I hope NOT. That's more like a design from HP than Apple.
Yes, it does have a certain HP-ness. But I like it and I will reserve judgement until I see and feel it in real life. I suspect it will be a thing of beauty in real life. I never liked the current version but it does feel good in the hand and it works so damn well.
The gaps are flourishes to break up chrome lines and give it some character.
It's more likely they are places for the accessories to attach.
One slot to the side of the audio jack at the exact place the "cube" attachment might need it, and one on either side at the bottom exactly where anything connecting to the dock connector might need some support.
I'm not so sure ergonomics have been sacrificed with this potential new design. Though it's not as rounded, it still may feel just as good in the hand (or the pocket) as the current design. It is slightly smaller after all. I'll be buying one no matter what, but I'd wait to hold one in my hand before making a final judgment about ergonomics having been sacrificed.
I know that peoples use will vary, but since I got the 3gs I pretty much use a bluetooth headset and voice dialing most of the time. From my point point of view I don't think the square edges will matter.
As a matter of fact I like the appearance of the prototype a lot. To me it has a more rugged and solid look than my 3gs.
I think I need to pass my phone on to the wife and do a little upgrading. Damn you Steve Jobs!
1) The design is uninspired (not that important, but it shows Apple have become complacent.)
2) Why no Xenon flash? What is the point of a top notch image browsing feature (one of the iPhone's greatest assets) and yet one still needs to use a 3rd party camera, import into iPhoto and then sync with the iPhone to get it on the bl**dy device? Why not include a decent camera, like Nokia and Sony Ericsson have done?
3) Why no mechanical shutter release for the camera?
4) MOST IMPORTANTLY, and why I am now going to sell my iPhone 3GS 32G and buy an Android phone: Whilst the display is high res (great!), it is no larger, in fact, slightly smaller! To read eBooks, web pages etc requires a screen of at least 4" diagonal.
Apple have become complacent and are exploiting the loyalty of their customers and of course, forcing people to own both an iPhone and an iPad. No thanks, I want one nice pocketable device, and an iPad can be reserved for touch DJ apps, home control and other dedicated tasks. (And yes, iPad will be ideal as a netbook replacement too.)
Seems like your ideals are placed a bit too high here.
#1. Uninspiring? As opposed to what? What is it supposed to look like? I think it certainly looks much more inspiring (and classy) than the majority of other offerings out there, and certainly falls more in line with the look of Apple's other products.
#2. This is a phone. If you want a Xenon flash go buy an actual camera. Cameras on phones are still considered novelty features. Sony provides a Xenon flash on its phones because (I'm just guessing) they are also a manufacturer of very nice cameras. If Nokia does too, good for them. But not having a Xenon flash is the last thing I'd complain about.
#3. A mechanical shutter? Refer to the first sentence of answer #2.
#4. Since when is 4" required to read eBooks or browse the internet? Ridiculous. How big do you expect the screen of a phone to be? Several years ago, you couldn't even find phones with screens the size of today, much less read eBooks on them or browse the internet in its native form. And now 3" is too small.
You have no idea what the ergonomics are. Have you held it? You're saying it LOOKS like it's less ergonomic...you don't know.
Exactly. All the punditry and hair pulling today means nothing until it's actually released. How it feels when you pick it up and use it vastly affects perception.
I'm thinking since it's a solid unibody design and a very mature one at that, that this phone will feel more solid than anything they've made to date. People will be going on about how strong and rigid it is (at least the boys will), and how tightly put together it feels.
I already love the design, it makes so much more sense than the current one. It will be faster, more solid, and likely more durable as well.
It will also be far easier to service, and might even create a third party parts market for that reason. I'm thinking that you could drop this thing from an even greater height than the current iPhone without breaking it. If the glass has been upgraded, I think you could probably throw it at a concrete wall without breaking it.
This is actually a fantastic design that will serve them well for several years at least IMO.
Are you serious? In what way is the prototype more like the rest of the current Mac linup? The rest of the Mac line has curved edges. This prototype isn't curved at all. Also, Apple is getting bigger on using aluminum. If you say having aluminum around the edges is more similar to the rest of the line I don't know what you're thinking. I'm hoping they look more like a scaled down ipad 3g. I love the aluminum backing. It seems for stable too. Seems like the design that leaked is way more likely to take on dings and scratches. And the volume buttons are nothing like the ipad because the ipad buttons are like the current iphone. I'm just baffled how everyone likes the looks of this thing. I think it's hideous.
It's pretty simply to me actually. The volume buttons remind me of the battery meter button on the side of my 13" MBP. They all have flat bottoms and tops (bottom of device and screen in the case of the iPhone HD), and they all have a flat plane waist which has smooth curve transitions.
Poorly worded, but a mechanical button for shutter release.
To be honest, I wish they had the ability to map a push and hold on the volume button as various functions. The shutter release is one such application where you can easily overload buttons and not cause (major) usability problems; you can still keep the on-screen button or indicate where the shutter release function is on-screen.
Not so sure why people are that concerned about the back. It seems like 75% of folks put it inside a case anyway. Anything that improves antenna performance is cool by me. When I look at it, I am reminded of a tape measure my dad had with a leather back from the 60's. Cool kind of retro.
Are you serious? In what way is the prototype more like the rest of the current Mac linup? The rest of the Mac line has curved edges. This prototype isn't curved at all. Also, Apple is getting bigger on using aluminum. If you say having aluminum around the edges is more similar to the rest of the line I don't know what you're thinking. I'm hoping they look more like a scaled down ipad 3g. I love the aluminum backing. It seems for stable too. Seems like the design that leaked is way more likely to take on dings and scratches. And the volume buttons are nothing like the ipad because the ipad buttons are like the current iphone. I'm just baffled how everyone likes the looks of this thing. I think it's hideous.
Good luck getting a radio signal through the aluminum back. I also think you'll change your tune on the device once you see it in person. But considering this is your first post, I doubt that you will be back to tells us.
PS: The back is rumored to be a ceramic. Good luck scratching that thing. The easiest thing to scratch might be the aluminum sides.
I know that peoples use will vary, but since I got the 3gs I pretty much use a bluetooth headset and voice dialing most of the time. From my point point of view I don't think the square edges will matter.
As a matter of fact I like the appearance of the prototype a lot. To me it has a more rugged and solid look than my 3gs.
I think I need to pass my phone on to the wife and do a little upgrading. Damn you Steve Jobs!
Agreed. In my cars, I use the iPhone via the vehicle's blue-tooth capabilities. Otherwise, I use a BT headset or even the wired headphones.
Can't give my 3G to the wife cause she has one too. Anyone want a slightly used iPhone 3G?
I, for one, am happy about the design, particularly a more resistant and flat back (I don't care about the front facing camera though)
I had the Sony T610. What a PITA that was using iSync. Contacts in Address Book on Mac OS X setup as a business would show up on that phone. It was just a blank entry for the name. I had to write a script that copied the business name to the first name field.
I don't miss any of the problems I had with poor syncing or limited use. That seems like a lifetime ago when shitty phones ruled the day. The iPhone may be my favorite invention ever after seeing that pic.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mazda 3s
Huh? The design mimics the MacBook Pro, iMac, iPad, and Mac mini. What planet are you from?
If anything, the current iPod touch and iPhone don't mesh with Apple's current design language.
I don't agree. Only the newest iMacs have the glass that go to the edge, every thing else has the frame lip over the glass edge. And even on the new iMacs is squared off and goes right to the edge for a perfect fit. Plus, it doesn't have the bevel design like other iDevices and their notebooks. Don't get me wrong, I love the look and it's clear this could only have come from Apple, but it's a change in direction.
Quote:
Originally Posted by kiwee
I like the new model.
I just hope they put some kind of indicator on it so you can see if you've missed calls or something..
I hate checking my phone and have multiple missed calls and messages on it..
You mean a light, not the PopOver messages and vibration? I'll laugh if that front facing camera is just a messages indicator light. I don't think it is, but it would be funny if it was, or simply removed for the final product.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob55
I, for one, am perfectly happy with the design of the prototype and can't wait for Apple to release it this June/July.
1) The design is uninspired (not that important, but it shows Apple have become complacent.)
2) Why no Xenon flash? What is the point of a top notch image browsing feature (one of the iPhone's greatest assets) and yet one still needs to use a 3rd party camera, import into iPhoto and then sync with the iPhone to get it on the bl**dy device? Why not include a decent camera, like Nokia and Sony Ericsson have done?
3) Why no mechanical shutter release for the camera?
4) MOST IMPORTANTLY, and why I am now going to sell my iPhone 3GS 32G and buy an Android phone: Whilst the display is high res (great!), it is no larger, in fact, slightly smaller! To read eBooks, web pages etc requires a screen of at least 4" diagonal.
Apple have become complacent and are exploiting the loyalty of their customers and of course, forcing people to own both an iPhone and an iPad. No thanks, I want one nice pocketable device, and an iPad can be reserved for touch DJ apps, home control and other dedicated tasks. (And yes, iPad will be ideal as a netbook replacement too.)
I am absolutely DISGUSTED with some of you!
Everyone has been begging for new features for the iPhone hardware and the OS and in 1 (count it: ONE) year it will have added Multitasking, Folders, Homepage Wallpapers, Front facing video camera, Bigger back camera w/ Camera flash, Game Center, iBooks, a bigger battery, and even a new back for the new iPhone to improve reception. Instead of everyone praising Apple, they're saying..."umm...this looks sad....stupid....they're lazy....blah....blah....blah..."
You guys will never be happy. I'm perfectly happy (actually IN LOVE) with the design and believe that everything that customers have been wanting has been added this year. Please buy a Droid and get out of my hair you!
Poorly worded, but a mechanical button for shutter release.
To be honest, I wish they had the ability to map a push and hold on the volume button as various functions. The shutter release is one such application where you can easily overload buttons and not cause (major) usability problems; you can still keep the on-screen button or indicate where the shutter release function is on-screen.
Not so sure why people are that concerned about the back. It seems like 75% of folks put it inside a case anyway. Anything that improves antenna performance is cool by me. When I look at it, I am reminded of a tape measure my dad had with a leather back from the 60's. Cool kind of retro.
When multitasking was rumored to take over the double tap of the home button. I figured that they needed to add gestures because the iPhone didn't have enough buttons to keep the functionality that currently utilizes a double tap of the home button. Little did I know that they would simply add more buttons. They separated the volume buttons for a reason, my guess would be to map them. They are also perfectly placed for one of them to become a shutter button.
As per the design, I LOVE the round rocker buttons. It's a refreshing breakup from the very angular and boxy shapes going on in this revision. As people have said earlier, its looks retro, but in a good way. The seams along the left and right side look fine to me, and it even evokes the original iPhone's "battery" bottom look, even thought the battery lies vertically here. Not so keen on the top seam, as it seems oddly out of place (and asymmetrical) with the rest of the design, so I'm hoping they ditch the top seam. We'll see how scratch resistant (or attractive) the back is. If it is indeed ceramic, I'm hoping Apple lacquers over the metal logo, as this is one of the most scratch-able surfaces. I don't keep my iPhone in a case, so this is a much desired improvement I'd love to see.
It's pretty simply to me actually. The volume buttons remind me of the battery meter button on the side of my 13" MBP. They all have flat bottoms and tops (bottom of device and screen in the case of the iPhone HD), and they all have a flat plane waist which has smooth curve transitions.
Also, to my eye, at least, the flat sides are necessary with the thinner form to make it comfortable to hold. I think the ergonomics are very well thought out.
Everyone has been begging for new features for the iPhone hardware and the OS and in 1 (count it: ONE) year it will have added Multitasking, Folders, Homepage Wallpapers, Front facing video camera, Bigger back camera w/ Camera flash, Game Center, iBooks, a bigger battery, and even a new back for the new iPhone to improve reception. Instead of everyone praising Apple, they're saying..."umm...this looks sad....stupid....they're lazy....blah....blah....blah..."
You guys will never be happy. I'm perfectly happy (actually IN LOVE) with the design and believe that everything that customers have been wanting has been added this year. Please buy a Droid and get out of my hair you!
Gotta love how he blames it on lazy engineering for not putting in a 4" display. As if it would harder to do in some way. I think a 3.5" display is perfectly fine for a phone. Some even say it's to big. The idea that going from 3.5' to 4" is some sweet spot for reading eBooks is equally absurd.
I think by less ergonomic, he means that since it has no tapered edges or roundness to it at all, you'd feel it slicing into your hand and not as comfortable to hold as the current iPhone.
Yes, I do realize that the iMac is similar in it's squareness but do you hold the iMac in your hand while you use it? Do you hold the Mac Mini while you use it? Imagine if they made the Magic Mouse a square block.
The thing is, these devices are meant to be held while they're being used. Even the original iPhone wasn't completely square. That thing had nice smooth round sides. This new iPhone looks like a block of aluminum.
I can already imagine people calling it the iCe Cream Sandwich phone.
I like the design, but I can see where people are coming from when they say it's less ergonomic. That's all.
Comments
I hope NOT. That's more like a design from HP than Apple.
Yes, it does have a certain HP-ness. But I like it and I will reserve judgement until I see and feel it in real life. I suspect it will be a thing of beauty in real life. I never liked the current version but it does feel good in the hand and it works so damn well.
The gaps are flourishes to break up chrome lines and give it some character.
It's more likely they are places for the accessories to attach.
One slot to the side of the audio jack at the exact place the "cube" attachment might need it, and one on either side at the bottom exactly where anything connecting to the dock connector might need some support.
A mechanical shutter in a phone? Are you serious?
He said a mechanical shutter release, as in an actual physical button to take a picture, not a mechanical shutter.
The gaps are flourishes to break up chrome lines and give it some character.
I happen to agree. I love the lines. It breaks up the chrome and make it look so stylized. I do wonder about water or dust getting in there though.
http://forums.appleinsider.com/showt...threadid=72561
Appleinsider's comments have gotten a bit better than that thankfully.
I'm not so sure ergonomics have been sacrificed with this potential new design. Though it's not as rounded, it still may feel just as good in the hand (or the pocket) as the current design. It is slightly smaller after all. I'll be buying one no matter what, but I'd wait to hold one in my hand before making a final judgment about ergonomics having been sacrificed.
I know that peoples use will vary, but since I got the 3gs I pretty much use a bluetooth headset and voice dialing most of the time. From my point point of view I don't think the square edges will matter.
As a matter of fact I like the appearance of the prototype a lot. To me it has a more rugged and solid look than my 3gs.
I think I need to pass my phone on to the wife and do a little upgrading. Damn you Steve Jobs!
1) The design is uninspired (not that important, but it shows Apple have become complacent.)
2) Why no Xenon flash? What is the point of a top notch image browsing feature (one of the iPhone's greatest assets) and yet one still needs to use a 3rd party camera, import into iPhoto and then sync with the iPhone to get it on the bl**dy device? Why not include a decent camera, like Nokia and Sony Ericsson have done?
3) Why no mechanical shutter release for the camera?
4) MOST IMPORTANTLY, and why I am now going to sell my iPhone 3GS 32G and buy an Android phone: Whilst the display is high res (great!), it is no larger, in fact, slightly smaller! To read eBooks, web pages etc requires a screen of at least 4" diagonal.
Apple have become complacent and are exploiting the loyalty of their customers and of course, forcing people to own both an iPhone and an iPad. No thanks, I want one nice pocketable device, and an iPad can be reserved for touch DJ apps, home control and other dedicated tasks. (And yes, iPad will be ideal as a netbook replacement too.)
Seems like your ideals are placed a bit too high here.
#1. Uninspiring? As opposed to what? What is it supposed to look like? I think it certainly looks much more inspiring (and classy) than the majority of other offerings out there, and certainly falls more in line with the look of Apple's other products.
#2. This is a phone. If you want a Xenon flash go buy an actual camera. Cameras on phones are still considered novelty features. Sony provides a Xenon flash on its phones because (I'm just guessing) they are also a manufacturer of very nice cameras. If Nokia does too, good for them. But not having a Xenon flash is the last thing I'd complain about.
#3. A mechanical shutter? Refer to the first sentence of answer #2.
#4. Since when is 4" required to read eBooks or browse the internet? Ridiculous. How big do you expect the screen of a phone to be? Several years ago, you couldn't even find phones with screens the size of today, much less read eBooks on them or browse the internet in its native form. And now 3" is too small.
You have no idea what the ergonomics are. Have you held it? You're saying it LOOKS like it's less ergonomic...you don't know.
Exactly. All the punditry and hair pulling today means nothing until it's actually released. How it feels when you pick it up and use it vastly affects perception.
I'm thinking since it's a solid unibody design and a very mature one at that, that this phone will feel more solid than anything they've made to date. People will be going on about how strong and rigid it is (at least the boys will), and how tightly put together it feels.
I already love the design, it makes so much more sense than the current one. It will be faster, more solid, and likely more durable as well.
It will also be far easier to service, and might even create a third party parts market for that reason. I'm thinking that you could drop this thing from an even greater height than the current iPhone without breaking it. If the glass has been upgraded, I think you could probably throw it at a concrete wall without breaking it.
This is actually a fantastic design that will serve them well for several years at least IMO.
Are you serious? In what way is the prototype more like the rest of the current Mac linup? The rest of the Mac line has curved edges. This prototype isn't curved at all. Also, Apple is getting bigger on using aluminum. If you say having aluminum around the edges is more similar to the rest of the line I don't know what you're thinking. I'm hoping they look more like a scaled down ipad 3g. I love the aluminum backing. It seems for stable too. Seems like the design that leaked is way more likely to take on dings and scratches. And the volume buttons are nothing like the ipad because the ipad buttons are like the current iphone. I'm just baffled how everyone likes the looks of this thing. I think it's hideous.
It's pretty simply to me actually. The volume buttons remind me of the battery meter button on the side of my 13" MBP. They all have flat bottoms and tops (bottom of device and screen in the case of the iPhone HD), and they all have a flat plane waist which has smooth curve transitions.
A mechanical shutter in a phone? Are you serious?
Poorly worded, but a mechanical button for shutter release.
To be honest, I wish they had the ability to map a push and hold on the volume button as various functions. The shutter release is one such application where you can easily overload buttons and not cause (major) usability problems; you can still keep the on-screen button or indicate where the shutter release function is on-screen.
Not so sure why people are that concerned about the back. It seems like 75% of folks put it inside a case anyway. Anything that improves antenna performance is cool by me. When I look at it, I am reminded of a tape measure my dad had with a leather back from the 60's. Cool kind of retro.
Are you serious? In what way is the prototype more like the rest of the current Mac linup? The rest of the Mac line has curved edges. This prototype isn't curved at all. Also, Apple is getting bigger on using aluminum. If you say having aluminum around the edges is more similar to the rest of the line I don't know what you're thinking. I'm hoping they look more like a scaled down ipad 3g. I love the aluminum backing. It seems for stable too. Seems like the design that leaked is way more likely to take on dings and scratches. And the volume buttons are nothing like the ipad because the ipad buttons are like the current iphone. I'm just baffled how everyone likes the looks of this thing. I think it's hideous.
Good luck getting a radio signal through the aluminum back. I also think you'll change your tune on the device once you see it in person. But considering this is your first post, I doubt that you will be back to tells us.
PS: The back is rumored to be a ceramic. Good luck scratching that thing. The easiest thing to scratch might be the aluminum sides.
I know that peoples use will vary, but since I got the 3gs I pretty much use a bluetooth headset and voice dialing most of the time. From my point point of view I don't think the square edges will matter.
As a matter of fact I like the appearance of the prototype a lot. To me it has a more rugged and solid look than my 3gs.
I think I need to pass my phone on to the wife and do a little upgrading. Damn you Steve Jobs!
Agreed. In my cars, I use the iPhone via the vehicle's blue-tooth capabilities. Otherwise, I use a BT headset or even the wired headphones.
Can't give my 3G to the wife cause she has one too. Anyone want a slightly used iPhone 3G?
I agree with the necessity mentioned here of some more polishing of the design. But I like the design a lot.
Reminds me of this: http://www.choice247.net/eshop/images/sonyericsson1.jpg
I, for one, am happy about the design, particularly a more resistant and flat back (I don't care about the front facing camera though)
I had the Sony T610. What a PITA that was using iSync. Contacts in Address Book on Mac OS X setup as a business would show up on that phone. It was just a blank entry for the name. I had to write a script that copied the business name to the first name field.
I don't miss any of the problems I had with poor syncing or limited use. That seems like a lifetime ago when shitty phones ruled the day. The iPhone may be my favorite invention ever after seeing that pic.
Huh? The design mimics the MacBook Pro, iMac, iPad, and Mac mini. What planet are you from?
If anything, the current iPod touch and iPhone don't mesh with Apple's current design language.
I don't agree. Only the newest iMacs have the glass that go to the edge, every thing else has the frame lip over the glass edge. And even on the new iMacs is squared off and goes right to the edge for a perfect fit. Plus, it doesn't have the bevel design like other iDevices and their notebooks. Don't get me wrong, I love the look and it's clear this could only have come from Apple, but it's a change in direction.
I like the new model.
I just hope they put some kind of indicator on it so you can see if you've missed calls or something..
I hate checking my phone and have multiple missed calls and messages on it..
You mean a light, not the PopOver messages and vibration? I'll laugh if that front facing camera is just a messages indicator light. I don't think it is, but it would be funny if it was, or simply removed for the final product.
I, for one, am perfectly happy with the design of the prototype and can't wait for Apple to release it this June/July.
Word!
1) The design is uninspired (not that important, but it shows Apple have become complacent.)
2) Why no Xenon flash? What is the point of a top notch image browsing feature (one of the iPhone's greatest assets) and yet one still needs to use a 3rd party camera, import into iPhoto and then sync with the iPhone to get it on the bl**dy device? Why not include a decent camera, like Nokia and Sony Ericsson have done?
3) Why no mechanical shutter release for the camera?
4) MOST IMPORTANTLY, and why I am now going to sell my iPhone 3GS 32G and buy an Android phone: Whilst the display is high res (great!), it is no larger, in fact, slightly smaller! To read eBooks, web pages etc requires a screen of at least 4" diagonal.
Apple have become complacent and are exploiting the loyalty of their customers and of course, forcing people to own both an iPhone and an iPad. No thanks, I want one nice pocketable device, and an iPad can be reserved for touch DJ apps, home control and other dedicated tasks. (And yes, iPad will be ideal as a netbook replacement too.)
I am absolutely DISGUSTED with some of you!
Everyone has been begging for new features for the iPhone hardware and the OS and in 1 (count it: ONE) year it will have added Multitasking, Folders, Homepage Wallpapers, Front facing video camera, Bigger back camera w/ Camera flash, Game Center, iBooks, a bigger battery, and even a new back for the new iPhone to improve reception. Instead of everyone praising Apple, they're saying..."umm...this looks sad....stupid....they're lazy....blah....blah....blah..."
You guys will never be happy. I'm perfectly happy (actually IN LOVE) with the design and believe that everything that customers have been wanting has been added this year. Please buy a Droid and get out of my hair you!
Poorly worded, but a mechanical button for shutter release.
To be honest, I wish they had the ability to map a push and hold on the volume button as various functions. The shutter release is one such application where you can easily overload buttons and not cause (major) usability problems; you can still keep the on-screen button or indicate where the shutter release function is on-screen.
Not so sure why people are that concerned about the back. It seems like 75% of folks put it inside a case anyway. Anything that improves antenna performance is cool by me. When I look at it, I am reminded of a tape measure my dad had with a leather back from the 60's. Cool kind of retro.
When multitasking was rumored to take over the double tap of the home button. I figured that they needed to add gestures because the iPhone didn't have enough buttons to keep the functionality that currently utilizes a double tap of the home button. Little did I know that they would simply add more buttons. They separated the volume buttons for a reason, my guess would be to map them. They are also perfectly placed for one of them to become a shutter button.
look here
It's pretty simply to me actually. The volume buttons remind me of the battery meter button on the side of my 13" MBP. They all have flat bottoms and tops (bottom of device and screen in the case of the iPhone HD), and they all have a flat plane waist which has smooth curve transitions.
Also, to my eye, at least, the flat sides are necessary with the thinner form to make it comfortable to hold. I think the ergonomics are very well thought out.
I am absolutely DISGUSTED with some of you!
Everyone has been begging for new features for the iPhone hardware and the OS and in 1 (count it: ONE) year it will have added Multitasking, Folders, Homepage Wallpapers, Front facing video camera, Bigger back camera w/ Camera flash, Game Center, iBooks, a bigger battery, and even a new back for the new iPhone to improve reception. Instead of everyone praising Apple, they're saying..."umm...this looks sad....stupid....they're lazy....blah....blah....blah..."
You guys will never be happy. I'm perfectly happy (actually IN LOVE) with the design and believe that everything that customers have been wanting has been added this year. Please buy a Droid and get out of my hair you!
Gotta love how he blames it on lazy engineering for not putting in a 4" display. As if it would harder to do in some way. I think a 3.5" display is perfectly fine for a phone. Some even say it's to big. The idea that going from 3.5' to 4" is some sweet spot for reading eBooks is equally absurd.
Yes, I do realize that the iMac is similar in it's squareness but do you hold the iMac in your hand while you use it? Do you hold the Mac Mini while you use it? Imagine if they made the Magic Mouse a square block.
The thing is, these devices are meant to be held while they're being used. Even the original iPhone wasn't completely square. That thing had nice smooth round sides. This new iPhone looks like a block of aluminum.
I can already imagine people calling it the iCe Cream Sandwich phone.
I like the design, but I can see where people are coming from when they say it's less ergonomic. That's all.