Why I Now <em>Hate</em> iPhone

Matt Lewis | June 10, 2009 10:13 AM

Why do I hate iPhone and, by extension, Apple, despite owning two Macs and an iPhone?

... Simple, two weeks ago I purchased an iPhone.

Why did I purchase an iPhone just weeks prior to the new version coming out?

First, I was assured that the "new" phone (3G S) would not include any features that could not be downloaded -- for free -- on the 2.0 version. Second, I just happened to need a new phone at the worst possible time ... So despite my reservations, I purchased one.

Aside from the fact that the iPhone now costs hundreds of dollars less than what I paid, the 3G S phone will apparently have much improved battery life (which I consider a "new feature").

My first impression of the iPhone (before realizing I'd been "had") was mixed: Generally, the apps are cool, but online browsing is not as fast -- or good -- as I had been led to believe. And the absolute worst thing about the iPhone is the horrible battery life.

So improving battery life would greatly enhance the usefulness of the iPhone.

I purchased my phone at an AT&T store, which guarantees that, "If the equipment you purchased directly from an AT&T store does not meet your expectations, simply return it ... within 30 days."

... We shall test that theory.

Of course, there's no way of knowing if the 3G S version really is superior, but it's fair to say the 2.0 version certainly did not meet my expectations -- in the sense that my "expectations" were not to purchase an inferior phone for hundreds of dollars more than a superior one ...

Last time around, Apple found a way to compensate folks who purchased the old iPhone prior to the new one coming out. There is a petition going around on Twitter that says: "AT&T should give existing customers the same rate for the new iPhone 3Gs that they do for new customers. New customers or not, another 2-year contract is being made."

... Of course, they are under no legal obligation to do so again (though AT&T is bound to their return policy). Either way, it will be interesting to see how this plays out ...

I may be going back to BlackBerry after all ...

(Note: I don't pretend to be an expert on smart phone technology, so if you have any thoughts or corrections, feel free to chime in...)