Wishlist for iPhone 4th Generation

The iPhone 4g is rumored to be released this year. I'm a huge fan of iPhone and am seriously hoping that they'd come up with a version that will eventually free me from my obsessive need of a BlackBerry to function in this world.

iPhone has gone thru 3 cycle of evolutions. The 3rd gen, dubbed as 3GS, which many thinks S stands for Sex, is the closest iPhone to beating a BlackBerry as a communicator. They've started to 'push' mails, FB and other stuff now. But of course, 'close' is still very, VERY far actually.

iPhone's strong point lies in being an savvy Internet device, a mind-boggling gamepod and a rich multimedia machine. Even the highest-end BlackBerry could not get a sniff of these.

But, the fundamental of a phone is as a communicator. For battery sucking applications such as internet, games and multimedia, or GPS, it's always a better idea to use stand alone dedicated devices as the last thing a person wants is a dead phone. At that moment, even the lousiest Nokia will look like a million dollar diamond.

People who are proud that their phone is a wonder phone that can even cook a pancake will always sound like a moron when he approaches you to borrow your phone due to flat battery. These features are actually meant to be used as a time-waster. Not a replacement for a PSP, GPS or netbook.

But reality check, since men don't carry handbags thus we only carry 1 device at one time, it's always been my wish to have an iPhone with a BlackBerry connectivity. So, I hope the iPhone 4G would be the one.

But being practical, Apple only needs to have these on top of it's already brilliant capabilities:

Interchangeable batteries. Either that or a fusion powered battery cell that will last for 120years.

One handed operation interface. For example, some buttons are at bottom, and some at the top. The scattered buttons are hampering one handed operation.

Better keyboard layout. I hate that 2-second brain freeze everytime I need to add a symbol or a number. And I hate that frequent accidental pressing of caps lock button. iPhone sucks at keying in. Period. We can't even customize the Autotext function!

Multi tasking. The biggest killer. Fix this.

Better instant messaging. Sorry, I think this is the biggest killer. For now, we prefer third party solutions to IM. But it still can't group IM. In fact, it has so many shortcomings, I can't describe in 1 blog. So, I'm just shaking my head on this.

Anyway, my battery is running low again. Good thing I have my BB. But I love Apple products. So, i'm really wishing for the 4G.

But another alternative is, instead of Apple cracking their head to meet my demands ;-) maybe RIM needs to perfect their devices. And seriously, there's not much for them to do;

1) Include their QWERTY devices with multi-touch screen

2) Popularize their App Store (and make it available WORLDWIDE!)

3) Enrich the internet browser (see iPhone's Safari)

Just 3 minor tweaks for RIM, and waLLa! PERFECTION!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Old Habits: iPod Touch

I have a very bad habit. Everytime before i travel, I'll buy something. Something that I made myself to think that it is a necessity.

In my latest pre-travel shopping, I torture myself thinking that I need to bring along either a netbook or an MID. Something I don't have.

And in the end, I bought an Apple iPod Touch. And to skip to the good part, i think its worth every single ringgit!

iPod Touch is basically an iPhone without the phone and camera. But it gobbles up any iPhone apps which does not use 3G/GPRS. It even looks like an iPhone!

And why I said it was worth it? I actually used it, well.. after i had to snatch it from Sara or Marsha, to perform value-added stuff which helped my travelling!

I used it to look for a shop, understand the surrounding roads via map, calculate the forex, jot down important notes and to perform web check-in with the airlines.

And on other time, there were web browsing, games, youtube, emails, facebook and tweeting.

And all that were done via a device no bigger than an average phone. Of course, I had to rely on WIFI to be connected, but nowadays, most hotels or deli would have that.

Someone asked me, why didn't I buy an iPhone instead? Well, this device is just around RM1000. And iPhone is between RM2500 to RM3000. If I had that much money to spend, I'll probably buy one. Furthermore, I just bought a new phone to replace my aging 3year old device.

Well, anyway, iPod Touch gets my thumbs up. I've always liked iPhone. I think it's a techno marvel. And therefore I knew I would love the Touch. Its no multi-tasking communicator like a BB. But for everything else (especially multi 'tabs' for Safari).... iPod Touch (or iPhone) is just simply brilliant!

Sent from my iPod

Why BlackBerry?

Here we go again, in a round-about adventure, the Coffee Table syle.

With BB, you're connected. You're logged in. You're IN the network.

With any other phone, you need to log-in to get connected.

At that juncture, BB is definitely the better option. But the problem is, it comes with a price. So, the question now: is it worth paying for BlackBerry service for such minor difference?

But on the other hand, if you use a normal phone and always 'log-in', you WILL be charged for data usage. And if you SMS like Instant Messaging and a big MMS user, at the end of the month, the amount could be MORE than paying for BB service.

Of course, if you live in Starbucks, there's no argument. The accumulation of money for BB services spent in a year is quite ridicioulous when you have WiFi and can be connected for free.

But from economics standpoint, someone IS paying for the WiFi. Be it in a form of coffee, fuel and time to drive to a WiFi point or monthly subscription. So, let's put the WiFi argument to the side and wait for the day when we can have WiFi signal emitting from our wrist-watch. So, in today's reality, to stay connected most of the time, we HAVE to use GPRS.

So, I guess, the cost of BB service is justifiable. But another question: Do we 'NEED' to be always 'connected'?

Tricky question. Mainly coz it's bounded by social norm. Still remember saying, "Bah, I don't need a cellphone, there's public phone all over."

So, to say we don't need to be "always connected" is a bit short-sighted. One day, we might have to swallow back our words. At the end of the day, human need and behavior are always bounded by social norm and economic power.

The social norm (or 'trend') in Malaysia is that the convenience of IM and e-mail in everyday life is slowly overtaking the limitations of SMS and MMS. VoIP too is catching on. All of these uses data network.

In the name of connectivity, people are already ditching their desktop for laptops to netbooks. The only logical trend is toward your cellphone. And that's where BB is already giving the solution.

But the wave will catch on only when the difference between 'stay connected' vs. 'need to log-in to be connected' will be of significance.

Cell Phones Galore, how can one follow?

I just realized that I’ve lost track on cell phones. What I know is that people are no longer looking at Nokia and Sony Ericsson. There’s Samsung, LG and HTC too.

Prior to this, my ignorance has made me to believe that there are only 3 phone makers worth mentioning in this world; RIM’s Blackberry, Apple’s iPhone and Nokia.

It’s easy to follow a Blackberry coz it only has 3 existing models. iPhone only has 1. And Nokia has its series such as N, E, MusicExpress and etc. So, it’s very easy to follow.

But, when it comes to Samsung, LG or even SE, I simply can’t follow. There’s Magic, Snap, Omnia, Pixon, Touch, Touch Pro, Touch Here, Touch There. There’s even a model called Hero!??

It's quite obvious that these great competitors are making a fortune playing the mini-me game. Y'know, that "U buat, then baru I buat, just like you". But I sure hope they would not make the classic Nissan mistake (overlapping range of products) and lose money more than could actually make.

Coz, in the Red Ocean world, we do need these makers to keep RIM and Nokia firmly on the ground, producing cheaper and better solutions.

I’m actually NOT a tech geek. But in this case, it’s just too obvious, don't you think?

To iPhone, or to Blackberry? That is the question | SUMMARIZED VERSION

http://www.shinyplastic.com/

My previous blog was written in Microsoft Outlook and posted via email. The format is horrible. So, in fairness, I'm summarizing it here in a non-psychotic manner.

The key for making the right decision is mainly on your priority of usage. Because, in essence, iPhone and BB are totally different animals. But if you biggest priority is making calls and SMS, with a strong need for voice clarity, stop reading further and get the Nokia 1100 for RM99.

OK, let's start. Here goes.

www.flickr.com/photos/rustybrick/1552267014/

• If connectivity (such as MMS and email) is your priority, BlackBerry* it is. And if you happen to be a huge Facebook, Twitter and Instant Messaging fan, then you can stop looking. BB is definitely your thang.

• If multimedia (such as picture browsing, video playback & music) is your biggest priority, then iPhoneis the better bet, all 16Gb of it. BB can still be a good companion but this is where the iPhone edges.

• If gaming is your priority, stop reading this and get a PSP. But if you think you'd look uncool talking to your PSP, get the iPhone. DON'T even consider BB.

• If internet is your middle name, such as Abdel Internet Kareem, iPhone is for you. Browsing via BB is OK, just like any Nokia, actually.
  

In summary:
For active-connectivity = Any Blackberry
For multimedia = (1) iPhone (2) Blackberry Storm only
For gaming = iPhone
For internet = (1) iPhone (2) Blackberry Storm only

OK, step back a little and think. With the "either this or that" argument, we know now that the perfect phone is actually; an iPhone with Blackberry connectivity. BB Storm was quite close, but without WIFI, it can't even touch iPhone.

Now that we know the 'perfect' formula, a strong performer like Nokia should be in the thick of it. They should try to genetically create an iPhone-BlackBerry device and call it Nyonya Berry 8310. And they should not be discouraged by the China-made imitation called Nyanyok Berry Love.

Since I'm using a BB, I'd say, BB is da bomb. Memang the very best one. Manyak syiok. Apa iPhone?? Itu budak kici punya.

But if I'm given an iPhone, I'd say that passive-connectivity is sufficient for me. And that the UI, internet and entertainment experience from my iPhone will make me go "Apa Beri-beri? Itu primitif punya kotak ah??".

http://taralconley.wordpress.com/

*BlackBerry WITH BlackBerry Internet Service. Which comes with extra cost such as RM120 per month for unlimited data plan from Maxis. I heard DiGi and Celcom is cheaper. BB without BIS is as good as a RM99 Nokia phone, in technicolor.

To iPhone, or to Blackberry? That is the question.

Hearing woeful wolfly cries of “Should I get an iPhone or a Blackberry?” is becoming quite as common as to the "roti canai or nasi lemak" question we hear everyday. So, being a geek, perhaps my 2kupang view will help the crying wolves.

*Disclaimer: This blog was written in a record time of 8mins. So please forgive me for its lower-than-usual quality or work.*

	A good blackberry	Iphone 3g	Hands down winner
Communicator (email, sms, instant messaging)	Hands down. Bb is da bomb. But it comes with rm120/mth commitment for unlimited data plan. In short, IM or email will no longer be confined to being online on a pc. This is truly mobility at its best.	No push email. That means, you need to be hooked up to a gprs or 3g to be able to ‘download’ email or be connected. And itll suck up big momma batt life if youre ‘online’ most of the time.	BB
User interface	I love the trackball. But the interface is plain jane simple.	Iphone’s UI is to die for. Imagine showing off the pics from ur future dslr via iphone, by just flicking ur figgy.	Iphone
As an imaging wonderpiece	Nothing to brag here. It shows off pics like any other phone.	See above.	Iphone
As a video wonderpiece	I like the fact that you can just drag a video into a bb and view it. ok, so not all format can be viewed, but its hassle free. Screen is so-so.	The screen is the size of Buckingham palace. But I think the vid has to go thru the apple s’ware to get there first. And I heard it might get lost along the way.	A draw
Internet browsing	With bb server connected to you all the time, you’re the hottest king of the net. Waiting for the bus, or pooping has never been so productive. But it uses bb browser, which will reformat the page to a mobile friendly face.	Chances are, you’d buy an iphone with a data plan. So, internet browsing will be a boom. You get full desktop internet brwsng exprnce. And combine tht with its screen size and UI, if u ever get hit by lightning, chances are, you were browsing at that time.	Iphone
Internet entertainment	OK. This is tricky. Just what the heck is internet entertainment. To me, its just.. well, watching videos or playing games. Don’t expect anything from bb here.	Ah… a dedicated youtube apps. Full wide screen. Nothing is better than this. And games? Aplenty. Pooping will never b the same.	Iphone
Twitter	Loads of app for tweeting from a bb. I use uber twitter. And its really cool. I don’t even need a twtdeck with it. and as a bb device, I’m twtable 24x7. how cool is that.	Theres tweetdeck apps for iphone. It’s as cool as the desktop version. But, u need to be in a wifi area or be connected to gprs/3g for it to work. So, you’re not twtable 24x7, and might miss out adam lambert’s fart experience.	Bb
Games	Bb for gamer? Get real.	Ok, imagine yourself holding the iphone like a steering wheel, going thru the st of paris in a mini. Thts iphone.	Iphone
Music	Surprisingly, bb is quite an audiobox. I use mine to fill the gym with music. Tho juno soundtrack is hardly a workout music. I hate the fact tht to go to next track, Ive to press N, and previous trck ‘P’. so stupid.	Theres an ipod built into an iphone. Really. I’m serious.	Iphone
Outlook synch	Mine bb is so screwed up tht I cant use btooth to synch. And even with the usb cable, every now and then, I have to reset something. Other thn tht, it synch up very well. Calendar, address book, notes etc.	I heard that synch-up with outlook is a bit problematic. But I don’t really know. so, I’m giving it the benefit of a doubt.	Draw
Facebook	Ahh.. my 62yr old auntie is on fb. So, if u don’t hv one, u must be more thn 62yr old. Bb app for fb is incredibly super. Every conteng on your wall, you’d get a notication to your bb, realtime. Need to log in and wish someone hppy bday? Do it thru bb. The app makes fb much more meaningful. But then again, with such lightning response to every comment, ppl might thnk you’re an fb addict. But its actually from the bb.	I hate the part where when viewing pic using iphone fb app, the captions will be ON the pic. Not below it. so, ended up, you’d rather go to fb via safari than its fb app. Plus, u don’t get realtime notification like a bb.	bb

*UPDATE*

Another point that I miss is: Using your BB or iPhone (thats loaded with huge megawatts of data plan) as a modem for your shiny Netbook or Laptop.

In this case, the iPhone wins hands down. iPhone can be used as a modem. Therefore, if you're on unlimited data plan, you'd hv a 2in1 device. But sadly, BB cant be used as a modem, therefore confining its data plan on BB services only.