I-Phone Envy

[Omaroo (Chris Malikoff)]

LOL! One thing about the iPhone Jeff - if you think that something should work in a particular way - it most likely does.

Originally Posted by Jeffkop

Thanks for that info now Chris ... now that I have manually transferred them all over !!!!!

Still .. its timely info none the less ... my wifes will arrive any day and she has loads more numbers than I ... so for the tip.

I just knew that a gadget with as many innovative features combined with a very user friendly interface would have something to make life easy in this respect.

[RB (Andrew)]

Originally Posted by Wavytone

Yes,
There is a limit.
But it will show you missed a call and periodically chirp or vibrate to get your attention
Reception - that's at the whim of the carrier. You'll be pleasantly surprised I think as it is generally quite good in regional areas.
...

Thanks for the info Wavy.

Originally Posted by Octane

You'll probably not read this, but, anyway:

Yes, ring tone is loud enough;
.. I have no problem with reception at the Pony Club;
.. I got brief moments of reception at Lostock, but, that would be due to Optus' coverage and not the phone itself.

H

You know I read everything H.
Thanks for the info.

[acropolite (Phil)]

OK, a non Tragic's impression.

First let me say I've never been impressed with Apple's OS, too many things buried that you eventually discover with use, sorry guys, the intuitive descriptive simply doesn't wash with me.

I picked up an iPhone the other day, my initial impression is that it's very easy to use, quite intuitive, if a little inconsistent (operationally) at times.

I don't like the use of mechanical keys for home and sleep, those keys will wear out quickly I expect and I shudder to think of battery replacement.

The iTunes app I could do without, not intuitive at all for me, but I'll have to get used to it.

Browsing works nicely, much better than I expected once I got the hang of zooming, it's a bit like being in Ned Kelly's helmet, peering through a slot with zoom binoculars, but it works.

Setting up a pop email account was easy as was connection to Wi-Fi.

Tonight I uploaded some mp3's, easy enough when I "discovered" how (I hate reading manuals or doing tutorials).

I'm mildly annoyed that I can't get an iTunes account without divulging my credit card details (correct me if I'm mistaken).

The Airplane mode will be great when I fly, I'm curious as to whether I can rip some of my legit DVD movies for viewing inflight.

Overall I like my new toy and can't wait to get some apps in to it (once I work out how).

[Wavytone]

Originally Posted by acropolite

I'm curious as to whether I can rip some of my legit DVD movies for viewing inflight.

can't wait to get some apps in to it (once I work out how).

Mac users generally use an app called Handbrake to rip DVD's, it will rip, reformat to suit to AppleTV and/or iPhone, and transfer to iTunes. From there, set up iTunes so that the next time the iPhone is sync'd with iTunes, it will copy unwatched movies to iPhone... ... this will also remove the ones you have watched (to free up space). Im sure you will find a few PC equivalents.

To obtain apps:

a) use iTunes to search the store by category or keyword. Once you have them downloaded, the next time the iPhone is connected and synced it will transfer them to the iPhone

b) use the "App Store" app on the iPhone... this assumes your credit card details are already held at the store.

If you buy things on the iPhone, next time it syncs with iTunes, these will be copied back to iTunes (ie on your desktop computer) so that the master copy is held there, in case the unthinkable happens to your shiny new toy.

Effectively, iTunes is making sure the phone is backed up.

[Chillie (Henry)]

I don't have an iPhone but I do have an iPod Touch.

If you don't want to give them your credit card details, get a debit card and set it up on a separate bank account. That is what I've done.

I also buy a few applications at a time with a total purchase price of around $10 give or take a few $.

[Davros (Lauren)]

i put up my card details to instigate the account then removed them once the account was active.

[RB (Andrew)]

Originally Posted by acropolite

The iTunes app I could do without, not intuitive at all for me, but I'll have to get used to it.

I'm mildly annoyed that I can't get an iTunes account without divulging my credit card details (correct me if I'm mistaken).

Overall I like my new toy and can't wait to get some apps in to it (once I work out how).

Phil thanks for these observations, having never used any Apple products I wasn't aware you had to use iTunes and you have to divulge Credit Card details to them !

[Omaroo (Chris Malikoff)]

Originally Posted by acropolite

I'm mildly annoyed that I can't get an iTunes account without divulging my credit card details (correct me if I'm mistaken).

In all fairness to Apple, I'm not sure Phil how else you think you'd be able to pay them for apps or music you'd buy? It's like any other DES-3 encrypted secure transaction - ubiquitous in this day and age. At least you register with them once, and from that point forward you never have to mention your CC number over the net again. I don't think I've ever heard of Apple being accused of mis-managing anyones credit card, but the old adage stands - have a separate card for these sorts of transactions that is a low-limit Visa Debit card. I dont run any credit cards - at all. Never have, never will.

Having said that, there will be the inevitable one or two who'll come out of the woodwork who'd love to make a point of it that they were ripped off blind by Apple - just watch.

[tlgerdes (Trevor)]

Ok, to the people who are envious that I don't have an iPhone .

How the hell do you turn off the Voicemail button?

This is driving my wife nuts. She dosent have voicemail, and doesnt want voicemail, and there doesnt seem to be anyway to turn off the button and it is such a "convenient" place to always get pressed.

[JimmyH155]

My brother went into a store and asked if they did an iphone that had a can opener attachment.
They dont do one. Shock horror. That does it.. I will not get one either

[RB (Andrew)]

Originally Posted by Omaroo

In all fairness to Apple, I'm not sure Phil how else you think you'd be able to pay them for apps or music you'd buy? It's like any other DES-3 encrypted secure transaction - ubiquitous in this day and age. At least you register with them once, and from that point forward you never have to mention your CC number over the net again.

Ok, so I understand this correctly Chris, you register with them once, and from then on, do you only buy the apps through them, or is it like any other download on the web were you choose which app and then visit that app's web site to buy it from?
If it's only through Apple then I suppose that makes sense.
So iTunes is a sort of shopfront for all the iPhone apps?

See I've never used iTunes before and not sure how it all works.

[acropolite (Phil)]

Originally Posted by Chris

In all fairness to Apple, I'm not sure Phil how else you think you'd be able to pay them for apps or music you'd buy?

I'd prefer either Paypal or the option of specifying my details if & when I make a purchase, the action of demanding a credit card to simply set up a user account is not in the best interests of security IMO.

The iTunes software asks me if I want to register my handset, then I am asked to create an account, handing over my credit card details.

That may be an acceptable practice to you Chris, but not to me.
IMO credit card details should only be retained for the lifetime of the transaction in question and not be stored for Apples (or anyone elses) convenience at the potential risk of my finances.

At the end of the day I'll have to submit, I have no choice.

[Omaroo (Chris Malikoff)]

Originally Posted by RB

So iTunes is a sort of shopfront for all the iPhone apps?

Correct Andrew. The iTunes Apps Store is the single point of entry for all apps. It's strictly controlled, all apps go through some reasonably stringent quality control checks (I know - I've seen it done) and at the end of the day it makes it a far more controlled and familiar environment for you. Updates are all totally automatic (and often), so you never need to go back to individual publisher sites just to receive updates. It's very well designed and works extremely well.

[Omaroo (Chris Malikoff)]

Originally Posted by acropolite

I'd prefer either Paypal or the option of specifying my details if & when I make a purchase, the action of demanding a credit card to simply set up a user account is not in the best interests of security IMO.

Phil - you did the same with PayPal to begin with. You'd do the same for Amazon and a plethora of other shopfronts. If it doesn't suit you, I guess all I can say is don't partake.

[tlgerdes (Trevor)]

Originally Posted by Omaroo

Correct Andrew. The iTunes Apps Store is the single point of entry for all apps. It's strictly controlled, all apps go through some reasonably stringent quality control checks (I know - I've seen it done) and at the end of the day it makes it a far more controlled and familiar environment for you. Updates are all totally automatic (and often), so you never need to go back to individual publisher sites just to receive updates. It's very well designed and works extremely well.

I think Steve Jobs has stolen Chris' identity, I thought something was phishy last week.

[Octane (Humayun)]

Also, just like eBay, PayPal, and every other credit card-related transaction on the web, if you get ripped off, lodge a case and you'll get your money back from your financial institution.

It's an inconvenience no doubt, but, you /are/ protected.

I'd be more concerned about buying astronomy gear from overseas than having my credit card details stored with Apple.

Andrew, yep, you buy/get apps straight through the App Store button on your phone, or through browsing iTunes on the PC.

Apple emails you an invoice (at least once a week) if you download or buy anything. It is all quite seamless.

Enjoy your new toys, gents!

H

[acropolite (Phil)]

It's done, another weak link in my card security, just downloaded Tapatalk, works fantastically (as Chris said) on Ausphotography, come on Mike do the Vbulletin add on.

I must admit, the iPhone is an amazing gadget.

[PCH (Paul)]

Hi Guys,

is it right that you cant do MMS messaging using the Apple iPhone 3GS? I've heard that pics have to be sent using email rather than via MMS.

Also, how long does a battery charge last (approx - in hours)?

[Octane (Humayun)]

Paul,

You can send MMS.

If I don't use mine, I can get a couple of days. If I use it heavily all day, it'll last around a day.

H

[Manav (Yugant)]

Hey H - I'll support you on this one, I was a big critic of the iphone and still am. I ended up getting the 3GS 32G model and must admit even though the device has its technical shortcomings the interface is simple way ahead of the competition. Now if only the google phone......