If you know me at all, you know that I am the type of person who tends to wait awhile before making any "big" purchases. I have had my vehicle for 8 years now (it has over 160,000 miles on it). We were recently forced to replace our refrigerator after 14 years of solid use. I also don't like to move, frankly. We built this house 6 years ago, and I think we'll probably be here a good while longer.
On the flip side, I am also someone who really enjoys gadgets, especially if they can make me more productive in my business. The iPhone meets both of these criteria. After having a Treo for the past four years, I was ready to make a move, so in December, I did. I bought a black 16GB iPhone at Best Buy about a month ago, and I am a raving fan. Okay, maybe not "raving", but a big fan nonetheless.
To say that it's been life-changing might be a little bit extreme, but I am VERY pleased with this phone. The only bothersome thing has been the fact that it can't also serve as my MLS key, which my Treo did, so I have to keep up with one other device now (updating, etc.).
So, what do I like about it?
The Safari browser is pretty fast, and the screen is large enough to easily read web pages. You can also zoom in and move the image around very simply. It has made it much less necessary for me to have access to a computer when I'm out and about. It automatically senses how you are holding the phone by using a accelerometer and adjusting the display accordingly (horizontal vs. vertical orientation). This is the same type of technology found in the controller for the Nintendo Wii.
It downloads very quickly, and I've been able to receive PDF and other email attachments much more easily now. As with the internet browser, this has made my mobility much better lately. I don't have to worry about returning to my home or office or having a laptop with wireless access.
Where to begin here? I recently read that the iPhone has some 10,000 apps now, all of which are accessible from the phone itself (i.e. no external device needed to acquire them). Most of the apps I am currently using, including TwitterFon, the Facebook app, and Shazam, are FREE. I'm not sure what the most expensive application is, but the non-free apps seem to range from 99 cents to around $9.99.
I think Shazam is one of the coolest apps I've found so far. Have you ever heard a song on the radio or in a restaurant and wondered about the title and/or artist? This application allows you to hold the phone up to the speaker and find out very quickly, with its tune recognition abilities. I tried it out one night while my wife and I were at dinner. "Is this Steely Dan?", she asked. I was able to confidently answer, "Yes, it is, and here's the song!"
SnapTell Explorer is another one I've used a bunch. It enables you to take a photo of a book, DVD, or CD cover, then find out where you can obtain it online, along with pricing from eBay, Amazon, etc.
Overall, the applications seem to offer a virtually never-ending source of entertainment and productivity.
The camera is decent, but not stellar. I wouldn't necessarily use it to replace a good digital camera, but it works for taking pictures on-the-go. I don't actually like the fact that both I and the subject have to be extra-still in order to get better shots. However, the pictures that turn out well are suitable for blogs and sharing via email. I think they sacrificed the megapixel quality in favor of other applications.
Since it serves a double use as an iPod Touch, the iPhone is exceptionally easy to use as a high-quality MP3 player. The sound quality of the headphones (ear buds) is terrific in my experience. Also, nothing beats showing off the music part to friends, when it looks like you are quickly scanning through a catalog of CDs with the flick of your finger.
Let's face facts for a second. Even if someone doesn't have an iPhone, they have to admit that this device is pretty darn cool. From the unique ringtones, to the sleek design, to the ease and versatility of use, this is my favorite tech purchase yet (that is, if you don't include my HDTV).
To sum up, if you're looking for a new phone, you really can't go wrong with the iPhone. I highly recommend it.
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I have been working as a full-time Austin area Realtor since January 1997. My years of experience serve me well as the broker and co-owner of Austin Texas Homes, LLC, which began operations in 2004.
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I was showing a client around today that swears by his I Phone, I'll keep it in mind.
Oh Jason, I'm so pleased for you. I'm a big fan of my 16GB 3G white iPhone. It is wonderful, I hope you were signed up on an inexpensive data plan! Here it's $30 per month for 6 MB! Well done. We don't quite yet have our phones set up as MLS keys, but I'm told they are working on the programming for that in my area.
Hubby has the iphone and I cannot get used to it yet. When I type on it, all sorts of unexpected stuff happens and more typos than normal pop up on the screen. Maybe by the time my current phone dies out on me, I'll be a believer.
Thanks for the review!
Great Phone.. I played around with the Vetrizon storm and the Iphone and am seriously considering a swith to AT&T
Congratulations, Jason.
I am truly enjoying my iphone too --- and Shazam is also one of my favorite applications. I had to demonstrate to folks how it works. The only thing I wish it can do is provide the lyrics to the song so that we can sing along! ;)
I like the fact that I can get my emails without having to pay the $30/mo or so that I used to pay with my Blackberry.
And every night before I go to bed, I play a few quick round of Scrabble.
Have fun!
iPhone Evangelist? LOL! When I bought my new Palm Treo e755, running Windows CE (I hate the actual Palm platform), the store employees kept trying to push the iPhone. But I already knew I wouldn't use over half the features. Glad you're enjoying your toy though. It sounds like you need a bunch of new stuff!
Hmmm just about everyone I've run into this trip has an Iphone ....so i'm guessing its now on my WISH LIST! :-)
We don't have coverage here for the iPhone darn it. Love my Blackberry Curve however, so I'm not complaining... but I'm looking forward to having an iPhone at some point!
I'm still holding on to my Treo 750. I like my Verizon service so I'm waiting to see how the Blackberry Storm shakes out before I make another switch.
I'm thinking about an iPhone. Just not sure though. But I'm glad it's working well for you and that you're comfortable with it. That's what counts!
I like it and don't like my iPhone. I rather have my Blackberry when it comes to texting and making phone calls. With the iPhone you have to press a lot more keys just to find your contact or dial pad to make that call. Car accident waiting to happen!
I do like it for my emails and web. I don't think you can beat it!
My friends love it. I'll probably wait until they give them away. Remember when the razor was like $200? Now they are a dime-a-dozen. Amazing to think what is in the works for the future when this stuff is so cool already.
I don't like the phone either....Lot's of people like it but not me!
Patricia Aulson
Gotta be honest with you.....I lost my blackberry and I refused to get any other PDA device. I'd love the phone for the MP3....but I'm envious, but I just don't want e-mail back and portable with me. It causes too much stress for me.....I freak everytime I get an e-mail, feeling that I need to check it instantaneously.....But I'm doing the slow burn.....
Enjoy your new iPhone Jason. It does have alot of cool features. I may have to consider one in the future.
Hi Jason.
I have phone envy!
My friends all have them. Are always playing with them.
They seem cool.
Have fun.
Ken
Jason - Yay! we love our iphones. I recently heard of a new app for Twitter which is supposed to rock -tweetie - I think. Haven't had a chance to check it out yet. ~Rita
Hi Jason! Congrats on your fav new tech device! I have to keep my Crackberry because my provider doesn't carry the iPhone and in Charlotte, it's BY FAR the best provider (no dropped calls, etc.) and I'm staying with them and giving up the opportunity for this WAY COOL phone!
Jason, I LOVE my iPhone. Download Twittelator. Its easy to use and best Twitter App I have found for iPhone. Other than Twitter, the iPhone is just a cool gadget (like you said). I agree with the Camera. I'd like the ability to ZOOM but thats not available yet. At least not on my phone.
Congrats on the purchase.
Jason - I hope by the time my plan comes up for renewal the IPhone prices have dropped - still a little too expensive for me. I do enjoy my BlackBerry Curve - maybe because it appeals to females more.
Welcome on board Jason. I got the iPhone 3G when it first came out, and it definitely has the cool factor to it. I think at $199 it is a steal!!
Jason, I love, I love iPhone (clap) stomp, stomp, (clap)......
I love, I love myPhone (clap) stomp,. stomp. (clap)...........
When we were visiting the other night about the iPhones I hope I remembered to tell you how much I love mine too! I'm learning to navigate with it more and more each day. I've never seen my emails pop up so quickly!
You're talking to another fan, I got a white (matches my puter) iPhone for Christmas 16GB. It's my baby now. I'm adicted, I love it and the sound is fantastic!
I also have the feeling that you and I both are difficult to please...so it must be great!
Jason, I think I am going to be a hold out until they upgrade to the next generation of I-Phone. Reason being is like any first year model car I tend to wait to make sure they have worked out all the bugs and remedied complaints before I "jump into the deep end!" Glad you like the phone and try and not have too much fun with it. Take care and happy blogging!
Jason - Everyone I know who has one loves it. I agree with those who say if we wait a while, the cost will be very reasonable. We, like you, spend quite a long time evaluating technology and other purchases before we buy! Have a great week!
Jason - I keep forgetting to ask someone with an iPhone, but since you brought up the subject; does ActiveRain (comments and posting and emailing) work on Safari's browser on the iPhone? I've had no luck with my Blackberry. Just curious. I want one, but I'm still a ways out before getting one.
Jason, I'm jealous. I would have an i-phone in a nanosecond, if they'd just open up their phone to other services besides AT&T... I can't get an AT&T signal at my office.
I'm a Mac freak- and this is eating me alive.
JL - I don't think you can go wrong with the iPhone, in my experience.
KATIE - They didn't even offer me a more expensive plan here - maybe just because I had a decent salesperson?
AMANDA - I know that my wife had a little trouble typing on mine, too. I think it responds to temperature rather than pressure (i.e. nails don't work). Could that be the problem?
LEE - I say "go for it!".
PACITA - Now you have given me a new toy to consider. I like Scrabble!
LISA - I don't using 9900 of the features, but the other 100 make it really worthwhile!
LIZ - I bet you will have one by the next time I see you.
SUSIE - As long as you're pleased with your current phone, I guess that's okay. It's terrible not to have the option, though.
CINDY - You bring up two points here that I thought were worth mentioning: 1. I had a Treo 650 (i.e. much older model), and 2. I was really not happy with my Sprint service. For me, it was an easy decision.
CAROL - I would recommend asking someone if you can try theirs out first. That way you can determine if you are comfortable with it.
MICHELLE - I guess I don't use the "contacts" feature that often, because I have a tendency to just memorize phone numbers. It is both a blessing and a curse. I still remember my friends' phone numbers from grade school.
STEVE - In my case, I needed a new phone anyway, so it was easier to just go ahead and do it. I have also waited on other technologies until the prices were super-low, but this is more than just a toy. As an example, Blue-Ray can wait - I have a feeling those will be very cheap by next Christmas.
PATRICIA - What do you dislike about it? I really don't have any complaints as of yet.
LARRY - I just check my email when I can, and new emails don't stress me out. Maybe I am too laidback?
JIM - I think it's worth considering!
KEN - I felt that way until last month. Now, I'm not sure how I made it this long without one.
RITA - Is Tweetie free? I have trouble paying for an app when the web part is free. I will check it out!
DEBE - That is some serious customer loyalty. I didn't have that issue here in Austin. Sprint has been notoriously bad for years. Not sure why I waited so long to switch.
JOHN - As I was asking Rita above about Tweetie, is Twittelator a free app? I have trouble bringing myself to pay for access to Twitter. I would love to have the zoom feature, too. Also, I know that if you "jailbreak" the iPhone (which voids the warranty), you can make it into a video camera as well.
PETRA - How much was the Curve? I know that Wal-Mart was offering an 8GB iPhone for $99 recently.
GARY - I think it's well worth the money, and I have trouble imagining another product beating it, at least to my way of thinking!
DEB - You are spot-on. I am pretty picky when it comes to phones, so for me to actually write about it means a lot. I am also drinking the iPhone Kool-Aid with you!
JASON - Actually, this is a second generation model. The first generation was not a 3G phone.
BRUCE & MARY - I held off as long as I could with my old phone, but I really needed a replacement. This has been a worthy purchase for me.
MATT - I'm glad you brought that up. I meant to include it in my post, but I forgot. Yes, I can access and use AR very easily with the iPhone. I haven't tried posting there, but I do use it for reading and commenting.
ALAN - If I had still been "in contract" with Sprint, I might have held off myself. If you can't get AT&T, I understand. I think that the phone can be unlocked and used with other carriers now. I read an article recently that indicated that 1/3 of iPhone users are not with AT&T.
Jason - Thanks for telling us about your experience with the iPhone. I've been wondering if I should get one... :)
DEBI - I love my iPhone (clearly), but I guess I would recommend trying one out somehow before you make the purchase.
Jason you are a step ahead of me...OK about 1/4 of a mile. My last new phone was almost a year ago, and I use 3 of it's 12 options. For me...that's really GOOD! Glad you enjoy your new gadget!
Can I get an AMEN?!?!? Preach it, brother!! Spread the Good News to the brethren! May all of the brothers and sisters find their way to the Light, and may God bless Steve Jobs 100-fold! ;-)
Cool! Thanks for that info. I've always wondered about the iphones.
Check out the app's like Bloomberg News, Facebook, Urbanspoon, Google Earth and my all time favoritae Shazamm -- point your Iphone at any speaker and the app will identify the song and direct you to Itunes where you can purchase ... and of course the Ipod.
Congratulations Jason, I like you tend to stay with things though. I bought my first cell in 95 and my second one in 05. I have only been with two cell companies and have had the same plan as when I started which has only went down is price. On the other hand my wife is nutz and change, I don't evee know how many times or different phones she has had. She uses a Blackberry curve right now.
Jason, you can get an "unlocked" version of the i-phone directly from Apple... but I believe it's hundreds more than if you buy it from your carrier, and they won't guarantee that it will function on their network, or be able to make use of it's internet.
And they won't tech-support it.... So in other words, you might have a very expensive pocket-brick.
braggard!
I was not a believer until I bought my husband one for Christmas and SHAZAM - he loves it!
I also got him a Jawbone bluetooth headset, which he also loves...he has gone through I don't know how many headsets, but finally, he seems content with this one!
Jason - First, twittelator is a free application on iPhone. At least I do not recall paying for it so I think its free. If anything, its only 99 cents. Im with you and do not like paying money for applications that I can get for free (or at least similar applications).
Which phone did you get? The 'Jailbreak' feature is only available for the older phones (4 gig and 8 gig). The new 3G phones do not have the ability to be broken. So, if you have the 3G then you no longer have the option.. just FYI.
Hi Jason! I received a IPHONE as a Christmas gift and like you I love it! It is a real cool phone. You can also buy a really good cover for it from the Apple website, keeps it from breaking when dropped. Seems like it was $30 but I think they are only available on the website. Glad to have a list of the apps here, now I will really have fun.
The Safari browser is pretty fast, and the screen is large enough to easily read web pages.
Our youngest son really likes his iPhone. He will often check his traffic options on it. The only complaint I hear from him is that it drops calls, but that seems to just be in a few specific areas that apparently have a weak signal.
Jason - Yes, I've seen the IPhone at Walmart yesterday and played with it a little bit. The curve was $20.00 - subscribed new to AT&T @ Sam's Club
WILLIAM - The iPhone has so many applications and features that it would be hard to use all of them, frankly. Thanks for stopping by!
RANDY - I take it that you are also a fan? :-)
TARHEEL-REALTY - You're welcome. Glad that you found it helpful.
LENZA - I am using the Facebook app already, and Shazam was actually one of the apps I mentioned in the post. It's my favorite, too! Hope you're doing well!
CHARLES - My Treo was the longest-lasting phone that I ever had (it made it about four years). I use them up pretty quickly most of the time. I can't even imagine having a cell phone last for 10 years. Kudos!
ALAN - Yeah, that sounds like a waste of money to me, too!
RICH - Yes.
SUSAN - I never could get the hang of the Bluetooth headsets myself. I use the earbud thing that came with it, and I love it, actually, The sound quality is good, and it's comfortable.
JOHN - I got the 16GB (and 3G) version, so I guess I'm out of luck on the jailbreak thing. No biggie. I will check out Twittelator today!
DONA - Glad to hear that you are enjoying yours as well. I got a $10 cover from Best Buy - I think it's called a "crystal case", or something similar. It is see-through, and covers the entire phone and screen without impeding the touchscreen abilities. So far, I am very happy with it!
BRUCE - That's interesting to hear. Someone mentioned that to me before, but I have had far fewer dropped calls than I had with my Sprint Treo.
PETRA - I hope you like it.
Jason
Forgot to mention --- we do have an iPhone Group on Active Rain. So you may want to include your post there. http://activerain.com/groups/iphonepower
And for folks considering iPhone, check out:
iPhone under the Christmas tree? Here's a great resource for applications, etc. See iPhone Matters.
iPhone 101 video tutorial. And yet another distraction: Scrabble on my iPhone
An iPhone Newbie's dream list: iPhone tips, tricks, and more
And for those thinking of geting an unlocked iPhone; DON'T. The partner of one of my co-workers did get one, and had problems with the phone. She tried getting support from her service provider, and they couldn't help. Tried to get help from AT&T but since she is not using their service, they won't either. Result? Dead phone, dead service. Hole in pocket.
Jason,
I'm on the Treo as well and hate to give up the lockbox access. Have you been able to keep your dkey in synch without too many troubles?
I can't find it at the moment, but I saw an article yesterday that mentioned a free iphone app that converts photos you take of business cards to an email with the data. So, essentially it functions as a business card reader. That sounded way cool to me.
Thanks for your thoughts!
-Laura "Ole" Olesen from Austin
PACITA - Joined the group today - thanks! Thanks also for the info about the unlocked version of the iPhone. Sounds like a big roll of the dice at best.
LAURA - I have had some minor issues with the dkey, but so far it's been okay. I like the idea of using it as a business card reader - cool! I'll have to look for that application!
Jason: Finally got a few apps installed today on my iphone, loving it more and more. Here is the cover I purchased through the apple store (no I don't work there) it is good in case you want something different than you have. Thanks again for sharing the info post.
Uh, Oh ... please don't tell me you're going to become one of those Apple people now! LOL
Jason... thanks for the update... I had a Treo 750 for a year, until I lost it... I liked it a lot. But I switched over to a Blackberry back in August... and since it cost me like $400, I won't be changing for a year... but when I do, the iPhone will be next... and maybe by then, even more improved.
I will admit that I like my blackberry for good pictures also... so that would be a semi sacrifice for me, since I don't want to carry a camera around with me also. If so, then I might have to get a man purse... lol But I would love it for it's bigger screen so I can view the web much better and attachments. thanks
PS... how did you make out with that other local lender and that deal?
DONA - That does look like a nice cover that you have. I like the one I have because it's also easy to get in and out of my pocket.
KENT - Probably not, but time will tell. I love the phone, but switching to all Mac products might be cost-prohibitive for me right now.
JEFF - I don't blame you for waiting if you just got a new Blackberry a few months ago. The picture quality is decent on the iPhone, but not stellar. No man purse! With regard to the other deal, we have a couple of additional options since the buyer's dad has a lot of money. They can either pledge the funds to a bank as collateral and the buyer can obtain the loan in his own name, or the dad can just buy the house and sell it to the son next year, when their tax returns will have the two-year minimum required for their LLC.
I absolutely love my iPhone. The service from AT&T is another matter entirely. You should also try out these apps:
- Google iPhone app
- Evernote
- LinkedIn
- Pandora
- Puluwai (its a Real Estate Search tool)
- Quick Voice
- Envirian 3-in-1 Mortgage Calculator
- Where
- Vlingo
- BeamMe
- Dial Zero
I think all of these are free but if not they are .99 at the most.Congrats Jason!
Have one since September (I buy every phone on the market). Iphone is by far the best (yes, including the new storm and google phone). More apps come out everyday. Won't be long to access the key thing
Tony
I love getting my email on my phone, my contacts and calendar, and even using it as my eKey. However, my phone (not an iphone) doesn't work too well as a phone..........I'm really looking forward to these technologies improving............and having an infared port!
CHRISTOPHER - Thanks for the great list!
Well, I am gonna hold my tongue here and just say congrats on finally joining the smart phone revolution. :) The iPhones are nice, I am just addicted to crackberries!
Jason, I've been seriously considering the iPhone for a while now. My sister-in-law actually works at Apple but unfortunately no friends and family discounts on the iPhone, only on iPods. Hey, they're not that expensive, so I might just go for it soon.
Hey Jason, congrats on the Iphone, me too!! I love mine as well. I had the 650 Treo for years and it finally cratered leaving me needing something new. Well the Iphone had just come out and I had to have it after hearing good things about it. I use several apps religiously:
Vlingo: voice commands for searching the map, updating twitter..etc, searching yahoo/google as well as voice dialing! IT IS AWESOME for using while driving!
Snail Mail: is a very fun game
myCaddie: is a golf GPS program that is FREE! Awesome, you can add courses that are not already mapped on GoogleMaps
I am an Austin Home Inspector, so maybe we'll see you out and about!
Glen Kotulek