LAist: Ask the MACist -- Macworld Edition -- Final Thoughts

Henry

Sun, 14 Jan 2007 19:05:58 -0800

making the iphone a cingular exclusive was so unApple.

jbelkin

Sat, 13 Jan 2007 12:04:40 -0800

The no add'l software is sort of like the ipod now, while you can load podcasts, text and other meia, your add'l apps like games are somewhat limited - which makes reasonable sense for the general person - by opening the sync and allowing outside apps to load could cause other problems - part of that is realted to an Apple control issue - like the desktop on Macs - you can load a bunch of utilities to amke changes to your system icons and the way windows opening look but Apple prefers you not and makes it as hard as possible so only the true fanatics will bother - same with the iphone, I'm sure eventually there will be some sanctioned app process like ipod games now. And yea, if given a choice, it would easier if it were an unlocked phone that you could just drop in a SIM but if $599 is the "subsizied" price, what would it be really? It would be a hard swallow if you had to pay $899 or $999 and other carriers might not let iphone onto their 'advanced' networks? People would think it's nice but it would be even a bigger question mark plus while 40% of users can swap out a SIM chip, it would be unfriendly for most - why i don't know how most advanced cell services operate but it seems like everyone has their own protocols so after you pay $899 for the phone, do you need to wait for t-mobile or sprint to sell you another add-on for $100 before you can use all the features? And still not have visual voicemail? I'm not saying for all cosnumers it's the best soliution but for the majority, it's a open box-turn on and use experience - so yea, 10-40% of users might be giving up something but it's ultimately the best solution for many - it's not perfect for everyone - partially yes because Apple likes to control most aspects of the UI (and also for good reason) but also because of the state of the cell market - for good or bad.

MacIssaac

Sat, 13 Jan 2007 09:54:10 -0800

This is one laughable review. You speculate like a boob.

Stephen Shamblin

Sat, 13 Jan 2007 03:31:55 -0800

I must say I'm dissappointed in not being able to purchase the phone simply becuase it's required I exclusively use a cell carrier. I would have paid $ 1000.00 for the phone and been happy to had another MAC product. As a newbee to Macs (since 1998) I have purchased every new product Apple has offered in their computer line and excluded windows products, including my PDA's. Some days it appears Apple is forgetting it's loyal customers, new and old.

Jon T

Sat, 13 Jan 2007 03:27:53 -0800

This is a rather lame assessment in my opinion. For hugely more intelligent and informed coverage read this: http://www.roughlydrafted.com

chris ullrich

Fri, 12 Jan 2007 20:45:16 -0800

actually, i think apple will eventually win the iphone name suit. or, both companies may end up getting to use the name. either way, i don't see apple backing down on that one.

Zach Behrens

Fri, 12 Jan 2007 19:17:21 -0800

The name [iPhone] will not hold cicsco owns it why not specualte on the new name? This is hardly an issue, just a name. IMHO.

vaporland

Fri, 12 Jan 2007 19:14:15 -0800

they could just store incoming calls in flash ram if they truly wanted visual voicemail that worked on any netowork . . .

Todd

Fri, 12 Jan 2007 18:52:52 -0800

The phone is locked for now because Steve pointed out that Cingular had to change the way it handles calls for Apple. The one example Steve used was that Cingular had to change the way they deliver voicemail so the iphone can do the random voicemail. If Apple could have all the carriers deliver iphone service the way Apple wants it, I'm sure the phone would be unlocked.

ben bang

Fri, 12 Jan 2007 18:24:52 -0800

Cingular sucks. No chance I'm switching to those creeps just for a phone. Macworld was a crapfest. Let's just hope the new pro product lines are worth a shite.

Matt

Fri, 12 Jan 2007 17:52:03 -0800

Dude, what, you were not happy with NorCal's nicely paved streets and clean SF downtown? LA's roads are stuck in the 80s with pot holes from 1982, and I would only live in some plush rich persons community. On topic, The iphone is sweet, but You missed a couple crucial points though. The name will not hold cicsco owns it why not specualte on the new name? IPOD batteries can be replaced.just google IPOD battery replacement. It is a good deal too. I imagine the iphone or what ever it will be called will be the same. Cingular is ATaT in some communities and really blows. I would never switch to cinglular from Verizon in my area. ATaT was is the worst for Cell service. Now, I loved cingular for service in the bay and chicago and driving cross country it was great. But I would never move to them.never. Well, we can imagine more people just like me, maybe more than we can forsee, which is bad for Apple.but the cool thing is, the iphone is so cool that everyone will try to copy the best parts. Price should drop too.

Zach Behrens

Fri, 12 Jan 2007 17:24:01 -0800

I have to agree on the Cingular issue. I ain't switching from Verizon anytime soon. I am way happy with their service.