really hone in on the things he doesn't like, which is refreshing. Like everyone else, Levy praises the iPhone's full Safari browser, screen (for photos and video), and design (even pointing out how the touchscreen goes dormant when you're making a call, which is great for avoiding accidental hang ups when you've got the phone to your face). Levy is the only reviewer to question Steve Jobs's claim that the iPhone is the greatest iPod ever made. He rightly points out that 8GB is just not enough for to replace the regular iPod of anyone (who will be entertained by one movie, a couple of TV shows, and a few hundred songs on a long, 14-hour flight to Tokyo?). He also complains about the lack of Instant Messaging (other than iChat), meaning many users will have to resort to their 200 text limit to get messages across to each other. Levy also never gets the hang of the keyboard, but ultimately, like Mossberg, decides it's a non-issue.
So there you have it. Given the absolute control Apple has exercised over the information about and access to its latest product -- a PR job that rivals those of Hollywood mega-stars and many a propaganda-spewing government -- it looks like these reviews are only the beginning. We'll see just what works and what doesn't after the three million or so iPhone buyers actually start using their new devices come Friday.
Regardless, it seems like the three most significant positive take-aways from the early reviews of the iPhone are:
For cons, the main agreements seem to be:
Oh well, looks like AT&T is becoming the official scapegoat for all complaints iPhone!
If you have the feeling that the media is possibly sucking-up to Apple in its iPhone coverage, you might want to check out this provocative piece of media criticism from Slate.
Do you think the first set of iPhone reviews are too fluffy?
Related Links:
Walt Mossberg and Katie Boehret of the Wall Street Journal say that "despite some flaws and feature omissions, the iPhone is, on balance, a beautiful and breakthrough handheld computer." Battery life is impressive, lasting about seven hours for video, which is more than other smart phones.The duo praises the large screen ("makes other smart phones look primitive"), the thinner-than-a-BlackJack design, and the smart and elegant software. Complaints include the multiple steps it takes to complete many functions, including advancing or stopping songs, and the inconsistent quality of AT&T's network.
David Pogue of the New York Times also gives props to the software ("It's beautiful, menu-free, and dead simple to operate," he says) and the full Safari browser, but is more critical of the virtual keyboard ("Text entry is not the iPhone's strong suit."), the lack of Flash and Java support for many Web videos, the multiple steps required to make calls, and the slow EDGE network. Also, Pogue only gets five hours of battery life with video (due, most likely, to the fact that he kept his iPhone's Wi-Fi on). Pogue's funnier walk-through with the iPhone shows up in this video.
Ed Baig of USA Today says the iPhone is worth the hype, despite a few flaws. He prefers the iPhone's iPod functions to the actual iPod and doesn't miss the scroll wheel at all. He echoes what others have said about the iPhone being the first iPod with the CoverFlow feature you may know and love from iTunes (that it works beautifully). Baig complains that some accessories, such as the Shure headphones he's testing out, will most likely need an adapter to fit into the iPhone's headphone jack. And, he says, the iPhone does not support Bluetooth stereo, so no wireless Bluetooth stereo headphones for you.
Steven Levy of Newsweek has the longest and most in-depth review. Again, he's essentially positive on the iPhone ("one of the most hyped consumer products ever comes pretty close to justifying the bombast."), but he also is the only reviewer to really hone in on the things he doesn't like, which is refreshing. Like everyone else, Levy praises the iPhone's full Safari browser, screen (for photos and video), and design (even pointing out how the touchscreen goes dormant when you're making a call, which is great for avoiding accidental hang ups when you've got the phone to your face). Levy is the only reviewer to question Steve Jobs's claim that the iPhone is the greatest iPod ever made. He rightly points out that 8GB is just not enough for to replace the regular iPod of anyone (who will be entertained by one movie, a couple of TV shows, and a few hundred songs on a long, 14-hour flight to Tokyo?). He also complains about the lack of Instant Messaging (other than iChat), meaning many users will have to resort to their 200 text limit to get messages across to each other. Levy also never gets the hang of the keyboard, but ultimately, like Mossberg, decides it's a non-issue.
So there you have it. Given the absolute control Apple has exercised over the information about and access to its latest product -- a PR job that rivals those of Hollywood mega-stars and many a propaganda-spewing government -- it looks like these reviews are only the beginning. We'll see just what works and what doesn't after the three million or so iPhone buyers actually start using their new devices come Friday.
Regardless, it seems like the three most significant positive take-aways from the early reviews of the iPhone are:
- the excellence and user-friendliness of the software.
- the sumptuous, 3.5-inch, high-resolution screen
- the Safari browser that lets you see full Web pages
- impressive battery life for video and other power-draining features.
For cons, the main agreements seem to be:
- AT&T's inconsistent network
- the slower EDGE network versus 3G
Oh well, looks like AT&T is becoming the official scapegoat for all complaints iPhone!
If you have the feeling that the media is possibly sucking-up to Apple in its iPhone coverage, you might want to check out this provocative piece of media criticism from Slate.
Do you think the first set of iPhone reviews are too fluffy?
Related Links:
- iPhone Camper Interviewed By Switched!
- iPhone Service Plans Revealed
- AOL Video: Reporter's iPhone Diary
- Engadget: First iPhone Reviews Out
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Comments
10
Subscribe to commentsjessJun 27th 2007 12:35PM
Does Apple screw the consumer over with the iphone like they do the ipod? After reading the "10 things ipod does not want you to know", of course after I bought the ipod, I will NEVER purchase another Apple product again. I do not care what Apple promises! Do you get only 1 free servive call with the iphone as you do with the ipod? Or are they as touchy as the ipod, my son's froze after a less than 4in. fall to a carpeted floor (Apple contacted me AFTER the warranty expired and the person who finally called spoke almost no English). It took 3 MONTHS of calls and e-mails to get a response, all for naught!
GLID13Jun 28th 2007 9:22PM
HEY,SAVE YOUR MONEY.THIS APPLE IPHONE IS ONLY 2nd GENERATIO,WHY BUY OLD TECHNOLOGY.SAVE YOUR GREEN BACKS.
KaeJun 28th 2007 11:58AM
I don't have the motivation to purchase the iPhone at all...regardless of the reviews. Being a business major and knowing the product life cycle like it was one of my children, I know (like most other consumers) that new products are virtually real-world test versions. The people that thrive on having the "newest" tech-gadget are also the ones you have complaining 5 seconds after they power it up....yet they are first in line to purchase the next hottest thing without thought. Regardless if it's a super phone or a hot new gaming device it's always best to wait it out before purchasing...
To respond to "Jess"...I'll admit that the 1 free service call sucks as far as Apple warranties for the iPods go, but I wouldn't necessarily call it screwing the consumers...it's not a secret that consumers are not made aware of in many forms prior to purchasing an iPod. Assuming you are a responsible consumer, even the most simplistic of research shows you this is the case if you opt to maintain only the standard 1 year warranty offered with iPods. If you choose to get the AppleCare plan to extend the warranty this is not the case as it also takes care of the pesky 1 free call thing. As with any product, no matter what there are always bad ones in the bunch. And considering that iPods dominate the market it is safe to assume that the number of bad ones out there appear to be higher simply because the sheer number of iPods (good AND bad) are great. I'm not a Apple loyalist...I don't own any other Apple products except for iPods and have had several...a mini, a 1st gen nano, a 2nd gen nano, a 5th gen video iPod, and a 2nd gen shuffle. I have never had to use the 1 free call for any of these iPods and have never experienced any of the complaints that some have had. I have had all of these for various reasons...the 1st gen nano I got as an upgrade to my mini, but the mini still works perfectly to this day (it has been given to a family member). The 2nd gen nano and the 5th gen Video were both gifts. The Shuffle I actually purchased for my son as a Christmas gift. I know that my experience with iPods is not an exception as I know many people with them that have had the same success or greater than I have. I think it's unfair to denounce an entire company because of your bad experience with one product. As far as CS...trust me...although I have never had to contact Apple's their CS is nowhere near the worst out there...nor is it uncommon to deal with language barriers when it comes to dealing with reps. Welcome to the world of mass outsourcing. Most companies have used this practice and in return, consumer complaints have risen. It sucks but it's the way things currently are. Tricks I have learned include immediately esculating an issue...you will usually be transferred to a call center or management official that is most likely "American" (assuming you are a US customer).
Anyway, I got completely off topic and I apologize. My original point is this...for now, the iPhone, as glitzy as it appears, is something that I won't be running to get. I already have a MP3 phone and I never use that feature...that's what my iPod is for. My phone is also capable of using the internet. I don't use it...that's what my desktop and laptop is for. Remember the days when a cellphone was just that...a cellphone?
Nick VasquezJun 29th 2007 6:28PM
Any wonder why they choose to use AT&T as the provider.
I quote:
"Oh well, looks like AT&T is becoming the official scapegoat for all complaints iPhone!"
Once the bugs are gone we will be able see Verizon and Apple shine, but all for not.
Out of Microsoft and Apple who doesn't throw some wrench in the whole thing anyways. Even Verizon is guilty of it.
Joe Big Balls LombardiJun 29th 2007 5:40PM
I think the fact that the iphone doesn't support 3rd party apps, just shows a continuation in apple's nazi mentality. This course of action almost put them out of business a few years ago, if it wasn't for good old "uncle Bill Gates" there would be no iphone or apple. no bluetooth?? i cant beleive this phone would not support bluetooth. They will have to make some revisions before I buy one, and I buy just about every new gadget that comes out.........
Thanks
MissyJun 29th 2007 5:41PM
I think this Iphone is a huge waste of money it's full of glitches, and it won't last long...! trust me...! it's fragile..! built cheap and they are getting rich off you! Its omly worth maybe $75.00 in reality. WAKE UP>>>>>
RochestermafiaJun 29th 2007 7:48PM
The iPhone, as nice as it looks, is probably a big waste of money. It's probably as fragile as the iPod nano, and if it breaks, then you've lost your phone AND your iPod. I had AT&T(Cingular) for a little while and the service is the worst. So just save your money and keep them seperate!
Viviana WongJul 3rd 2007 2:24PM
The way our greenbacks value is going, buy the phone. It's only $600 of ever devaluating paper money. In case you haven't checked, the US dollar has been dropping like a rock for the past few years since Bush took over the country. Amen
seanboukerJul 21st 2007 11:13PM
why the hell would i spend 650 something bucks on some laggy ass pice of shit that frezzes up in the most unconvinent times ..o yeaa whos droped there phone before ...yea me to...
the iphone can become the most expensive paper whiegh in a matter of a split second.screen scratches up as well bet ya didn`t know that.screen scratches leds go out .
its an ugly litle brick if you ask me
seanboukerJul 21st 2007 11:13PM
why the hell would i spend 650 something bucks on some laggy ass pice of shit that frezzes up in the most unconvinent times ..o yeaa whos droped there phone before ...yea me to...
the iphone can become the most expensive paper whiegh in a matter of a split second.screen scratches up as well bet ya didn`t know that.screen scratches leds go out .
its an ugly litle brick if you ask me