[blakedes]

Class action to deal with iPhone screens that shatter on impact when dropped from minimal height.

http://www.lawyersee...iPhone&x=25&y=4

[ColinC]

As others have said, the iphone's beauty is only skin deep. It has a nice screen, the touch interface is good, and pretty home pages. Beyond that the software sucks.....

1. Safari crashes on about 1 in 10 pages.
2. When it crashes it throws you back to the home page.
3. It doesn't recognise international phone numbers and refuses to dial them
4. No cut and paste
5. No way to correct a "faulty" phone number. You have to write it on a bit of paper and retry a different format.
6. No listening to music over bluetooth
7. No use of phone as a modem over bluetooth
8. Can't delete emails when away from a network connection - why can't they sync later?
9. Can't control what emails and attachments get synced for reading offline later
10. Push email often stops pushing
11. Sending emails offline sometimes don't get queued to sync later, but just vanish
12. Progams are all one-at-a-time. I can't interupt one task to do another - and then get back to the first where I was
13. The user interface elements are inconsistant. e.g. swipe across to delete works in some places and not others
14. I can't tap on a time in the calendar to add an appointment. To add time and date is really clumsey.
15. Calendar appointments often fail to sync
16. A chronic lack of user settings on most apps to control what happens.
17. The settings you most need - to control 3G, wireless, Bluetooth, location services, phone on/off are all in different places.
18. If you don't keep switching the items in 17 on/off the battery drains fast
19. Location services away from home cell signal is very slow
20. 3G signal reception is very poor. I can't use my iphone in place where other phones work fine.

I could go on .... but either Apple will have to significantly improve the software - or the other phones coming on the market will remove the first-to-market advantage very quickly.

[TechieXP]

Looks like more ppl are saying the 3G wasn't ready for full release. In fact several companies have pushed out tech toys that was ready for release and had major problems when released to public. The Apple iPOD, Sony PS2 and so many others.

Interesting - we have 4 iPhone users in our office. One has the original, and the other have the 3G. One major problem in our office is it is all steel and glass. And we have lots of disruptions even with out inter-office wifi. The user with the older iPhone, never has to use his phone outside to get a signal. But the 3G users can't get a regular signal most times and never get a 3G one. Even moving over to the windows doesn't help. One of the 3G users goes to the conference room to use his. The windows are huge...and he gets lots of dropped calls.

I also saw a site on how the glass cracks even when dropped from low heights. The Motorola Razr on almost all models use real glass. On the V3M model I had (Red), I dropped it several times, and only teh casing cracked. I have a Motorola Qc..also a glass phone. Have dropped it several times, it has lots of penetrated scratches, but no cracks. I have the Sasung Instinct, also a glass phone...has scratches...but no breaks. You should always be careful with any portable device but you shouldn't have to baby it.

Browser issues. Linux/PC users rave about how great Safari is. I downed it for my PC...is okay on site that don't have media files like Flash and movies. It crashes alot, same as iPhone users are saying. So much for a real browser on a phone. On my phones with Windows Mobile which use Internet Explorer, I seldom have issues. Only with pages that display flash objects as there isn't a software i have found yet to resolve that. Other then that it is as fast as teh phone allows it to be. I tested my old Motorola Qc against teh iPhones here in the office. Pages loaded much more faster on my slower phone. Even teh cheesy no name browser on my Instinct was faster. I have yet to experience a crash, however I dont use a phone to browse web pages as I think its not so smart. But that is my opinion. Unless you're ready plain text, squinting at small images sucks.

So many rave about iPhones features. None of the phones features are new. All of teh iphone features appeared on soeone else phone first. The only difference is Apple managed to put Mac OS on it. So what is new about that? Windows has been on phones for several years now. Welcome to our world.
And it looks like the company that always had one of the best smartphones Palm stands to bump iPhone off teh #1 block. Palm Pre does exactly what iPhone can't. You can munipulate different appz as if you were using a pc. Even on many of Palms phones you can switch between appz without having to close one. How did Apple miss that? A camera that doesn't record movies? yet cheesy prepaid phones can.

Looks like all the great things as one commenter here said 'its purely cosmetic'. Looks aren't everything. Iphone certainly has the look. Looks like Apple is copying MS in releasing a product that isn't ready for primetime. Oh...and iPhone only works on the crappiest network in this country AT&T. It would work perfect on Verizon or Sprint...but Verizon wouldn't let Apple have their way and I don't think Sprint was even made an offer at all. I think many of teh issues are because of AT&T's horrible network. At least Sprint set aside bandwidth exclsuive for Instinct users. Good ole Apple strikes again.

[jahrends]

Get a clue!

Microsoft does not get bashed because people are in any way jealous of them. The get bashed because their products suck. Windows is UNSTABLE. Any app in windows can bring the entire OS to its knees.

Name an OS and I have used it.

The bottom line is that Windows is a TOY OS. It has yet to hold a candle to a REAL OS like UNIX. I will remind you that OS X is UNIX. It is much more stable and polished the Windows.

Now I will admit that Windows 7 is better.. but I can't help but laugh at how the Start bar now looks like KDE.

Windows has NEVER worked better than a MAC.

Honestly I don't really care if you prefer windows... What originally got me annoyed was the premise of this article is that How dare apple release a software update with no new features.

I do really like my Mac. I own a copy of Vista. I downloaded from microsoft Windows 7 the first day it was available.

When someone calls me a fanboi because I like what I know works better than windows... Find me someone that has converted from Mac to windows (recent) I know there are a few (there has to be) 50% of mac buyers have been switchers.

[jahrends]

Your list is mostly wrong...

Your in an app.
The phone rings or you push the home button. ( you are taken away from the currently running app)
you run the app again and it takes you right to where you were. If an app does not do this it is a poorly written app because every app that I use does this.

If you actually had an iphone you would know this.

[lbytesxk]

What annoys me is people like you who really think everyone with a different opinion is an idiot. That any app can bring windows to its knees is such an utter nonsense it's not even worth debating. I have been using Vista for over a year now and I have yet to seen a BSOD, it has never crashed, rebooted or did any of the crap you're talking about. Routinely it has an uptime of over 2 weeks. And I don't just surf the net and send emails either, I'm a heavy gamer, develop ASP.NET and standalone apps with VS2008 (one of the most resource hungry app you'll ever see), use Office2007 on a daily basis, sometimes all at the same time. Of course you need some serious hardware, so yes, if you want to get the most out of Vista you should be using a machine with some respectable specs. You also need a decent antivirus/firewall app. You can run Linux on a 486, so whoopydooo. I'm impressed.

Bottom line is you're a fan boi and you have no clue what works best, you only think you do.

[ColinC]

I'm afraid to say I do have an iphone. And also most of my list is correct. I can add many other items to my list too.

On your specific point: only a few Apple privilaged apps run in the background. Some of the rest attempt to restore last state. But many can't - it isn't possible. Even Safari, untl recently, insisted on reloading pages whenever going back in.

I don't think it is bcause the iphone "isn't ready"(although Safari is seriously flawed) but rather the Apple design criteria is "keep it simple". But they go too far. It has none of the richness required to make it really useable.

Having said that some of the apps that are available for it are very good. They utilise the mobile internet, GPS and a nice screen to advantage. However, I think it likely that those apps wil be available on other phones too very soon. Apple has started something .... the question is will they be the ones to finish it?

Having used Windows Mobile for many years before going to iphone, I agree the UI is terrible - but it can actually do a lot more than the iphone. It doesn't have the screen and, until recently, it didn't have an all inclusive wireless data package, which is why I have an iphone.

Similar things apply to the Windows vs. Mac debate - but I'm not going to open that one here.

[nx1701]

If Macs and Unix are so great, why do they account for probably far less than 10% (I don't know exact figures) of the personal computer market?!!
Windows is FAR from a "toy OS" - I use Vista Home Premium and I NEVER have any problem with it whatsoever! My laptop is on 24/7, and I never have any lock-ups or crashes at all. MS Outlook is open on my PC 24/7, and Office 2007 and IE are usually open for 12-14 hours per day (I only close them when I go to bed at night). I also frequently have Corel WordPerfect and Apple iTunes open with the aformentioned programs, and I STILL do not have any problems. I have an external 24" LCD monitor hooked to my laptop, as well as an HP InkJet and Color LaserJet printer, and 1TB WD external hard-drive. My iTunes library has over 11,000 songs/85GB of data, and Vista handles ALL of that without breaking a sweat! Yes, Vista was NOT ready for release when it first came out and it (deservedly so) got a bad rap, but people don't have any clue how Microsoft has fixed those issues and made it a great OS. My copy of Vista is EVERY BIT as fast and a stable as Windows XP was!

Macs are no better or no worse than Windows-based PCs, and for someone to make a blanket statement.
Message was edited by: AuroraDizon no personal attacks

[TechieXP]

Yea yea (sarcasm). I wasn't bashing you. Windows a toy? You said..."Any app in windows can bring the entire OS to its knees." If so, that is because teh application was wriiten badly by the developer. Other issues include, bad drivers being wriiten by the developer. Apple has an advantage over MS in that they design there own OS and the machine it goes on. If MS did teh same thing you would never have a problem. I even proved that years ago. I built a system using only hardware certified by MS and I install MS based progs only. The hardware was install by drivers certified by MS only. NO RETAIL VERSIONS. The system never crashed, no BSOD's, and teh only restarts were for updates and patches.

Even tho teh OEM's use many of teh sae brand naes of hardware, they all build their boards differently. And that causes problems. That isn't a Windows problems. Those are problems OEM's are suppose to test and work out. They get 5 frikkins years to work with MS and workout patching their own issues, that isn't Microsoft's job. Microsoft does not own the hardware. If MS did ever make a PC it would be the best on the market. One reason thay don't is probably because ppl will start bitchen like they always do when MS enters a new market. Just like they did when they made a console. With Sega gone why not have 3 competitors. And Xbox 360 is the best of the 3. Anyone can have hardware trouble, it is expected no matter how reputable the copany is. What I don't like is when everyone acts like there preference is so perfect that it can't have problems and you all bash Microsoft all the time at every given chance. Even tho the Zune isn't classy, i haven't heard as many ppl having headaches as Apple has had with all versions of their iPOD. Again just like with Mac OS. It is a beautiful OS...but if it was so great in the first place Mac OS would have stayed number one when it was the only choice. If Windows is such a toy as you stated, then it wouldn't have been gravitated too. Fact, Mac users have stated it is easier to from Mac OS to Windows then vice versa. Windows also offers more compatibility with more hardware and software. Windows is only an OS. If developers don't make good software or hardware whose fault is that? That is why I stick with certain names. Better to pay more and get what you want, then to pay less and get crap.

I don't dislike Linux or any OS. They certainly aren't Windows. And that is both good and bad. Mostly bad. Yes I have agreed Linux and Mac OS can in fact offer teh same usage as a Windows machine for a typical user. However only the Mac would be easier to use bewteen the 2 options. But no one is jumping to get one even if the OS is less..it should be since teh hardware will cost you and arm and a leg. Sure soe prices are pretty competitve. they should be...PC hardware isn't expensive. The extra cost is what Apple slaps on as a benefit to them. I don't care what it looks like, I care about it working. Right now on Craigslist, I can find more ppl selling Mac Air then a PC based Laptop with similar hardware. Forget Vista...I use it just fine. Never had an issue and been using since 1st beta. And many of those same switchers you mentioned run Windows on their Macs and stated they use it most of teh time. The claim Windows runs better on a Mac. How so? its teh same hardware as we have on pc...its just a different OEm as far as I am concerned. There are 2 OEM's that make great hardware, HP and Dell...I don't like HP, but I never had a problem out of my Dell accept ones I created.

In this thread, I was just noting teh fact that looks like iPhone isn't so perfect as so many claim it is. Its simply a pretty beatiuful, problem. And just like Apple users love to bash MS at every turn I just wanted to add my own 2 cents. I was being sarcastic. No one makes perfect software and hardware. I wouldn't say Mac OS is more stable, bec you are trying to compare an OS that do what Windows does...You don't use as many softs or hardware. Apple makes most of its software. And again, if you setup a system with MS only softs it works well.

[TechieXP]

Jar...There is nothing wrong with being a fan of a product. I certainly am a PC-Fan. The problem is always the following: When it comes to technology all products hardware or software have their plus/minues. However, if it is a product from Microsoft as soon as it has some problems you all bash it like it is an everyday occurance for everyone and it isn't. MS based softs are used by BILLIONS of ppl and the majority have very little to know problems EVER. This is compared to only MILLIONS of users who use Apple or Linux based products. The fact that Windows works with way more softs and hards and mananges to have only teh few problems it does, not only proves how good it is...the fact is there is nothing better PERIOD. Having something you like is good, but when it comes to Apple fans, they feel their product is so perfect that it doesn't have problems...and they do..and they have a lot of them. Its just you don't hear about it in mass media, because when there is a problem Apple either covers it over or no one really cares. Only Iphone gets a lot of hype, because it is teh only product on the market other then Windows that has a huge marketshare. So thus it get attention. At least we pc users admit to the fact Windows has problems. But not for everyone. In fact of the 3 forms I spend time on, its always the same names...in fact I found many users who have several screen names, but yet the lingo is the same making them easy to identify over time. These are ppl who always have problems simply bec they know not what they are doing. Everytime an error message pops up it doesn't mean Windows has a problem. It means something you are doing is causing Windows to have a problem and it is telling you. Just like your car has many components. If there is a problem it effect the whole car...no matter who makes teh single piece, but if your tire blows, does it mean teh whole car is a piece of shit? NO! Same for your pc.

This article I like because it identifies the fact Apple certainly has problems, and not only MS does. And any company that mass produces a single item on a large scale...the majority won't experience problems but many will. And it shows Apple isn't so perfect. it also means if Mac OSx spreads as much as iPhone has it will in fact have the same issues as Windows. In fact it doesn't have as much marketshare and it is getting a taste of it.

Linux/Unix shouldn't even be mentioned in a sentence with Windows or Mac OS. Unix is ot a consumer OS, and neither is Solaris and so many other FreeBSD or Unix Hybrids. They are enterprise level softwares that require certification and training to use. Linux is simple a tool that makes Unix a bit more simple to use buy giving it a Windows-like GUI. But is has a ways to go. They can't even narrow down 100 distros to a single desktop ready OS. Ubuntu that so many rave about isn't that big of a deal, it is a simple alternative providing you ahve teh tech savvy mentality and patients to use it. If ppl can't use Windows as simple as it is, then they may as well avoid Linux. It isn't as simple.

Back to teh article. I don't own an iPhone. I am one of the techs in my office and we have users with them. So I have had a chance to certainly work with issues and play with it. I do like teh phone very much and am considering getting. However, I don't need teh phone part so the Touch is better suited for what I want to do with it. Out of all the things I see ppl use iPhone for...none are related to phone usage. Even teh commercials talk about appz, games and other stuff it does...calling is the last thing ever mentioned. Most ppl who have it...could just get a Touch. And just like most Windows updates, the fix for teh phone is mostly for under teh hood issues...not the actual GUI.

At least Windows Mobile did get a very nice makeover from 5.x to 6.x. Its fast and of cource familiar and appz manipulations works the same for all of them. And they offer true plug and play with XP or Vista and you don't have to download any software...AT ALL. Try that with iphone. Sure you don't need iTunes, but it makes it easier. Windows Mobile works with WMP and works just like iTune...but better in some ways...its faster. And WMP packages are a lot smaller to download then iTunes.

But I hope this update at least works out some kinks for all of you. When we pa big money for these 'TOYS' we expect them to perform well. This just shows that they all can certainly break, no matter who makes them.

[TechieXP]

I think in one of your thread you mentioned you used several models of the Treo. This was teh first smartphone I ever purchased, Now. In all fairness, when you say the iPhone is the best smrtphone you ever used, I would agree it ost likely is. The Treo Series of phones are pretty old, but not outdate. The latest like Centro which is basically a Treo with a different case is also a smooth small form factor phone. All of teh iPhone features can be found on other phones. Apple simply rolled it up into a good looking elegant package. And I would expect nothing less because they are a hardware company. The iPhone is not the firstof its kind, its teh first to do it that way. What you all call iPhone knocks-off like Instinct which I choose over iPhone is also a 3G phone. Its interface isn't as racy as iPhone, but it is just as easy to work with. But Plam who was the best to have a phone to offer push technology certyainly has went beyond what Apple did. For what iphone costs it does less then many phones and at teh same time does more then many phones. But at least look at the age of phones you compare it too. You can compare a state of teh art device with a device that was state of teh art 5 years ago. Technolog changes now by teh minute. And Palm just show'd they aren't out teh game. Now their phone has an OS...and it won at teh CES as one of teh best recently release tech toys. And out of the top 10 items, Iphone wasn't one of them. Which means unless Apple does something great, iPhone will soon be what most other tech toys are...a simple Fad. And fads come and fads go. In every grouo there is one who takes a lead and then others follow. look at Sony. The PS3 is awesoe, however it was to much to early. Now other developers will capitalize on their mistake and burn them. That is how teh game is play. This is Apples' turn...someone else will be next.

I wouldn't take Fanboi so harshly...i am one for what i like as well and I can admit it. We all know enough about our favorite product that we hold it so high and that as soon as it is brought dow we are ready to defend it. I dont however feel that high about Windows. I just get tired of ppl only dogging Windows as if there is nothing good about it. And it is more then good. In fact for what it does and how well it does it...it is in fact the best. Neither Linux nor Mac combined tackles what Windows does on such a high level. Linux comes close...in many ways...but it still has to get over one single huge hump. It needs to be taken SERIOUSLY.

[blakedes]

Not a Phone

For what it's worth, the iPhone is a wireless, handheld convergence device. It has been built not as a phone with add-ons, nor an iPod with a phone tacked on.

Rather, it has been designed to handle rich media information matrices, a space certain to be increasingly competitive as more integrated delivery and usage channels evolve. It takes its broad and growing functionality from there. This is what makes the iPhone such a stunningly elegant device.

In a more general sense, the iPhone reflects Apple's development history, at least from a user/marketing point of view.

Recall that in the beginning, IBM did not even see individual users having a need for a PC. Apple entered the market, and started selling machines, and suddenly IBM figured out they better get in there?and fast. They gave themselves 12 months to come to market with a solution, the PC and the PC Junior.

They then exploited their considerable financial and marketing muscle to buy and defend huge market share. But as a result, the PC world has been shaped by the fact that users never really meant much more to IBM in the early days than economic demand, and the lowest common denominator culture of information products rooted.

All technical considerations aside, Apple devices have always been forward looking because Apple has been an exceptionally good marketing organization, in terms of understanding what people want to do with these technologies, and delivering accurate solutions. In classic marketing theory, Apple has evolved by placing user needs at the front of the parade with a pretty high high level of efficacy.

While it is fine to chew over the technology details, in the end it really doesn't matter to the people who use these devices. That tends to get lost in these discussions.

If I were a smart technocrat, I'd be looking at the significance of iPhone in terms of integrated media, convergence, marketing, and user experience, and not in terms of cellular phone, or entertainment device per se., and take my cues from there.

[ColinC]

Wow - such broad strokes I don't know where to start.

Well off topic, but first historically, is the assertion that it was Apple challenging IBM to produce the first PC. I am old enough to remmber it all. The Apple II was pretty small beer at the time. A bigger influence was the Altair and the S-50/S-100 bus. The Commodore PET also deserves a mention for "breakthrough" device. But not the Apple II. That was one of several offshoots. But that is enough off thread discussion ....

The iphone, however, is a "breakthrough" device. Not because it handles MP3 (sorry AAC) music in a phone - lots did that before the iphone. Nor because it handles "rich media information matrices" (whatever that means). It is because Apple had enough balls to negotiate an unlimited data package for the phone, combined with a good large touch-screen based device. With the 3G they added GPS. To me, that makes the iphone. Of all of that only the unlimited data package was unique since all the rest existed in other phones/PDAs - but Apple were the first to put it all in one package.

Whatever the technology - the iphone took the SmartPhone from geek to mainstream. And that was/is a success. The others follow. Looking into my crystal ball another manufacterer will create the mass-device and Apple will do well in their niche. But who knows - Apple might do it if they shoot Jobs and come down from their cloud.....

[blakedes]

Not every provider offers unlimited data, you will note. Canada, through Rogers, for example, caps data packages at 2GB/month.

To put it simply, the iPhone is about convergence. It integrates a lot of stuff really well compared to other handheld devices. It also delivers a very well thought out, imaginative user experience.

This is largely where most mainstream tech can't compete. They tend to provide specific task-oriented technology solutions, they're like appliances. Apple products, and the iPhone is a good example, tend to provide a more intellectually engaging user experience. And, by the way, I am ready to participate in the class action against Apple related to the defective touch screens on the 3G that shatter when the device falls from minimal heights.

As for Palm making a comeback, I am not so sure. I owned a TREO fro about three years, and hated it. One of the most stupid interface ever. Blackberry? Probably not. Others are really only phone companies, not convergence companies, which is what Apple really is.

[Rabbiddog]

> I wouldn't take Fanboi so harshly...i am one for what i like as well and I can admit it. We all know enough about our favorite product that we hold it so high and that as soon as it is brought dow we are ready to defend it. I dont however feel that high about Windows. I just get tired of ppl only dogging Windows as if there is nothing good about it. And it is more then good. In fact for what it does and how well it does it...it is in fact the best. Neither Linux nor Mac combined tackles what Windows does on such a high level. Linux comes close...in many ways...but it still has to get over one single huge hump. It needs to be taken SERIOUSLY.
[/quote]
For the record, I didn't judge fanboi too harshly for his choice in devices, OS or otherwise. On the contrary, I can respect someone who knows what they like and sticks with it. I had my fun with him because the first person to post a complaint about his favorite device he bashed on and then basically called anyone who didn't agree with him idiots and stupid.

;)

[TechieXP]

I would agree on many levels.
What people need to realize is where the problems are coming from, and why comparing MS to Apple is wrong. They have much in comon, but Apple is a hardware company and MS is a software company and both produce products for similar ppl, but it is addressed from a different level.

The problem with iPhone isn't the hardware, its the software. Software unlike hardware can evolve within itself. Software ca be revised by just rewriting the code. Hardware is what it is. In order to revise it that means you have to make new hardware. The iPhone 3G is a different physical hardware then original. It also comes with an updated software package. Which is why ppl with older hardware have to update to what the newest has. Microsoft has to work the other way around. They can only work fro the software level bec the hardware they are making the software for isn't made by them. The code is design to work on a x86 platform. At platform built by someone else. Which means it is someone elses job to make sure there platform works well with the software that will run it. Apple has an advantage here because they are making them both. But it only gets you so far. Things change. Developers many times go outside the scope, so the foundation software has to be rewritten to make use of the newer stuff.

One way you see this in how some users described how some appz do things a certain way yet other don't. Well that is a developer issue not an iphone issue. All developers are creating for the same platform. Not all appz can perform the same way, even if it is the same type. This is the first time Apple really has a chance to work with so many types of applications. They don't have the experience as MS has. Apple has always lead the way in developing their own software for there hardware. Which is why every system they built worked so well with the programs they had. MS tasks is way harder. Windows has to work on teh same hardware by name aka x86, but it is designed my several.

Was 3G done? NO! Because software doesn't have an end...only hardware does. The first release is simply a platform to get started, just like each new version of Windows is. You can't pre-program for a problem you don't know will come up. So you fix as you go. Windows is always work in progress simply bec things continue to change. And that is what makes Windows so good, as it can easily be patched to work with things that change very often...and many technologies can simply be ported over.

Iphone is simply a computer in another form factor that just happens to make calls as an added bonus. And to me in my opinion it certainly is the iPod Touch with the a phone. Both devices are exactly the same, just the Ipod touch doesn't have the phone. It doesn't 3G bec it isn't making calls. A typical wifi network is more then sufficient to play games and music.

As far as IBM. IBM thought that the money was all just in the computer itself. As Bill Gates said...the Altair was an awesome system, but without software it is nothing but a box with blinking lights.If you remove software from iphone or computers, you have nothing but an empty shell. Much what we would be if we didn't have a brain. Clicking and touching is simply using hardware to manipulate the software making it easy to do so. The reason why MS took off is bec the fact is software is what sells certain types of hardware...period. It doesn't matter how good the hardware is...if you don't have software it is useless. Same for software. Software can only work with what is available on the hardware. Apple is instinctively intuitive in making good software. Even Bill Gates who was mocking Steve's nasty comment said...he would give anything to have Steve's tastes.

You body was designed to adapt to different situations, however there are even extremes you can't adapt to. Software has the same limits however it is a bit more forgiving. Hardware isn't forgiving on this level. Better hardware is coming and software is what will get it there. Every toy has its day...today it iPhone...but all good things do come to an end.

And o your recent comment on Treo. I like Palm phones, I only don't like the software. When I compare the Palm Centro I had to teh Palm 700wx with has Windows Mobile, Windows surely was better...in contrast to another user who claimed Windows on a phone is worse then on PC. It certain isn't. The coolest thing about Windows on a phone is it is a failiar GUI and there is nothing new you need to learn. Everything is simple..click Start and its all there. Palm's software, was all new gadgets by name an very unfamiliar. Require a new learning curb. Almost like Linux. Sure there is an app that can match and even exceed what you have on a Windows PC. But who wants to start over learning. Each new OS carries enough from teh previous and you won't get lost, you simply learn a new way to do the same things...but you're not starting completely over.

[TechieXP]

I know. Thats why I told him not to take it so harshly. If you get upset because someone makes a comment about something you like and they don't..then you're a fan. I live in Chicago. Biggest issue here...Sox vs Cubs. Its ovbious the Sox are better...but you can't tell a Cub fanboi that. They will practically kill you for disgracing them. A tea that can't win a single championship in 100 years sucks...i don't care if they sell out every game. Most ppl who go don't even be watching teh game. It is simply a huge social event...like a big bar. At least the Sox have 2 rings in said time. That is still better than none. Yet a Cub fan will tell you with teh straightest face they are better. I tell them, win a championship and i'll listen.

Just like in OS wars...When Apple has 90% of the market and can do a better job then MS did with sae said market I will listen. Same for Linux. Windows didn't get where it was because of corporate pushing..you still have to have something worth pushing. Windows got lucky when IBM license teh PC technology to other OEM's, and Windows simply cloned with them. But after IBM simply had DOS they were burning Apple. IBM had teh wrong concept, Apple had teh right cocept but didn't know how to push it. Ms tried to help Apple...but Steve was to synical. IBM was simply stupid to believe a computer could simply sell itself. MS jump out bec 2 companies had no idea how to put the 2 togther and make a good product and make good money. MS simply showed them how and reaped all the benefits and thus they should. Apple learned the hard way and IBM simply gave up.

But if Apple wants to have their computer be like iphone is...software and hardware isn't going to do it. I believe teh desktop OS has really seen its limits. All they all are doing is making sure they can wok with new hardwares as they evolve. If you have a product that is very similar to soeone elses, marketing is the only true power...and of cource having a lil something new to offer.

[blakedes]

Right about the hardware/software thing.

My point is that iPhone's success, purely as a product, call it a phone, a computer, a widget, whatever, is that it delivers content in an innovative and very functional way because it integrates a bunch of stuff both technologically and content-wise. Using an app called "Remote" for example, you can manage your Apple TV, or your iTunes library on your Mac wirelessly. Just another silly little toy, until you consider Apple's move into content and the steady convergence of phone, web, television, ecommerce etc.

Look at the economic impact of change in any of these sectors. Take IP telephony. At the user end, the ability to use a "computer" to make a phone call, combined with GPS capabilities, lets Google 411 emerge with a mammoth potential for delivering commercial opportunities by letting a user get information, manipulate it, and take actions within the same processing environment?whether that's a handheld iPhone or a big screen TV with data I/O a web interface and a remote.

That's why I disagree that Apple is a hardware company or a software company, certainly in the future. I think there's a better argument for them as a content or a convergence company. I use Apple only as a case in point because of the popularity of the iPhone, and because I think its commercial acceptance points the way to the future. The fact that it can evolve from within on software to an extent is a given.

It really goes to show that this is no longer the 20th Century media paradigm we're dealing with, where the big broadcast networks, the big publishers, the big telcos and associated conglomerates run the show. It's the world of YouTube and blogs and small screens and who knows what else is next.

Apple's unique advantage in the game is that they do produce hardware, software AND content (iTunes etc.) From both a technological and a business development standpoint, it solidifies commercial leadership positions in a number of markets.

[Dabbler]

copy and paste anyone? Android does this on the first release...

[epgomez]

They're not the only ones doing that. everyone else does it. It's too proprietary just apple world. I dont' want to be part of that.