iPhone Are they as good as they are made out to be?

Izak · 27-10-2008, 22:56

I am thinking of getting an iPhone sometime next year, I already own an iPod Touch and think it is brilliant. A friend bought an iPhone just over a month ago and he has been very impressed by it. However my brother has just been telling me about a friend who he thinks owns an iPhone and has loads of problems with it missing calls, etc so I thought I'd ask what everybody's opinion of the iPhone is on here. Are they prone to these problems or is it just my brothers friend who forgets to answer his phone?

MrKev · 27-10-2008, 23:11

Can open, worms everywhere...

I've not heard of missing calls - perhaps your brother's friend who 'might' have an iPhone isn't the best source mind. Asking such an open ended question as 'what do people think of the iPhone' is asking for trouble. This will descend into one huge argument.

jammers · 27-10-2008, 23:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Izak

I am thinking of getting an iPhone sometime next year, I already own an iPod Touch and think it is brilliant. A friend bought an iPhone just over a month ago and he has been very impressed by it. However my brother has just been telling me about a friend who he thinks owns an iPhone and has loads of problems with it missing calls, etc so I thought I'd ask what everybody's opinion of the iPhone is on here. Are they prone to these problems or is it just my brothers friend who forgets to answer his phone?

Usually a dropped call is down to the network. Mine just doesn't drop calls unless the network is very poor just like any other phone.

However the software is identical (inus the phone features and GPS stuff) to the Touch. If you like the Touch you will like the iPhone but it may be too similar to have both. If you are waiting to next year I would wait for the third generation of iPhone.

Izak · 27-10-2008, 23:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrKev

Can open, worms everywhere...

I've not heard of missing calls - perhaps your brother's friend who 'might' have an iPhone isn't the best source mind. Asking such an open ended question as 'what do people think of the iPhone' is asking for trouble. This will descend into one huge argument.

Sorry, I didn't really think about it opening up to an argument, I'm just interested in knowing if anyone has had any problems like dropped calls etc, my brother was pretty certain his friend has an iPhone but even if it is, it could be faulty or the operator could be at fault!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by jammers

Usually a dropped call is down to the network. Mine just doesn't drop calls unless the network is very poor just like any other phone.

However the software is identical (inus the phone features and GPS stuff) to the Touch. If you like the Touch you will like the iPhone but it may be too similar to have both. If you are waiting to next year I would wait for the third generation of iPhone.

The reason I'm thinking of getting an iPhone is because my current phone is on its last legs and as I've been very impressed with the iPod Touch (and the ability to access the Internet where ever), I thought an iPhone would be a good choice.

Is there a 3rd generation iPhone in the works? If so I'll definatly wait for that.

Sananda Maitreya · 28-10-2008, 01:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Izak

Is there a 3rd generation iPhone in the works? If so I'll definatly wait for that.

But when that's out they'll be working on the fourth generation one; you'd better wait for that!

JethroUK · 28-10-2008, 07:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sananda Maitreya

But when that's out they'll be working on the fourth generation one; you'd better wait for that!

LMFAO

always the case aint it

.

prking · 28-10-2008, 07:47

There is an issue with the iPhone not ringing when you are using the web browser (on Edge or GPRS). This would explain why your friend has missed calls.

Its not a bad phone, but I would urge you to do plenty of research as some people find it lacking in features we expect in a smartphone. For example, MMS and Flash. To others, though, this doesn't matter.

So as long as you are fully aware of the featureset of the iPhone, you will be happy.

andybno1 · 28-10-2008, 07:48

3rd generation iPhone might finally have the ability to MMS and apple will make a big deal out of it like its some kind of groundbreaking new feature no doubt haha

moisie · 28-10-2008, 11:31

Apple probably view it that the more phones they sell the less they would need to add mms, since more people would have email.

2robbo2 · 28-10-2008, 21:23

In my experience I would say my iPhone is the best handset I have ever owned. No experience of missing calls or calls dropping. The Internet and music playing experience is the best I have experienced. I'm not a big fan of touch screens for typing texts , but saying that you get used to it quite quickly.

N3R0 · 28-10-2008, 21:57

I have the iPhone.

For the first week i loved it. But then i realised what the phone was about.Looks....and thats it.

Functionality wise, the phone is a nightmare. Safari browser crashes constantly with error this and error that, the only way to resolve is reboot the phone. 02 are also the worst network for mobile web with the slowest speeds since early dialup days.
3G barely ever comes in to it. In the time i've owned it i reckon i've had 3G signals maybe 3 or 4 times. Surfing is appalling and unusable all to often. Which also makes maps GPS and google earth useless.

Yes you get WIFI, but like most people. If your near wifi then most likely your at home, hence you can use your computer for the full net experience.

No flash or java compatibility. You cant download anything unless its through apps or itunes.

No Youtube unless you have wifi access.

The GUI is sweet i give it that, but when you have every single text message on view to whom ever walks past your phone in the office....GUI or what, its not good.

Applying your own Mp3 as a ringtone....lol...what a task. You cant even do that without plugging in to itunes.what a Joke.

Battery life is pathetic, but that goes for all these types of phones, you get a day at best if your lucky.

The camera is simply crap. They shouldnt have bothered. My old samsung D500 was 2mb pixel the same as the iPhone. Yet the images i took with my D500 are far superior to the iphone.
and thats a 4 year old phone.

I could go on, there are so many things that should work with the iphone, the way its dressed up leads you to believe everything WILL work great. But after owning it a while and when you've peeled back the layers, you begin to realise what you have bought. I feel like throwing it out of the window.

wills**01 · 28-10-2008, 22:58

Well I love my iPhone, even though some of the features you'd find on other handsets are missing/not quite resolved on the iPhone.

There is a workaround for Flash.

Java coming soon.

Safari works great for me on 3G, does not drop out even on the bus, on the beach etc..

I've never had to reboot my iPhone and I've had it a month now.

legends wear 7 · 29-10-2008, 00:37

go play withe the storm in a vodafone shop next week or two, then make up your mind.

andybno1 · 29-10-2008, 07:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by wills**01

There is a workaround for Flash.

which is??

wills**01 · 29-10-2008, 12:00

you have to jailbreak your phone though!

damoedge25 · 29-10-2008, 12:14

I had a go of the iphone in my local O2 store and I had been telling everyone I was gonna get one. but after actually having a go I'm definitely not. The main problem for me is the texting, the touch keyboard is either too sensitive or not sensitive enough and for me that's no good as i text alot, plus it just feels weird not having any feed back when pressing keys.
I'm sure I'd get used to that but the fact MMS is not supported natively is stupid, I've decided a SE C905 is my better option

Ricardodaforce · 29-10-2008, 13:09

I find the push email service so appalling that I have turned it off. I have a Blackberry to confirm it with. If I am sent an email it appears on my Blackberry. It MIGHT appear on the iPhone. If it does, then it MIGHT download an attachment.
If I want to email a photo from my Blackberry it is a simple thing to do and works 100% of the time. The process is equally as simple from my iPhone but RARELY works. After an eternity I will get an error message. Same with photo uploads to Facebook which never fail on my Blackberry.
Yes, the 3G coverage is appalling and yes Safari crashes.

Sananda Maitreya · 29-10-2008, 13:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ricardodaforce

and yes Safari crashes.

safari has been crashtastic for me today while listening to music. but mobileme push works well for me (at least emails are getting to my iphone before they get to mail.app on my ibook which polls every minute).

legends wear 7 · 29-10-2008, 14:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by damoedge25

I had a go of the iphone in my local O2 store and I had been telling everyone I was gonna get one. but after actually having a go I'm definitely not. The main problem for me is the texting, the touch keyboard is either too sensitive or not sensitive enough and for me that's no good as i text alot, plus it just feels weird not having any feed back when pressing keys.
I'm sure I'd get used to that but the fact MMS is not supported natively is stupid, I've decided a SE C905 is my better option

If you can;t get on with the iPhone unresponsive touch screen, then i'd hold back on the UPG until the Blackberry Storm is released in a few weeks.

Ricardodaforce · 29-10-2008, 14:27

I think the iPhone touch sensitivity is excellent.

MrKev · 29-10-2008, 16:35

The iPhone uses a capacitive touch screen. Capacitive screens are so sensitive they detect your finger before it physically touches the screen.

Any perceived lack of sensitivity or responsiveness will be lag in the software or just not being used to typing on a touch screen - something damoedge25 admits to.

Recent software updates have pretty much alleviated input lag (though it is there on some web forms) and I wouldn't be surprised if the O2 floor models actually get plugged into a PC and updated that often. They may all still be running 2.0.0.

Rich2k · 29-10-2008, 17:00

Is it just me but I've never had Safari crash, it works just fine.

Also Adobe have said they actually have a working version of Flash for the iPhone they just want Apple to let them plug it into Safari directly. The same with TomTom for sat nav.

The whole MMS deal seems to be a stumbling block for some people to be honest I've not missed it whatsover. I just email people as everyone I want to ever send pictures to has email on their phone anyway.

The touch screen I have no issues with either, I do get annoyed sometimes that email forgets to update itself but other than that I love the iPhone, but then I am also an iPhone App Developer too!

legends wear 7 · 29-10-2008, 17:19

Maybe responsive was the wrong word to use.

I was meaning that the screen gives you no response to your touch, whereas the Storm gives you that feeling of actually pressing a button. It really is quite genius.

As for the TOM TOM for iPhone, am i not right in thinking the current GPS reciever in the iPhone is not quick enough to be of any use for full turn by turn software like TOM TOM (whereas the Storm is)

Sananda Maitreya · 29-10-2008, 17:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by legends wear 7

As for the TOM TOM for iPhone, am i not right in thinking the current GPS reciever in the iPhone is not quick enough to be of any use for full turn by turn software like TOM TOM (whereas the Storm is)

i don't think that's correct.

there was some story at launch (i think by david pogue) saying this but it turned out not to be true.

linkinpark875 · 29-10-2008, 19:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by damoedge25

I had a go of the iphone in my local O2 store and I had been telling everyone I was gonna get one. but after actually having a go I'm definitely not. The main problem for me is the texting, the touch keyboard is either too sensitive or not sensitive enough and for me that's no good as i text alot, plus it just feels weird not having any feed back when pressing keys.
I'm sure I'd get used to that but the fact MMS is not supported natively is stupid, I've decided a SE C905 is my better option

The C905 is a more realistic option for a phone the camera is top of the range unlike a iphone which has a poor 2MP. My upgrade has seen me go from 1MP, 2MP, 3MP, 5MP and my current 8MP. I had the 2MP about 2005.

If you have a Ipod touch the only advantage of upgrading is having a ipod that makes calls? There are far more superior touch screen models on the market from Samsung and LG which give the iphone a run for it's money. The new LG Renoir with a touch screen has DivX, TV out, 8MP camera, Xenon flash and Wi-fi they are also bringing out a LG Prada 2.

I tried a iphone in the shop, nice phone good for music, internet, texting but for anything else like games, applications, camera/video recording it's not really there on the iphone. Most new smartphones start at about 3MP now so Apple have under estimated the importance of a camera phone.

27-10-2008, 22:56	#1
Izak Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Stockport, Cheshire Posts: 3,416	iPhone Are they as good as they are made out to be? I am thinking of getting an iPhone sometime next year, I already own an iPod Touch and think it is brilliant. A friend bought an iPhone just over a month ago and he has been very impressed by it. However my brother has just been telling me about a friend who he thinks owns an iPhone and has loads of problems with it missing calls, etc so I thought I'd ask what everybody's opinion of the iPhone is on here. Are they prone to these problems or is it just my brothers friend who forgets to answer his phone?

27-10-2008, 23:11	#2
MrKev Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Durham Posts: 1,636	Can open, worms everywhere... I've not heard of missing calls - perhaps your brother's friend who 'might' have an iPhone isn't the best source mind. Asking such an open ended question as 'what do people think of the iPhone' is asking for trouble. This will descend into one huge argument.

27-10-2008, 23:14	#3
jammers Inactive Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: London Posts: 4,223	Quote: Originally Posted by Izak I am thinking of getting an iPhone sometime next year, I already own an iPod Touch and think it is brilliant. A friend bought an iPhone just over a month ago and he has been very impressed by it. However my brother has just been telling me about a friend who he thinks owns an iPhone and has loads of problems with it missing calls, etc so I thought I'd ask what everybody's opinion of the iPhone is on here. Are they prone to these problems or is it just my brothers friend who forgets to answer his phone? Usually a dropped call is down to the network. Mine just doesn't drop calls unless the network is very poor just like any other phone. However the software is identical (inus the phone features and GPS stuff) to the Touch. If you like the Touch you will like the iPhone but it may be too similar to have both. If you are waiting to next year I would wait for the third generation of iPhone.

27-10-2008, 23:43	#4
Izak Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Stockport, Cheshire Posts: 3,416	Quote: Originally Posted by MrKev Can open, worms everywhere... I've not heard of missing calls - perhaps your brother's friend who 'might' have an iPhone isn't the best source mind. Asking such an open ended question as 'what do people think of the iPhone' is asking for trouble. This will descend into one huge argument. Sorry, I didn't really think about it opening up to an argument, I'm just interested in knowing if anyone has had any problems like dropped calls etc, my brother was pretty certain his friend has an iPhone but even if it is, it could be faulty or the operator could be at fault!! Quote: Originally Posted by jammers Usually a dropped call is down to the network. Mine just doesn't drop calls unless the network is very poor just like any other phone. However the software is identical (inus the phone features and GPS stuff) to the Touch. If you like the Touch you will like the iPhone but it may be too similar to have both. If you are waiting to next year I would wait for the third generation of iPhone. The reason I'm thinking of getting an iPhone is because my current phone is on its last legs and as I've been very impressed with the iPod Touch (and the ability to access the Internet where ever), I thought an iPhone would be a good choice. Is there a 3rd generation iPhone in the works? If so I'll definatly wait for that.

28-10-2008, 01:58	#5
Sananda Maitreya Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 5,687	Quote: Originally Posted by Izak Is there a 3rd generation iPhone in the works? If so I'll definatly wait for that. But when that's out they'll be working on the fourth generation one; you'd better wait for that!

28-10-2008, 07:15	#6
JethroUK Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Loughboro', Leicester (ex NTL) Posts: 5,953	Quote: Originally Posted by Sananda Maitreya But when that's out they'll be working on the fourth generation one; you'd better wait for that! LMFAO always the case aint it .

28-10-2008, 07:47	#7
prking Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Weston-super-Mare Posts: 9,167	There is an issue with the iPhone not ringing when you are using the web browser (on Edge or GPRS). This would explain why your friend has missed calls. Its not a bad phone, but I would urge you to do plenty of research as some people find it lacking in features we expect in a smartphone. For example, MMS and Flash. To others, though, this doesn't matter. So as long as you are fully aware of the featureset of the iPhone, you will be happy.

28-10-2008, 07:48	#8
andybno1 Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Liverpool, UK Posts: 6,065	3rd generation iPhone might finally have the ability to MMS and apple will make a big deal out of it like its some kind of groundbreaking new feature no doubt haha

28-10-2008, 11:31	#9
moisie Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Herts Posts: 2,378	Apple probably view it that the more phones they sell the less they would need to add mms, since more people would have email.

28-10-2008, 21:23	#10
2robbo2 Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 2	In my experience I would say my iPhone is the best handset I have ever owned. No experience of missing calls or calls dropping. The Internet and music playing experience is the best I have experienced. I'm not a big fan of touch screens for typing texts , but saying that you get used to it quite quickly.

28-10-2008, 21:57	#11
N3R0 Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: 3rd rock from the sun/derbyshire Posts: 197	I have the iPhone. For the first week i loved it. But then i realised what the phone was about.Looks....and thats it. Functionality wise, the phone is a nightmare. Safari browser crashes constantly with error this and error that, the only way to resolve is reboot the phone. 02 are also the worst network for mobile web with the slowest speeds since early dialup days. 3G barely ever comes in to it. In the time i've owned it i reckon i've had 3G signals maybe 3 or 4 times. Surfing is appalling and unusable all to often. Which also makes maps GPS and google earth useless. Yes you get WIFI, but like most people. If your near wifi then most likely your at home, hence you can use your computer for the full net experience. No flash or java compatibility. You cant download anything unless its through apps or itunes. No Youtube unless you have wifi access. The GUI is sweet i give it that, but when you have every single text message on view to whom ever walks past your phone in the office....GUI or what, its not good. Applying your own Mp3 as a ringtone....lol...what a task. You cant even do that without plugging in to itunes.what a Joke. Battery life is pathetic, but that goes for all these types of phones, you get a day at best if your lucky. The camera is simply crap. They shouldnt have bothered. My old samsung D500 was 2mb pixel the same as the iPhone. Yet the images i took with my D500 are far superior to the iphone. and thats a 4 year old phone. I could go on, there are so many things that should work with the iphone, the way its dressed up leads you to believe everything WILL work great. But after owning it a while and when you've peeled back the layers, you begin to realise what you have bought. I feel like throwing it out of the window.

28-10-2008, 22:58	#12
wills**01 Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 890	Well I love my iPhone, even though some of the features you'd find on other handsets are missing/not quite resolved on the iPhone. There is a workaround for Flash. Java coming soon. Safari works great for me on 3G, does not drop out even on the bus, on the beach etc.. I've never had to reboot my iPhone and I've had it a month now.

29-10-2008, 00:37	#13
legends wear 7 Guest Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 2,070	go play withe the storm in a vodafone shop next week or two, then make up your mind.

29-10-2008, 07:51	#14
andybno1 Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Liverpool, UK Posts: 6,065	Quote: Originally Posted by wills**01 There is a workaround for Flash. which is??

29-10-2008, 12:00	#15
wills**01 Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 890	you have to jailbreak your phone though!

29-10-2008, 12:14	#16
damoedge25 Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Miles Platting, Manchester, UK Posts: 262	I had a go of the iphone in my local O2 store and I had been telling everyone I was gonna get one. but after actually having a go I'm definitely not. The main problem for me is the texting, the touch keyboard is either too sensitive or not sensitive enough and for me that's no good as i text alot, plus it just feels weird not having any feed back when pressing keys. I'm sure I'd get used to that but the fact MMS is not supported natively is stupid, I've decided a SE C905 is my better option

29-10-2008, 13:09	#17
Ricardodaforce Inactive Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Alacant Posts: 7,773	I find the push email service so appalling that I have turned it off. I have a Blackberry to confirm it with. If I am sent an email it appears on my Blackberry. It MIGHT appear on the iPhone. If it does, then it MIGHT download an attachment. If I want to email a photo from my Blackberry it is a simple thing to do and works 100% of the time. The process is equally as simple from my iPhone but RARELY works. After an eternity I will get an error message. Same with photo uploads to Facebook which never fail on my Blackberry. Yes, the 3G coverage is appalling and yes Safari crashes.

29-10-2008, 13:38	#18
Sananda Maitreya Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 5,687	Quote: Originally Posted by Ricardodaforce and yes Safari crashes. safari has been crashtastic for me today while listening to music. but mobileme push works well for me (at least emails are getting to my iphone before they get to mail.app on my ibook which polls every minute).

29-10-2008, 14:04	#19
legends wear 7 Guest Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 2,070	Quote: Originally Posted by damoedge25 I had a go of the iphone in my local O2 store and I had been telling everyone I was gonna get one. but after actually having a go I'm definitely not. The main problem for me is the texting, the touch keyboard is either too sensitive or not sensitive enough and for me that's no good as i text alot, plus it just feels weird not having any feed back when pressing keys. I'm sure I'd get used to that but the fact MMS is not supported natively is stupid, I've decided a SE C905 is my better option If you can;t get on with the iPhone unresponsive touch screen, then i'd hold back on the UPG until the Blackberry Storm is released in a few weeks.

29-10-2008, 14:27	#20
Ricardodaforce Inactive Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Alacant Posts: 7,773	I think the iPhone touch sensitivity is excellent.

29-10-2008, 16:35	#21
MrKev Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Durham Posts: 1,636	The iPhone uses a capacitive touch screen. Capacitive screens are so sensitive they detect your finger before it physically touches the screen. Any perceived lack of sensitivity or responsiveness will be lag in the software or just not being used to typing on a touch screen - something damoedge25 admits to. Recent software updates have pretty much alleviated input lag (though it is there on some web forms) and I wouldn't be surprised if the O2 floor models actually get plugged into a PC and updated that often. They may all still be running 2.0.0.

DS Forums

iPhone Are they as good as they are made out to be?

29-10-2008, 17:00	#22
Rich2k Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: UK Posts: 3,000	Is it just me but I've never had Safari crash, it works just fine. Also Adobe have said they actually have a working version of Flash for the iPhone they just want Apple to let them plug it into Safari directly. The same with TomTom for sat nav. The whole MMS deal seems to be a stumbling block for some people to be honest I've not missed it whatsover. I just email people as everyone I want to ever send pictures to has email on their phone anyway. The touch screen I have no issues with either, I do get annoyed sometimes that email forgets to update itself but other than that I love the iPhone, but then I am also an iPhone App Developer too!

29-10-2008, 17:19	#23
legends wear 7 Guest Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 2,070	Maybe responsive was the wrong word to use. I was meaning that the screen gives you no response to your touch, whereas the Storm gives you that feeling of actually pressing a button. It really is quite genius. As for the TOM TOM for iPhone, am i not right in thinking the current GPS reciever in the iPhone is not quick enough to be of any use for full turn by turn software like TOM TOM (whereas the Storm is)

29-10-2008, 17:24	#24
Sananda Maitreya Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 5,687	Quote: Originally Posted by legends wear 7 As for the TOM TOM for iPhone, am i not right in thinking the current GPS reciever in the iPhone is not quick enough to be of any use for full turn by turn software like TOM TOM (whereas the Storm is) i don't think that's correct. there was some story at launch (i think by david pogue) saying this but it turned out not to be true.

29-10-2008, 19:27	#25
linkinpark875 Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 24,424	Quote: Originally Posted by damoedge25 I had a go of the iphone in my local O2 store and I had been telling everyone I was gonna get one. but after actually having a go I'm definitely not. The main problem for me is the texting, the touch keyboard is either too sensitive or not sensitive enough and for me that's no good as i text alot, plus it just feels weird not having any feed back when pressing keys. I'm sure I'd get used to that but the fact MMS is not supported natively is stupid, I've decided a SE C905 is my better option The C905 is a more realistic option for a phone the camera is top of the range unlike a iphone which has a poor 2MP. My upgrade has seen me go from 1MP, 2MP, 3MP, 5MP and my current 8MP. I had the 2MP about 2005. If you have a Ipod touch the only advantage of upgrading is having a ipod that makes calls? There are far more superior touch screen models on the market from Samsung and LG which give the iphone a run for it's money. The new LG Renoir with a touch screen has DivX, TV out, 8MP camera, Xenon flash and Wi-fi they are also bringing out a LG Prada 2. I tried a iphone in the shop, nice phone good for music, internet, texting but for anything else like games, applications, camera/video recording it's not really there on the iphone. Most new smartphones start at about 3MP now so Apple have under estimated the importance of a camera phone.