Last Wednesday was my 14 day return end date with Apple and I have decided to keep the iPhone 3G. Even though there are growing pains with both Apple's software and AT&T's network, the iPhone's user interface and web browsing functionality is so compelling that I am willing to give it time to develop. The key to my benevolence is Apple's control over the delivery of updates (vs Windows Mobile OEM model) on a regular basis. It looks like they plan on delivering 4 to 7 updates in the next 12 months, although I think once a quarter is probably reasonable.
They essentially implemented the minimum Exchange ActiveSync functionality which is OK, but I really want the calendar invite and flagging functions (I need to write another post on the subject).
There are also application issues which maybe due to the SDK or the developers. I tried to use the Typepad application to blog this entry. When I was ready to post, I received an undefined server error. I terminated the application by holding the home key and lost my pending and draft posts. Not a good user experience...This post was rewritten using ECTO on my PC.
In marked contrast to posts on the Internet, my experience with AT&T customer service has been very good. They were able to update my SIM to help with the network performance and switching from 2G to 3G. It is better but still needs work; AT&T needs to bring up the promised cell site in my neighborhood sooner rather then later...
In the end, I just find myself using the device more to respond to email and browse the Internet. I am missing a full featured PIM, and over time I will have to see how much of an impact that has on my use, but I know Pocket Informant will be available in the next couple of month. I find that the on screen keyboard works well for me. I would like a stronger dictionary/spell checker but it does pretty well. You have to let the system perform its correction function even if you misspell a word. The correction will appear once you hit the space bar and it works 90% of the time.
It is interesting that problems are being reported, but the buzz for acquiring the device is still there. This last weekend there were lines at the local Apple stores, 3 weeks after launch.
I had been wondering what your decision would be. I can understand the decision you made and can endorse it myself, as I find myself using my iPod Touch more for email and calendar than my SmartPhone. Since I'm around WiFi about 20 hours a day or more, this hasn't been an issue. So are you going to drop your T-Mobile account?
Personally my account comes due in March, with my wife's already due now, so I am eligible for a new phone on her account already and I will be next March (my wife is a German creature of habit and likes her old phone). I have reached the decision that if there is no movement on 3G service coupled with better devices on T-Mobile in March I will be switching to AT&T. Not something I will want to do, but I'm tired of T-Mobile's promises and waiting around forever. If the SonyEricsson X1 turns out to be T-Mobile I might check that out when it launches. Otherwise perhaps Apple will release a 32 GB iPhone in the meantime, which will make it a no-brainer for me to switch to AT&T when my account comes due in the spring.
Posted by: Chris Beard | August 04, 2008 at 09:19 PM
My family is still on the T-Mobile Family plan and I have just added my number to their MyFaves. Our contract ends in May 09, and we will make a decision whether to switch everyone over to AT&T.
You have to give T-Mobile the nod on the cost front, they are cheaper. Unfortunately with no 3G and no announced 3G smartphones phones in the near term, the iPhone was just too tempting to pass up.
It does look like Apple will release a 32GB iPhone 3G for the Christmas season.
I think the Sony Ericsson X1 will be a compelling device, however right now it looks like it will be sold by Sony Style (stores and web) at a retail pricing since no carriers have officially picked it up.
Posted by: Stephen Skarlatos | August 05, 2008 at 07:57 AM