Tag: iPhone

iPhone – Did I Make the Switch?

It’s been just shy of 3 weeks since I turned off the Blackberry and started testing the iPhone as a potential replacement.  In that time I’ve had the opportunity to install/uninstall software, test accessories, and perform an operating system update (all without issue or lost data).

Yesterday I wiped the Blackberry and turned it in (along with some ribbing from the guys at work).  I really didn’t think it would come to this but I’m going to admit it, I like the iPhone.

The iPhone is not perfect my any means (what piece of technology is?) but it’s preformed quite well during my testing phase.

While testing I made some mental notes along the way:

Pros:

  • Application Availability – If you can think of it there’s probably “an app for that”.
  • Build Quality – Solid with tight tolerances and attention to detail.
  • Screen Resolution – I can actually read PDF files now!
  • Overall Responsiveness – Very little delay between user input and system output.
  • Camera – Forget the Mega Pixel count, the optics are very impressive for a phone.
  • Audio Output – Loud and clear.
  • Messaging – iMessage, FaceTime & just about every Social App available.
  • Productivity – Full Exchange Compatibility (with the addition of a 3rd party application*)
  • Location Based Reminders – Arrive/leave a location and get reminded of something you need to do at that time (Example – Set the trash out every Wed when you get home from work).

Cons:

  • Battery Life – If you use the phone at all you’re going to have a hard time getting through the day on a single charge (I found a solution I’ll discuss below**).
  • On-screen Keyboard – I’m slowly getting used to it and the auto correct has not burned me (yet).
  • Data Network – I seem to lose 3G coverage more than I did with the Blackberry.
  • Software Limitations – Some Apps I could use (like a Wi-Fi scanner) are not approved for use by Apple Corp.  This is resolved by Jail Breaking, so I hear…
  • Siri – This has SO MUCH potential if it would just do more than basic functions.

* TaskTask a $4.99 app fixed the issue with Outlook Tasks not syncing with the iPhone.  This would have been a deal breaker for me if the app did not exist.  I live and die by my task list (Insert GTD fanboy laugh here).

** As discussed in a previous post the PhoneSuite Elite solved by battery issues.  I can use the iPhone all day without any worry of falling offline due to a low battery.

Some applications worth mentioning:

  • Remote Controls – I can now control Roku, iTunes, Media PC and the U-Verse DVR from the iPhone.
  • Games – Words with Friends is pretty addictive as are any of the EA Games titles.
  • Dragon Dictation – This app is built in and does an incredible job of turning spoken words into text.

So there you have it, yet another move to a new platform.  Let’s see, in the last 20+ years it’s been:

  • Pen & Paper
  • Casio Address Book
  • HP Palmtop
  • Motorola Pager
  • Motorola 2-Way Pager
  • Motorola Star-Tac
  • Palm (several models)
  • Windows Mobile (several models)
  • Blackberry (several models)
  • iPhone 4s

Who knows what the future will hold but it the past is any indication it’s going to keep getting better and better.

 

iPhone and Battery Life

This is part 2 of a series documenting my potential switch from a Blackberry 9930 to an iPhone 4s.  Part 1 can be found here.

After just a couple of days with the iPhone I’ve already noticed the battery life is nowhere near what I was getting with the Blackberry.  I know I’m playing around with it a lot but it’s also plugged into the laptop most of the time when I’m at my desk.

In the meantime I’ve ordered (and received) a case that has a built-in 21oo mAh battery.  The PhoneSuit Elite has enough juice to completely recharge a drained iPhone in approximately 2 hours.  It can also be used to keep the battery fully charged throughout the day.

The PhoneSuit adds a bit of bulk and weight (2.8 oz) to the phone (weighing 4.9 oz without the case) but that’s not a bad thing since I’ve come close to dropping the phone on more than one occasion (why is this damn thing so slippery?).  The case is easily removed should I need to slim things down and as an added plus it uses a micro USB cable for charging AND syncing.  That’s one less cable I need to keep track of in my gear bag.

I’ve had the PhoneSuit case for a few days now and I really like it.  I found lots of positive reviews online that made the decision to buy an easy one.  The case works as advertised and provides plenty of power to get me through the day leaving quite a bit of charge in reserve.  I could see getting 2 days of moderate usage without having to plug in for a recharge.

I also ordered a slim case for those times when I don’t need the extra battery capacity (or want the added weight).  If you’re looking for a phone case (or just about any accessory) don’t go retail, go eBay.  HUGE price difference and a lot of vendors offer free expedited shipping so you get your item in just a few days.  I ordered a case that retailed for $30 for only $2.99 on eBay.

I’m continuing to test the iPhone and upcoming posts will cover Applications, Siri, and Final Results of my testing.  Stay Tuned for more!

Can I Make The Switch?

Let me start off by saying I’m a BlackBerry fan(boy). I also like Apple. But I use a BlackBerry for my day-to-day tasks at work and personal stuff.  It’s been a great platform which has proven itself reliable, secure and fast.

Recently though with the latest software update I’ve had a lot of problems with my BlackBerry 9930. Frequent lockups, long reboots (15 minutes!), and poor battery life have led me to look for an alternative.

Earlier this week I received an iPhone 4s to try and so far it’s pretty interesting. Having used an iPod touch for years I’m very familiar with the Apple operating system. In fact an iPhone is just touch with a phone. (or so I thought).

I know there’s a bit more to it like processing power, battery life, screen resolution, and Siri, but other than that they’re very similar (ha).

The first thing I noticed when using the iPhone is its much faster than my fourth generation iPod touch. I mean it’s really fast!  It makes the applications that I’m used to much more enjoyable. They seem to launch faster, respond faster, and all-around give a better user experience.

I’m giving the iPhone two weeks to see if it can win me over. If not, I’m going to have to (shutter) look at an Android or go back to a Windows-based phone…  I surely hope the ghost of Steve will prevent that from happening.