First Impression iPhone

I purchased 2 iPhones, figuring that since we produce content for mobile media and the web, we should have the latest products to test and show our clients. That said, I figured we should say what our findings are with regards this device in the short time we've owned them.

PROS
This is a great device unlike anything we've ever used, there is nothing that even comes close to its functionality, ease of use, design, clarity, etc. We find the videos from podcasts to be of the utmost clarity, with no lag times, and its ability to sync seamless (connected to a mac). The ability to connect to YouTube is also a very cool feature, with the videos fairly clear, and with tolerable load times. The other features such as photos, stocks, camera, weather, and calendar work as expected. Maps turned out to be a greater tool than I ever expected, providing traffic reports, directions, and satellite imagery. WiFi connectivity is fairly seamless in that it connects to any open network, which is great for surfing the web (To be fair, we have not tested secure networks). And finally, I really like the virtual voicemail feature. The future possibilities of this device look to be even more promising. With the potential creation of endless widgets for it, this phone can turn into a powerhouse device, tracking packages, making VOIP calls, watching IPTV channels, etc. Just look at the list of available widgets for OSX. I look forward to the creation of others to make this device fully shine.

CONS
I do have a list of cons, all of which you'll probably find on other message boards.
1. No Video Camera - even the simplest of phones record video now.
2. No Voice Dialing - need I say more?
3. No zoom feature on the camera.
4. Gmail cc's you on emails sent from the phone - annoying
5. No GPS on maps - I know I'm expecting alot from this one.
6. ATT service - The bar isn't raised that high, Internet is slow when available, and calls do get
dropped even when it supposedly has full signal. Lots of dead spots in LA (and New York I
hear).
7. Compression rate is different than AppleTV (Probably should be an AppleTV complaint)
which means we have to compress videos twice.
8. Search feature on YouTube is limited (Like AppleTV) therefore it is difficult if not impossible
to get to specific channels.
9. Speakers aren't that great - What should I expect for $600.00?
10. Keyboard cant go widescreen - would make texting easier.
11. No MMS messaging
12. No Legacy connections to ipod accessories (iHome, stereo docks, etc)- You mean we have to
buy all new accessories?!
13. No voice recorder - probably a new accessory I'll need to purchase; which leads me to
14. No radio, or Internet radio.
And finally
15. Battery life still sucks. - All I can say is keep your iPod handy.

Something else to note is that connectivity to many corporate servers for email, although seemingly possible, is not very likely; thereby keeping the blackberry useful. But for the most part, it is a great multi use device with some obvious limitations, but a definite leap for the future of not only phones, but any media device, not to mention the widget development possibilities, and considering the number of people who purchased one, it might be time to start reviewing your media marketing plan, and how you plan to reach them.

Joel Carter III
Imago Film Productions