Related Stories iPhone Backlash PollIf you're hesitant about buying an iPhone, what`s your primary reason?
"…We're disappointed the iPhone's data support tops out at 2.5G EDGE networks. Considering the multimedia-friendly feature set, the omission of any 3G compatibility is a bit bizarre, particularly since Cingular now offers UMTS and HSDPA." Kent German and Jasmine France, CNET Reviews, January 9th 2007.
"… security researchers predict a litany of shortcomings that may allow hackers to pilfer private data stored on or sent from iPhones…The phone will use an operating system and a Web browser that have already been available in some form for years, so hackers will have a head start in finding entry points to exploit even before the phone is released. And the iPhone's "closed" operating system makes it impossible to install protection software from security companies like McAfee or Symantec." Andy Greenberg, Forbes.com, 19th June 2007.
"We're telling IT executives to not support it because Apple has no intentions of supporting (iPhone use in) the enterprise… This is basically a cellular iPod with some other capabilities and it's important that it be recognized as such… You'll have e-mail in a place that's unsecured. There are no firewalls on the device. There's no ability to wipe (data from) the device if it's lost." Ken Dulaney, Gartner analyst. As reported by Jon Brodkin, Network World, June 21st 2007.
"The iPhone is not…a BlackBerry killer. The absence of a physical keyboard makes it versatile, but also makes typing tedious. Instead of raised alphabet keys, you get virtual keys on the screen. They're fairly small, and of course you can't feel them. So typing is slow going, especially for the fat of finger." David Pogue, The New York Times, Jan 11th 2007.
"The iPhone's battery is one example of a feature that could flop…What happens if you use the phone's Wi-Fi connection heavily? Or a Bluetooth earpiece? Without a midday charging pit stop, iPhone owners may have to consistently choose between using its Web and multimedia features and saving battery power for phone calls." Dan Frommer, Forbes.com, June 11th 2007.
"…the two-megapixel, fixed-focus camera looks underwhelming compared to the hi-tech autofocus cam of Nokia's N95… More frustrating is the lack of storage." Rob Waugh, Daily Mail, June 16th 2007.
"The two-megapixel camera tales great photos, provided the subject is motionless and well lighted… But it can't capture video. And you can't send picture messages (called MMS) to other cell phones." David Pogue, The New York Times, June 27th 2007.
"In a Consumer Report's Study, AT&T's signal ranked either last or second to last in 19 out of 20 major cities. My tests in five states bear this out. If Verizon's slogan is 'Can you hear me now?' AT&T's should be 'I'm losing you.'" David Pogue, The New York Times, June 27th 2007.
If all the criticism has you somewhat taken aback or perhaps riled up, remember: for every iPhone basher out there, exist ten enthusiasts. Praise and criticism go hand in hand. Although accused of being overpriced and under-equipped, the phone has been also been hailed as "revolutionary," "magical" and slated to "alter the face of the cell phone industry."
Clearly the iPhone isn't perfect. But it doesn't have to be in order to sell. It's innovative, new, and exciting, and absolutely everybody is talking about it. While it remains to be seen whether the phone will be able to live up to all the hype, the inevitable criticism that has reared its head in the last few moths does not mean that Apple will fail. After all there was a massive onslaught of criticism from all quarters before the iPod was launched. And look where it is now.
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