Given that portable battery packs that recharge the internal battery via the dock connector for the iPod and iPhone 1.0 have been available, I'm sure they'll be one soon for iPhone 3G.
Patiently awaiting for Mophie to release an updated JuicePack. Hopefully it doesn't interfere with GPS.
It doesn't matter if the battery is best in its class as long as you can't swap it/replace it.
As the NY TImes reported on Saturday - " Until Apple put's in a replaceable battery, the iPhone will remain a toy rather than a tool."
Well, I hate to say the NYT is wrong, but I have put my iPhone to real work. Today I prepared a mock presentation while I was at lunch in order to test the device.
- took the photos I needed (camera)
- mind-mapped the presentation(Zeptopad)
- emailed the photos and mindmaps to a colleague
- received additional info from said colleague in a mail message
- called several people involved
- checked info on the Net
- adjusted my schedule
- made sample recordings of the presentation parts
- checked the weather forecast for the day and location of the presentation
- checked the location of the hall in Maps
- reserved a room online
- reserved a hotel room
- checked train schedules
- drew a map to the hall in Zeptopad and mailed it to the attendees
- used Band to work on a jingle to use as BGM during the presentation
That is real work, and my iPhone allowed me to do it without carrying a rucksack (MBA) on a 90 degree day.
When I got home, I synced the photos into my MacPro, reworked things in Keynote and Amadeus Pro, then put the presentation together.
The iPhone is no toy (well, it can be used for fun, too). If you know how to utilize it, it can be a fantastic tool.
---
Oh, and about the battery:
My old cel phone had a swappable battery. I never once swapped it and never bought a spare. Instead, I bought a cheap AA batt pack. AA batteries are available everywhere, so you can keep talking even after a spare would have died. I was also in the habit of always charging my phone when possible. Same with my iPhone. I always have a waist bag to carry a water bottle; just tossed the USB cable and brick in there. They weigh nothing and the phone charges fast if needed. Waiting to get a car adapter...
---
PS, I managed to sneak in a game of Sudoku just before returning to work.
Yes, please do lots of extra work for us and give it to us for free because we bought something from you once so now deserve all updates free until things are perfect.
At least that what many windows developers did. Year back when I used windows I used to get a version for WinMob for free if you buy the Windows version! The least Apple can do it not charging $9.99 when you already paid $99.99 for the family pack desktop version. Furthermore, I really doubt the iPhone version, if developed, will be full feature version.
The battery does not even get you through the day. I have been eagerly awaiting this phone and have been extremely disappointed at battery life. In addition, calls drop when switching between 3G and EDGE networks...very frustrating
The battery does not even get you through the day. I have been eagerly awaiting this phone and have been extremely disappointed at battery life. In addition, calls drop when switching between 3G and EDGE networks...very frustrating
That is the nature of the beast for all cell phones. Go into Settings » General » Network and toggle the 3G switch. You'll see that has to disconnect one and then connect to the other, which takes several seconds. A call can't be maintained. If you know you are on the edge of carrier switch from UMTS to EDGE you might as well keep it on EDGE.
As for the battery, are you upset that it isn't long enough or that Apple's claims are wrong? Have you done tests that match Apples testing to determine the duration?
That is the nature of the beast for all cell phones. Go into Settings » General » Network and toggle the 3G switch. You'll see that has to disconnect one and then connect to the other, which takes several seconds. A call can't be maintained. If you know you are on the edge of carrier switch from UMTS to EDGE you might as well keep it on EDGE.
As for the battery, are you upset that it isn't long enough or that Apple's claims are wrong? Have you done tests that match Apples testing to determine the duration?
I have informally tested over the last few days. Fully charged battery went out on me at 3pm yesterday with no WiFi and GPS locator off. It was mostly emails and phone calls...limited phone calls. Today it has made it until 7:30 with no WiFi, GPS locator on and moderate email and phone usage before it gave out. I am in a major city where 3G coverage is supposed to be strong and thorough but that does not seem to be the case.
my GF and I both bought iphones on friday night....
Overall very impressed with just about everything.... a little problem with some of the apps.... apple told me that they are experiencing some bugs with certain ones running together on the same phone?? but surely will be addressed soon.
but my question is with the GPS capabilities... about 4 out of 5 times I can't get a solid blue dot. With both phones side by side, my girlfriends seems to immediately find her current location, while mine has me somewhere in a 2 block radius?? I work in Manhattan and Live in Brooklyn. Have tried the GPS on WIFI/EDGE/3G yet that doesn't seem to make a difference either.... and I should have excellent coverage here in NYC, at least as good as its going to get in the US.. I would assume....
SO... Anyone else feeling like their GPS isn't acting as "snappy" as it should, or not living up to the other reviews you are reading???? tips would be much appreciated...will probably visit the Apple store when everyone else gets theirs and the lines die down.
Like any GPS receiver, it works best outdoors, not indoors. The device works best when it has direct line of sight with the satellites. The GPS receiver has nothing to do with Edge, 3G, or WiFi. It is a separate receiver. I would assume in NYC and all the surrounding buildings, it would be tough to get a good satellite signal.
It doesn't matter if the battery is best in its class as long as you can't swap it/replace it.
As the NY TImes reported on Saturday - " Until Apple put's in a replaceable battery, the iPhone will remain a toy rather than a tool."
Well that is a complete load of shit. The battery can be replaced, just have Apple do it. After two or three years, you would probably want to upgrade to the next version of the iPhone anyway. Do they feel the same about the MILLIONS of iPods sold? My iPhone is definitely a tool, regardless of the battery being user accessible.
Well that is a complete load of shit. The battery can be replaced, just have Apple do it. After two or three years, you would probably want to upgrade to the next version of the iPhone anyway. Do they feel the same about the MILLIONS of iPods sold? My iPhone is definitely a tool, regardless of the battery being user accessible.
I think he means specifically swapping it so he can extend the usefulness of the device, not replacing an aging battery.
There were plenty of external battery packs that made for a better option, IMO, than having to turn off your device, take off the back insert a new battery and turn it back on to get service.
The battery does not even get you through the day. I have been eagerly awaiting this phone and have been extremely disappointed at battery life. In addition, calls drop when switching between 3G and EDGE networks...very frustrating
5 hours talk time using 3G would not get anyone through the day. I don't know what you are complaining about. If you don't like it, get a Treo, those only last for 3 hours of talk time! The battery specs were clearly disclosed a month before the iPhone was released. If you want longer battery life, turn off the 3G feature, since you don't really need it for making phone calls. You can use the 3G for surfing the internet, then use Edge for everything else.
I am in a major city where 3G coverage is supposed to be strong and thorough but that does not seem to be the case.
It would be nice to have an app that could use the GPS to see the cell tower transmissions you have around you, whether it be UTMS/EDGE or coverage or no coverage. Probably not a practical app for the work involved, but it might help you out.
I can see that most of you don't understand anything about 3G as used in the iPhone. It is not just a data connection. The 3G is used for both voice and data. So if you turn off 3G you have no voice connection either.
Using 3G for voice results in much better call quality as well, as many have noticed with the iPhone 3G. But this is only because W-CDMA (or UMTS as it is correctly called) provides much better codecs for the voice signal than previous GSM networks did.
In the old iPhone, GSM was the voice layer and GPRS provided a packet switched layer on top of that. EDGE is just an extension to GPRS with higher data rates. In the iPhone 3G UTMS provides both the voice and data layer in one. So you can't disable data without cutting voice as well.
Also if you go from an area outside of the UMTS coverage your phone will automatically drop down from 3G to GSM+EDGE. There is no way to just use UMTS for data and GSM for voice.
Its just a shame that in the US you have such crap coverage with UMTS. One other thing that is important is that the network controls to a large extent your battery life. If the network is not configured properly or has poor coverage you will burn through your battery extremely fast because the phone doesn't get told to reduce the transmitter output power.
I can see that most of you don't understand anything about 3G as used in the iPhone. It is not just a data connection. The 3G is used for both voice and data. So if you turn off 3G you have no voice connection either.
No, if you turn off 3G, you simply have no 3G speed data access or the "improved" call quality of the 3G network. Voice and data service will be maintained - just via EDGE/GSM.
No, if you turn off 3G, you simply have no 3G speed data access or the "improved" call quality of the 3G network. Voice and data service will be maintained - just via EDGE/GSM.
A bit of clarification might be in order here. You can not run voice and data at the same time over EDGE/GSM. To test this, make a call then try and open up a web page. It will not work, however with 3G/UMTS it is possible. So in effect, Jody was correct.
Apple is trying to say that copy and paste, a function that quite likely over 90% of the computing population uses at lease once a day, somehow missed Apple's priority list for the past year?
Mr Joswiak - why don't you avoid using copy and paste for a week on your computer as an experiment and then see where Apple might prioritize this feature going forward?
BT voice dialing is also very important - I know Apple wants people to keep pulling their iPhone out to dial so they literally get maximum product exposure, but the convenience and safety of voice dialing is also sorely missing, I believe.
A bit of clarification might be in order here. You can not run voice and data at the same time over EDGE/GSM. To test this, make a call then try and open up a web page. It will not work, however with 3G/UMTS it is possible. So in effect, Jody was correct.
It's nice that you're trying to cover for him, but it's clear that's not what he meant, though, now he may say it was.
If your favourite sites has RSS feeds, use them instead of the full site. This will dramatically lower your data transfers and lowers the CPU usage because of simpler layouts to handle. Apple redirects any RSS link to their own (really nice) iPhone RSS reader without any problems.
More importantly most major sites have a mobile version which is designed for the smaller screen and uses less complex graphics so they are faster to load.
Apple is trying to say that copy and paste, a function that quite likely over 90% of the computing population uses at lease once a day, somehow missed Apple's priority list for the past year?
Mr Joswiak - why don't you avoid using copy and paste for a week on your computer as an experiment and then see where Apple might prioritize this feature going forward?
He said it was lower on the priority list than other features that Apple wants to put in. Also they are likely experimenting with copy and paste touch UI vs the touch UI of other functions. Once Apple picks the UI they are stuck with it.
Comments
Given that portable battery packs that recharge the internal battery via the dock connector for the iPod and iPhone 1.0 have been available, I'm sure they'll be one soon for iPhone 3G.
Patiently awaiting for Mophie to release an updated JuicePack. Hopefully it doesn't interfere with GPS.
It doesn't matter if the battery is best in its class as long as you can't swap it/replace it.
As the NY TImes reported on Saturday - " Until Apple put's in a replaceable battery, the iPhone will remain a toy rather than a tool."
Well, I hate to say the NYT is wrong, but I have put my iPhone to real work. Today I prepared a mock presentation while I was at lunch in order to test the device.
- took the photos I needed (camera)
- mind-mapped the presentation(Zeptopad)
- emailed the photos and mindmaps to a colleague
- received additional info from said colleague in a mail message
- called several people involved
- checked info on the Net
- adjusted my schedule
- made sample recordings of the presentation parts
- checked the weather forecast for the day and location of the presentation
- checked the location of the hall in Maps
- reserved a room online
- reserved a hotel room
- checked train schedules
- drew a map to the hall in Zeptopad and mailed it to the attendees
- used Band to work on a jingle to use as BGM during the presentation
That is real work, and my iPhone allowed me to do it without carrying a rucksack (MBA) on a 90 degree day.
When I got home, I synced the photos into my MacPro, reworked things in Keynote and Amadeus Pro, then put the presentation together.
The iPhone is no toy (well, it can be used for fun, too). If you know how to utilize it, it can be a fantastic tool.
---
Oh, and about the battery:
My old cel phone had a swappable battery. I never once swapped it and never bought a spare. Instead, I bought a cheap AA batt pack. AA batteries are available everywhere, so you can keep talking even after a spare would have died. I was also in the habit of always charging my phone when possible. Same with my iPhone. I always have a waist bag to carry a water bottle; just tossed the USB cable and brick in there. They weigh nothing and the phone charges fast if needed. Waiting to get a car adapter...
---
PS, I managed to sneak in a game of Sudoku just before returning to work.
Yes, please do lots of extra work for us and give it to us for free because we bought something from you once so now deserve all updates free until things are perfect.
At least that what many windows developers did. Year back when I used windows I used to get a version for WinMob for free if you buy the Windows version! The least Apple can do it not charging $9.99 when you already paid $99.99 for the family pack desktop version. Furthermore, I really doubt the iPhone version, if developed, will be full feature version.
The battery does not even get you through the day. I have been eagerly awaiting this phone and have been extremely disappointed at battery life. In addition, calls drop when switching between 3G and EDGE networks...very frustrating
That is the nature of the beast for all cell phones. Go into Settings » General » Network and toggle the 3G switch. You'll see that has to disconnect one and then connect to the other, which takes several seconds. A call can't be maintained. If you know you are on the edge of carrier switch from UMTS to EDGE you might as well keep it on EDGE.
As for the battery, are you upset that it isn't long enough or that Apple's claims are wrong? Have you done tests that match Apples testing to determine the duration?
They already do this. You don't have to use Push, or you can pick and choose which items you want Push to work with.
Thanks! I got to try more settings on my end to find optimal combination.
That is the nature of the beast for all cell phones. Go into Settings » General » Network and toggle the 3G switch. You'll see that has to disconnect one and then connect to the other, which takes several seconds. A call can't be maintained. If you know you are on the edge of carrier switch from UMTS to EDGE you might as well keep it on EDGE.
As for the battery, are you upset that it isn't long enough or that Apple's claims are wrong? Have you done tests that match Apples testing to determine the duration?
I have informally tested over the last few days. Fully charged battery went out on me at 3pm yesterday with no WiFi and GPS locator off. It was mostly emails and phone calls...limited phone calls. Today it has made it until 7:30 with no WiFi, GPS locator on and moderate email and phone usage before it gave out. I am in a major city where 3G coverage is supposed to be strong and thorough but that does not seem to be the case.
my GF and I both bought iphones on friday night....
Overall very impressed with just about everything.... a little problem with some of the apps.... apple told me that they are experiencing some bugs with certain ones running together on the same phone?? but surely will be addressed soon.
but my question is with the GPS capabilities... about 4 out of 5 times I can't get a solid blue dot. With both phones side by side, my girlfriends seems to immediately find her current location, while mine has me somewhere in a 2 block radius?? I work in Manhattan and Live in Brooklyn. Have tried the GPS on WIFI/EDGE/3G yet that doesn't seem to make a difference either.... and I should have excellent coverage here in NYC, at least as good as its going to get in the US.. I would assume....
SO... Anyone else feeling like their GPS isn't acting as "snappy" as it should, or not living up to the other reviews you are reading???? tips would be much appreciated...will probably visit the Apple store when everyone else gets theirs
Like any GPS receiver, it works best outdoors, not indoors. The device works best when it has direct line of sight with the satellites. The GPS receiver has nothing to do with Edge, 3G, or WiFi. It is a separate receiver. I would assume in NYC and all the surrounding buildings, it would be tough to get a good satellite signal.
It doesn't matter if the battery is best in its class as long as you can't swap it/replace it.
As the NY TImes reported on Saturday - " Until Apple put's in a replaceable battery, the iPhone will remain a toy rather than a tool."
Well that is a complete load of shit. The battery can be replaced, just have Apple do it. After two or three years, you would probably want to upgrade to the next version of the iPhone anyway. Do they feel the same about the MILLIONS of iPods sold? My iPhone is definitely a tool, regardless of the battery being user accessible.
Well that is a complete load of shit. The battery can be replaced, just have Apple do it. After two or three years, you would probably want to upgrade to the next version of the iPhone anyway. Do they feel the same about the MILLIONS of iPods sold? My iPhone is definitely a tool, regardless of the battery being user accessible.
I think he means specifically swapping it so he can extend the usefulness of the device, not replacing an aging battery.
There were plenty of external battery packs that made for a better option, IMO, than having to turn off your device, take off the back insert a new battery and turn it back on to get service.
The battery does not even get you through the day. I have been eagerly awaiting this phone and have been extremely disappointed at battery life. In addition, calls drop when switching between 3G and EDGE networks...very frustrating
5 hours talk time using 3G would not get anyone through the day. I don't know what you are complaining about. If you don't like it, get a Treo, those only last for 3 hours of talk time! The battery specs were clearly disclosed a month before the iPhone was released. If you want longer battery life, turn off the 3G feature, since you don't really need it for making phone calls. You can use the 3G for surfing the internet, then use Edge for everything else.
I am in a major city where 3G coverage is supposed to be strong and thorough but that does not seem to be the case.
It would be nice to have an app that could use the GPS to see the cell tower transmissions you have around you, whether it be UTMS/EDGE or coverage or no coverage. Probably not a practical app for the work involved, but it might help you out.
I can see that most of you don't understand anything about 3G as used in the iPhone. It is not just a data connection. The 3G is used for both voice and data. So if you turn off 3G you have no voice connection either.
Using 3G for voice results in much better call quality as well, as many have noticed with the iPhone 3G. But this is only because W-CDMA (or UMTS as it is correctly called) provides much better codecs for the voice signal than previous GSM networks did.
In the old iPhone, GSM was the voice layer and GPRS provided a packet switched layer on top of that. EDGE is just an extension to GPRS with higher data rates. In the iPhone 3G UTMS provides both the voice and data layer in one. So you can't disable data without cutting voice as well.
Also if you go from an area outside of the UMTS coverage your phone will automatically drop down from 3G to GSM+EDGE. There is no way to just use UMTS for data and GSM for voice.
Its just a shame that in the US you have such crap coverage with UMTS. One other thing that is important is that the network controls to a large extent your battery life. If the network is not configured properly or has poor coverage you will burn through your battery extremely fast because the phone doesn't get told to reduce the transmitter output power.
Moi Jody. Spot on explanation.
I can see that most of you don't understand anything about 3G as used in the iPhone. It is not just a data connection. The 3G is used for both voice and data. So if you turn off 3G you have no voice connection either.
No, if you turn off 3G, you simply have no 3G speed data access or the "improved" call quality of the 3G network. Voice and data service will be maintained - just via EDGE/GSM.
No, if you turn off 3G, you simply have no 3G speed data access or the "improved" call quality of the 3G network. Voice and data service will be maintained - just via EDGE/GSM.
A bit of clarification might be in order here. You can not run voice and data at the same time over EDGE/GSM. To test this, make a call then try and open up a web page. It will not work, however with 3G/UMTS it is possible. So in effect, Jody was correct.
more stupid
Oh, think different.....ly....
Mr Joswiak - why don't you avoid using copy and paste for a week on your computer as an experiment and then see where Apple might prioritize this feature going forward?
BT voice dialing is also very important - I know Apple wants people to keep pulling their iPhone out to dial so they literally get maximum product exposure, but the convenience and safety of voice dialing is also sorely missing, I believe.
A bit of clarification might be in order here. You can not run voice and data at the same time over EDGE/GSM. To test this, make a call then try and open up a web page. It will not work, however with 3G/UMTS it is possible. So in effect, Jody was correct.
It's nice that you're trying to cover for him, but it's clear that's not what he meant, though, now he may say it was.
If your favourite sites has RSS feeds, use them instead of the full site. This will dramatically lower your data transfers and lowers the CPU usage because of simpler layouts to handle. Apple redirects any RSS link to their own (really nice) iPhone RSS reader without any problems.
More importantly most major sites have a mobile version which is designed for the smaller screen and uses less complex graphics so they are faster to load.
Apple is trying to say that copy and paste, a function that quite likely over 90% of the computing population uses at lease once a day, somehow missed Apple's priority list for the past year?
Mr Joswiak - why don't you avoid using copy and paste for a week on your computer as an experiment and then see where Apple might prioritize this feature going forward?
He said it was lower on the priority list than other features that Apple wants to put in. Also they are likely experimenting with copy and paste touch UI vs the touch UI of other functions. Once Apple picks the UI they are stuck with it.