25 reasons to avoid the new iPhone

The wait is over. The iPhone 3G goes on sale today, and no doubt hordes of Apple fans will be queing outside Carphone Warehouse and outlets of O2 mobile - the only supplier - to get their hands on the hugely hyped handset.

Here at Times Money we were pretty scathing of the original iPhone (take a look at 50 reasons not to buy an iPhone), but Apple claims that its new version is a huge improvement. It is being billed as twice as fast and half as expensive as its debut model.

Given that Apple kept the phone under wraps ahead of the launch it's difficult to know whether the new phone is all its cracked up to be. If the hype is true it will certainly be a huge improvement on the original model. But there are downsides. Maybe not 50 this time around, but here are 25 things to consider before parting with your cash.

1. It's less expensive than its predecessor but still not cheap. The 8GB version is free to O2 customers who spend £45 a month or more on a new 18-month contract. The handset, available from 02, Carphone Warehouse and Apple outlets will cost £99 on a new £30 monthly tariff and the existing £35 per month tariff.

2. For the more powerful 16GB version it will cost £159 on the £30 and £35 tariffs, £59 on the £45 tariff and will only be free on the £75 tariff. So the cheapest deal over 18 months - the 8GB version on the £30 tariff - costs £599. For that you get "unlimited" internet surfing but a measly 75 free calls a month and 125 texts.  You can compare it with existing deals here.

3. It will not be available on Pay & Go till later this year. This has angered some O2 customers. Moreover, it is in super-short supply even on contract, with only a few dozen initially supplied to each O2 store.

4. The touch screen isn't great if you're an obsessive texter. This was a problem with the first iPhone, although this guy seems to have cracked it.

5. Like the Model T-Ford the 8GB model is available in any colour - as long as its black.

6. Go for the more expensive 16GB version and you can get it in white too. Rumours had been that Apple was going to be a little more adventurous.

7. Its camera is rubbish. At just two megapixels with no flash it's worse than many standard phones leaving even fans feeling short changed. Phones such as the Nokia N95 boast five megapixels.

8. You can’t use it to take videos, leading some critics to the conclusion that it’s not sexy enough.

9. Like its predecessor the 3G handset is large and bulky. Not something you can just stick in your pocket and forget about. True, the new phone is thinner at the edges and weighs slightly less than the debut model, but otherwise the measurements are the same. It’s even been nicknamed the monolith.

10. To enable Apple to cut costs something had to go. The original iPhone had a hard-wearing silver aluminum back; the new one a less durable black plastic skin. So will it be able to cope with a beating like this?

11. The absence of a metal back means that it is unlikely to blend as prettily as its predecessor.

12. It’s going to be popular with terrorists if Apple's official ad is anything to go by.

13. Battery life is poor - just five to six hours of 3G calls or web browsing. One reviewer found that the indicator fell below 20 per cent by early to mid-afternoon on some trial days.

14. The battery is sealed into the handset, which must be sent off for replacement when it starts to wear out. This is a hassle and means that you can't carry around a spare for use on the move.

15. It inspires people with anger issues to post pointless and mistitled videos at Youtube.

16. If you are an Apple fan, you already own the old iPhone. Much of the new handset's improved functionality is already available in the free 2.0 software update.

17. If you are not an Apple fan, you may be an Apple "hater". In that case, you wouldn't want one.

18. If you live away from the big cities, you may well not have 3G coverage (check here). That would make the whole 3G phone thing pointless...

19. It has no instant messaging function - forcing users to SMS. But it doesn't have multimedia messaging (MMS), which means that users must send and receive photos by email.

20. The web browser has limited Adobe Flash support, so cannot display videos from many sites.

21. Incredibly for a "smart" phone, it has no copy and paste ability. Duh.

22. Who needs a phone with GPS? Anyway, it can't find a decent pizza when you need one.

23. The iPhone is sometimes termed the "Jesusphone". Tasteless.

24. Bluetooth enables headset voice calls on the new handset. A less-limited Bluetooth profile could have enabled wireless music streaming and file sharing, too.

25. Its unveiling by Steve Jobs, of Apple, was predictably and unbearably smug.

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50 reasons not to buy an iPhone

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The 10 most ridiculous fines of all time

The 10 most audacious swindles ever

Ten tips to survive a property downturn

The 50 wierdest terms of financial jargon - and what they actually mean

Comments

[Kevy D]

This article is completely pointless and sounds like it's been written by a 10 year old. I agree with ONE of these reasons (some of which AREN'T EVEN REASONS anyway) which is the lack of copy/paste. Very amateur atricle, not everyone cares about the same irrelevant issues as the writer.

[Dick Wad]

You're a fricking idiot.

[Darryl]

Those automobiles don't have reins like every horse that came before them. I mean if you're use to steering with with a leather strap, that steering wheel thing just might be a problem.

Yeah that Henry Ford is outta his mind if he thinks he can fool all of us into giving up our horses. That dang automobile is going to really cost ya when you add up the cost of petrol and oil and ya just might run over a horse in the road. Yeah that's another problem. Where are we gonna go in these things?
I don't know about the rest of ya, but I'll be just fine with my horse Thank you!!!

[Jon T]

Is this representative of the journalistic standards at the Times these days?

Shocking, as it's 99% wrong or senseless.

[R C]

Did you have any schooling? This rant is something my 9 year old would make up for a homework Assignment. How did you get a job that requires writing?
Idiot.

[Jay T]

It is interesting that for reason #25 an Englishman can call an American being smug. As for the other 24 reasons, it appears to be an opinion and nothing more.

I agree with you KEVY D. and Jon T.

[Brendan Delaney]

This has to be the most pointless article I've EVER read on the iPhone. I've had mine for 6 months now. No its not 'perfect', but its actually very useable for mail, text, web, calendar, personal information etc. Its replaces my iPod, Palm T3 and phone, and is better than all of them. I wouldn't be without it!

[rattyuk]

Ironic that this piece of FUD was posted without a name attached.

[Savage]

Is the author of this "article" on a mission or something!? Apple "hater"? Disgraceful journalism.

[Andrew Thompson]

I could have written a more substantial list of 25 things wrong with the polio vaccine. Terrible.

[Rich Evans]

this phone is oviously an improvement on the old one but clearly it is not perfect. But what is with all these apple fans? They are soooooo sensitive! Just slaggin the author like that cos he has pointed out some flaws with their favourite toy. Pathetic...

[D Shepherd]

Is this article really "discraceful"? Or are those people getting so wound up just a bit sad?

[Tom Sullivan]

Oooh lookee here... the Apple faithful are coming out of the woodwork to defend Steve Jobs' latest creation. Seriously, if you want a mobile with all the bells and whistles, but without the interminable Apple hype and half-baked functionality, go with a Nokia.

[Charles]

I have a free Pay as You Go Orange phone.
I leave it in the glove compartment of my car in case of breakdowns.
I've never sent or received a text.
I think a lot of the people you see in the street, babbling loudly into their mobile phones, are lunatics using dummy devices given to them by their psychiatrists for when they need to talk to "The Voices".

[lewis Tonkinson]

ok so the iPhone isn't perfect, just a pity the journalism isn't even that good. The iphone email is nowhere near as good as a blackberry but it excels in other areas. As for the camera it takes reasonable pictures. It really dissapoints me to see such poor journalism; still at least it didn't make the printed version or the Sunday times, which only two weeks ago slated the iPhone for users running up massive charges abroad watching BBC's iplayer. Of course the idiot the wrote the piece didn't even bother to research the fact that the iplayer won't work outside the UK -doh!

[DJ]

Nothing is perfect...

... however, the iPhone has a hugely better interface than anything else on the market, and the avalanche of 3rd Party software coming onsale means that it's customisable like no other.

So, while there may be 25 reasons to avoid the iPhone, the fact is I want one. And that aces your list.

[Eric]

So the 2 megapixels camera is bad ? Good news,it's 5 megapixels.
Check your facts.

[Elboe]

And here I was thinking that article was just meant to be a bit of humour.

There's no point denouncing it as disgraceful journalism. It's a cheeky, jokey piece.

[RM]

I was about to go and buy one yesterday then I found out:

IT WONT DO VOICE DIALLING.

So strickly speaking it's illegal to use it in a car 'cos the only way you can dial is to pick it up.

Oh! I forgot Apple people pogo to work!!!

[Peter]

@ Eric: the iPhone still has a 2 megapixel camera. It's also pretty blurry.

http://www.apple.com/uk/iphone/specs.html

Just wait 'til rev. 3 next year to buy one.

[shaun]

This article is not worthy of The Times, if the author was paid for this they should donate the money to charity out of shame! This silly piece was nothing less than excruciating.

[Trisha]

An amusing list.Its only a mobile telephone, better than some, worse than others. Why do men become so defensive when their phones are critisised? I think I can guess the answer.

[Chris]

Why do Apple always seal the batteries into their devices? I would not buy an iPhone for this reason alone - useless if you are away from an electricity supply for a while. I am afraid I will be sticking with my N95.

[Abdul Majeed]

26. ...it's crap??

[Jwames Woods]

And the most important reason not to have an IPhone, it is unable to act as a high speed modem. Not ready to trade in my Balckberry just yet.

JT
www.Fireme.To/udi

[Jason]

Plenty of other vendor interfaces now minic the iPhone interface. I'd advise everyone to wait for the Android HTC mobile later this year. Smashing little phone. Apple are all hype, who else doesn't have enough products ready to launch these days? Nokia sell more phones in a week than Apple did all last year...

[masud]

what a NUT writing about IPOD. It feels as if he does not know about these new gadgets at all and has got some type of PERSONAL GRUDGE about the company

Come on, be realistic and honest and do proper research before putting your RUBBISH on a piece of paper

YOU ARE DEFINITELY MISGUIDING THE PUBLIC

[Albert Judd]

Is this drivel signed?

Now we know what sort of quality to expect from The Times Money Central.

I've never looked at it before.

Dare say I never will again.

[bdsmbooks]

Apple can't get a break.

When iPhone 1 came out, all the press could talk about was how expensive it was up front. Anyone who did the long-term math and showed that it was relatively cheap compared to other smartphones was ignored or dismissed as a fanboy.

Now that Jobs has repriced the 3G version to take its money over the long term, with a cheap upfront price, what happens?

The press suddenly remembers its ability to do math, just so it can once again complain about price.

[PC Fan boy]

Is the Times supported by Microsoft or competing phone makers? This totally slanted piece makes me wonder. Mind you, it is a tabloid afterall.

[Philippe]

I think the journalist has really struggled to come up with 25 reasons not to buy the product. Out of the 25 I think only 5 are genuine reasons. Waste of time really....

[Tim Morris]

Are you going through a divorce at the moment? It's the only explanation for your very irrational, ill thought out, unresearched, immature and pathetically bitter scawlings.

Or have you just been passed over for promotion (again).

[Lord Creator]

@ Tim Morris: Chill. It's a phone. No one died.

[Dan]

Gordon Bennett, Applephiles! This article's supposed to be a joke.

I'm sure the iPhone is very good. If you own one I'm sure your purchase was well informed and I bet you're rather taken by it.

Personally, I think they're too big and look rather effeminate. It's just an opinion, just as valid as that of an applephile. Get over yourselves.

[Jake]

i think that all the people who are angered up about this are angry because they know it's true and they have the iphone.

[Rick Fry]

Not a problem for me no 02 signal at my office or home so its as much use as brick. How many sales have they lost due to the exclusive contract

[Matt]

Okay, the article wasnt great... but the comments underneath! Greatest thing I've read all day. Some of you really like apple dont you, I mean REALLY like apple. I hope you know that it voids the warranty (no 26)

Harry H Corbett... there was me thinking it was just a phone.

[maksim]

The article is bad and, if intended as a joke, is not funny.

However, even more pathetic is the rant coming from the other side. No other phone received this much fevered, reactionary support.

And not because the phone is good. First and foremost because it is pretentious, just as most of its owners are. Bloated egos have troube taking criticism.

[Chetas patel]

No MMS? how else can i send my bird pointless pictures messages :(

[George]

Why so hung up on the number of megapixels? Don't you know that the quantity of megapixels only refers to the SIZE of a photo, not its QUALITY? The rest of the article is too daft to be worthy of comment.

[Michael I]

Changed to Apple last summer. Computers, iPhone and iPods. Disappointing to say the least. How do Apple get so many people to believe their hype? How dd I? Changed but not converted.

[Mike]

Awfull journalism. Self opinionated rubish which is totaly out of touch with objective reality.

iPhone sold 1 million over the first weekend, 40% of which were to Windows PC users NOT Apple fanboys. By a long way this was the launch of ANY consumer electronic device in history. The iphone already (before the new version) sold more than ALL Windows mobile phones put together.

The App store had 10 million downloads over the same weekend. That is 10 Apps per iPhone.

The reason for this amazing success is simple. Apple realy cares about the user experience and it shows.

[T]

1 reason to avoid the iPhone - 'THE BLACKBERRY', that's a smartphone, Ok it wasn't be the most well written article in the universe but the end message is the same. If you're gonna spend that much money, don't get a phone that justlooks good, get one that is good. Currently the only failing of the b/berry is that there is no video but coming soon is the all singing, dancing and video taking blackberry bold, and probably half the cost of the iPhone.

[Julian Spurr]

Just the sort of journalism(?) you'd expect from a stable-mate of The Sun... I'm not an Apple fan by the way, but I thought this article was pathetic - worse than the original "50 reasons not to buy an iPhone". (Don't bother looking back on it - complete rubbish). I suppose the author will justify it all by saying "..wow, look at the response...". I am the same as Albert Judd, first and last-time visitor to this site. How can you justify your article leader "Money Central - advice you can bank on..." What crud.

[Anto]

There may be 25 reasons to hate the iPhone but there are HUNDREDS of reasons to love it. Top of the list is the fact that it's 1000% better than ANY other phone (including Blackberry and it's cheap plastic keys) out there. The next 500 or so reasons to love it are the hundreds of apps available for it, many of which are FREE! Oh, make that 501, no 502, sorry 503, 504...........

It really gets me down when some tired old hack going through the motions tries to create a sensation by proclaiming to the world that a truly innovative and amazing product is "hateful". Still you know what they say, those that can do and those that can't write for the Times! ;-)

[Oliver Brown]

@Chetas patel: So, you don't think that representing the same image with a greater number of pixels relates to quality?

You should phone the good people at Canon to inform them of your revelation. They should not waste a moment more!

[iCreate]

A response to this article has been posted here:
http://blog.icreatemagazine.com/?p=184

[AppleFools...]

No. 26: most people who own iphones clearly don't have a sense of humour...

[Arthur Rock]

Although some of the reasons in the article are half baked or are included for purely for comedy value, I can't help agree with the general sentiment as an Iphone owner.

I've been conned into buying an inferior product i can whole heartly admit that now the inital hype has worn off.

I think some of the comments responding to this article are from kids trying to justify and praise their new toy or misplacing anger after also realising they have been as equally conned by the hype machine.

Oh well we live and learn i'll personally be looking into the Nokia N95 now until a more impressive, practical and unhyped smart phone hits the market.

[Colm]

Hmm. Reason 25; the unveiling was smug?? SMUG?? What the hell is your problem? That has nothing to do with the phone. Read this article from the iCreate team which is really funny and shows that only 3/25 of this idiots points are right! The 16GB model is not more powerful. It just has more storage. And Reason 11, less durable plastic back? What are most phones made out of? Oh yes, I remember, PLASTIC! Also, Reason 19, no instant messaging? Why don't you look at the App Store in iTunes 7.7. What is there under the apps section? Instant messaging Apps from AOL etc. And the stupidest one, appeals to terrorists? Yeah, Bin Laden would have one, wouldn't he! And after that, reason 23, 'Jesusphone'? That's coming from Mr 'Let's make a terrorist joke to scare everyone!'
Finally, reason 6, Rumours had been that Apple was going to be a little more adventurous? Like iCreate said, what do you want? Transparent? Polka dot?
I am only 13 but I think I know more about things than whoever wrote this article!

[ivor properphone]

OK so some of the reasons above are a little...silly but don't you think the author was being a tad tongue-in-cheek? No? Big whoop. It's a phone. It's one person's opinion and if you don't agree with him that's fine. Just get a little perspective, people. Sheesh.

[Alex]

As I understand, it also won't run Java applications. Apple are trying to create their own development environment based on proprietary operating standards.

There are going to be a host of useful Java Applications in the next two years. They won't work on the i-phone.

[Patrick]

What a complete idiot, I'm really sorry I wasted my time reading this now, and from the times of all websites. The author obviously just wanted a rant and obviously doesn't have a iphone.

[Matt Marshall]

I will agree that the iPhone has its downfalls, and clicking on this article I thought I was about to read an in-depth well written review. As most have said above, I'm not sure who is writing articles for The Times Online, though they may as well be sent to work for a tabloid, at the very least!

[Luke]

Reason 26:

You have to use itunes 7.7 which is useless, full of bugs and crashes your computer the minute you plug an ipod into it.

Apple wake up and realise some of your customers use Windows and have no intention of buying a Mac. I'd rather change my ipod than by a computer to go with it!

[JaminBen]

"You have to use itunes 7.7 which is useless, full of bugs and crashes your computer the minute you plug an ipod into it."

In my experience Windows computers will generally crash without anything plugged in.

[Lord Creator]

@ Colm. Dude, if you're 13, you should be out doing stuff - catching movies, chasing girls, whatever. Not whining on the web...

[What would you know]

For the uneducated, the SDK available for IPhone allows apps that run both Video recording and MMS messaging. Someone should really have researched this article before writing such cr@p.

[Jacques Seoman]

The iPhone and the Applke brand in general has just too much street cred for it to not be wildly successful!

[Eugene]

Oh.. look at all these iPHONE fanboys crying!!!! this article wasn't made for you, but for the people that were thinking twice of getting one. There are other phones are there people, and stop acting like its revolutionary, when all the tech existed for years in other phones.. all you've got is an amazing GUI, and a large screen...as soon as something comes up where its lacking.. you all scream you don't need it.. so maybe you guys need to grow up, and take some criticism like men! :)

[Abee]

A very good article. I am certainly not switching from my Blackberry. Not surprised by the Apple fanatics rushing to its defence.

[Andy Murray]

Article ok, response to it hilarious!! I have a rule that I don't buy anything that receives so much hype and advertising, I don't go far wrong. I'm not put off buying an iphone by the product itself, more so by the attitude of some existing owners, maybe when you buy one you have to hand over your sense of humour, get an apple tattoo and pray towards Apple HQ twice a day and god forbid anyone who dares criticise the mighty apple and it's products, get a life and chill out! I own a 3rd gen Ipod Nano by the way and I love it!!!

[MarkC]

you only need one reason to buy it.

Its made by Apple.

[Gerald Harris]

I hate supposedly intelligent people posing as idiots.

The article is utter fiction, and the sales figures for the Iphone prove its success.

I only wish I could invent such a successful piece of equipment, be scathed by The Times, and laugh all the way to the bank.

It is not meant for every single consumer, no product is, but millions love it, including me.

[Rob]

Used a N95 for the past year and hoped the new ifone would beat it - but it looks like the N95 is still functionally superior.

[Albert]

Hello?

Is there anybody there?

Does this paper have an editor?

Is he/she too much of a dimwit to see that this kind of adolescent drivel can only be bad for The Times?

The Times used to be a good newspaper, with patchy coverage (and lately some truly bizarre editorial policies), but generally credible.

It is true, however, that the business news section has never been one of the paper's strongest. It probably never will be.

[Albert]

Hello?

Is there anybody there?

Does this paper have an editor?

Is he/she too much of a dimwit to see that this kind of adolescent drivel can only be bad for The Times?

The Times used to be a good newspaper, with patchy coverage (and lately some truly bizarre editorial policies), but generally credible.

It is true, however, that the business news section has never been one of the paper's strongest. It probably never will be.

[Denis Murphy]

what a idiot....

[Flora]

I'm not a apple fanatic, but the criticisms here are weak to say the least- "if you're not an apple lover, you're an apple hater?" That kind of Bush Speak makes me cringe. I got led to this site through another non related article, I now need to rethink the quality of information I just received for this website. Think better.

[Mike Anderson]

This is a completely pointless article. Complete waste of time. How did this pass the Editor?

[Mark Gibaud]

This is a truly atrocious piece of writing.

[D Shepherd]

@Dennis Murphy, can I politely suggest that you are the idiot not the author. You cannot be "a" idiot but you can be "an" idiot, you idiot.

[iKnow]

@ all you apple fans. Please get a life. It is a phone. This is a light hearted article with some valid points. It is clearly desinged to wind you up and it has succeeded...

[Toby]

I am happy with the new iPhone. I would never have bought the old one as I need wirelass lan and gps.

It is really great and good value for money...you can also buy them in other countries without a contract....here in Germany I only paid 1 Euro with a contract that includes a data flatrate, a t-mobile hotspot flatrate etc...

SMS is old fashioned and 100 sms per month is ok for me - I prefer sending emails which is for free.

I love watching the Simpsons on my iPhone on the bus...anyway..I dont know any other phone that would be an alternative.

[Mr Motown]

@Flora: "I got led to this site through another non related [sic] article, [sic] I now need to rethink the quality of information I just received for [sic] this website. Think better."

Please do 'think better' before commenting in future. Thanks!

[Rupert]

I don't have an iPhone, and I don't plan to get one any time soon (although my decision would have nothing to do with this article). My BlackBerry does most of what I need on the move - although the iPhone would be better for some things.

However, if this is supposed to be an amusing article, it's failed miserably - it's not funny (lame, maybe, but not funny). If it's supposed to be a factual article, then it's time the Times shut up shop!

[Rob Taylor]

Absolutely appalling journalism. Some of the things listed there aren't even true. No instant messaging? What about AIM or the Facebook application?

Most of those things are either repeated "problems", although more like opinions, or unneeded features. It's 2008, who on earth still uses MMS messages?

[Scott @ Elara]

I'd expect an article of this quality to appear in the sun newspaper and certainly not in the times.

I could quite easily counter this 'article' by giving you 25 reasons to go out and buy one tomorrow.

It's a fantastic bit of technology that this author clearly has no idea about.

[Ross]

Seems to me it was written to add iPhone content to The Times - judging by the comments it backfired somewhat.

I have to agree with the majority though - why was this commissioned in the first place? I don't suppose anyone really cares about the content because it's largely rubbish and humourless anyway, but the fact that The Times would entertain this bilge is quite insulting to the readership. It's decisions like this that led me to cancel my subscription and just read the headlines online...

[Jonas]

I can only agree with the fellow poster who wrote this:

"Is this representative of the journalistic standards at the Times these days?

Shocking, as it's 99% wrong or senseless."

Totally agree. I'm not an Apple "fanboy", but I acknowledge their phone is revolutionary in the industry (what other manufacturer had a hardened glass display before the iPhone that is almost impossible to scratch?) and yes, you can text with it.

What a dumb article this is. This person receives money to write this junk?

[Shaz]

This show that iphone owners take themselves to seriously. It's not new tech and this stuff has been around for a while. People just jump on the bandwagon and hype the iphone up, when its not all that. Get over yourselves for gods sake, what a bunch of whimps.

[Olly]

I do not own any apple products but would be interested to know of the other posters how many they own ?
No A2dp ? My interest has just waned considerably.

[Judith]

I am an apple "fangirl" and I have had the phone since its release. It can replace my computer, my Palm PDA and my phone.. and oh, my camera and i-Pod (though I have the first generation so that stays ;-) The images are excellent BTW. It is a truly amazaing device and I have helped many tourists in Sth Ken find their way via the SatNav. Did the journalist watch the video from Apple on what the iPhone can do? Probably not.

[John]

So this is what happens when you let the interns write the articles.

[Nick Riley]

I think that you are being overharsh on the author. As far as I can see, this device doesn't do that much that is particularly great other than store useless junk that only those without friends thrive on. Handheld devices are meant to make life easier rather than reinvent equally difficult ways to do the same thing. 2 mp camera, no copy & paste, sealed in battery, low life battery. Doubtless Mr Jobbs will be milking you all for more money shortly with the next version and the next version and the next version etc.Laughing all the way to the bank just like he did a couple of months ago!

[adam]

All you Apple freaks need to calm down.

I have a friend with the new iphone and he regrets buying it.

Most of you who have commented here are idiots.

[Bill T.]

Aren't there any guidelines to what can and can't be written in these observations? Too much nipping and name calling...the phone isn't the best and it isn't the worst, but it does have outstanding features, and for the most part is practical.

[colin]

What a poor piece of journalism, I would expect to read this sort of piece on a forum or chatroom.

POOR waste of space, pointless, no real depth, just a rant...

bad advert for Times.

[Mazza]

Posted this on the 50 reasons one but feel the need to do it again.

Am slightly annoyed and embarrassed by the number of people bashing whoever for this piece. This a blog post, not a serious, hard hitting article in The Times. It is one person's opinion and should be treated as such. OK, so the research wasn't amazing but how many blogs do you read that are?

Blogs are meant to be an expression of someone thoughts and they don't have to be well researched or accurate and this one wasn't, it seemed to be more fo a rant about how they don't like the iphone, which they are allowed to do. It's their opinion and nothing more. It's not the Times advocating what they have said, it's just that they happen to work for the paper and have a place to put it.

I have no thoughts or feelings about the iphone other than it's a nice looking and innovative piece of kit (which will encourage some people to purchase) with some flaws that people don't like (and will therefore deter them from buying it) and hopefully they will either fix them or someone else will come along and surpass what they've done. However, I do think some people need to keep their perspective rather than just bashing someone because of an opinion. They are allowed one and they are allowed to post where they like and they unlike the rest of us get to use The Times. Lucky them

Remember people blog does not equal article.

You don't have to like it but you can go to bed safe in the knowledge that he was wrong. In your opinion.

[Ricardo]

Well I found it funny, I don't particularly like Apple products as they are ridiculously overpriced, the software (iTunes) is rubbish and is following the same route Microsoft did with Internet Explorer and quite possibly the main reason why I won't is because I don't want to be classified as one of these idiots (there's plenty see above) that take offence to this article. Applephiles - Someone with little personality and imagination.

[Ben]

I find it rather funny how individuals (the 2nd comment being a prime example) are quick to attack this without actually disproving it. I am sure this time next year another one will be bought out, cheaper smaller and with less issues. Everyone will run out and buy it, rave about how great it is and how much better it is than the one they are currently defending.

Simply it is an interesting piece of technology that as with most things is flawed in some ways and excels in others.

[Ginger]

So Aparently you've never even used the iPhone 3G judging by your list. I've had it since july 11th and in my experience:

1. I use it all day every day and have only had to charge it twice in the past 2 weeks. The battery is great.

2. The camera takes better pictures than my actual digital camera.

3. Texting on iPhone is easier and faster than on a cell phone. If you have problems with the keyboard you are either retarded or have sausage fingers.

4. I'm jewish, so it's Mosesphone.

[Andy]

Great issue here:)
I had several Ericssons, Psions, Bang Olufsen, Nokias, Samsungs, "smart" Sony Ericsson again (oh-ful shit), Qteks, Motorolas, worked in Symbian, Windows Mobile, carried devices big and small... It's been 12 years I'm using this stuff. I am happy with iPhone with all these and more reasons why not to buy it. Strange, isn't it? Still have four other phones catching dust in my kitchen. Can't sell them...

[Sam]

First, I'm not a fanboy. I own no other Apple products apart from a dead iPod which died after 4 years dedicated service (I probably used it 20 hours a week so I'm not complaining).

In response to Mazza about the quality of the post, yes it is a blog, but if its associated with the Times, I would expect a little better. Still, it provides some entertainment value!

Regarding pricing of the iPhone, on the £35 tariff, the 8Gb phone costs £99. Looking at the o2 website, a Nokia N95 8Gb costs £200 on a comparable tariff. I know which one I'd rather have...

... which is the iPhone. I've had it for a week now and overall, I'm pretty happy with it.

Yes, the battery is pretty rubbish. Not sure how Ginger has managed to charge it so in-frequently whilst using it all the time. I have to charge it everyday. This is the thing that annoys me most but I just dock it at work and all is fine.

"The camera takes better pictures than my actual digital camera"? Bold claim. Sorry, but your camera must be pretty rubbish. But seriously, its a phone, not a camera so if you want great photos, take a camera.

The thing that makes the iPhone great is the user interface. This is true for all Apple products and is what makes them stand out from the rest of the crowd. Its very intuitive and anybody with a few grey cells should be able to work out how to use the iPhone.

Thanks Apple!

[Mat]

Seems this article has attracted A LOT of fanboy attention. I've had both iPhones, im now gone back to Nokia. The writer of this article couldn't be more accurate. Poor camera, no flash, no mms, no copy/paste, no voice navigation etc. etc. The iPhone lacks so many features that were standard in phones that were out 10 years ago. Its Apple, It SUCKS!

[Mark]

I find it amazing that people get so wound up if a journalist slates a piece of technology they like. For god's sake its a piece of electronics and flashing lights, anyone would think he insulted their god - or maybe he did? Pathetic.

[SMT]

Come on - when has a Times article not just been a opinion piece. They went tabloid a long time ago. Anyway like Richard Littlejohn all this guy wanted to do is throw beer bottles from the back row and provoke a reaction. British tabloid journalists have always prided themselves on being the disruptive boorish party guest you secretly laugh at from a distance hoping they don't bully or pick on you next! This guy is just enjoying being a hack. Let him be.

[shane]

There seem to be a lot of americans who contribute to this message board. Remember guys, its just a bit of plastic, and just because it was made by apple doesn't automatically mean that it is god's gift to the hman race. The author has raised 25 top-notch points on why not to buy it!

p.s. you are right, Steve Dobbs is sooooo smug! (why!??) :¬)

[Alex]

Clutching at straws, aren't you? I agree with 3 of the above reasons, but some of them are VERY tenuous.

[Jean-Claude]

Not a good telphone I believe. Too many peoples love these technology without reason, no?