[Closed] Convince me an iPhone is an upgrade?!

My 3G broke with the smallest amount of water it was unbelievable. I was gutted.

I'd say they were pretty fragile and certainl if you look through EBay you will be amazed at the number of broken Ipones up for auction. Great though they are.

Happy with my HTC Desire , replacement handset after the IPhone.

They suck. But because everyone else has one its OK.. Deal with it. ...
🙂

Some people prefer Android, some prefer iOS. I'm emphatically in the former category (especially when it comes to ruggedized phones) but YMMV.

Think Different? I'm stubbornly avoiding them for the very reason that having one is not [s]niche[/s] 'thinking different' anymore. I couldn't deal with the 'oh, it's not a 4/4s/5' etc, delete as applicable, when the latest and greatest is released. Nokia N9 is lovely...

Some people prefer Android, some prefer iOS. I'm emphatically in the former category

+1.

TBH, it's a bit of a non-question. It's in your hand, try it and if you find you love it or hate it after a month or so, you'll have your answer.

Incidentally, I'm fairly sure that you can sync with iCal on your Defy; just add the Defy's Google account as an iCal account and (I think) it should Just Work.

Think Different? I'm stubbornly avoiding them for the very reason that having one is not [s]niche[/s] 'thinking different' anymore.

So you have a Nokia instead? 😕

The thing with the whole smartphone thing (and many other things) is that it pays to go with the crowd.
Popularity brings with it more and better apps, big name developers, and third party accessories (cases, docks, etc).

As for the OP: I'd second the "suck it and see". Things will be different to droid, but not necessarily worse or better.
And they really aren't that fragile by the way - my iPhone 4 is still good as new and has never had more than a bumper case on it in everyday use. And it tracks my commute miles via a handy bar mount that doubles as a waterproof case.

Reasonable robustness is important to me, just in an everyday way -I really don't want to be worrying about it. The iPhone is beautifully made and screen is sharp, but seems a shame to have to use a case and screen protector. For me, that's a plus for the Defy.

Are iPhones pretty tough (everyday use not thinking of biking with it!)?

I was anti apple until we had to have them at work. Unfortunately I had to eat humble pie... They just work really well. Android seems to be in the dark ages for general usability. Complete apple fanboi now...

The thing with the whole smartphone thing (and many other things) is that it pays to go with the crowd.
Popularity brings with it more and better apps, big name developers, and third party accessories (cases, docks, etc).

....needs a case...

Not unless your a clutz with six thumbs on each hand it doesn't.

I've iPhone's since the first version and never had a case for any of them.
(also never broken/damaged/scratched any of them either)

I've worked on building sites most of that time, and use it when Mountainbiking, Skiing and Hiking.

syncing with iCal would be a huge advantage but beyond that???

My android syncs with iCal...

We've just gone the other way at work and swapped iPhones for Samsungs
Can't say I'm bothered either way as I only use it for calls and [if I have to] email

One thing that has pissed me off greatly is the iphone's way of deleting all the contacts off your SIM when you first use it, making swapping to something else difficult.
You can sync it with Outlook or Gmail but it's pretty clunky and you end up having to do a lot of clean up work. I have separate contacts on my work and personal email accounts but I never found a way of being able to sync them separately to the iphone

Had an HTC Desire for about 18 months then changed to an IPhone. HTC is good but IPhone is a lot better in just about every way. Better battery, camera, screen, functionality, never crashes. Doesnt get silly hot either.

Android then? Biggest selling OS

OS not phone, the phone has the cases accessories not the the OS. He was also referring to Android not just iPhone.

Me I like Apple, the wife had an Android and it was a poorer OS and Phone, I found anyway, I didn't like it all all. Upgraded her to an iPhone and she loves it as a none techy she even sees it as a better phone and OS.

However, I still think it's a personal thing with Androids and iPhones, some prefer one over the other and that's there all is to it.

3 iPhones been owned in this house and only one has broke because my daughter pulled the charger cable out without squeezing the release pins, Apple replaced the whole phone for a minimal fee. They don't seem to have the release pins now on the chargers.

I have a work iPhone, great for games, emails, text/iMessage, calls are average (reception always seems a bit less than other non-iPhone users around me on the same carrier) and battery life is pants.

Are iPhones pretty tough

Ultimately anything with a large glass screen is going to be fragile, but I've dropped my 3GS on a concrete floor (twice) with nothing to show except a scratch on the case and a tiny chip on one corner of the screen, got it soaking wet, subjected it to extremely cold temperatures, fallen on it, sat on it and generally abused it and it's survived. YMMV though depending on how fussy you are about appearance.

if you look through EBay you will be amazed at the number of broken Ipones up for auction

Probably more to do with the sheer number of the phones in existence rather than their fragility.

Wait a few months for the new iphone

OS not phone, the phone has the cases accessories not the the OS.

Exactly Drac, thanks.

There is a massive range of third party stuff specifically for iPhones and that's not because manufacturers are fanbois - it's because of the sheer numbers.

The most popular Android handset, from the worlds most popular handset maker, [url= http://www.metro.co.uk/tech/891200-samsung-galaxy-s2-sales-pass-20-million-worldwide ]the Galaxy S2, recently passed 20 million sold worldwide[/url]. [url= http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/11/07/19/apple_profits_surge_125_on_record_sales_of_20_34m_iphones_9_25m_ipads.html ]Apple sells that many iPhones in a quarter.[/url]

The Android OS is now seeing the benefits of popularity with more and better apps being written and some big names showing up. (I understand it even has Angry Birds now 😉 ) - but even that suffers a little from fragmentation (developers have to support lots of different handsets, resolutions, capabilities and OS versions).

As for Nokia and Blackberry... pffffffttt..

Pretty sure the screen is the same gorilla glass on both Defy and iPhone.

Yes, however a quick look on e-bay shows hundreds of cases and screen protectors for all phones. Not sure what other "Accessories" you are after.

I think I covered dock with 3.5mm jack cable

I have a Blackberry from work and an Android phone (ZTE Blade) as my own phone. They both do different things. We're being slowly moved to iPhones at work and I will resist as long as I can, simply because [u]my work[/u] the BB is better than an iPhone.

On the other hand, I'd happily swap my own Android phone for an iPhone if the money was the same. To me, there's not a lot to choose between Android and iOS but I think the iPhone is the nicer hardware.

I think I covered dock with 3.5mm jack cable

Not quite comparing apples with apples (pun intended). A 3.5mm jack will output audio, but using the dock connector allows all sorts of other useful stuff, not least of which is charging. This was covered pretty extensively on here not that long ago...

needs a case

why?

My iphone 3g got less damaged outside of cases than in them. My desire s has never had a case on, and in six months hasn't got any marks on to speak of, whereas in that time, the iphone in a case got mega scratched by bits of crap between case and phone.

I've also just started to not use a screen protector. nicer feel to the screen and as yet, zero scratches.

there's not a lot to choose between Android and iOS

^^^^^
Correct, so can we just leave it that?

I think I covered dock with 3.5mm jack cable

That's an audio jack not a mull-interface dock.

Yes, however a quick look on e-bay shows hundreds of cases and screen protectors for all phones. Not sure what other "Accessories" you are after.

Licensed ones alone are pretty extensive http://store.apple.com/uk/browse/home/shop_iphone/iphone_accessories/app_enabled

Docks are a pain in the arse anyway. Bluetooth and WLAN are the way ahead.

My Bose soundlink connects automatically with my Galaxy/Sony MP3/Tab/Laptop/TV to give me music and I don't have to mess around with leads or docks. They all interconnect with each other as well for transfer of photos/music/contacts etc. Works just as well with my mates Apple stuff as well.

You have to hold something in your hand to use it? You're in the darkages, the lot of you.

Docks are a pain in the arse anyway. Bluetooth and WLAN are the way ahead

I'm inclined to agree, but for one thing. Charging. I know there are those fancy wireless charging pads, but they don't appear to have taken off. Personally I find it loads more convenient using my kitchen dock to charge than scratting around looking for a charging lead and then plugging it in.

Yes, however a quick look on e-bay shows hundreds of cases and screen protectors for all phones. Not sure what other "Accessories" you are after.

Okay, firm example, the handlebar mount I use is iPhone 4 specific - it has a rubber insert moulded to the exact shape of the phone and all the buttons and ports are available on the outside of the case.

[img] [/img]

The same third-party company (UltimateAddOns) do mounts for lots of other phones - but because they have to cater to such a wide variety of handsets, most of them are just a perspex bag:

[img] [/img]

Notably, the S2 is now popular enough that they recently started doing a specific case for it too. That's economies of scale for you.

I think I covered dock with 3.5mm jack cable

Old ground I think, but last time I looked the 3.5mm jack cable didn't [url= http://www.allpinouts.org/index.php/Apple_iPod,_iPad_and_iPhone_dock ]charge the phone, or provide data (FireWire & USB), or video (Composite & S-Video), or a Line-In[/url].

Of course, you might not like Apple's "one big dock" way, but it does lead to some neat third-party solutions:
[img] [/img]
[img] [/img]
[img] http://store.storeimages.cdn-apple.com/2464/as-images.apple.com/is/image/AppleInc/H6412?wid=326&hei=326&fmt=jpeg&qlt=95&op_sharpen=0&resMode=bicub&op_usm=0.5,0.5,0,0&iccEmbed=0&layer=comp [/img]
[img] [/img]

Okay, firm example, the handlebar mount I use is iPhone 4 specific - it has a rubber insert moulded to the exact shape of the phone and all the buttons and ports are available on the outside of the case.

It's strange that you see this as a good thing.

True he could just duct tape it to his bars.

Obviously we can't leave it at that 🙂

So what happens to those big third party devices when Apple bring out the new 20 pin connector instead of the 30 pin shown above? Do you need to change all those when you get a new iPhone?

So what happens to those big third party devices when Apple bring out the new 20 pin connector instead of the 30 pin shown above? Do you need to change all those when you get a new iPhone?

Or you could just buy the adapter.

True he could just duct tape it to his bars.

So what happens to those big third party devices when Apple bring out the new 20 pin connector instead of the 30 pin shown above? Do you need to [s]change[/s] [b]buy the licensed products again[/b] when you get a new iPhone?

It's strange that you see this as a good thing.

Why? I could of course have used the generic perspex bag version if I wanted. Or Topeak's phone drybag.

But the popularity/numbers games means I have neater model specific solutions options available if I want.

Why is extra choice bad?

Why? I could of course have used the generic perspex bag version if I wanted. Or Topeak's phone drybag.

But the popularity/numbers games means I have neater model specific solutions options available if I want.

BUT TEH NICHE.

I'll stick to my opensource 3D printed HP iPaq mount, thanks.

Why is extra choice bad?

I'll stick to my opensource 3D printed HP iPaq mount, thanks.

Nice. But you need access to a 3D printer (not something most folk have at home yet) or use a [url= http://www.3dprint-uk.co.uk/ ]3D print service[/url] - then you have to source the non-resin parts (washers, bolts, nuts) and assemble it.

How much has that all cost in time, parts and labour? My mount was £27.

I'm thinking about the choice of phones you can use with your mount, to be honest.

I only have one phone. Problem?

How many phones does your custom 3d-printed HP iPaq mount fit? 😉

But you need access to a 3D printer (not something most folk have at home yet)

Standard base, custom sleeve. Extra hands-on-[s]man[/s] nerd points to make the girls swoon*

*May or may not exist

May or may not exist

You can always print your own girls too? 😉

You can always print your own girls too?

Double-edged sword, isn't it.

In the Android camp, you don't get (relatively) many model-specific accessories, so you often have to make do with "universal large smartphone" mounts etc. However, when you upgrade handests the chances are that everything you own will still work / fit.

With Apple, because there's only one device to cater for, things like Graham's bike mount, radio docks etc are exactly tailored for that device. However, when the iPhone 5 (or whatever) is released, everything you own which interacts physically with the device will need to be either adapted or replaced. Unless, of course, you bought generic accessories in the first place.

Historically the Apple devices have been (largely) electrically compatible, so typically a docking station would be supplied with a selection of plastic surrounds to secure the 3GS, 4, 4S etc. But there's no guarantee that this will always be the case, as the [i]rumoured[/i] new port would attest (and no guarantee that third parties can or will release new adapters for old add-ons, either).

Which is more important is really a matter of personal preference. Personally, I think it's a non-issue either way. I rarely if ever plug my phone into anything other than a power source and I can live without a wide selection of Hello Kitty phone cases (TBH I don't really understand why people would pay a premium for a sleek, slim device and then immediately double its size with some cheap rubberised cover and an ill-fitted bubbly screen protector, but maybe that's just me). So in terms of influencing my purchase choice I'd choose an iPhone, Android or a.n.other device based on their relative merits, the availability of after-market accessories and assorted tat is fairly low on my list of priorities.

My OH has several cases for her iPhone, I have the official HTC slip case for my Sensation. For her, choice is important, in the same way that many girls desire n+1 pairs of shoes. For me, I just need a case to protect my phone, so long as it looks vaguely professional and doesn't add too much bulk, I'm sorted; it doesn't need to match my handbag. Horses for courses.

You can't change the battery on apple stuff, so that's always a dealbreaker for me.

Still love my galaxy note, the stylus makes it so useful, but probably a bit big for the OP 🙂

So in terms of influencing my purchase choice I'd choose an iPhone, Android or a.n.other device based on their relative merits, the availability of after-market accessories and assorted tat is fairly low on my list of priorities.

Fair enough, but the same "popularity" logic applies to software too.

iPhone = huge user base willing to spend cash + only 2 resolutions and a couple of models to support = lots of apps

Android = even bigger user base, but slightly less willing to spend cash + myriad of resolutions & models = lots of apps (historically slightly lower quality, though I think that is changing).

Nokia, Blackberry, Palm etc = small user bases + lots of models = death

I don't really understand why people would pay a premium for a sleek, slim device and then immediately double its size with some cheap rubberised cover

Because beautiful as it is, an iPhone 4(S) without a cover is as slippery as a bar of soap in the hand. It's my biggest criticism and it's such a shame that my nice phone is hidden away.

thanks all. Seems that they're tougher than they look

They are certainly not "Defy tough", but plenty tough enough for every day use.

If you're worried/clumsy then add a screen protector (couple of quid and invisible if applied well) and a minimal bumper case.

Whilst the iPhone gurus are here

My old 3GS from work doesn't need to be returned. So one of the kids would like it for a 'party' phone but it'll need unlocking.
It was on O2 business contract but that's now gone and we've moved to BT for the new phones.

I take it that as it isn't any longer on an O2 contract or PAYG, jailbreaking is the only way forward?

If it is locked to O2 then they will unlock it free of charge AFAIK.

http://www.o2.co.uk/apps/help/help?qid=1&q1=2&route=unlocking&case=Hand

They were non committal when I tried the live chat

The phone [or O2] aren't associated with the number any more and I'm not the account holder

I don't think jailbreaking will remove the carrier lock (could be wrong, I'm no iDevice expert).

Might be worth a separate thread rather than a hijack of someone else's?

Might be worth a separate thread rather than a hijack of someone else's?

maybe, it seemed to have digressed a bit anyway 🙂

Fair enough, but the same "popularity" logic applies to software too.

Sure. But from an app perspective, there's very little to separate the two these days. I very rarely if ever find something that one can do that the other can't, although some devs do seem to favour releasing their iPhone app ahead of the Android version.

Cougar: agreed, but I started down this "popular=good" argument not as an "iphone vs Android" jib, but in response to tumnurkoz suggesting iPhones weren't niche enough and he preferred his Nokia N9.

again, thanks all. No intention of trying to start a 'Apple vs Android' war!

Been an Apple evangelist since 1987 and the old Mac Classic & 2 cx, got the first iPod, even have a Newton rotting somewhere in a draw, I loved it back then when we were the rebel alliance against Bill Gates death star.

But now, I hate it everyone has them and blame the iPod and iPhone, so does the bread knife so i got her what 'they' the technical phone elite are proclaiming as 'the best' phone on the market right now, some HTC affair.

Took me ages just to work out how to make a frikking phone call and as to syncing with her contacts, forget it.. It doesn't hook up to iTunes, (I thought they'd let even the PC rabble have iTunes now), so no, in our world the iPhone still rules, frankly I'd hate to live without it now, it's a weather forecaster, tells me how windy it is, I strava with it on the sea as well as the land, it doubles as a sat nav if I'm lost, if I don't know something I ask it, it wakes me up in the morning, plays me the radio or iTunes, plays movies, has all my family pictures, and vids of stuff I get to see in my travels, connects me with Facebook and ****ter if I want, is a calculator and a camera, is a compass, a torch, a hard drive, a piano, a tide watch, and a notepad, it really is the wonder of the age, not saying android doesn't do the same but if it does, it's so geeky like everything else PC, I can't be asked to find out how...

Now if only they'd fit a bottle opener..

it's a weather forecaster, tells me how windy it is, I strava with it on the sea as well as the land, it doubles as a sat nav if I'm lost, if I don't know something I ask it, it wakes me up in the morning, plays me the radio or iTunes, plays movies, has all my family pictures, and vids of stuff I get to see in my travels, connects me with Facebook and ****ter if I want, is a calculator and a camera, is a compass, a torch, a hard drive, a piano, a tide watch, and a notepad, it really is the wonder of the age

You are CountZero's alternative log in and I claim my five pounds 😀

I don't mean to be rude, but,

it's a... piano

[img] [/img]

a tiny lil piano for tiny girl hands

for tiny girl hands

You've got me, that's an accessory you can't get for Android.