My New iPhone 3GS: Beyond Awesome

As most of you know, I am not an iPhone lover. I bought my first one right when they came out and, then, immediately brought it back to the genius bar to ask why the speakers didn’t work. My iPhone version 1.0 story is chronicled in two articles from July 2007. The first July 7, 2007 was a love letter entitled, “iLove my iPhone,” which is mostly about my first impressions. The second, written on July 21, 2007, was “iPhone Reality/Sanity Check — my iWish list,” which is just what it says it is.

By September 2007 (see iPhone Aftermath) I’d had enough fun with my iPhone and I purchased a Verizon (VZ) BlackBerry World, which was actually my least favorite of the BlackBerry family, but it worked as designed. The moment Verizon offered the BlackBerry Curve, I was in the store. It is what I carry today and it works exactly as designed. Although, I won’t miss it at all.

I have a good deal of experience with the Apple (AAPL) App Store. I have been using my old iPhone as an iPod Touch since it was decommissioned and, more recently I purchased a 16GB Touch because I have too many apps for my 8GB iPhone. Size matters!

A few weeks ago, I downloaded an app that made me think about returning to the iPhone fold. It’s called Daylite Touch. It’s a simple program that seamlessly integrates Daylite (my favorite contact/pipeline management software) with the iPhone. I liked it on the Touch, but after using it for a short while, I knew it was really going to be something special in a 3G broadband cloud. I was right.

Last week, I purchased a new 32GB iPhone 3GS. It is beyond awesome. Daylite Touch and Omnifocus sync so perfectly with my other Apple computers it makes me giddy. If you like an app on the iPod Touch, you will absolutely love it on an iPhone 3GS. (There are over 65,000 apps at the App store, so you are likely to find something that makes you smile.) Many of the utility functions that were truly missing in the earlier iterations of the phone are now included, and the user experience is, well, Jobsian! That’s the good news.

The bad news is that I still have to carry a second cell phone with me. Ironically, it’s the same flip phone I purchased to accompany my first iPhone. Why? Well, what was true then, is true now. I have yet to end an iPhone conversation in “goodbye.” It’s always, “Hello? Hello?” As a phone network, AT&T (T) sucks!

I was standing at the bottom of the elevator bank inside of 30 Rock and went to call the person I was going to see to tell them that I was coming up stairs. Four bars on my Verizon BlackBerry, no bars on my AT&T iPhone. Error message dialing the iPhone, “Call Ended” (before it began), a quick answer on the Verizon Crackberry and a conversation that continued into the elevator. AT&T does have anytime minutes… as in, anytime you can get a signal! And, they do rollover. That’s nice.

Now, and this is the important part, you actually need to go out and get an iPhone 3GS and you should get the 32 GB model. I thought you could experience the future with an iPod Touch and the associated ritual trips to the App Store. I was wrong. You cannot emotionalize the experience of having a location-based, app help you do things you need to do at 3G speeds with full graphics on a iPhone screen. It’s off the charts. The network is nowhere near as fast as I’d like it to be, but the overall impact of Google Maps or the Fandango app or some of the social networking apps, to say nothing of the productivity apps, is mind-blowing.

I did not open up my laptop at two meetings today because I simply didn’t need the connectivity. I was able to access all of the data I needed through my iPhone and, again, the sync was flawless.

I absolutely hate the AT&T network as a phone network, but even their sub-optimal service cannot dampen my enthusiasm for my latest purchase. Do I really want to carry a second cell phone? No. Will I? With pleasure. The battery on the iPhone should not be wasted with things as trivial as voice communication!

One last thing. Back in the day, there was a program called Visicalc. It ran on an Apple II+ and was the first true spreadsheet software. I remember hearing business people talk about how the cost of the Apple II+ was more than justified by this one piece of software. There are very, very few times that I have been inspired to purchase a piece of hardware by a specific piece of software. Oddly enough, all of them have been Apple products. Since OS X, the must-have hardware/software combos in my world have been: Logic Pro, Final Cut Pro, iPods/iTunes and the latest, Daylite Touch/Omnifocus/iPhone 3GS.

Is purplera1n in my future? No, I won’t jailbreak the iPhone. However, if the DOJ does happen to make Apple open up the platform, I’ll be back to Verizon in a heartbeat!

Disclosure: No positions

Comments

[isellapple:]

At least one of the phones in your pocket is an iPhone =).
Better functionality than any other phone on the market because no one can compete with the Apple App Store! There is literally a program for everything, just like Apple likes advertises. If you want more info on the iPhone 3Gs go to:
buyappleiphone3gs.com

Aug 03 05:08 AM

[donzoab:]

The battery on the IPHONE is garbage. You can't use it as a phone and location device unless it is plugged in. Won't last 1/2 a day AT BEST. Add to this A T & T service is the worst on the market. If it wasn't for this phone, AT&T would be out of business already. If another carrier gets this phone, they're dead.

Aug 03 08:16 AM

[mollytjm:]

good article. the battery is fine..i recharge overnite but usually only because i play battery hungry games late in the evening. i travelled recently and used my iPhone as a phone and location device, constantly...not plugged in. and i only have the 3G, not the new one. I have to admit that i'm hoping that ATT doesn't remain the only carrier. Though, in my area, it's finally become much better, it's not as good as Verizon. ATT has more bars here than Sprint. I can't imagine what Pre buyers are going through.
by the way, there is a $9 tiny battery extender/recharger that you can carry in your pocket if you need extra power for the iPhone...it would be the same as carrying an extra phone battery but just plugs into the phone.

Aug 03 09:01 AM

[buoy:]

TMI

Aug 03 09:22 AM

[vassar:]

I don't understand the problems people have with ATT. I had Verzion beforehand and now ATT and have not had any problems, both in rural and in metropolitan areas.

Aug 03 09:48 AM

[brewer:]

Nobody can call on any network in my building without walking down the hallway to the window. But you can use an iPod touch to call on skype from anywhere in the building over wifi!

If your battery is bad, take it to the Apple store and show them, their service is fantastic! Not all batteries are going to function as expected, it's up to you to demonstrate the problem though. It should last all day unless you are watching movies on it, etc... Like the iPod, it's designed to be charged at night, and not to have a huge battery that merely takes up space in your pocket.

Aug 03 10:26 AM

[ghopvm:]

If you don't like the AT&T network, it absurd to carry two phones even if your company is paying for one. May I introduce you to Verizon's Blackberry Storm. It works like the I-Phone with less applications developed but that will come in time. I am very happy with all the basics.....web/mobile device downloads, texting, e-mails. Of course you can download your music. My favorite thing is to listen to the ballgame via MLB from out of town. Who needs a radio? As a Yankee fan I listen to the opposing teams audio to avoid the mistake drivin Yankee announcer John Sterling. That just make this better than a radio. Then I may also tune in the anti-Red Sox team or some music. I don't know what applications the i-phone has that this doesn't but you can't miss what you never had. Oh yeah...GPS is also available but I always know where I'm going...do you?

Aug 03 11:06 AM

[Murphy Mac:]

@ Vassar

There's nothing to understand, the AT&T vs. Verizon discussion is almost pointless. AT&T works for you. It drops calls for me. It's geographical. I was in Miami a couple weeks ago and AT&T had full bars EVERYWHERE I went.
Here in Charlotte there are giant gaps in highly populated areas four miles outside the city center. I live one mile out and even here I fail to get a signal at times. Verizon never dropped calls for me.

That said, outside AT&T the iPhone 3GS surpasses virtually every expectation I had. Except the still-photo camera.


On Aug 03 09:48 AM vassar wrote:

> I don't understand the problems people have with ATT. I had Verzion
> beforehand and now ATT and have not had any problems, both in rural
> and in metropolitan areas.

Aug 03 11:50 AM

[KenC:]

If you are going to carry two phones, you should carry your flip with bluetooth tethering, and an iPod touch. That way you can surf the net without wifi on the touch. Essentially a WWAN netbook.

Aug 03 12:03 PM

[Infinite loop:]

No offense, but the Storm is junk. Just check out all the issues on the internet it is having with poor quality control. Also, if you like MLB you really need to check out the MLB App for the iPhone. It is sick to say the least. Forget radio and actually watch the game. www.mlb.com/mobile/iphone/.

See how far behind the Storm is?


On Aug 03 11:06 AM ghopvm wrote:

> If you don't like the AT&T network, it absurd to carry two phones
> even if your company is paying for one. May I introduce you to Verizon's
> Blackberry Storm. It works like the I-Phone with less applications
> developed but that will come in time. I am very happy with all the
> basics.....web/mobile device downloads, texting, e-mails. Of course
> you can download your music. My favorite thing is to listen to the
> ballgame via MLB from out of town. Who needs a radio? As a Yankee
> fan I listen to the opposing teams audio to avoid the mistake drivin
> Yankee announcer John Sterling. That just make this better than a
> radio. Then I may also tune in the anti-Red Sox team or some music.
> I don't know what applications the i-phone has that this doesn't
> but you can't miss what you never had. Oh yeah...GPS is also available
> but I always know where I'm going...do you?

Aug 03 12:24 PM

[bmose:]

Wow I thought I was going to get an original opinion on the i-phone. All I see is the same thing I've been reading for the last few years. I love the phone but I can't stand AT&T blah blah blah. AT&T sucks blah blah blah. Verizon is the greatest blah blah blah. If the AT&T network was so bad the i-phone wouldn't sell as much as it has no mattter how great the phone is. You Verizon lovers should have stuck with your network if you thought it was so great or bash your company for not taking the deal with Apple when they were offered it first. CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW.

Aug 03 12:37 PM

[Neil Anderson:]

The iPhone 3GS = Awesome times two.

Aug 03 05:05 PM

[Paul H. M.:]

You sound bitter. I take it you're an AT&T customer?

I pity the fools!

The best thing is to just buy a Touch for the apps, and a Blackberry for business (since you might actually need to here the other person).

On Aug 03 12:37 PM bmose wrote:

> Wow I thought I was going to get an original opinion on the i-phone.
> All I see is the same thing I've been reading for the last few years.
> I love the phone but I can't stand AT&T blah blah blah. AT&T
> sucks blah blah blah. Verizon is the greatest blah blah blah. If
> the AT&T network was so bad the i-phone wouldn't sell as much
> as it has no mattter how great the phone is. You Verizon lovers should
> have stuck with your network if you thought it was so great or bash
> your company for not taking the deal with Apple when they were offered
> it first. CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW.

Aug 04 01:55 AM

[maniac:]

It is a location problem. It sucks in New York and great in Sacramento, based on my experience.


On Aug 03 09:48 AM vassar wrote:

> I don't understand the problems people have with ATT. I had Verzion
> beforehand and now ATT and have not had any problems, both in rural
> and in metropolitan areas.

Aug 04 10:50 AM

[robinjoe:]

It must be a location thing. I've only had problems with the iPhone in Europe and that was because it wouldn't default to the network that actually sells and normally operates with the iPhone. LA is a problem for anyone but Sprint in the remote areas like Calabasas. But in run of the mill locals AT&T is fine. I wonder if it is a network saturation issue.

Aug 04 11:31 AM

[Paul Harper:]

another post sponsored by Engadget ?

Aug 11 09:26 AM

[dgAland:]

Why do you use both Daylite and OmniFocus? I thought one reason to use Daylite was that it had todo/project management built in...

I have found it a bit much to get my mind around the Daylite/Daylite Touch programs. I found it easier to use OmniFocus but then it doesn't include a calendar. I tried Pocket Informant but found it difficult to use because to enter todo info on my laptop, you have to use ToodleDO which is far from an intuitive experience.

Alan D.

Aug 20 04:57 PM

[FreeRange:]

Quit trying to speak for the whole universe. We all know AT&T sucks in some markets (like in NYC) but in mine and most others it works great! In fact, in downtown Denver, I had to dump Verizon as my apartment was in a dead spot. Further, your comment about the battery is pure BS. Having no such problem. You probably aren't leaving it on the charger long enough when you do charge. Another shill / troll needs to STFU.


On Aug 03 08:16 AM donzoab wrote:

> The battery on the IPHONE is garbage. You can't use it as a phone
> and location device unless it is plugged in. Won't last 1/2 a day
> AT BEST. Add to this A T & T service is the worst on the market.
> If it wasn't for this phone, AT&T would be out of business already.
> If another carrier gets this phone, they're dead.

Aug 28 09:15 PM

[FreeRange:]

TROLL !!!!!!! The storm is a joke and a proven piece of crap!

On Aug 03 11:06 AM ghopvm wrote:

> If you don't like the AT&T network, it absurd to carry two phones
> even if your company is paying for one. May I introduce you to Verizon's
> Blackberry Storm. It works like the I-Phone with less applications
> developed but that will come in time. I am very happy with all the
> basics.....web/mobile device downloads, texting, e-mails. Of course
> you can download your music. My favorite thing is to listen to the
> ballgame via MLB from out of town. Who needs a radio? As a Yankee
> fan I listen to the opposing teams audio to avoid the mistake drivin
> Yankee announcer John Sterling. That just make this better than a
> radio. Then I may also tune in the anti-Red Sox team or some music.
> I don't know what applications the i-phone has that this doesn't
> but you can't miss what you never had. Oh yeah...GPS is also available
> but I always know where I'm going...do you?

Aug 28 09:17 PM