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10 of the Most Annoying Things about the iPhone

Posted By Mr.Gadget Published in Apple, Life, iPhone

Jul

iPhone 3G Image Link Last week I wrote on the top 10 things I liked about the new Apple iPhone 3G. Now that I’ve had time to incorporate the iPhone 3G into my daily regime, I’ve ratified my most annoying things about it into the following 10. This list is also the result of speaking to fellow iPhone 3Gers like Twitter buddies @mpesce and @allisonr.

I see this list giving those who are still pondering on whether to make the iPhone 3G leap, a realistic view of the iPhone 3G – like all things on this earth, nothing is perfect.

1. Terrible Battery Life
The trade-off for all the wonderful functionality on the iPhone 3G is poor battery life. Running WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, iPod, and mobile phone capabilities at the same time will suck the living daylight out of any gadget. I’m sure Apple knew this, so one has to ask why didn’t they bump up the milli-amps to cater for this? Could this also be a reason why Apple didn’t include more bluetooth functionality such as A2DP or Bluetooth data file sharing abilities?

According to an experiment conducted by AnandTech, you can only browse for around 3 hours on the iPhone 3G before it completely dies! Here’s the comparison with iPhone Version 1 and the Samsung Blackjack.

As a power-user (I use all the aforementioned power draining functions with gusto daily), I’m finding that I have to charge my battery every night.

Here are some tips to help you conserve your iPhone 3G battery life:

a. Condition battery in first week: even though battery technology has improved immensely over the last 10 years, I still habitually fully discharge and charge my batteries of new devices in the first week. In the ol’ days of nickel cadmium and nickel metal hydride (still around), this both lengthened the life of your battery and ensure it knew where full and empty were.

b. Turn-off WiFi and Bluetooth when not required: this will save you considerable battery juice as your iPhone 3G won’t be actively scouring the air waves for nearby access points or bluetooth gizmos. Both of these can be switched off via the Settings option.

c. Get an extra charge cable or adapter: keep one at home via your bedside table and one for your work / study desk. This way you can re-juice while you sleep and work. I got an extra charge dock given to me at the Telstra Shop in Melbourne, since I was one of first so I’m all set in this area.

d. Get a iPhone 3G car charger: similarly if you drive to-and-fro everyday, make use of auto-power and top up your iPhone 3G.

e. Be conservative in your usage in general: I know I sound like a killjoy, but prioritise the tasks you perform on your iPhone 3G, e.g. do you really need to be using GPS when walking to your local convenient store? Save your battery for important situations like showing off at birthday parties with party tricks like the photo pinch ‘n’ zoom functionality.

2. No Bluetooth Data Transfer

Bluetooth iPhone Image Link Yup, you heard right, the Apple iPhone cannot transmit data files over Bluetooth. Kinda sad if you want to transfer your photos to friend’s phone or PC. For those in the U.S. blessed with lavish data plans this isn’t an issue as you can send via Internet/email. However, for the Australian Telstra iPhoners who are without all-you-can-eat or even remotely generous data plans this can be an expensive data transfer alternative. Guess we’ll just have to carry our USB cables on us wherever we go and hope that there will always be a free PC handy…not.

3. No full Outlook Sync Support
iPhone Outlook Sync Image Link Contrary to what iPhone 3G non-business users will tell you, the iPhone does not fully sync with Outlook. More accurately, the iPhone 3G only syncs contacts and calendar events and does not sync notes or to-do list. This is annoying as I have a lot of notes created and stored from my Windows Mobiles days, not to mention my daily to-do list which keeps me on track. Now I have to install separate apps to store this info and squirm at the idea of re-inputting these items into those.

4. No default Cut ‘n’ Paste

iPhone Cut and Paste Image Link Apple made many advances in portable device user interface technology however did not include one that has been part of our lives for many years – the simple cut ‘n’ paste ability. I used this on my previous Windows Mobile device to copy contact details, bank info, SMS bits and the like between different apps on my mobile gadget. However, this is a no go with the iPhone and we are ported back to the stone age where different apps could not share data on the fly with eachother.

There’s hope though. Was going through friend’s favorites on Stumble Upon and found out that we may be getting some Cut ‘n’ Paste action yet! Follow this iPhone Cut and Paste News Link.

5. Camera needs pimping

A 2 megapixel on a cool device like this is so 2007. At least bump it up to 3 megapixel with inbuilt flash. Then again this would drain the battery even more. Having said that, the pictures it takes aren’t too shabby in daylight or well lit environments. In contrast, don’t expect great pics in lowlight conditions – absence of image stabiliser and flash means there’s high probability of blurry photos.

6. No packaged Data Download Manager

In most countries around the world, mobile data connections via 3G are still expensive. Currently I am on a $100 monthly plan with Australia’s premium HSDPA network (Telstra) which only comes with a paltry 5MB of data. No there’s nothing wrong with your eyes, I did say 5MB. I had to purchase an additional data package _on top_ of my monthly commitment. My point, it would have been nice to have a Data Download Manager to help track and manage the amount of data I’m downloading per month. Haven’t seen one in the App Store yet, so this could be an idea for someone to develop (just me my fair cut ok?).

7. No Voice Dialling Built-in
Man Speaking iPhone Image Link This is standard fare on Windows Mobile devices so interested why Apply didn’t integrate voice dialling. This is very handy when it comes to sizeable contact lists – I have 500+ and not out of choice. Also invaluable when your hands are busy performing other tasks such as eating or dare I say it, driving… *ducks for cover* Perhaps Microsoft can make some inroads here with something like their award winning Microsoft Voice Command for Windows Mobile. I was a huge fan and advocate of this product and it worked well for me for many years.

Perhaps in it’s absence, it’s a good time to cull unnecessary contacts so you won’t have so many to scroll through?

8. No frontface Camera

Despite being on a very limited data plan with my telco, it would have been nice to have a camera on the front of the iPhone so I could conduct video calls with other tech-minded (geeks) people.

9. Lack of handwriting recognition

Doesn’t it make sense to have some form of handwriting recognition for something aimed at finger-usage and a decently sized input screen? It does to me. On my iMate Ultimate 8502 I was inputting around 40WPM by writing. Another idea for would-be iPhone app developers.

10. No Turn-By-Turn GPS Software
And last and definitely not the least gripe is, at the time of purchase there was not turn-by-turn GPS software available. Now don’t get me wrong; the little blue beep appearing on Google Maps is cute, but compared to the likes of CoPilot, TomTom, Navman or Route66 it falls short as it only gives a visual blue dot on a birds-eye 2D map and static textual directions. Whereas something like CoPilot 7 gives turn-by-turn voice instructions, 3D visuals and many more dynamic navigation options.

So that completes the 10 biggest iPhone 3G gripes for Arnold Aranez (me). While you and others may have your own list, I’ve highlighted the ones which most irk my experience on Apple’s second version of the iPhone.

At the end of the day, it is still a fantastic device – see my post on the top 10 things I like about the iPhone 3G. I think that both these posts together will give one a well-rounded view.

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Tags: Apple, iphone 3g, iphone 3g gripes, iphone 3g problems

47 Responses to “10 of the Most Annoying Things about the iPhone”

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krnageskillz Says, in 7-27-2008 at 23:56:32 from 121.79.18.13

I agree for the the most part with this blog except of the camera it’s only 2mp to help save the battery also to keep it from being too thick. Just look at the nokia N95 with the 5mp camera of how thick it is..

Graeme Smith Says, in 7-28-2008 at 07:55:37 from 75.169.134.87

Also, the iPhone doesn’t support MMS messages. So the only way to send pictures is via email.

10 of the Most Annoying Things about the iPhone » nohurry Says, in 7-28-2008 at 08:12:04 from 210.72.225.62

[...] 3G into my daily regime, I’ve ratified my most annoying things about it into the following 10.read more | digg story Tagged: Uncategorized [...]

efcos Says, in 7-28-2008 at 08:13:14 from 74.161.248.239

Agree, but there’s an 11, and I don’t know if it’s just me, but the OS is SOOO SLOWWWW and Buggy!!! if I want to make a call, I’d tap contacts and wait like 2 secs until the list comes up, then like 4 secs for the list actually scroll and be functional, then I tap a name and I have to wait aprox. 2 more secs for it to open and then dial, which lags a bit too to dial. It’s horrible! And it’s actually crashing constantly!!!! iphone 3G really SUCKS!

Xepra Says, in 7-28-2008 at 08:15:23 from 199.104.137.52

The broken bluetooth (no serial, obex, a2dp, HID, DUN, etc), lack of mass storage driver, and lack of sd card slot are my biggest problems…

I also would like an rdp client that uses the pinch zoom… That would be sick. (probably will come)

Waterproofing would also be nice, and given the construction may not be too hard to do… It’s not like it has a ton of holes or buttons…

Fox Diller Says, in 7-28-2008 at 08:16:10 from 66.183.7.193

I don’t agree at all with anything on this list, here’s why.

1) 3G is a faster connection to the cellphone tower, and one of the biggest issues (even Steve Jobs said it) is “High power usage”. It uses more power, want more battery life? Get a 2G phone.

2) Bluetooth transfer is slow, very slow. Why would you want to even think about transfering anything over it? Use USB, and bring a laptop. If you want over the air sync, wait until WiFi syncing is enabled. Oh, and it would lower your battery very fast.

3) If you want TODO and Notes transfered to your phone, use MobileMe, if you can afford to have Outlook on your PC then you can afford MobileMe, it’ll solve your problems.

4) I haven’t had Cut/Paste on any phone. Are you writing a novel? You have the ability to transfer your caret to fix errors, but in reality what do you need to push around? The only thing that’s needed is a way to dial numbers from most other apps, and that’s possible already in the SDK, so wait for AppMakers to get this ball rolling.

5) Again, two cameras would mean less battery; the same goes for image stabilization, it would take a large chunk of CPU power to stabilize an image. Try to use the phone with a steady hand. Need real photos? Get a digital camera.

6) Data management is your prerogative, not Apple’s. If you want to not worry about your monthly usage, then get an unlimited plan. Otherwise use WiFi or wait for a telco to no suck. Oh and this uses battery life as well.

7) http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=284957308&mt=8 Enjoy.

Battery life! This would take a grand chunk of power from your battery. If you want video calls, watch Blade Runner.

9) This is just reaching, there’s not stylus. Once you try handwriting recognition with a pinky, then you’ve lost. Bluetooth keyboard support will come soon enough.

10) This would drain your battery like a parched man in the desert looking for water. You ever handle a portable GPS device? It’s battery is massive. GPS works on math, and a lot of math = CPU power and less batter. Want turn by turn, get a in-car GPS system.

.fox

Benno Says, in 7-28-2008 at 08:23:19 from 122.105.122.177

You do know that the iPhone keeps track of your downloads in the settings under general – usage. Other thenthat I agree the battery life does suck but I can at least usually make it through a day which is the minimum most people need. Also I agree that the camera is very limited and is very hard to use when you want to take a photo of yourself as the position of the button can be hard to find backwards

emil h Says, in 7-28-2008 at 08:41:20 from 71.249.187.174

more megapixels ≠ more quality. bumping the MP would just make larger files with the same resolution given the quality of the lens. if anything, a better lens would help more.

Bits & Pieces Says, in 7-28-2008 at 08:42:36 from 61.95.15.182

Yes but look at the LG KU990, 5MP and it’s quite thin for its size. Good phone.

Alastair Says, in 7-28-2008 at 08:44:16 from 209.205.64.96

Mostly disagree with your comments. Although your point about bluetooth and cut/paste definitely stands.

Front facing camera – NO ONE makes video calls. No, I tell a lie. People make video calls ONCE, realises that it sucks and never does it again. It’s not worth Apple’s effort to integrate a front facing camera for a single video call.

2MP camera – The iPhone at 2 megapixels produces better quality images than all phones I’ve ever used. All digital cameraphones take terrible low-light shots. It’s not about quantity (of megapixels), it’s quality. People with digital cameras rarely print out images (in my experience) and a 2 megapixel camera will print out 6 x 4 images, which is the usual size people do print out digital photographs at. 2MP is plenty.

Handwriting recognition – What? Why in the hell would anyone need this? Handwriting recognition is infinitely slower and more inaccurate than typing in on a keypad or the iPhone’s virtual keyboard. The iPhone doesn’t come with (or need) a stylus and handwriting with your finger? Come on guy!

redeye Says, in 7-28-2008 at 08:57:38 from 77.101.221.90

In the UK the biggest flaw is O2…

Nathan Says, in 7-28-2008 at 09:14:32 from 204.11.214.2

How about no MMS? People with cheap phones can send and receive MMS, but the iPhone cant?

Ryan Williams Says, in 7-28-2008 at 09:21:32 from 87.194.234.75

Yeah, that’s not really an excuse krnageskillz. There’s actually a newer LG phone than the KU9900 mentioned above, although I think it’s only available here in Europe at the moment.

The LG KF750 has a 5-megapixel camera, as well as autofocus and a good flash — the pictures are amongst the best you’ll get from any phone right now. It also takes 640×480 video. And despite all that, it still manages to be 0.5mm slimmer than the iPhone.

Clearly the iPhone is way behind on phone camera technology, with even mid-range phones from 2006 beating it. I really hope Apple addresses this next time because I take a lot of phone snaps, but would otherwise love an iPhone.

me Says, in 7-28-2008 at 09:25:27 from 62.48.237.237

If you already knew iphone was lacking these functions you still buy it with a 100$ plan,thats so smart…

APPLE FANBOY YOU ARE

lol

daniel Says, in 7-28-2008 at 09:54:50 from 201.81.198.145

NEVER , I said NEVER fully discharge your Li-Ion or Li-Poly battery.. NEVER…

ALWAYS keep it fully charged… cycling a Li-Ion or Li-Poly battery is a recipy for destruction…

repeat after me.. ALWAYS keep it fully charged.. used about 1%, recharge.. another 10%? recharge…

NEVER let it dry out… it will DESTROY your battery in no time…

Li-Ion and Li-Poly batteries are very different from old nickel based batteries. they need special circuits to asure that they don’t discharge below a given voltage.. the recharge cycle is completelly different and non linear…

you can take my word for it, or you can check apple’s own suggestions to increasing battery life…

Gp Says, in 7-28-2008 at 10:17:27 from 68.179.116.139

It’s funny. I have had a blackberry for 2 years and other than battery life, none of these limitations would bother me. I’ll see how I feel once I get it sent to me.

Chris Says, in 7-28-2008 at 10:43:39 from 70.165.79.35

It doesn’t have a microwave in it either… that’s kind of a downer.

To make the comparison between an iPhone and a dedicated GPS unit is unfair to say the least. Are you going posting reviews on Garmin devices complaining that they don’t have coverflow along with their mp3 playing abilities?

It is also humorous when people compare the 3g iPhone battery life with older iPhones or non-3g devices. It’s apples and oranges. When you compare a 3g with other devices with the same functionality it still beats them out, as you saw when comparing it to the Blackjack.

Tijs Says, in 7-28-2008 at 11:08:52 from 83.161.2.155

To be honest, you shouldn’t have bought one in the first place… You could have known all of them in advance.

To go over them:

1. same as all 3G/wifi capable phones
2. true, but someone call the care police
3. correct, but probably a matter of time
4. this is your only valid point, yet again, only a matter of time (read Daring Fireball as to why it’s harder than you might think)
5. seriously this is getting old, the camera is more than sufficient, get a Nikon or a Canon if you want to shoot beautiful photographs. Care Police again imho.
6. and that’s the iphone’s mistake how? Trust me, Telcos just have to get used to the fact that they’re turning into bit pipes
7. I’ll grant you the benefit of the doubt here, I don’t have experience with 500+ contacts
8. nice to have, but not really necessary
9. if you really need to type that much, you’ll want something desktoppy/notebooky anyway
10. … yet. Both TomTom and another of which the name escapes me right now, are working. Also Apple announced more GPS stuffs in the 2.1 OS

Kaan Says, in 7-28-2008 at 11:49:25 from 93.96.19.254

to krnageskillz, N95 might be very thick but it is not the only 5mp phone in the market. There are many slim ones from Samsung LG and normal size Sony Ericssons.

Pete Yandell Says, in 7-28-2008 at 12:07:04 from 121.44.201.121

In response to number 6, I have two points:

1. Go to Settings > General > Usage, and your iPhone will tell you exactly how much data you’ve used.

2. Why, oh why, did you go with Telstra? $100 for 5MB? I’m on an Optus $59 plan and get 500MB a month, which is more than I can use. (1.5 weeks of heavy use has so far netted 28MB.)

zoolake Says, in 7-28-2008 at 12:24:53 from 99.246.43.103

Try the HTC diamond touch, its like the iphone, but you know…good.

Tim Says, in 7-28-2008 at 14:15:45 from 203.49.102.2

Interesting read – I think No.9 will remain on the wish list the longest. As I understand it, the iPhone touchscreen cannot be used with a stylus and I just can’t see fingers being “sharp” enough to be used to write whole words on a small screen. Perhaps something more like WinMo “letter recogniser” functions?

I notice “no tethering” isn’t on your list. Is that because tethering is something that you don’t use much, or is it because tethering is frowned upon rather than actully prevented?

For me, only No.10 is a deal-breaker…but No.2 is a surprising omission.

Tim Says, in 7-28-2008 at 14:33:13 from 203.49.102.2

@Fox Diller
You’re missing the point here, and it’s a big point:
All of these things are commonly available on other devices. These are the things that a typical WinMo user has to sacrifice to switch to iPhone, and that’s what the article is about. Granted, some of them (eg handwriting) are not so applicable to the iPhone, but somehow Nokia, HTC, Blackberry, HP, Asus (the list goes on) manage to squeeze this functionality into a package of similar size and still have reasonable battery life.

Of course he knew about these issues – the article is about the things he most misses or finds most annoying. And for me, it’s valuable information because its a transition many WinMo users are debating making.

Allison Reynolds Says, in 7-28-2008 at 16:50:05 from 202.81.18.30

For those that talk about the Usage tracking function as a reliable source of information I am finding it does not correlate with what my ISP says I have used…one of them is wrong. I would like to have a reliable method of tracking the usage because here in Australia we are charged through the anus for ever single kilobyte we use. (mind you that was not on my list of annoying things)

igor Says, in 7-28-2008 at 19:47:24 from 66.27.115.243

I have a BB Curve (iPhone is on its way).

In case you did not know, Microsoft’s own Entourage (Outlook for Mac) does not even sync your To-do and Notes with Exchange. So if iPhone does not do its, its not a big loss for me. I’ve gone years without that.

On top of that you seem to expect a device which hit the market only a year ago to do what every single phone/pda/gps/ipod/laptop do *COMBINED*! If this is what you’re waiting for you are in for a surprise.
You make compromises in your life every day, and this is no different.

Bill Says, in 7-28-2008 at 23:51:31 from 80.192.76.17

My own gripe is # 3, i use sync quite frequently & use my old mobile rather than the iphone, why don’t they put more thought into this maybe it’s a conspiracy, old foes and all that.

Krazd Says, in 7-29-2008 at 02:56:30 from 128.195.223.86

I’m just looking forward for the new Blackberry Bold!

Mr.Gadget Says, in 7-29-2008 at 22:56:20 from 121.44.173.48

I find it funny how people don’t read posts in their entirety. The whole point of this post was to give people a rounded view of the iPhone. In no way am I saying that it is a crap device – quite the contrary.

I think the iPhone 3G is an amazing device which is why I camped out the night before to be one of the first!

Please the last couple of paragraphs; it was a personal take from someone who also wrote on the top 10 things about the iPhone 3G only a couple of days before hand.

Thanks for dropping by though.

Carlos Martins Says, in 7-29-2008 at 23:38:51 from 87.196.114.144

1) Just disable 3G on the new iPhone – you’ll get the same (or slightly better) battery life like the 2G model. You can’t have 3G *and* compare it to the 2G model.
Also, from my experience, having everything turned on (Bluetooth, wifi, GPS, etc.) doesn’t impact the battery life as much as I was afraid.
While in standby mode, the power draw is virtually the same whether you have those services enabled or not – meaning it handles “power saving” states rather well.

2) It might be useful, yes. But considering Apple doesn’t even allow you access to the file system… I don’t know how they could implement it. Some things are easily done via email; others not quite.
At least, the chance to send a vcard/contact to another phone would be nice.

3) Can’t comment on that, never used Outlook. I would rather much have official support on Linux. Other than that, I prefer syncing to online services. Only thing I miss is integration with Google Calendar – *that* would be great.

4) Hope that will come soon.
Selecting the text and the “tapping while holding” (hey, it’s multitouch why not use it?) would be my suggestion to implement it.
like demonstrated on that old concept video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXgsQhiGeag

5) I’m fine with the 2MP resolution (more MP means bigger files, more processing power, etc.) However, I do agree they could/should have used an enhanced sensor, that could handle better low light scenes, and some way to focus from 1 inch or so.

6) It offers the basic usage statistics. More than that, it’s a task for a 3rd party app.
(But ideally, this type of equipment screams for “unlimited” data plans – though I know how you feel, as I’m also entitled to only 250MB per month)

7) Yes, I also missed that. There are Apps to do it, but it should have come integrated right from the start as standard.

Not really an issue – at least for me – I’d gladly trade a second front face camera for a a single better 2MP camera on the back.
(But, if it had one, I imagine the iPhone to be the kind of device that could possibly starting pushing voice calls into the mainstream.)

9) That might make sense for an Apple Tablet, but not for an iPhone. You have the keyboard, you have chinese/japanese/etc. recognition, what more do you want? Having no need for a stylus is one of its biggest advantages compared to other touchscreen smartphones.

10) Google maps doesn’t even allow it. Again, navigation is better suited for a 3rd party app, like TomTom – and I’m sure they’re working hard to release it as soon as possible, as the iPhone is a dream machine for “always connected” map updates, traffic info, error reporting, etc. navigation.

(This is no way an “attack” to you – I had the same “problems” you’re facing now, when I wrote a similar post a few days ago – and was immediately flamed around.

I’m just trying to “defend” some of the criticism that has been said about the iPhone that I think is unfounded – while at the same time I have no problems admiting there are lots of other things that could/should be improved – most of them could be done via firmware updates. So let’s hope Apple doesn’t let us down.

10 cosas molestas del iPhone: BlogMoviles Says, in 7-29-2008 at 23:56:48 from 91.192.108.80

[...] MrGadget, blog dedicado a la tecnología y nuevos dispositivos, encontramos una acertada lista de las 10 [...]

Mr.Gadget Says, in 7-31-2008 at 21:12:02 from 121.44.173.48

@Carlos Thanks for your thorough reply! I’m confident that a lot of these will be fixed by Apple in upcoming versions…well at least I’m hopeful

Cheers,
Arnold

Helen Says, in 8-1-2008 at 20:24:59 from 220.253.138.31

I love my iPhone 3g but there’s one annoyance – it can deal with only one Bluetooth device. I get in my car, have to unpair the headset, pair up the auto handsfree set. If I forget, too bad if the ‘phone rings, I can’t answer it. When I get where I’m going I have to unpair the handsfree, pair up the headset. This seems unbelievably primitive.

New Technology » Blog Archive » Motorola EQ7 Wireless Hi-Fi Stereo Speaker Reviewed Says, in 8-4-2008 at 18:31:25 from 67.228.110.52

[...] adapter. CNET subjected it to connectivity tests and found that it could even be paired with the iPhone 3G, although since it doesn’t have A2DP support, it could only be used as a speaker phone and cannot [...]

AminoSC Says, in 8-4-2008 at 23:07:29 from 208.104.130.135

I agree with EVERYTHING you wrote.

Foxlink - 9 تاریخ 1387.5.8 (79 لینک) - لینک های داغ از سراسر وب « لینکهای داغ از سراسر وب Says, in 8-26-2008 at 15:09:05 from 76.74.248.178

[...] 9- 10 of the Most Annoying Things about the iPhone [...]

Top-10 موبایل - تاریخ 2.شهریور.1387 (65 لینک) - لینک های داغ از سراسر وب « لینکهای داغ از سراسر وب Says, in 8-26-2008 at 23:18:29 from 72.232.131.45

[...] 19- 10 of the Most Annoying Things about the iPhone [...]

Textodd Says, in 9-17-2008 at 01:20:11 from 216.110.76.65

I agree with everything you said although some of the things you mention (Bluetooth data transfer, better camera, front-face camera, handwrititng recognition) probably aren’t that important to the vast majority of people.

The REAL problem with iPhone though is the lack of data sharing between applications. Whether it’s cut and paste or simply the ability to save email attachments without having to find a computer to sync, this is a MAJOR, GLARING ommission. It almost makes the iPhone unusable as a mobile business device. You have to be able to readily transfer, organize and manipulate files ON THE PHONE in order for it to be a true “Smart” phone/PDA. Apple is so afraid that they won’t make money on every single function of the phone that they have seriously crippled it.

I like the features of my iPhone but its more of a toy than a business device. Frankly, Windows Mobile kicks the iPhone OS’ butt when it comes to business use.

I love hearing all the Apple apologists come out of the woodwork whenever someone says anything critical of their beloved Apple products. It’s like a freeaking religion to some of you folks! (ahem… Fox Diller) Apple products are…gasp…sometimes NOT the best on the market no matter how slick the marketing and “style”. In the end it has to FUNCTION the best to be the best.

My iPhone has crashed multiple times in the 2 weeks I’ve had it. I’ve lost apps that I paid for for no apparent reason and the Exchange interface is clunky at best.

In short, it’s just OK. It’s very shiny and pretty and with the right apps it can do some cool stuff but by the time you disable all the features necessary to achieve stability and ACCEPTABLE battery life, it’s an overpriced and average device. More good marketing by Apple. And for those of you who say, “but hey, it lasts longer than the other 3G phones, etc. etc.” I say, who cares? Just because they ALL suck, doesn’t mean that it’s acceptable.

Pat Says, in 9-19-2008 at 14:09:55 from 124.120.157.135

that’s why i choose nokia e series

Cheryl Kaye Tardif Says, in 10-8-2008 at 14:54:49 from 96.52.189.141

I’m a first time Apple user–an apple virgin if you may. The iPhone 3G is the first product I’ve owned. And I have to tell you, I LOVE it.

I am fairly tech savvy, but no expert. I find the features to be awesome and easy to use. Synching my contact list was a breeze. I have no problems with freezing, crashing or slow pages. I bought my iPhone less than 2 weeks ago.

This is the perfect phone for someone on the go, and someone who likes to have a “fun” phone. I discovered the Notes application and that I can email my notes to my PC. I’m an author who always is hit by novel ideas, so this works perfect for me. In fact, I’m now actually writing a novel on my iPhone 3G! Watch for the press releases later this week.

Before, I had an LG phone. It was good as a phone. I hated texting on it so I rarely did. I love the iPhone’s keyboard. Once you get used to it, it’s quite amazng.

The only downside I’ve experienced is that I have to be careful how I tap. I find a light tap with the tip of my finger usually works best. Or the top side. A friend of mine has the same phone and says his fingers are too chubby so he has problems. Again, it’s just a case of finding the right angle and touch method.

Other than that, I charge my phone about once every 3 days. I use a variety of the features daily, including the Twitter icon.

All in all, I’m very impressed with this device. Yes, I could use a cut ‘n paste icon, and it would be great to be able to attach photos in every application. For me, this phone works.

If you’d like to read my review, check out:
http://www.cherylktardif.com/finding-bliss

Cheryl Kaye Tardif
Bestselling Canadian author

Ayush Says, in 10-16-2008 at 20:35:23 from 120.89.105.9

Thanks for such a nice post, I had an Iphone and have shifted to an HP now.
The HP is so much better and I am really enjoying it over iPhone.
What I have can be seen at HP iPAQ 212

JustBekky Says, in 12-1-2008 at 14:22:14 from 58.108.169.75

Data usage issues: Really your issue.

For a start, this is not the phone’s problem; you can track your usage in settings>general>usage>Cellular Network Data.

You should’ve got an Optus or Virgin plan.

Telstra’s are WOEFUL.

Ben Says, in 12-3-2008 at 10:52:48 from 164.53.218.22

It’s just that most of your annoying things about the iPhone are actually annoying things about Telstra. Why did they sell you an iPhone on a data plan that deliberately makes it unpleasant to use!?

PS. Person who said you shouldn’t drain the batteries. Apple’s own advice is to fully drain it at least once a month.

Tim Says, in 12-4-2008 at 08:36:03 from 203.49.103.252

@Ben – if you actually read the article, NONE of the annoying things are about Telstra. They are ALL hardware or software related.

The lack of a Data Download Manager (which is the only place Telstra is mentioned) is still a handset issue. Sure it would be nice to have a cheaper data plan from Telstra, but that doesn’t change the fact that a Data Download Manager is not included.

JK Says, in 1-18-2009 at 08:27:16 from 94.192.31.239

Having an iPhone is the new image. So many people buy the phone for the image and not the features. For example, they can’t just set the iPhone on a table with the screen facing up, oh no! It has to have the apple logo with the iPhone text. Usage plans in the UK SUCK!! £30 for 75 Mins & 125 Texts! Seriously?! Are you kidding, if you take a different plan without the iPhone on the same network, for £30 you get – 1200 mins and 1000 texts!

It’s a joke!
Networks are just taking the piss!

7 Must-Have Additions for Next iPhone: iPhone Wishlist 2009 | Mr.Gadget Says, in 3-3-2009 at 20:56:53 from 117.55.226.90

[...] Apple stop. Before you even think of releasing it, I’ve compiled a wishlist of features that I (and many millions around the world) would love to see accompany the next iteration of the iPhone. Please take note that this is list is devised around my personal preferences and most were mentioned in my blog post regarding the “10 most annoying things about the iPhone“. [...]

Why the next iPhone absolutely needs a better camera | Mr.Gadget Says, in 3-11-2009 at 21:55:57 from 117.55.226.90

[...] Apple, Mobile Phones, iPhone 11Mar A few months ago, I listed the 2 Megapixel camera as one of the 10 most annoying things on the iPhone 3G. With the flourishing number of iPhone apps for growing social media giants Twitter and Facebook , [...]

iPhone 2009 Specifictions and Release Date Leaked? | Mr.Gadget Says, in 5-20-2009 at 22:37:10 from 117.55.226.90

[...] Oh can’t forget I’m also looking forward to better battery life, turn-by-turn GPS and others… [...]