Apple’s iPhone is a pretty face with limited features
Anyone would be a fool to not think the iPhone is a cool device, it is but what it lacks in features cannot be overlooked either. It may be sleek but it lacks some basic features that other (less cool) phones offer up in droves.
No portable device has a keyboard that could be described as good, perhaps mediocre at best, this isn’t limited to the iPhone but in my opinion the “soft” keyboard the iPhone is equipped with isn’t so great. One reviewer had a problem hitting no less than three keys at one time, it doesn’t register single key presses so well and requires more force than most people are used to in a touch screen to press.
Perhaps the iPhone could have been more functional with a touch screen and hard keyboard; maybe a slider keyboard/touch screen combo could have worked. It would be less sleek but far more functional, I don’t think Apple was going for functional.
Gizmodo has a list of some thing the iPhone does not (yet) do, though some issues could be addressed in a software/operating system or firmware update. The iPhone does not have or do the following:
Play songs as ringtones
Offer games
Have any flash support
Picture messaging (MMS)
Video recording
Voice recording or voice dialing
Wireless Bluetooth stereo streaming audio
Standard headset jack
Oldies but goodies:
No 3G (EV-DO/HSDPDA)
No GPS
No Removable battery
No Expandable Storage
No Direct iTunes store access
Its saving grace is the ability to access WiFi networks, both open and secure. It’s other features and considering what it can’t (yet) do is just not enough to convince me that iPhone version 1.0 is worth dropping $499 or $599 on.
My advice is to wait for revision 2 or 3 or just pick up a T-Mobile Dash (which is not as cool) today but is far more functional than the iPhone and it comes complete with WiFi and video capture/playback.
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June 27th, 2007
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October 3rd, 2008
I’ve only had it a few weeks but I’m already frustrated with the limited features. Speaking to o2 who are currently the only suppliers here in the UK. They state that the limitations are due to it being designed to cater for the american market who do not use many features. Why bother having bluetooth if you limit it uses so much. You can’t forward SMS or MMS altogether. You can’t zoom before taking photos or make a video which are all standard features with most phones. The lack of flash support when accessing sites is inexcusable. Apple really have a long way to go.