Why I despise the iPhone.

[neilm]

I suspect the previous comments are pretty much what we might expect, and I'm not about to disagree

Most of us on here have a lot of experience with mobile phones, and with PPC/WinMo devices and we can appreciate the strengths of the MS offerings and how the hardware/software platform has evolved. The majority of iPhone users have moved to the iPhone from 'normal' phones and simply have no idea about the capabilities of a well setup Windows Mobile device, but still carry on the 'Apple is perfect' evangelising.

My son has an iPhone and when I offered him my old Orbit2 he declined as it was 'too advanced' for his needs. I tried the iPhone for a day and the novelty soon wore off- OK, it's responsiveness is good, but it is only running one main app at a time. It is big and not particularly robust, so it was a relief to go back to my Diamond.

I take great exception to the current advertising campaign for iPhone apps- the tag line is 'Only on the iPhone' which is patent nonsense for most of what they are promoting as WinMo devices have had similar programs for ages. I'm surprised the ASA hasn't intervened, but then I suppose no-one has made a complaint.

A lot of WinMo providers still shoot themselves in the foot though, with poorly presented devices. T-Mobile are STILL selling the Compact IV (Diamond) with ROM v1.37 which was a dog back in July and is still a dog. They have no user download of a newer ROM. Orange are now selling their Diamond and Touch HD phones with their own customisations, which again add bloat and slow them down.

Some software developers still run websites from where you cannot download programs or updates to the phone itself because their browser detection doesn't support mobile browsers.

I'm sure the iPhone will get better- indeed the new OS looks to be offering more features, but the hardware hasn't changed much. Roll on Windows 7

Perhaps this should be an 'Editorial'

[The Mailman]

My vote to move to editorial as well.

[fowljr]

I like my iPhone and I like playing with it, but, day to day I still use a Windows Mobile device, because as mentioned by others, my O2 XDA Serra does everything I want it to do and is an enterprise quality email device...

I like the iPhone a lot, but it is definitely a device to use when I don't require all the functionality of a WM device, which isn't often...

I still use a WM phone and much prefer the smaller form factor but I also use an iPod Touch and it is an excellent device. It's all very well having the best tech but it needs to be wrapped up in a user friendly interface.

I have 110 WM users in the UK at work and the majority of them are not tech savvy, a simple interface such as the iDevices would seem like heaven to them and whilst there are a lot of features still missing from the email side that I would like the basic features would satisfy the majority of my users.

In addition the app store is a dream to use and the hardware is at least as reliable as most WM devices

[waveydavey]

Ok, so we're an editorial now, and that's ok.
Just for the record, I don't hate the iPhone. It's a phone, a fancy looking phone. I chose the word despise carefully because it's what the iPhone stands for, the way Apple have somehow hypnotised the world that really galls me. Everyone I see holding one I just want to run up to them, slap them across the face to wake them up and tell them to snap out of it. Ask if they know how much they just spent and how white headphones are just plain wrong. If you think about it, it's the same with all Apples products really, none are the best on the market (none are the worst either) but from a product perspective they are all punching above their weight, yet they seem to be very popular. Everyone talks about Apples awesome marketing but is it as simple as that?

[windows]

Apple scores really with then controlling all aspects of their products so therefore have been in the main able to maintain a fashionable house style which goes well with their marketing. Plus an ease of use interface appeals to many users.

[fowljr]

I think you've hit the nail on the head there Daron, it's the integration that appeals to people. I can certainly see the appeal, even the integration with itunes for Podcasts & Music is slick, this is where WM needs to get to...

[Rick GM]

Let's not also forget that the iPhone is a gadget that Joe Public can use comfortably without a degree in IT. WM devices are superb, as long as you are prepared to work at and with them. For some people, they are just too complex and too temperamental. Perhaps that's why there are so many, following upgrades, on eBay. As much as I love my Ignito, many would argue that there's little point having a mobile phone that won't last for a full working day away from a charger !

[johnston411]

on the subject of charging the battery in my iphone started off lasting a couple of days at a time but now i'm lucky if i get a day out of it and if i do much surfing or music it is even worse. i think partly it's my fault but it does seem a common problem so not just a wm thing.

[mikem]

>>A lot of WinMo providers still shoot themselves in the foot though, with poorly presented devices. T-Mobile are STILL selling the Compact IV (Diamond) with ROM v1.37 which was a dog back in July and is still a dog. They have no user download of a newer ROM. <<

Agreed - although I can console myself with the fact that I got my Serra FOC, the bottom line is that the unit has been shipped with a ROM/UI which is far from sorted - and o2 seem to suddenly have gone quiet on when any updated ROM is ever to appear.

In one respect, I wish there was less panting about new devices, and even that the ROM update facility had not been invented - it only encourages even decent manufacturers like HTC to release half-finished equipment. Apple on the other hand seems to wait the extra few months needed to release kit which is at least 90% there...

I was really happy with my Orbit 1 and 2, but was looking forward to the provision of a hard keyboard - I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt that I have definitely gone two steps back with the Serra with regard to being able to do business on the move (I'll skip the list of irritations for this editorial piece, but believe me).

99% of users don't want to faff around with researching and installing cooked Roms just to get a satisfactorily working unit etc (and I include myself as an old IT pro in that).