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IPhone, next it-item?

I give mad props to Apple’s design department. They know how to design appealing and fashionable products wanted by consumers everywhere. For example, I found no practicality in carrying 60 gigs worth of music and video files along with me in an IPod, when I can carry a smaller 1 gig player for a workout that will last an hour. Nonetheless, I happen to like the IPod’s sleekness and clean design (and still mourn over the loss of my IPod due to theft). 11.6 millimeter device that includes a 3.5" 480 x 320 touchscreen display with multi-touch support and a proximity sensor. It also has a 2 megapixel camera, 4 or 8 gb of storage, bluetooth, wi-fi, quad-band GSM radio with EDGE. This tiny thing somehow runs OS X with Widgets, Google Maps, Safari, and ITunes. Apple also has a partnership with Yahoo! for push IMAP email. It will come out a bit pricey. 4 gig for $499 and 8 gig for $599. Both require a two-year Cingular contract. Is it worth it?

First, as an owner of a touchscreen phone, there are some things I love about it and some general things I hate about touchscreen phones.

Things I love about it:
1) It looks cool. As a young twenty-something, I am a victim to fashion trends and looking good. I know I sound very superficial, but it's true for the average twenty-something. People stare when I take out my phone because they have never seen it before.
2) The big screen is a plus when I read/write SMS or browse the Internet.
3) Never really had a problem with the touchscreen sensitivity when I'm talking on the phone. I never screw up and type the wrong button.

Things I hate about it:
1) I'm a target for thieves. Cool unique phone (+ Asian) = higher % of becoming a victim of theft
2) Sometimes the touchscreen does not respond as fast as you like it. Tactile keypad beats out touchscreen in terms of feel. It's easier to quickly and discreetly SMS someone on a phone with a keypad vs. a touchscreen.
3) Battery dies more quickly because there is a huge screen.

What about the IPhone?

As much as I would like the jack-of-all-trades phone with my media player and ability to get on the internet, it is still a bit pricey for me to fork over at least $500 and a two-year commitment. Although it does have Wi-Fi, the ability to run actual PC software (which was lacking before), and enough storage space for my music, I'm still skeptical about the battery life and the need for me to be even a bigger target for getting mugged. It is a gorgeous-looking phone, and I'm sure that this will be the next it-item that fashionistas will get to up their social status. With the increasing integration between fashion and technology (i.e. Motorola and D&G, Prada and LG), consumers are embracing viewing technology as a complementary fashion accessory for their wardrobes.

All in all, a mobile phone allows one to be constantly in touch with your group. If IPhone can't deliver on voice quality that is comparable or better than its much cheaper peers on the market, I don't see this product flying off the shelves. Then again, I said that about the IPod and the impracticality of carrying a huge amount of music with you everywhere. Now the IPods are everywhere...

posted by Koh @ 12:11 AM