Song of The Day: Icky Thump - Artist: The White Stripes
Okay. So you now know I made it back from WWDC alright. I have/had so many things to write about during my days there, but just haven’t had the time yet. I’ll have to post some pics and video of the beer bash. After CT Partners sponsored my trip, which was way cool of them, I’ve been busy coding away at the next release of their portal for the military. It’s gonna be “hot” but…
…thought that this next experience may make for an interesting post today: iPhone. I’m in the Apple Store at Pentagon City Mall near Washington, DC, and I am in the midst of activating the iPhone–just purchased–at the Apple store. The store’s normal hours are 10am, but it was open when I arrived at 9:40 or so. I arrived–no waiting–and picked one up.
Since I brought my MacBook Pro with me, I decided to activate the iPhone at the store after purchase. So I took out the device, which does look awesome, hooked it up via USB, but wasn’t entirely sure what to expect next because my version of iTunes didn’t recognize it. Given my experience with past iPods, I assumed that I needed the latest iTunes, so I Google’d over the Apple stores WiFi and saw that I did indeed need iTunes 7.3.
This wasn’t too bad, so I downloaded it and was on my merry way in about 5 minutes. However, I then discovered that the iPhone (or something related to it) also requires Tiger, the latest version of OS X 10.4.10 (approximately a 74 mbyte download). The requirements are covered by Apple’s website and specs, but I basically winged it because I have the latest hardware and software.
Later, an Apple retail employee told me that they are telling folks so they aren’t caught by surprise.
One other thing I noticed is that AT&T’s insurance doesn’t apply to the device, only Apple’s warranty of 1 year. This caught my attention because I have been prone to messing my cell phone up, so others should consider it before delving into the universe of iPhone.
So, to make a long story short, I activated my iPhone, transferred my AT&T number, and am now taking calls while enjoying a few tunes! The experience is nice.
More later perhaps, but now I need a coffee.
Update: After some use, the iPhone has–by far–the best browsing experience of any cell phone. Although AT&T’s EDGE network with the phone is slower than the HSDPA 3G network, I’d rather have this phone, and its capability, than the faster network and a klunky, unusable browser. I had the Samsung SYNC with 3G before and I won’t miss it: browsing, CV (cell video), and all. I know it wasn’t really a “smart phone,” but I’ve had Treo’s as well and have tried other smart phones–no comparison. With WiFi it wins hands-down.
The integration of music, voice, and SMS/e-mail seem superior as well, but will hold off after a few days before commenting.
Although I’m still withholding some judgment, seems like this phone coupled with 3G cell network speeds, and a little cheaper pricing, will render any competitors complete toast. :)
…worth the hype.
Recommended/necessary accessories:
- Power Support Crystal Film Set.
- Plantronics blutooth headset (got the Discovery 665)
- Contour Design iSee case+holster (hard plastic/clip based)
- ExtremeMac Incharge Auto
Tags: Eric O’Laughlen, Apple Computer, iPhone
