Competition in the iPhone?
 

Steve Jobs just keynoted at Macworld 2007, introducing (among other things) the iPhone. Engadget has the run-down.

I think that what is particularly interesting is its Nokia-770ish avoidance of a dedicated hardware keyboard in favor of an on-screen keyboard (driven by fingers, not a stylus). They call it "MultiTouch." I think it's funny that one of the major complaints about the 770 has been its lack of a keyboard. Now that Apple is doing it do, I bet those complaints disappear (because somehow Apple can do no wrong). Oh yeah, and Apple seems somehow to have "patented" MultiTouch, although I'm not sure exactly what that means.

At a $499 price point (with 2-year mobile contract, though, I think), this might actually be some serious competition for the 770. It does everything the 770/n800 does (camera, WiFi, Bluetooth) and more (2 megapixels, GSM, Edge, no 3G though). Like the 770, it's based on a "complete" operating system (OSX vs. Linux). The screen is a bit smaller (3.5 inch, looks like maybe 640x400?), but so is the form factor.

I avoid Apple (too expensive and proprietary), so I won't buy one. But I thought it might be interesting to discuss the competition possibilities.

Edit: Aaaand here's a related thread that I didn't find earlier because it didn't mention iPhone. My bad. :)

Re: Competition in the iPhone?
 

While the iPhone looks good, it's res is still lower at 480 x 320. Note, the multitouch technology was originally pushed by Fingerworks, with their Touchstream keyboards, which are fantastic (I have a couple). Sadly these are no longer available - but guess who was widely rumoured to have bought them (Fingerworks) a couple of years ago?

If the technology is anything like as good in the iPhone it will be great.

Max

Re: Competition in the iPhone?
 

Agreed. One of the things that sold me on the 770 was the fantastic screen resolution.

Re: Competition in the iPhone?
 

Just been talking about this with a group of Mac lovers.

It looks an amazing device, with a stunning interface and lovely technology.

But it is going to be very expensive, I'm hearing $499 with a $60 per month 2 year contract, especially when you can compare that with the functionality of other phones from Nokia or pocket PC based that can essentially do more and are practically free on a contract like that.

And it still all falls down on the screen resolution.

I've tried so many devices to get a decent web experience, and it just doesn't work on anything less than an 800 wide screen. Again in this area Nokia is still the king!

If I can find the cash, I'll still get an iPhone too though! ;)


I still want an iPhone

Re: Competition in the iPhone?
 

The thing that caught my attention is the multi-touch interface. You can use two fingers at once, for chording commands, re-sizing, and whatnot.

Re: Competition in the iPhone?
 

multitouch?
ah...
look at how jobs types an email... (on the iphone keynote video)
he uses one finger... very slowly...

any kid can type an sms faster on a simple phone...

it kind of reminds me of the apple mouse... 1 button only...
as a joke, it used to be said, that it was because people who used them weren't smart enough to use a mouse with more than one button.. :)

;)

Re: Competition in the iPhone?
 

Ipod killed the walkman. Will iPhone kill nokia?

Re: Competition in the iPhone?
 

Interesting tidbit for this discussion:

http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/09/t...-a-smartphone/

Basically it's not really a competitor as you can't add/change software - something that is obviously key to the 770/800.

Re: Competition in the iPhone?
 

Wow you can't change batteries?...I guess like the iPod, Stevo expects you to buy a new one every year or so when it stops charging. What's with all these devices lasting a year then having to get a new one....(770).

Re: Competition in the iPhone?
 

How can it run OSX and not be able to install additional software. I think that is not a true statement.