Twelve years ago, a computer operating system caused an outbreak of consumer hysteria. Among customers who queued all night, some admitted they knew almost nothing about Microsoft's Windows 95. Some - bizarrely - didn't even own a computer. It's right to shake your head in disbelief... unless you're queuing outside an Apple store.
The iPhone had remained shrouded in mystery and outlandish speculation until the last minute, before it went on sale in the US yesterday. Now that it is here, and the reviews are out, there's good news and bad. First, the good news: contrary to recent rumours that Apple had made the iPhone appear smaller by photographing it in a freakishly large hand, the unit is slight and elegant. And Apple have upgraded the screen from plastic to glass, a significant |
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linton chiswick runs the rule over Apple’s new toy, which launched yesterday |
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change, since the iPhone doesn't do buttons and is controlled by tapping and stroking the screen. It's sleeker, less scratch-prone; but you wouldn't want to sit on it.
However, the worrying news is that the telephone itself lacks voice dialing, and there's no ability to cut, copy or paste text - another problem for an email client that so far doesn't support Microsoft Exchange email servers or allow you to edit Microsoft Word attachments. Business users who've already given away their Blackberries should worry.
But the worst news is reserved for anybody hoping to buy the phone and use it as a posh iPod/PDA. Without a two-year AT&T contract, the unit will remain locked - a chic, but ultimately useless, object. UK readers tempted by an expensive eBay stray - be warned. 
FIRST POSTED JUNE 30, 2007 |
