Before I start this, I want to say that I’ve been a BlackBerry user and fan for some time. And I decided to replace my Pearl because it doesn’t have 3G connectivity – EDGE is way too slow. But when I got to the store…
…I realized that the Bold was actually more expensive than an iPhone 3GS. How’s that possible? Anyway, carrier company’s lunacy aside, I decided to evaluate the new Apple smartphone. And, guess what? I liked it. But before I continue, let me tell you why I didn’t get neither the iPhone 2G or the 3G:
- Both 2G and 3G were very, very, very slow. Sometimes, slower than the Pearl.
- 2G was unbelievably ugly. 3G was better, but the screen was a PITA to keep clean.
- By that time, I was still a Microsoft Outlook user, since the Palm III days, actually. Outlook contacts and calendar don’t like the iPhone/iCal/Contacts very much.
The 3GS model addresses the first two items. My enlightenment telling me to throw away Outlook and start using iCal/Contacts/Mail. The best decision of 2009.
There’s also the battery issues, but I don’t know any smartphone with a decent battery life.
The iPhone OS 3.0 is great. Although it still needs some improvements, it’s by far the best smartphone operating system out there. You know Symbian? Throw that away. Android? Needs more maturity. Maemo? Are you joking me?
So I got the phone and loaded it with some useful apps. I have a good feeling I won’t be carrying a laptop to a lot of places anymore. Let’s wait and see.