Since its release, the iPhone has had more than its share of press. Love it or hate it, everyone's been talking about it and looking at its sleek, colourful interface, it's hard not to fall in love with it. But like most decisions based on emotion, buying one may not be the smartest thing to do — at least, not yet.
Let's look at some of the top reasons to resist temptation and pass on the iPhone for now.
1. It costs too much
At launch, the Apple mobile retailed US$499 for the 4GB model and US$599 for the 8GB model. Now, after a two hundred dollar price cut, the device still remains on the wrong side of affordable — there is the two-year AT&T contract to consider after all. It's not the most expensive mobile phone on the market by any means (after all, the Motorola SLVR Diamond went for 75 grand (yes, that's 75 thousand US dollars), and other phones have cost as much as a million dollars. But those are toys for gazillionaires. For the rest of us, 400 bucks is a lot to pay for a phone. Many are willing to shell out that much, if the phone is really, really great. But as the following list illustrates, it may be just a bit too hefty for the iPhone in its current incarnation.
2. It doesn't fully support Exchange
Many business users get their mail via Exchange servers. iPhone proponents claim that the phone supports Exchange and it does — sort of. What it supports is IMAP (the Internet Message Access Protocol), a generic e-mail protocol for accessing mail on a remote server. You can enable IMAP on your Exchange server and get your mail, but you lose the 'push mail' ability, wherein each message is sent to your device as it's received. Instead, the device checks the server at regular intervals ('pull' mail) to see if there's new mail, so you may not get your messages instantly.
Even more importantly, since the iPhone doesn't support Exchange ActiveSync, you don't get remote access to your calendar and contacts. That can be a deal breaker for business users. There are rumours floating around that Apple has licensed ActiveSync and will support it in a future version of the iPhone. That's all the more reason to wait on buying one.
3. User-unfriendly battery
A mobile phone without a user-removable/replaceable battery? Surely you jest. But it's true; when the iPhone's battery dies, you have to send it back to Apple to get a new one (for a fee). Sending your iPod away for a few days to have the battery replaced is bad enough, but most people can manage without music for a short time. Being without your cell phone for days (or weeks) could pose a real problem, since many of us rely on them for business and safety reasons, and more and more people have ditched their landlines and use their mobiles as their only phone.
The iPhone's battery has a decent charge life, but what about those of us who like to plan for contingencies? With my Samsung i730, I can take an extra charged battery along with me and pop it in if I use up all the juice in the primary one. No such convenience for iPhone users.
I can't believe there won't be a lot of weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth when those batteries start to go bad. This seems like one of the top issues Apple should address in the next version; it's a deal-breaker for too many folks who otherwise like the iPhone.
4. Where's the keyboard?
As other PDA phone vendors strive to make their keyboards bigger and better (transitioning to side-slide keyboards with more usable keys), Apple went the other way and did away with the physical keyboard completely. The iPhone boasts a large on-screen keyboard, but a lot of folks out there started out with BlackBerrys and have become proficient at using their thumbs to key in information. That's going to mean learning a whole new way of keyboarding with the iPhone.
5. No third-party applications
Those of us who have been using Windows Mobile phones are used to being able to download and install the applications we want to add, just like with a 'real computer'. With the iPhone, you can't install third-party applications. Apple undoubtedly did this with the idea that it would prevent a lot of tech support problems and make the phone's operating system more stable, but I think it was a big mistake. People who shell out this much money for a phone expect it to be a full-fledged handheld computer, too — and that means being able to add your own apps.
6. Stuck with one operator
By limiting the iPhone offering to only one mobile phone provider, Apple immediately took itself out of the market for the many people who prefer other carriers.
Of course, users may be able to do a workaround now that there are reportedly hacks available to allow the iPhone to work onto other networks, but for the average user who isn't particular tech-savvy, it's not the ideal solution.
Even if you do hack your way off the AT&T network, you'll have to pay a US$175 early cancellation fee to get out of your AT&T contract.
7. The bleedingly slow EDGE
Not only are you stuck with AT&T's network, with the iPhone, you don't even get to use its fastest network. Instead, you're limited to the slower EDGE network. People who buy Internet-enabled phones want high-speed Internet.
8. Smile! You're on iPhone camera
The built-in camera on the iPhone marks it as a consumer product, not a business-oriented one. Many business users don't want cameras on their mobile phones because there are plenty of places where cameras are prohibited, and it's a pain to have to surrender your cell phone at the door or leave it in the car just to get in.
But even for those consumers who do want to take photos with their phones, the iPhone camera leaves a lot to be desired. Although it does have some cool features, like the ability to set a picture you've taken as wallpaper or assign them to your contacts, it's an adequate but not outstanding 2 megapixel model. There's no zoom and most important, there's no flash on the camera, so you'll have to do your picture-taking in well lit areas.
Admittedly, it's at least as good as the cameras on many other mobiles, but most other devices with cameras don't cost this much.
9. iTunes required to sync
Apple assumes that everyone has iTunes installed on their computers, but many of us Windows users don't. However, if you want to sync your iPhone with your computer, you'll have to install it because that's the mechanism the iPhone uses to sync files, contacts, calendar, e-mail accounts, etc.
Want to sync to your work computer but you're not allowed to install music programs like iTunes on it? Oops. I guess you're out of luck.
10. The dead zone
There have been reports about a display problem on some iPhones that manifests as a 'dead strip' that loses sensitivity to touch input. Since the iPhone is all about the touch-screen, this is not a good thing.
Even worse, some reports suggest that more phones are likely to fall victim to this problem as they're used more.
Summary
The iPhone looks cool, but if you're a serious business user, there are other, less expensive phones that provide better functionality. And even if you're not a business user, unless you have plenty of money lying around and absolutely must have the latest neat gadget as soon as it comes out, I'd recommend waiting for version two of the iPhone, which, we hope, will cost less and fix at least a few of these issues.
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adam.earnshaw@gmail.com
13/09/2007 04:58 PM
The 'dead zone' is nothing worse than dead pixels. When you've produced one million units, you're bound to get some defectives. It's not the technology itself that's faulty, it has been manufactured incorrectly. I don't see how it qualifies for a "ten reasons not to buy" list.
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adam johannson
17/09/2007 01:58 PM
Coz its only for one phone carrier in the U.S, will it be 4 one carrier per country? Who's won it 4 Australia?
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nafe
17/09/2007 08:47 PM
i think it looks pretty good, but does the apple touch have a camera?
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duceyaj
20/09/2007 03:52 PM
Don't forget, no MMS, no instant messaging, no flash websites, apps like the calculator is very generic and no GPS.
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jamesyloh
25/09/2007 01:35 AM
A fair warning before we plunge. It is not about how bad the product is. Apple, as any other technology company, should not be escaped from serious critical reviews !
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mrgtron
26/09/2007 06:49 AM
i think everyone here is too critical about the iphone. i think it phone that way ahead everyone else. It is setting a new standard. If you compare it to high end phones on the market, it is excellent value. Like all phones it has issues since it first generation. The iphone is being diespected under microscope because it is a leader. E61 phone, all the HTC are great product, have 10 more times the bugs. It hasn't capture 10 of the market and they have been in the cell business over 5 years. Accept the reality this first generation of a great product.
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plastiqmanb
26/09/2007 08:59 AM
No voice dialing
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Jedi Master 420
26/09/2007 09:04 AM
There are things that she forgot to mention. Like no picture text messaging (you can only email pics, and not more than one at a time) No games to purchase, and the random crashing of Safari is a little annoying too
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dimak
26/09/2007 09:07 AM
Well AIM is supported, ever heard of beejive or any of the other free aim sites? You're bashing it because it has a camera, almost every other phone does too. name a phone that supports flash, and the majority of people do have itunes, like every single ipod user, and its not like it costs anything to use itunes, plus it syncs outlook contacts too. there are third party apps, its called installer.app. isnt every phone stuck with one operator?
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caio
26/09/2007 09:07 AM
yeah!!! I just saw the beautiful NOKIA introduction to this site.
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neverwinter
26/09/2007 09:09 AM
Are you referring to average users, business? If not an iphone now, what do you seriously recommend then for such users? After the price drop in US, most smart phones that can compete with the iphone also costs a lot.
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dubbleenerd
26/09/2007 09:09 AM
how many people actually carry an extra charged battery for a phone, for contingencies? If you're going to be that far from an electrical outlet, chances are your cellphone won't work wherever it is you're going.
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Anonymous
26/09/2007 09:10 AM
Regardless of what is at fault for the dead strip, technology or manufacturing, it exists, which degrades the attractiveness of the phone. The Exchange server nonsense, and the camera do make this a consumer phone. Consumers also pay $250-$500 for a pair of designer sunglasses which don't have any features you can't find on a $10 pair either. The purchase of an iPhone is to be made by a consumer who wants the latest stylish phone with multimedia, and entertainment functions. Serious users will stick with a BB, HTC, or Treo. Comparing the iPhone to a business class phone is apples to oranges. Got a BB, buy an iPod an you're set. Don't have a BB and don't need one for work, get iPhone, a pair of Prada glasses, and enjoy your expensive toy.
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neverwinter
26/09/2007 09:11 AM
Are you referring to average users, business? If not an iphone now, what do you seriously recommend then for such users? After the price drop in US, most smart phones that can compete with the iphone also costs a lot.
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workin'man
26/09/2007 09:16 AM
what you all have failed to mention is the smarmy Mac looks of superiority as they dangle their over-priced gadgets as if it makes them the smartest people in the room.......reason number one....'nuff said
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bradanomics
26/09/2007 09:24 AM
1. It costs too much - Subjective. 2. It doesn't fully support Exchange - It is not being marketed to business users, so it is a moot point. 4. Where's the keyboard? - If you don't like it, don't buy it. They don't make it a secret. 6. Stuck with one operator - Apple did this because they wanted to be able to get maximum features (AT&T had to do upgrades to their network in order to do Visual Voicemail). Also, AT&T probably insisted upon exclusivity in order to spend the money on these upgrades 7. The bleedingly slow EDGE - While EDGE is not the fastest, it still isn't bad for light browsing, or in a pinch, which is what it is designed for. It is designed for light use, not a computer replacement. 8. Smile! You're on iPhone camera - Again, not being marketed towards businesses. Regarding consumers, they would probably be complaining if it had the flash and more megapixels and it was thicker because of it. 9. iTunes required to sync - If you don't like it, don't use it. This is how Apple does it. They make no secret that you need to use iTunes to sync. They aren't marketing to business users, so not being able to install iTunes on a work computer is again, a moot point. 10. The dead zone - If you have a problem with the thing, take it in to be replaced. That is why they have a warranty and AppleCare.
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cnetter
26/09/2007 09:34 AM
PLEASE NOTE: this article is written by a MICROSOFT contractor named Deb Shinder. She is, among other things, a MICROSOFT MVP award winner for 2007, 2006, and 2005. She is editor of WinXPNews. She likewise boasts of her LOVE for her Samsung i730 phone, and the carpet in her office even displays a GIANT MICROSOFT logo on it!! Please see her website at: http://www.debshinder.com/ if you don't believe me. Long and short of it is that her entire writing career is owed to being loyal to Microsoft and their products. Ain't exactly what you'd call objective journalism going on here..... Don't even get me started on her Microsoft Gun Club coffee mug!
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Laserius
26/09/2007 10:13 AM
Hey Deb - were you late to the prom??? These so called problems with the iPhone have been beat to death since it was first announced. A million units in 74 days - Hmmm? Shill!
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Preston
26/09/2007 04:34 PM
1) How many people do you know walk around with a second battery? Sorry, but I've made it a habit to plug in my phone every night, so I don't have a problem. Surely you jest that that's a deal breaker. 2) Your #4 point is unimportant. Is it really that hard to learn a new way to type on a keyboard? Every phone manufacturer has different firmware with keyboard shortcuts, and you have to learn those when you get a new phone. Does that mean you should never leave your current one? 3) Really? iTunes is too much for you to handle? Apple has sold 200 million iPods. That accounts for about 200 million copies of iTunes on computers right there (I'll be lenient and say that the number of people with multiple ipods per computer is equal to the number of people with iTunes despite not owning an iPod). You can't install iTunes on your business computer? Buy a home computer. And if you can't afford one, then why the hell are you buying a iPhone? These lists are really starting to get old.
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mattyyttam268
01/10/2007 11:07 AM
Rebuttal: 1) $400 us in todays exchange rate is $460 au. Now if i wanted to get a good quality phone for that, and an ipod ( afterall the iphone is both ) I would end up paying much much more than that. 2) The lack of "Exchange Support" is no big deal at all, most corporate users can afford to have there email checked automatically on the iphone, and there are plenty of services that can be used to forward your exchange mail to your iPhone. Sure it may not be ideal but it works. 3) The battery on my iPhone lasts on average 2-3 days without recharging, and I use it as an iPod everyday on the way to school ( 2 hour trip ) and as a phone ( i also regularly use it to browse the web on those 'slow' edge speeds but more on that later ). I personally think anyone complaining about the battery is bonkers, sure it starts to lose its charge after 400 cycles, but for most consumers this will be more than 2 years and will be about the time they get a new phone. 4) I've had my iphone for 4 weeks and i can type as fast on it as i can with my computer ( 80 wpm ). Just trust the auto correction and you will be fine. 5) No official third party apps, there are plenty of third party apps available. I myself have about 30 of them installed, all running perfectly fine. And this is only available to the "tech elite" anyone can do it. It's a simple matter of clicking a button on your p.c. or mac and you have 3rd party apps 6) I have my iPhone running on Optus here in Australia and i didn't touch the command line to get it working. Nor did i pay the early cancellation fee with AT&T, in fact i never even signed up with them in the first place. Unlocking your iPhone is just another simple 1-Click procedure, no hassles. 7) I'm quite happy with the internet speed i get on my iPhone. It's fast enough to use the maps application and mail applications on the go. And whilst walking around everyday at school and out and about at lunch (in the city) i have free wireless internet. So really there is nothing to complain about, just have patience. 8) The iPhone is a Phone, first and foremost. Sure some phones have really good cameras, 5 megapixel, auto focus, the whole shebang. But do any of these phones have anywhere near the capabilities the iPhone has as an MP3 and Video player? And in reference to other devices with cameras not costing this much, last time i checked something like the W880i ( the newest sony ericsson walkman mobile ) costs $660 australian outright.... Thats $220 more than an iphone, and it has the same camera... go figure... 9) iTunes is the best way to manage all this syncing... pure and simple. There are more technically challenging ways to sync an iphone with your p.c. or mac, but i don't see what the big problem with itunes is, did anyone complain about this with iPods ? no because itunes is perfect for it. Just like it is with the iPhone. 10) OK so some of the units being shipped out are defective, but of-course they were replaced on the spot. You can't help that a few thousand out of 10,000,000 iphones are defective. Thats naturally going to happen, in fact it's less than 1% of total iPhones. Compare that to the 70% of Xbox 360s that are getting the "Red Rings Of Death"... Summary: First of i ask you whether or not you have even used an iPhone. If you have then you will understand that whilst it may not have all the flashy features of some of those high end phones ( which cost more ) it's a general pleasure to use. It's intuitive, and doesn't leave you confused about where to go. It has a severe "Wow" factor going for it, people never thought that there phones could be this smart of easy to use. So stop nitpicking and trying to find faults, I'm sure that if i wrote a list of 10 things wrong with, say, the N95. My hardest problem would be to chose which ten things. And you don't need plenty of money lying around, it's only $50 more than an iPod, and for what your getting extra, thats the deal of
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bmorris
02/02/2008 04:51 AM
these are ur reasons? none of these make not want it. maybe a the fact the camera isnt a higher mpx. if ur cingular already it isn that much. all phones make u sign 2 years. theyre doing exchange server and business stuff this june now. what i hate is its only 8gb
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SadDd
06/04/2008 10:32 PM
its not only 8g but they also have 16g dnt they?. Yet i guess these wont stop the teens that wanna look cool buying one? or maybe its just like no other phone where it has better things n net?. Also the iphone price are going down, in Australia its so hard to find one ...which sucks.
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theren001
24/04/2008 02:04 PM
my problem is only one.... first we talk about contract with AT&T ->just unlock your iphone second we talk about slow EDGE->for me it just enough to do browsing or need more faster set up with wifi network the keyborad-> lol i dont need a real keyboard, iphone bring me really cool keyboard on screen^^ the price expensive? not really just work harder to get more money or might be you poor enough? just do not buy iphone and for get it. the battrai... that is the problem XD hahahahaha i have iphone just because its hard to change^^ anyway it doesnt mater, i have an iphone 8GB and i love it
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QUoc
10/05/2008 12:04 AM
i have a Nokia N95 for few months , now i hope to buy it off $399 . Contact 0402752267 in sydney
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jim
11/07/2008 11:53 PM
if you buy apple iphone in singapore will all its functions work in australia
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digital_soul18
21/07/2008 09:38 AM
what the?! who ever wrote this obviously hasn't actually used one to know the problems - no mms - no video taking. ever. - no bluetooth sending/receiving of files. ever. headsets are supported. - no video calling - TINY KEYBOARD!! AHHHH!! - Break the screen, pay $280 for a fix. - change battery, pay $150 for a fix. - No word, excel, powerpoint. - SPEAKER IS SO LOW VOLUME!!! DEAL BREAKER! i work for optus. I have to demo this hopeless phone. thank god i didnt buy it.
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b
22/08/2008 08:56 PM
I think that you can't get much better than the I phone its like a laptop in ur pocket there's not much that you can't do on the web that you can't do with a regular computer
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b
22/08/2008 09:12 PM
Thats funny that people hate on the best phone out rite now yea it dont get pic messages or videos but it takes better pigs than ur 300$camera and does the same thing as the new I pod and lots more so when you find a phone that can evan come close come talk to me headpeicewhen@aol.com and I will get it
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Happy to be on a weekend
30/08/2008 12:04 PM
Allot of defensive people here. I wonder how many of you are trying to justify a perhaps a bad purchase and commitment to a lengthy phone contract? Bottom line is, the phone has set some new bench marks, but like every new technology it is basically untested in the real world and over time will inevitably be plagued with problems. But thats why we have upgrades! Personally I'm looking forward to the next revision which will hopefully address all the problems mentioned here, and hopefully give me an alternative to another fliipin contract!
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ali g is in da house
30/08/2008 02:50 PM
what a joke , a built in battery that cant be replaced except untill you send it back to apple , sorry but something like that can steer a potential buyer away from this phone
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mcdenife
23/09/2008 10:58 PM
ali g_spot on
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