iphone picSince I am a second guesser by nature, I don’t love many products. I bought a big 50′ plasma TV and noticed the clunky remote and lack of deep black color differentiation immediately. Actually the TV is incredible in HD, but it certainly did not change my TV viewing experience…it just really improved it.

The iPhone on the other hand is a behavior altering product. It is not just a better cell phone. It has changed the way I use my “hand-held communications device”…or whatever you want to call it.

I still make phone calls, and it does that well…giving you great Contact capabilities and visual voicemail on top of a beautiful touchscreen interface (which is awesome by the way). That’s all just cell phone stuff.

But when you add in Internet access, a crisp 3.5 inch screen, an iPod, and the ability to type on a pretty darn functional full QWERTY keyboard, and its really more like a hand-held computer than a cell phone.

I use the iPod feature like a regular iPod. It works better than my old one, and I don’t have to carry around two devices (phone and iPod).

I also use the Internet access to check and send email, and as a result spend less time on my home computer.  You see its competing with my computer, something a cell phone couldn’t do before.

There is the web browser. I use the Maps function to get directions…while I’m out, not using Google maps and printing it out beforehand. The screen is big enough to actually see as if you were on a regular computer….it isn’t just text. We’re sitting around after tennis and wonder what movies are playing. I can check right from my phone in like 5 seconds. I’m using it this month to track my expenses. Every time I make a purchase, I go to expenseview.com and enter the amount. I don’t bring books with me to read while I’m eating anymore. I surf the web and read NYTimes.com or whatever. And yes…the screen is that good, especially if you use the easy multi-touch zoom feature. (in the interest of full disclosure though, I do have good eye sight; if you don’t, you wouldn’t be able to use it like that.)

I use the calendar (all phones HAVE a calendar, but do you use it?). The keyboard works well enough, and then I always know what my schedule is if someone asks can I do something on X weekend. I don’t have to say, “Let me check my calendar and I’ll get back to you.”

I take pictures with the 2 megapixel camera, and they turn out pretty well. I can immediately send them to someone else by email.

So here is my iPhone wish list: a) longer batter life…I use the damn thing so much it only lasts a day or two. b) better camera…its already replaced my iPod. With a 4 or 5 megapixel camera it could replace a camera too. c) faster internet access: I use it so much the slow data speeds are really noticeable.  d) I’d like it have GPS while I’m wishing. e) I’d like to use the Bluetooth capabilities to function as a TV remote as well.

Anyway…that’s enough iPhone love for today.

FYI: I’m actually making this post FROM the iPhone.

3 Responses to “The iPhone and my cell phone usage habits”
  1. Jason says:

    Elliott….were you compensated by Apple for that post?? While I’m an avid, rabid, cell phone talker, I spend so much time on my laptop at work I don’t know that I would want the access that Iphone or Blackberry units provide. I don’t think I would ever get off the internet then.

  2. Meredith says:

    Mo money, mo problems.

  3. Anne Marie Bourget says:

    Elliott! Great to read this! I am jumping on iphone 3G ship as soon as it comes out on July 11th. Hopefully, I will be able to find some CRACK software somewhere so that I can use it in Germany. I have already given my dad the money to buy one and send it over STAT! If you google the new iphone, you will see that there is supposedly faster internet, 3-4 megapixel camera, lots of 3rd party applications, as well as lots of other new features, including GPS and not just for finding your phone when you lose it, but however also bonafied GPS useable for the next best thing besides turn by turn voice instructions. Have fun looking at all the media hype, and depending on your carrier, if you bought it in the last 3-6 months you may be able to trade it in for a new one for a fee between $50-$100, or so I have read!

    Give me a shout and let me know what you are up to. Wanted to meet Peter in London a few weeks ago but still couldn´t fly with a bunch of Metal in my foot. Will be in London in two weeks though for a week in case you are thinking of a cup of tea with the Queen! (June 23-27, 2008). Cheerio!

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