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This wasn't really insulting at all. I thought it was a nice article and I agree with him...

...though if it ran linux (:-)) or allowed me to run all the ruby apps for dosage/plasma drug level/dosage interval calculators Ive written for work on it I might consider it...

Or Ill just wait for an eeepc and use my free Nokia phone that I got with my contract...

These are my choices just like the author had his. That is what is great about (semi)free markets...and technological evolution, like the theory Linus espouses...

Edited 2007-11-21 16:29

If the iPhone ran Linux, the product wouldn't be so interesting any more. It's not the hardware that is the slick part, it's the software.

That said, I was puzzled when the iPhone arrived, and it was clear it did not support 3rd party apps. It's Cocoa based for crying out loud! Why don't they make that its greatest advantage? Well, in the last couple of months Apple has announced that this will change, so we'll see.

OS X is a *ix, so the criticism that it isn't linux is kind of silly. Besides any utilities you'll miss can more then likely be installed via macports.

If they would allow access to a Terminal I'm sure you could get them to work.

"Mac OS X 10.4 has ruby and irb (interactive ruby) installed by default, so I was able to just type "irb" and follow along with the examples."
http://aplawrence.com/MacOSX/ruby_on_rails.html
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=os+x+ruby&btnG=Google+...

Really a non-issue in a few months time...

Wow, this is almost EXACTLY the same path I took. =)

In my opinion, the iPhone is a smartphone for people that don't really want a smartphone. For how cool it looks, and how nice the UI is, and how slick of a package that combination makes, it really isn't that powerful; I don't mean that from a hardware perspective (because by those measures, it certainly is powerful), but more from a software perspective. First and foremost is the lack of an SDK. Yes, I know, Apple says they will release one soon (though in what form is yet to be determined), but it goes past that. On my Windows Mobile device, I can load up a hacked ROM if I want, and completely change how the phone works. The development platform is very mature at this point, so there are many, many applications available.

I like the iPhone. I think it is going to do a lot of good in moving people away from the junky throwaway free phones they are accustomed to (most of them weren't even really aware of smartphones, and if they were, didn't know why they should even care). In that regards, I am appreciative of what the iPhone is, and what I think it will do. I think it will introduce the concept of a phone as more of a portable computing device to the masses, and that is a good thing; however, I am already at that point, past that point, and I want something that does more.

Who knows, maybe a few years out, the iPhone will have evolved into more of an open device that will suit my purposes. For now though, I need something that gives me more control.

Ok I have to ask what this is about and I am not in love with exchange or windows but I have to use it.

"The main reason was "full" Exchange server support. The iPhone supports IMAP; which I don't have implemented, and for security reasons, is shut off."

What is insecure about the exchange IMAP server ? What about it is any more insecure then the exchange pop3 or MAPI server?

Ok I have to ask what this is about and I am not in love with exchange or windows but I have to use it. "The main reason was "full" Exchange server support. The iPhone supports IMAP; which I don't have implemented, and for security reasons, is shut off." What is insecure about the exchange IMAP server ? What about it is any more insecure then the exchange pop3 or MAPI server?

IMAP only provides the email component; it doesn't provide sync support for Contacts, Tasks and Events, which I do use on a constant basis. Also, in case my phone is stolen, I can remotely wipe the device using OWA or the admin console; I can't do that with IMAP.
The iPhone also doesn't support push email for Exchange; ActiveSync does.

Edited 2007-11-21 21:15 UTC

This is very true.

I had the beautiful Nokia N95 with 5 megapixel camera etc and found it to be absolutely piece of shit since it takes at least eight seconds to focus and actually take a frigging picture. I now have some 4 GB worth of useless pics and it doesn't really matter that these useless pics have a 5 megapixel resolution.

Introductory vignette:

When I choose a gadget, the first criteria that comes to mind is: which gadget would I most like to have a beer with or have sex with (depending on the gadget's anthropomorphic gender identity). Usually the relationship ends in heartbreak and betrayal. Why don't the gadgets in my life love me for who I am rather than who they want me to be!?!...

The problem with consumer culture is that we seek emotional and social validation through our purchasing decisions. There are three distinct subconscious desires that motivate these behaviors: to fit in, to stand out, and to rise above. Whichever desire dominates in a particular individual determines their reaction to products and advertising. A fourth desire, to be oneself, is the least common, but it's the fastest growing market in much of the world.

These so-called "reformers" (from the perspective of the prevailing establishment) dominate the technical and creative intelligentsia. They don't want to be like everybody else. But they certainly don't want to be told how to be different, nor do they feel like they're better than everybody else. Why do they insist on being different? Because they are different, and they universalize this idea to suggest that we're all different.

But not totally different. Ironically, of the four groups, the reformers are the most likely--and the conformers are the least likely--to acknowledge that everybody is fundamentally similar. We're not the same, but we share a broad range of values. The difference between the reformers and the competitors is that while they both believe deeply in their own uniqueness, the reformers believe that these differences can be reconciled, whereas the competitors believe that they must battle for superiority.

The symbiotic relationship between the competitors and conformers is a cultural juggernaut, whether in politics, religion, or society. However, the relationship between the aspirers and reformers is tentative and uneasy. The reformers tend to think that the aspirers seek empowerment in all the wrong places. The reformers are broadly criticized for having an overly optimistic faith in humanity.

The conflict mainly centers around whether or not we embrace difference and whether or not we seek an active role in decision-making. The four quadrants define the four underlying social motivations.

To quote the not-so-great Donald Rumsfeld, "freedom is messy". But I believe that it's a beautiful mess so long as everybody's voice is equally heard and everybody's opinion is equally respected.

I hope you've found this comment vaguely on-topic.

Edited 2007-11-21 20:52

"Could it be better , yes , but the competition is not even trying , so Apple have the leadership to do what they want."

I don't understand this sentence.
What do you mean exactly?
Nowadays, every phone has a camera, a music/video player and a web browser (except the really really cheap ones).

You either didn't read or didn't get his points.

Cameras in phones suck. iPhone camera appears not to be much better (but nicely integrated from what I've seen).
Every music/video player I've tried is almost unusable. It's either Slow as Hell (damn symbian/nokia/etc.) or imposible to understand.
And don't get me talking about web browsers.

I have an iPod Touch (no iPhone in Spain yet), but I've used an iPhone for a "few minutes" and I use the iPod Touch almost daily.

The amount of overload they took off the user by implementing things the way they are in the iPod/iPhone is amazing.
It must not be the perfect phone, it may not copy/paste, etc., but you can definitely do things in 2 seconds, things that in my Nokia N70 (or the N95 for the matter), can take you up to 15 seconds. Seriously, have you ever used a Motorola?

Finding a contact takes at least 5 seconds. On the iPhone is SO easy to do just that, that I am shocked. I really couldn't care less for EDGE/3G. I just want a phone. Sending SMSs and calling somebody should be so simple that I don't understand what's wrong with Nokia, Sony and Motorola NOT getting the point. They insist on adding more and more stuff to already slow phones that can waste 3 seconds redrawing the screen. Not to mention when you just have to reboot because they hang.

I don't have an iPhone, I've barely seen/used one for minutes. I "just" have the "demo" version -> ipod touch.

All I can say is that if the iPhone makes finding a contact, calling him, sending him a msg, etc., as easy as the iPod Touch makes finding a song, then its a real revolution.

YMMV.

//Finding a contact takes at least 5 seconds. //

Wow. 5 seconds. What a wait.

That is actually pretty bad. The ostensible purpose of a phone is to dial people, so finding contacts is a common case. Also, it's not like the data structures to do this efficiently are poorly-known or unimplemented. Flash on phones may be slow, but they have fast processors and lots of RAM, so they ought to be pretty quick.

"Cameras in phones suck. iPhone camera appears not to be much better (but nicely integrated from what I've seen). "
2.0 megapixels is cheap nowadays.
I expect 3.2, or even 5 for the latest phones.

I tend to agree that the software they ship usually suck (at least those I have tried : nokia and sony), but you can easilly install opera and oplayer for browsing and playing movies or rally3D for gaming.

I like the iPhone look and it is a good phone, but to say that others don't even try to compete is just plain wrong. There are tons of competing similar products.

"I don't understand this sentence. "

I know you do , you just disagree with my observation. Just by reading your comment.

"every phone has a camera"

Yes , but do they all have a picture display as big and as fast as the one Apple iPhone as , does it sync with computer so easily can you send them as easily ?

The answer is no Win for Apple iPhone here.

"a music/video player"

Yes , but is it as beautiful ? Most of the time no , as integrated with a distribution system like iTune ? No , does it permit vertical and horizontal viewing and controlling ? No ? Does it has Album cover display , no , etc ...

Another Win for Apple iPhone.

"a web browser"

Yes , but is it a browser like safari with the same capacity and features , we are talking about a browser that is built for speed and beautiful rendering that as almost instant zooming with the touch of the screen.

Another win for Apple iPhone.

And like I said you concentrate mostly on what the other's have to compare , it's the little thing and those added feature on top of them that the iPhone as that differentiate and give it the edge over the others.

I am not saying it's the top available solution in each category , not that it's perfect and for everyone , don't get me wrong , I am sure that for each feature other's have one better solution but not all of them on the same phone.

Size , weight and design are also big factor some are brick but can do better , some are better design but can do less , other are the same but are ugly.

It's like comparing a small helicopter to a car , both are vehicules , both get you from point a to point B , except one goes over traffic and the other don't, etc ...

Put a price one each and every features , you will see that the iPhone for the number of device it replace and for what it does is at a very good price point and is superior to what the competition offer in the same price range.

Edited 2007-11-21 15:39

See, what you don't understand is that (most) people here can't have this fudgy middle ground. It either sucks or it doesn't. It couldn't possibly be good enough for some people if it's not good enough for themselves.

As you said, the iPhone isn't perfect, it has its flaws, but know what? It does just work. It works as a phone, as a web browser, as an email reader, as a music player and does all of this with style. It does ALL of this, and people here still bitch because it doesn't have an SDK yet that only 1% of people care about. Or because it lacks some other feature they think it should have! (I'll agree on missing network types, Edge is slow!)

We here that read OSNEWS are NOT the NORM! My Mom/next door neighbor/whoever doesn't care or know what an SDK is, or that doesn't have 3G. They see a pretty UI and go "oooo! Pretty!" And then they find its not only pretty, but *shock* it actually works as advertised!

"because it doesn't have an SDK yet that only 1% of people"

While only 1% may be developers that want to make apps, way more than 1% will download other's apps and install them if they could. Thus, one could argue that though they might not know what an SDK is lots of people want it indirectly.

I think he means that nobody in the US wanted touchscreen only phones until Apple brought out the iPhone

(either in that Apple did it right, or people deciding that if Apple is pushing it, it must be good enough for them.)

"People who say they don't want one concentrate too much on what they don't like about it , where as those who buy one know that for that price it replace :

- Phone
- Good camera
- Music and video player
- Practical web browser
- Portable map delivery system ( GPS )
- Portable search computer :
------------------------------------

Why do you need those replaced? Why on earth would I need a slow speed web browser? Why on earth do you think I NEED a GPS "delivery system". And why do you think I'd need a phone, video, and music player rolled into one device?

Focusing on what people DON'T like compared to another is simply the most effective way of deciding between products. For me the iPhone has two huge hurdles: 1)joined at the hip to AT&T whereas any other cell phone I can switch to another carrier, IOW I own the phone (provided I'm not in a contract) it doesn't own me. 2)The whole "bricking" Apple did showed that Apple thinks they own your iPhone and that you are less than a renter (I feel the same way about MSFT's EULA on hardware such as the XBOX).

"Why do you need those replaced?"

Less baggage to carry ... 1 device vs 6. There is no need either , just that it's a solution for those who want it.

"Why on earth would I need a slow speed web browser?"

The speed is defined by your connection and the processor and website content your browsing to , safari render in nanosecond on fast connections.

"Why on earth do you think I NEED a GPS "delivery system"."

If you get lost or are looking for a specific location on say boulevard taschereau ( it span over 6+ city )

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&time=&am...

"And why do you think I'd need a phone, video, and music player rolled into one device? "

Why not ? you prefer to carry 3 + more device ?

"Focusing on what .. of deciding between products."

I prefer testing myself , most of the time people never tried the product and are just repeating what others are saying , each individual have different needs. It's a case by case situation.

"1)joined at the hip ... it doesn't own me."

There are unlocking methods also with most phone people get a contract , in order to get the phone anyway.

2)The whole "bricking" ... as the XBOX).

That's a problem you will have with every phone company , the telcos are very powerful lobby everywhere.

I would personaly prefer that those where to be made illegal by laws. Maybe that's what Apple is pushing for.

I am defending the Apple and iPhone user position here , but I agree with you that those are big hurdle , but as I said the competition is not doing anything better.

"- The Internet browser as no real equal on cellphone"

any phone that will run Opera has at least the option for an equal or better browser.

Having used Opera Mini 4 on a few devices and now owning an iPhone I can say that the OPs statement is quite realistic.

The browser is not the issue. The multi-touch display and tilt sensors coupled with a large screen on the iPhone make it a lot better than any phone running Opera.

Edited 2007-11-21 21:12

I was responding to the parent post's assertion that it was the best mobile browser. I never argued about the interface of the phone itself.

>Could it be better , yes , but the competition is not even trying , so Apple have the leadership to do what they want.

Nice fanboy action dude... Have you even looked at the competition. I have and interestingly enough I am looking at the Sony Ericsson and not the iPhone. No idea why, but while the iPhone is interesting it is not for me.

Maybe it is the fact that I restrict and have everything determined for me???? Ever think of that one?

Well, according to Wikipedia, he's a British cinematographer who worked on such films as "Dracula: Prince of Darkness" and "On Her Majesty's Secret Service". Sounds like a pretty cool guy.

Wait, he did Bond but he doesn't like gadgets?

That can't be right.

Well, according to Wikipedia, he's a British cinematographer who worked on such films as "Dracula: Prince of Darkness" and "On Her Majesty's Secret Service". Sounds like a pretty cool guy.

May be I should write an article about why I didn't watch either of the movies.

Also According to his picture on his blog he looks too young to have worked on "On Her Majesty's Secret Service".

http://www.unmusic.co.uk/?module=NukeWrapper&file=all_about_me....

"My name is Michael Reed aka Robin Hyder. I am boy/girl/thing who was created on 31/01/76. I live in a grim town in the North East (UK) with my mum and her husband and two cats. Not wishing to sound boastful but I'm more of a geek than a nerd."

Sorry you have the wrong guy. The link on the Article has the above blurb in the About Me section.

So according to Reed anyone that purchased an iPhone didn't have a well reasoned process.

Read the article again. Reed never says that. What he says is that the iPhone falls short in several areas, goes on to point out what they are, points out how over-hyped the device is, and then suggests how to react to somebody who chose the device purely for reasons that can't be expressed rationally. He's not saying that YOU didn't use a well reasoned process. You may well have done so. But many people don't. Pet rock, anybody?

"Style can refer to ease of use and ergonomics - in other words, how something fits into a person's life. Style can be the difference between "plug in and play" and "become frustrated while fiddling with drivers, settings and connectors"."

Not true, you've just revealed how new to computers you actually are. "Plug and play" actually refers to not having to adjust com ports and IRQ's by hand. It has nothing to do with drivers. Even a basic usb mouse has a driver, it just happens to be included in most operating systems.

// rather, it is innovative and competent, something that MS is not, despite the monopoly status and an endless supply of cash. //

I was wondering how long till we got a token "anti-Microsoft" rant, just for the sake of it.

How is Microsoft related to the iPhone again?

Microsoft, via Ballmer, ranted about how expensive the iPhone is and tried to dismiss it just like the writer of this ranting article.

I find it bothersome when someone dismisses innovation rather than give a well-balanced critique. Sure the iPhone is not a geek's dream and doesn't have all the features in the world, but it does have some unique features that no other phone has. And it is an innovative product with mass-market appeal. When did microsoft last bring us an innovative and competently-made product like OSX, iPod, iPhone, ...?

See the connection now?

"He's just been lucky that I even bothered to post this."

Why, just like you are not interested in his opinion, I doubt that he is that interested in yours, if you can't be bothered to read the article anyway