Open Thread

18 Comments

1. 

   Second Nature on August 6, 2008 at 12:44 pm

   Will you still talk to us common folk?

   • 

     CabinGirl on August 6, 2008 at 12:47 pm

     Heh.  I might even be able to hear what you’re saying…without going “What? Can you repeat that?” every 3 minutes.

     Honestly, my current phone sounds like the teacher in the Peanuts specials:  “Whah-whah-wahwah.”  🙂

2. 

   dada on August 6, 2008 at 12:50 pm

   tom waits latest foray:

   listen to a 2hr 21min live recoding from atlanta HERE

   downloadable as a “pod cast”…use appropriate links.

   it’s classic waits…if you’re a fan, it’s a must hear.

   enjoy!

3. 

   justadood on August 6, 2008 at 12:51 pm

   I have a 8GB first-edition iPhone–up-to-date on all software.

   For this, or the new 3G iPhone, there will be several things you may want to go to your local AT&T store or Apple Store, play with one, and make up your mind as to how well you like it.

   I’ve seen some complaints regarding:

   1. no SD/miniSD/microSD-card expansion port
   2. no physical keyboard–touchscreen only
   3. unlocking the iPhone (depending on method used) might damage the phone and will definitely void the warranty

   My takes on the above complaints–

   1. fortunately the iPhone uses USB to connect to computer, so it’s still easy to transfer or Sync the data/addressbook/photos between the phone and computer.  The new Software (comes on 3G, upgrade for firstEd)also includes MS Exchange connectivity, for those who want to hook into their work’s Exchange server to get mail.  Pop/IMAP connectivity have been in from day one, so email connectivity is also pretty good.
   2. the lack of tactile kbd (like the Treo and Blackberry) can certainly be a challenge for the fat-fingered like me, but like anything else, you can get used to its peculiarities and type almost as fast as with the other phones.
   3. AT&T’s service has generally worked fine for me (others have had problems…hear them out and decide for yourself how well it may apply to you), and I’ve found international coverage–at least for the phone part of the iPhone–works fine.  Trying to do Internet through 3G connection I dunno (don’t have the new iPhone), but the integrated WiFi works fine when you can hook into an open Connection.

   8GB v 16GB —-  Depends on what you plan to put on your phone.  I don’t watch movies or keep all eps of ‘Lost’ on-phone, so I don’t use more than 18% of the 8GB RAM on my phone.  Different strokes for different folks, though….

   Good Luck with your choice!!

   • 

     CabinGirl on August 6, 2008 at 3:56 pm

     I was at the store playing with one this morning, and didn’t find the touch keyboard too bad to use.

     I love the idea that I can sync between my laptop and the iPhone, and can have an updated iCal with me all the time that way.  The way the iphone contacts are listed are a lot better than my current phone, which is a nightmare to look up a number on (it takes multiple steps to get to the number instead of just the name).

4. 

   boran2 on August 6, 2008 at 1:05 pm

   I have a 4 year old Kyocera Koi put into service when Verizon would not help me with my shredded LG Chocolate.  It was acquired used and is superior in most ways to other phones that I’ve had, including the LG.  In fact, madame boran’s new Samsung is the one that can’t be heard well.  Go figure.

   At this rate, I’ll have an iPhone like 10 years after the first one was sold.  

5. 

   JayBat on August 6, 2008 at 2:16 pm

   CabinGirl–

   My wife, a niece and a nephew are all iPhone users, and they love them. The only reason I don’t use one is that I just don’t want to carry a phone that big (mine is a Razr).

   1. Is your current cellular provider AT&T Wireless? That is the only service possible for iPhone owners. If you’re currently using another provider, find a friend that uses AT&T and make sure you’ve got good bars in the places you’re in most. A cool phone without voice coverage you like will make you very unhappy.
   2. It’s not possible to buy a 1st-generation iPhone except off eBay or something, which I wouldn’t recommend. So you’ll be getting an iPhone 3G and paying AT&T $30/month for unlimited 3G digital service. This is very cool stuff, reading Booman on line and such. But you want to make sure AT&T actually has 3G coverage (hit the “Data” button) in the places you spend your time.
   3. 8G vs 16G? If you intend to keep music and photos on the phone, you’ll never regret the extra $100 for 16G. Otherwise, there’s no point in spending the extra money. I must say, browsing photos on an iPhone is a beguiling experience…
   • 

     CabinGirl on August 6, 2008 at 4:55 pm

     Thanks for the heads up on the 3G service…I checked, and the area where I spend the vast majority of my time is thoroughly covered. Hmm.

     And one of my favorite iPod tricks has always been the ability to pull up pictures of the kids at a moment’s notice.  🙂

6. 

   halo0 on August 6, 2008 at 3:14 pm

   Don’t do it!  The iPhone is horribly overrated, and you will be paying thru the nose for service for 2 years.

   • 

     on August 6, 2008 at 5:12 pm

     Also, you’re forced to use AT&T.  You shouldn’t voluntarily give money to a company like that.  

     • 

       CabinGirl on August 6, 2008 at 5:55 pm

       Yep.  But I think they all suck.  And I’m currently po’ed at T-mobile.

7. 

   Oscar In Dallas on August 6, 2008 at 3:20 pm

   I just got my iPhone last week and I absolutely LOVE it! I am at work now, posting from my iPhone, while the job blocks all blogs from our PCs. I got the 16 GB phone and I have about 5 GB of music on it. It’s the best thing since spliced breadboard. If you can, do get one – you won’t regret it.

   • 

     CabinGirl on August 6, 2008 at 4:34 pm

     The ability to blog away from home on an iPhone is a major part of the appeal.  🙂
     Did you already have ATT as your carrier?

     • 

       Oscar In Dallas on August 6, 2008 at 5:05 pm

       No, I was looking for an excuse to dump Sprint, so when my previous phone died and they couldn’t recover my contacts I had my excuse to get an iPhone. I’m a SiNC but I still need an excuse to spend 3 bills on a phone – I’m rather frugal in most regards. This, however, was worth every penny.

       • 

         CabinGirl on August 6, 2008 at 5:53 pm

         What’s an SiNC?

         • 

           Oscar In Dallas on August 6, 2008 at 6:04 pm

           Single, No Kids –> no responsibilities or obligations beyond myself.

         • 

           CabinGirl on August 6, 2008 at 6:15 pm

           No wonder I couldn’t figure that one out.  😉

8. 

   Benjamin Lybrand on August 6, 2008 at 11:49 pm

   my boss gave me an iPhone for christmas. I love it. Reading blogs on the train is truly a joy. You’ll be fine with an 8gb unless you plan on keeping all your media on it at once. I’m not super-stoked about only being able to choose AT&T but the trade-off is worth it in my opinion.

   Made this comment from my iPhone right now.