I purchased the 8GB IPhone the day after it came out. No...I didn't wait in line. Before I had even started checking on availability at the at&t stores around Carlsbad, CA I was aware of the battery life complaints that had been floating around the internet already. The second at&t store I called had an 8gb iphone in stock so I told the sales guy to hold it for me for 15 minutes and that I'd be right there. On my way there, I was harping on the fact that this phone was probably going to be one of the iphone's with a "bad battery." Well, long story short...sure enough...my battery would not even last 4 hours from a full charge. I'd get to work, listen to music, check email twice and the battery would be dead by lunch time. I was pissed, of course. I called Apple and they asked me to change some settings (how often email is checked automatically, and to turn wifi off when not needed). I did, but it had little effect. So, I returned to an Apple store in San Diego and I was actually quite impressed with their customer service. The "genius" told me they could either swap it out or send it in for repair and I could have a loaner... Hmmm...what should I do?
You know the choice I made. The new iphone seemed much better, especially with wifi turned off. And, gruadually over time, my iphone has actually gotten better as far as battery efficiency. Not sure if its got anything to do with the 4 updates I've installed up to this point.
Now for my main complaints about this version of the IPhone...
1. Text messaging-Screen doesn't rotate into "landscape" view. This would make typing much easier. Even some other phones that my friends have offer that option. Sure, they actually have to press button but who gives a shit? Next, you still can't send a single text message to multiple people. That's just ridiculous.
2. Picture messaging-There is none. You can send pics via the email application, but...well, that's #3.
3. Email application-Outgoing email is incredibly slow. My ISP doesn't support the IPhone so I'm forced to use Apple's generic cwmx.com outgoing server. That takes foooooooreeeeever.
4. Internet-AT&T's EDGE network is slower than dial-up. It's embarrassing. But, when wifi's on, it's all good. Lightning fast.
5. Time stamping-For some reason, my call logs and text message logs all get incorrect time stamps. Sometimes, the time stamp is in the future. Frustrating...
6. Headphone jack-won't except very many styles of headphone. "Just play it on the speakers!" Ya, well those aren't that great either.
7. Camera-No video...?
Now for the good...
1. Maps-Google Maps application on the iphone is great! It works like a charm. The bookmarking function is cool too. Directions haven't been wrong yet.
2. Ipod-New update offers ipod control by pressing the home button twice. Good upgrade. Sound quality of headphones are great, if you can find phones that fit.
3. Visual voicemail-Works well, this is a great feature for people who get many phone calls throughout the day.
Overall, I'd say this is a great phone to have. But, had I known what I know now, I would have probably waited to get the next-generation IPhone. Rumors of that new version include: GPS, 3G network compatibility, and all the other Apple forum complaints including the one's I've listed above.
Recommendation...Don't Bogart That...Yet! :-)
Bogey
