Everyone's written about all the technical features and drawbacks of the new iPhone ad infinitum! I thought I'd switch it up a bit. Here's my emotional take on the new iPhone after a few days use!
I switched from an HTC TyTN II(T-Mobile's MDA IV) to my new device. It was a long, hard road to get there. Not only did I pre-order but I missed out on the first wave of devices and had to wait for the next shipment. All in all, it took over a month to get my hands on my new iPhone. All kinds of anticipation had built up while waiting for the device (this was a long courtship). I had the opportunity to fondle others' devices who managed to get their hands on one from Day 1. I oooh'd and aaah'd inside but feigned disdain (because I didn't have mine yet!) Two days ago, word came that the device was on its way. I patiently waited (by looking at the tracking page twice an hour!) Finally I saw that it arrived, yet not in my hands. The shipping company delivered it to my house (where a neighbor took delivery of it) and not my office. Hence I had to wait all day until returning home to get my paws on it. Upon returning home with package in hand, I was a bit shocked by the size of the box. Is this it I thought? That's all there is? When I opened the box though all disappointment was gone. Ooooh, shiny, my new iPhone. Manuals? Who has time to read those. Phone was unpacked, hooked up and configured in like two minutes. I'm in, we're dating!
So, how is it? Well, here's the deal. My HTC stretch involved two generations of that device. In total I had spent about two years using those two devices. That's like a lifetime in the mobile phone space. My relationship with a phone before never lasted longer than a couple months. If it was really hot, maybe 4 or 5 but I either tired of it completely and had to replace it or it broke. That's why I have an emotional reaction to the new iPhone. It's like a new girlfriend. It's just hot right now. It's thrilling. I don't know how to use every feature but every time I discover a new one, it turns me on. Some thrill you only for a while. Some you can't get enough of day after day. Yet you keep fondling it over and over (I had to put a silicon case on it....a phone rubber....to make sure it doesn't get too worn out!) I love to take it out when out and about and I do often, even when it's not necessary. Everyone eyes it and most wish they could have one too (at least to play with). I'd break their neck if they tried to take it away from me. I know this will fade in time but it's so much fun. It's almost distracting from everything else. Yet, I keep remembering my HTC (but I keep this to myself). It was a solid phone. It had a keyboard which I loved to use. Somehow the iPhone's virtual keyboard just isn't as effective. It doesn't give you the feedback (sensation) that a real keyboard does. It was a bit heavy around the hips but it still looked good and it was rock solid. You could drop it, neglect it a bit, leave it out and it worked. It had grown on me, enough so that I replaced the old with a newer version to stay true to the brand. Up top, its screen was a bit smaller than the iPhone's but it worked fine and it did what I was supposed to. My eyes are still pretty good and I never found myself saying "gosh, I wish that was as big as the iPhone's". The battery wasn't any better or worse. Turn on 3G and your device will drain, regardless of which one it is. The power cord was also much more standard, mini USB. The iPhone is finicky with it's proprietary connector. I have to now go out and spend money on all new accessories. I have to dress it up all over again and it has expensive tastes. The iPhone can also be a bit buggy and it kind of nags you here and there. All phones tend to have their faults but I hadn't known the faults of an iPhone until today. I kind of miss my HTC and think about it now and again no matter how hard I try to forget it. Time will heal these wounds everyone keeps telling me but it just irks me every now and again. The iPhone is still hot. I love to play with it but it could end up simply being a fling. I may tire of its "hot" and "wow" factor. It may be a supermodel but can it make me a happy man? Can it support me, comfort me and stick with me through high and low? I just don't know yet. But let me tell you, I am sure going to have fun putting it through it's paces! :-)
Note: this is all tongue in cheek my friends. Don't take it too seriously!