As one would expect, the new features are stuff you would have found in other phones years ago (folders, the ability to pick your own backdrop). Bing joins the party, along with a longer battery life and a screen that may make book reading less of an eyestrain.

The iPhoneOS is renamed to iOS 4 and MacOSX didn't even warrant a mention. I wonder if we'll see another version, or will Apple just wait until next year to launch iOS-based laptops?

But that is a fine looking phone.

I will say that I'm not fond of the design of this unit: it looks too much like the handheld battery-powered Braun shavers of the 1970s and 80s that were black plastic with various metal bits sticking out, invariably becoming greasy and yucky over time. It wouldn't surprise me if this non-flush design went the same way.

I would be interested in buying this product to replace my PDA and mobile phone, and I was all set before Steve announced that 32GB is the capacity maximum for this generation. It's the first time they haven't announced a doubling of capacity. I guess I'll have to wait until next year for the 64GB version, but by then my music collection might be more than that (I've got 54GB right now).

W3bbo said:

The 326dpi display is what made me proclaim out loud "wow", I didn't know that level of resolution was possible using IPS panels.

 

I will say that I'm not fond of the design of this unit: it looks too much like the handheld battery-powered Braun shavers of the 1970s and 80s that were black plastic with various metal bits sticking out, invariably becoming greasy and yucky over time. It wouldn't surprise me if this non-flush design went the same way.

 

I would be interested in buying this product to replace my PDA and mobile phone, and I was all set before Steve announced that 32GB is the capacity maximum for this generation. It's the first time they haven't announced a doubling of capacity. I guess I'll have to wait until next year for the 64GB version, but by then my music collection might be more than that (I've got 54GB right now).

I was disappointed by the lack of storage increase as well. I'm getting close to maxing out my 32GB 3GS. And if they ever offer a streaming/subscription service (or if Rhapsody makes their app usable offline/while driving) I'll surely need more.

I am interested to see how nice the new screen is in person though.

sushovande said:

I like the phone very much, but I am going to hold out for a Windows Phone 7 because I want to write mobile apps.

This brought to mind a question: Microsoft has said that they are going to work on iterating the software for WP7 rather quickly. However, how quickly will they be adjusting the hardware chassis spec to address newer technologies.

W3bbo said:

The 326dpi display is what made me proclaim out loud "wow", I didn't know that level of resolution was possible using IPS panels.

 

I will say that I'm not fond of the design of this unit: it looks too much like the handheld battery-powered Braun shavers of the 1970s and 80s that were black plastic with various metal bits sticking out, invariably becoming greasy and yucky over time. It wouldn't surprise me if this non-flush design went the same way.

 

I would be interested in buying this product to replace my PDA and mobile phone, and I was all set before Steve announced that 32GB is the capacity maximum for this generation. It's the first time they haven't announced a doubling of capacity. I guess I'll have to wait until next year for the 64GB version, but by then my music collection might be more than that (I've got 54GB right now).

Impressive DPI.

Design has also improved, one could say it's almost Zune-like.

The desktop looks boring and uninspiring although experience tells me it will at least have a super responsive and smooth UX, something other devices could learn a lot from.

I don't understand the desire to host a complete music collection on the device. At least for my collection which includes many FLAC files that's completely unrealistic. Simply stream the music from a home server with real-time transcoding. My tiny iPod Shuffle (lovely piece of hardware) with a mere 2 GB also has vastly more music on it at any given time than I need; so changing the music from time to time is quite fine.

I wonder if Cisco is going to object to that.

Those screen specs are enough to make me salivate though. Not that I'll be getting one (or any new phone) in the forseeable future, but anyway.

Ion Todirel said:

iOS based laptops? What do you mean, why would you limit such capable hardware with an OS like that? They do have an iPad

So they can run dump Intel.

So they can release a laptop as thin as razor blade with a fifteen hour battery life.

So they can cream a percentage from every app written for it.

So they can make it impossible to run their OS on any hardware but their own.

Because they believe this will help keep viruses off the platform.

Sven Groot said:

Hmm, I'm not sure about the design. It feels very retro-80s to me. I think I prefer the rounded design of the current models.

 

Those screen specs are enough to make me salivate though. Not that I'll be getting one (or any new phone) in the forseeable future, but anyway.

They are apparently designed to accept a wrap-around edge protector (that comes in various colours) which then gives it the more rounded look of the current model.

I wouldn't buy one, mainly because it's massively excessive to my needs (I simply need a phone) and because I refuse to buy anything Apple... but it's interesting nonetheless.

Sven Groot said:

Hmm, I'm not sure about the design. It feels very retro-80s to me. I think I prefer the rounded design of the current models.

 

Those screen specs are enough to make me salivate though. Not that I'll be getting one (or any new phone) in the forseeable future, but anyway.

Yes, the screen looks very impressive, but given Apple's continual leaning toward exaggeration, I think I'll wait to see it for myself. If it's as good as Engadget says it is then it could explain why Apple has no interest in e-ink screens.

I might actually buy one of these things. Or more likely, wait until they upgrade the iPod Touch.

I don't mind so much about the lack of a 64-bit version though; I haven't even managed to fill an 8GB Touch.

elmer said:

iOS  ?

 

I wonder if Cisco is going to object to that.

Good question.

Apple licensing the 'iOS' name from Cisco

elmer said:

Sven Groot said:

*snip*

They are apparently designed to accept a wrap-around edge protector (that comes in various colours) which then gives it the more rounded look of the current model.

 

I wouldn't buy one, mainly because it's massively excessive to my needs (I simply need a phone) and because I refuse to buy anything Apple... but it's interesting nonetheless.

Sounds almost as if they've built in a defect so they can sell an add-on.

W3bbo said:

The 326dpi display is what made me proclaim out loud "wow", I didn't know that level of resolution was possible using IPS panels.

 

I will say that I'm not fond of the design of this unit: it looks too much like the handheld battery-powered Braun shavers of the 1970s and 80s that were black plastic with various metal bits sticking out, invariably becoming greasy and yucky over time. It wouldn't surprise me if this non-flush design went the same way.

 

I would be interested in buying this product to replace my PDA and mobile phone, and I was all set before Steve announced that 32GB is the capacity maximum for this generation. It's the first time they haven't announced a doubling of capacity. I guess I'll have to wait until next year for the 64GB version, but by then my music collection might be more than that (I've got 54GB right now).

it looks too much like the handheld battery-powered Braun shavers of the 1970s and 80s

Now, if it doubled as a shaver, I might be tempted... that'd be a feature I could actually use.

iShave... there's an app for that! - use the camera on those "difficult to see" places, as you mow them down... zoom right in on those pesky nostril hairs.

Ray7 said:

Sven Groot said:

*snip*

Yes, the screen looks very impressive, but given Apple's continual leaning toward exaggeration, I think I'll wait to see it for myself. If it's as good as Engadget says it is then it could explain why Apple has no interest in e-ink screens.

 

 

I might actually buy one of these things. Or more likely, wait until they upgrade the iPod Touch.

 

I don't mind so much about the lack of a 64-bit version though; I haven't even managed to fill an 8GB Touch.

 

It is not the sharpness of the text that causes eye strain.  It is the backlight.  iPhone 4 still has a backlight so it would still be harder on the eyes than e-ink. 

I am a bit confused as to who would actually want to read a book on a phone.  It seems like the screen (especially the iPhone screen) is too small to read on comfortably.  I also don't know of anyone that would sit down and edit videos on their phone.  It seems to be that Apple is grasping at straws trying to find something that is innovative and just coming off as desperate.

intelman said:

The new iPhone is quite attractive. Very brick like, great industrial design. Apple is doing great here.

Pretty sure this is the least original design so far so giving them some credit is stupid. Sony made tons of phones to this style in the past, and its been used on various tech products since

stevo_ said:

intelman said:

*snip*

Pretty sure this is the least original design so far so giving them some credit is stupid. Sony made tons of phones to this style in the past, and its been used on various tech products since

Immitation is the most sincere form of flattery.

The Day The Earth Stood Still

W3bbo said:

The 326dpi display is what made me proclaim out loud "wow", I didn't know that level of resolution was possible using IPS panels.

 

I will say that I'm not fond of the design of this unit: it looks too much like the handheld battery-powered Braun shavers of the 1970s and 80s that were black plastic with various metal bits sticking out, invariably becoming greasy and yucky over time. It wouldn't surprise me if this non-flush design went the same way.

 

I would be interested in buying this product to replace my PDA and mobile phone, and I was all set before Steve announced that 32GB is the capacity maximum for this generation. It's the first time they haven't announced a doubling of capacity. I guess I'll have to wait until next year for the 64GB version, but by then my music collection might be more than that (I've got 54GB right now).

Why is Apple the only one to realize IPS is the way to go? My Zune HD with OLED is impossible to use outside. I've seen a few Nexus Ones which are almost impossible to use outside. 

That screen really makes the device. I truly envy the new iPhone.  Android and Windows Mobile 7 just doesn't have enough innovative phone manufactures. Apple still has it. They keep pushing and making something amazing. I bet they will continue to use OLEDs and plastic.

intelman said:

W3bbo said:

*snip*

Why is Apple the only one to realize IPS is the way to go? My Zune HD with OLED is impossible to use outside. I've seen a few Nexus Ones which are almost impossible to use outside. 

 

That screen really makes the device. I truly envy the new iPhone.  Android and Windows Mobile 7 just doesn't have enough innovative phone manufactures. Apple still has it. They keep pushing and making something amazing. I bet they will continue to use OLEDs and plastic.

What makes you think IPS is better outside? I used plenty of iPads outside and they are pretty much unreadable.

Relative to the inside, yeah it sucks outside. But OLED relative to a non oled screen, pretty much night and day between Zune HD, Nexus One, and IBM Tablets with IPS screens.

PaoloM said:

intelman said:

*snip*

What makes you think IPS is better outside? I used plenty of iPads outside and they are pretty much unreadable.

That's most likely the glossy screens which apple makes its customers suffer.

At first its like 'WHOA glossy screen looks awesome.. OK turn it on..
It is on..

..o

Actually most Apple products are about that initial glance and honeymoon period so I guess it makes sense.

intelman said:

IPS laptop was quite a bit better than the OLED phone. TN laptop was hard to see because you'd have to be at the right angle. I think the better viewing angles of the IPS make all the difference, and the fact that backlighting exists.

 

Relative to the inside, yeah it sucks outside. But OLED relative to a non oled screen, pretty much night and day between Zune HD, Nexus One, and IBM Tablets with IPS screens.

You're not making any sense.

Your point was the IPS is superior to OLED because OLED sucks outside. It is my experience that IPS sucks outside as well, so now you're moving the goalposts?

PaoloM said:

intelman said:

*snip*

You're not making any sense.

 

Your point was the IPS is superior to OLED because OLED sucks outside. It is my experience that IPS sucks outside as well, so now you're moving the goalposts?

Not moving anything. IPS is great outside. OLED isn't. IT is just how they work, how they light the screen. I am perhaps not being very clear.

My experience:

Zune HD, Nexus One <<  --- Do not bother switching songs or using Google Maps, can't see the damn thing.

Lenovo Tablet with IPS Screen  <<< ---- Can check email and write some documents, screen appears readable and usable, obviously not as good as inside, but acceptable

Dell Laptop with a TN Screen <<<< ---- Pretty damn hard to see. Viewing angles must be just right.

Conclusion. Do not want phone with OLED scren. Do not want laptop or notebook with anything other than IPS screen. If possible get a phone with an IPS screen.

Plus personally, I never believed OLED to be the best choice for mobile devices anyways. 

intelman said:

PaoloM said:

*snip*

Not moving anything. IPS is great outside. OLED isn't. IT is just how they work, how they light the screen. I am perhaps not being very clear.

 

My experience:

 

Zune HD, Nexus One <<  --- Do not bother switching songs or using Google Maps, can't see the damn thing.

 

Lenovo Tablet with IPS Screen  <<< ---- Can check email and write some documents, screen appears readable and usable, obviously not as good as inside, but acceptable

 

Dell Laptop with a TN Screen <<<< ---- Pretty damn hard to see. Viewing angles must be just right.

 

Conclusion. Do not want phone with OLED scren. Do not want laptop or notebook with anything other than IPS screen. If possible get a phone with an IPS screen.

 

Plus personally, I never believed OLED to be the best choice for mobile devices anyways. 

Personally I don't agree with your tests, plus- the technology doesn't purely dictate the quality.

intelman said:

PaoloM said:

*snip*

Not moving anything. IPS is great outside. OLED isn't. IT is just how they work, how they light the screen. I am perhaps not being very clear.

 

My experience:

 

Zune HD, Nexus One <<  --- Do not bother switching songs or using Google Maps, can't see the damn thing.

 

Lenovo Tablet with IPS Screen  <<< ---- Can check email and write some documents, screen appears readable and usable, obviously not as good as inside, but acceptable

 

Dell Laptop with a TN Screen <<<< ---- Pretty damn hard to see. Viewing angles must be just right.

 

Conclusion. Do not want phone with OLED scren. Do not want laptop or notebook with anything other than IPS screen. If possible get a phone with an IPS screen.

 

Plus personally, I never believed OLED to be the best choice for mobile devices anyways. 

So here you go... Super OLED.  Problem solved.

http://www.product-reviews.net/2010/02/16/samsung%e2%80%99s-super-oled-more-pixels-inches-and-battery-life/