Im not sure if youre already aware, but Ewan has sent me a first generation iPhone for me to have a play around with. But also, Im not too hung up on the device either!
Ive mentioned this before (and no, Im not complaining), but the iPhone really isnt my cup of tea. Im not that bothered about what people think of my mobile phone; I mean I was walking around with a Nokia 3200 until September last year. In fact, if my Nokia 3310 wasnt dead, I would happily use that, with no care about its age or looks.
The iPhone to me, just screams look at me, Im expensive, and glamorous; come and feel my touch screen! You know you want too. And to put it bluntly, this isnt me. My mobile has to be practical, and it has to do what a mobile should do, to a good standard, and importantly at a good price.
Okay, the iPhone may work well (I cant yet vouch for that yet), but is it worth what you have to pay? And yes, Im aware you can get iPhones for free on contracts; but does paying 75 for a contract sound like free to you? Or maybe more importantly, is it practical for a sixteen year old?
In simple terms that is a straight-forward no!
Then there is the fact its trying to be an MP3 player. I, unlike many people, do not like iPods. I once did, but after hearing the sound quality, and even having to endure using iTunes on my computer, I quickly realised what a horror it was. There is also the fact; I like to have separate devices for my MP3 Player and mobile.
I want my MP3 player to sound amazing, and my experience of listening to music on mobile phones, is horrible. I love my music, dont get me wrong, but when I listen to it, I want it to sound good, not half-arsed, and distorted. iPods, as far as I have heard (and Ive had the horrible pleasure of using and listening to quite a few), sound horrific. So surely it cant sound much better as a mobile device either?
Then there are the applications. My mobile phone is used for texting, making calls, and for the radio when Im out and about. I rarely use the internet due to the cost, and because Mobile sites drive me insane; and I dont require much else. I like to have a camera in case I dont have my Digital Camera on me, but thats it really.
At tops my mobile phone requires a camera, a phone book, the ability to send and receive texts, calendar, FM Radio, Alarm and a torch.
Basically, Im a normob at its best!
Maybe you can see why I dont like the iPhone. Its not because its crap (it may not be), but its because the iPhone isnt a phone I require in my life. It draws too much attention to itself, and doesnt suit my general purpose or needs. I dont like phones which are designed purely to make other people, and their mobiles feel bad. Remember those cute Carphone adverts with the lonely phone? Well, I see the iPhone as the creator of that phone; its too brash and it tries to put other mobiles to shame.
Should I mention too, that I think its too big, the camera is wrongly positioned, and I dont like touch-screens too?
However, despite this ramble which may just sound like a moan and it isnt, Im more than willing to admit that Im wrong. I may be stubborn, but I will admit when Im wrong. I want to see if the iPhone can win me over! Can I even be persuaded to buy myself one? Or, is it going to make me realise I was right, and in fact there are a collection of other annoyances about the device too?
Well, well see in a couple of weeks, and see if I was wrong after all!
Dansumption on 
Its free on 45. 99 on the 35 contract.
Entirely reasonable.
Plus you get unlimited internet usage in that, so perhaps you will finally get a decent mobile web experience.
But good luck. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.
Posted by Jamie on August 20th, 2008 at 12:22 pm.I appreciate you're tasked with giving a teenager's perspective so I'm not saying you're wrong, but amongst me and my colleagues (who I assure you are not the mega-rich rock star types we obviously come across as in the podcast!!!) a 150 (which is what my iPhone cost me on a 35pm tarrif) phone isn't really considered flashy…
Interesting though that you've mentioned this as a recurring theme - are you generally anxious about being seen with higher value items for fear of being mugged etc? Would you carry a laptop to college next year if you needed one?
Posted by Ben Smith on August 20th, 2008 at 2:30 pm.The iPhone is a fun device, but most of that fun comes from using it as a TV (BBC iPlayer), a radio (again BBC, but also Tuner, a cool Internet radio app), for music playback, Web browsing and gaming (I recommend Bejeweled, Bubble Bash and CritterCrunch).
Based on your previous posts and your general phone usage I'm not convinced that you'll like the iPhone. However, if you start using it as more of a supplement to your regular PC and less like a 3200 you may find that there is quite a bit to like.
One other thing… I know it sounds dead boring - and yes the video is kind of cheesy - but Apple's iPhone introduction video is the best way to learn many of it's functions;
http://www.apple.com/iphone/guidedtour/
Posted by James Burland on August 20th, 2008 at 2:32 pm.150 on a 35 per month contract is quite a lot. Seeing as on pay as you, I can spend five pounds a month with money to spare, it is quite a lot. And I have even looked at contracts, and I'm not prepared to pay more than 15 per month really. It's not worth it.
I'm not worried about being mugged too much; I am looking into some Laptops for next year, only a cheap thing though. It's just I don't see any sense in spending quite a bit on a mobile phone for it be instantly outdated. It's like buying a brand new car - there is absolutely no point to it. As consumers we're constantly playing catch-up, and I would rather do that with a mobile I like, and one that is in't over-priced. My mobile spending limit for a new device is up to 110. Yearly expenditure on top-up last year (cost me about 5 due to market research funding my top-ups), but in total, wouldn't have come to more than 60.
It's more about value for money, and what makes sense, and to me, the iPhone right now doesn't seem to do that.
Samantha.
Posted by Samantha on August 20th, 2008 at 2:49 pm.How do you like them apples, Mr Smith?
Posted by smstextnews on August 20th, 2008 at 3:18 pm.Well at least we know where you stand before you pick it up
Posted by Steve on August 20th, 2008 at 4:07 pm.Guess you haven't looked at iPhone resale values on eBay …
I do understand your need to be on a budget for your phone contract, but I think you missed something in your assessment. 150 quid is the purchase price of the iPhone. Do you know what you'd have to pay out of you were buying a phone so that you can use it on PAYG?
Posted by Steve on August 20th, 2008 at 4:10 pm.Fair comment - but higher cost does not equal worse value. I need a 35 tariff - especially for the 3G and WiFi data it includes. If you use <5pm PAYG and unsubsidised handsets certainly do seem the way forward.
It's strange we didn't have these conversations about the N95 when it was new cost a bit with a new contract…
Posted by Ben Smith on August 20th, 2008 at 5:31 pm.Arguing about the cost of any Apple device seems really strange. They differentiate themselves according to all sorts of criteria but cost isnt one of them.
Posted by AJ on August 21st, 2008 at 3:54 am.I suspect that you are in between markets right now. Any phone that suited your usage 6 months ago will quickly be way too limited in the information rich life at university (with ubiquitous WiFi). Sundenly in six months' time a small window onto the internet will be a godsend and money will become more available (and plans will be more affordable).
Where you are, right now, I believe you when you say that the iPhone is a very heavy waste of space. In a year's time it may be great. Right now something light and disposable to ring and test friends is what you want.
I am really enjoying your rants - a 16 year old who is content with the world quite frankly has their eyes shut. I am not content with the world either but I can use my money and skills to address it - to the point that I have been missing some big things out there. Thank you.
Posted by juliancooling on August 21st, 2008 at 7:11 am.It's not about worse value, it's about how much you're paying, and how much you're wasting. A new phone when it comes out always costs too much - you always get loads of people paying this premium price (it's what the networks want you to do), then after a couple of months the price drops. Eventually, it's all about penetration pricing, and targeting a specific segment.
My view on it, is that the iPhone doesn't seem to do a lot of that, and that's because it's not competing. No other network has it, and there doesn't seem to be a lot of companies creating any rivalry. Due to this, the iPhone can be priced as high as it is, whether or not it is good or bad quality.
As for the N95 - was there was much buzz about it?
And also, I wouldn't buy that either.
Samantha.
Posted by Samantha on August 21st, 2008 at 4:16 pm.