I've been pondering whether or not it's worth getting an iPhone - I travel a lot for work, so had been looking at netbooks etc, but then I'm carting around a phone, MP3, and a computer. If I got one, how good would it be for: phoning; listening to music; checking e-mail; browsing t'internet; maybe a bit of reading of work reports or taking basic notes. Also, how good are they as a gps for biking etc - I noticed that there is now an 'app' for memory map - how well does this work?
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iPhone's - worth it?
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Posted 2 years ago #
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how good would it be for: phoning; listening to music; checking e-mail; browsing t'internet
Pretty good.maybe a bit of reading of work reports or taking basic notes.
You may need an app to view xls/doc/pdf's. I can't type quick enough for basic notes, pen n paper is better.I noticed that there is now an 'app' for memory map - how well does this work?
Is there!? I'll have to check it out!If you are going to do all you mentioned, then battery life might become an issue. GPS for biking is not really that good, as the battery doesn't last that long. I have a charger at work, in the car & a battery pack, so I don't have any battery issues.
Posted 2 years ago # -
memory map info: http://www.memory-map.co.uk/iphone/
Posted 2 years ago # -
I don't know about the GPS for bikes, but I think they're pretty rugged things.
As for everything else in your question: yep, that's pretty much it. Unless I'm at work, my iPhone is now my primary tool for email and internet use.
Not sure about taking notes. I still prefer pen and paper for that, even over a laptop.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Is there!? I'll have to check it out!
Yeah my bro in law showed me it last weekend. Looks quite snazzy.
Posted 2 years ago # -
It will open .pdfs and docs (never tried xls). Battery life isn't the best but as long as you charge it overnight and when you are in the office it is fine.
I love mine.
Posted 2 years ago # -
I knew memory map was coming to the iphone, but didn't realise it's finally been released. Just read some of the reviews on iTunes. It doesn't sound good!!!!
Posted 2 years ago # -
I think it's worth it. Others don't but for the things you said you want it for I'd say yes
it works fine for PDF excel and word docs as far as i've used them.
Posted 2 years ago # -
I use mine for all those things except memory map and its pretty good.
GPS for biking is not really that good, as the battery doesn't last that long
I usually use Runkeeper when biking which uses GPS and 3G, I've had this going for 3 hours without flattening the battery but it depends how often you have the display on - your mileage may vary. I carry a backup battery just in case.
No doubt someone will be along soon to tell you the iphone's no good because it's not geeky enough...
Posted 2 years ago # -
Fwiw, I just opened the file below on my iPhone and it worked fine.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Reading on any smartphone is a bit of a gip. You can get by with powerpoint presentations and the odd webpage, but any kind of document is a complete pain in the neck. More of a "if you have to check something in this .doc" type thing than something you'd actually choose to read on.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Think I'd hang on until July for the 4G phone. Will be faster and have more screen area than the current offerings. There is also going to be a new interface as well but that should be compatible with 3G/GS phones as well.
Posted 2 years ago # -
I used to a serial smartphone upgrader - 12 month contracts, would always be something better around the corner and I would be itching for something that promised more by month 11. Invariably it was disappointing, just like the one before.
My iPhone was on my first ever 18 month contract. That's expired and I still like it, with no plans to upgrade at all. It's still working great, it's still miles better than the Windows or Symbian phones I had before, it's doing just what I want and am not feeling any need to change at all. Dropped to the £20 a month tariff instead.
It's good for on-the-go reading but if you're going to be doing "proper" work then a netbook is a much better bet. I've not tried it as a bike/walk GPS either - I suspect the battery life will be poor if you tried and I'd rather have a £120 waterproof GPS on my bars than my £400+ phone.
Posted 2 years ago # -
I've been given an iPhone by my daughter as a present
It's been sat on my desk now for over a month - I guess I better give it a go
I generally hate mobile phones though - I switch my work one off at 6 & never bother with it at weekends.
I guess she thinks I need to be contactable 24/7
Right where's that instruction book?
Posted 2 years ago # -
As above iphone is fine for checking details in a document but I wouldn't want to be reading lots on it.
3hrs use gets me to 20% battery left from fully charged when using trailguru (eg gps) but I use it for logging rides rather than for direction. I use a proper gps for that.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Right where's that instruction book?
Good luck trying to find that, mine didn't come with on. I like mine, it replaced a phone "thing" and a music "thing" so less to carry, less charger angst in my life, all good. It's nice to use, the things it does well, it does well. If you see what I mean, I don't need it for business applications, so dunno how well it deals with spreadsheets and the like. Happy user. Wouldn't use it as a GPS on the bike though. It would kill the battery, and they're not that robust IMO
Posted 2 years ago # -
sharkbait - Member
Think I'd hang on until July for the 4G phone. Will be faster and have more screen area than the current offerings. There is also going to be a new interface as well but that should be compatible with 3G/GS phones as well.While there will almost certainly be an updated phone and OS this summer, all of the above is rumour at present.
Personally I think the chances of them making it with a physically bigger screen are approaching zero: the iPad is filling that niche. Resolution might go up a bit though, although I doubt that as well actually.
Posted 2 years ago # -
I got one for Xmas it totally rocks for email and musk and vids havnt tried gps yet but maps is wicked awsome
Posted 2 years ago # -
Mark Datz:
I got one for Xmas it totally rocks for email and musk....No fair. Mine only smells of apples.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Thanks all for the info ...
It would seem that there's a concensus that it isn't that good as a mtb gps (good points re the waterproofing) - but would it work for road cycling / car driving navigation?
It would also seem that although it can open doc's etc, that it's not so good for doing more than a quick scan - is that due to the screen / keyboard size?
What about internet use? - would you use it for hanging out on STW for example
Posted 2 years ago # -
oh ... and has anyone used the camera - any good?
Posted 2 years ago # -
Sue_W :
but would it work for road cycling / car driving navigation?
I have used TomTom and Navigon for driving and works very nicely.
It would also seem that although it can open doc's etc, that it's not so good for doing more than a quick scan - is that due to the screen / keyboard size?
Without sounding a bit harsh, the screen size and the method of input will obviously restrict such a device. But, if you are planning on writing essays, editing documents and spending long periods of time using then you should get yourself a netbook. An iPhone is what it is, an on the go device. Compromises will have to be made for the benefit of having x amount of devices in one.
What about internet use? - would you use it for hanging out on STW for example
It is fine.
oh ... and has anyone used the camera - any good?
Not really. 2mp with no flash or autofocus pre-3GS.
...right i am off to play Finger Physics.
Posted 2 years ago # -
cameras a bit rubbish, I've done this post from mine.
Posted 2 years ago # -
I do all my evening browsing on mine.
3gs is 3mp. Better than that sounds but only good for snaps rather than photos.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Very happy with mine, I do the majority of my browsing from it ( am now)
Posted 2 years ago # -
Mine is my primary devise for web browsing, emailing, using Facebook, taking snapshots, reading books, (I was sat in Café Nero in Bath today reading ‘The Return of Sherlock Holmes' with the 3D Reader). People slag off the camera, but even the 2Mp is perfectly capable of taking snapshots that'll print at 6"x4". Anyone would think it's a replacement for a Lumix TZ7! It's an equivalent to a Kodak Instamatic, for posting straight to Flickr or Facebook, and is more than acceptable for that. The 4G, due in June, which I'll be upgrading this one for, should have a 5Mp camera, and will almost certainly be 64Gb with the same A4 processor that the iPad will have. The music player is just fine, with some Sennheiser or UltimateEars MetroFi phones. Android phones look good, but there are issues with the open nature of the apps, in that there's no guarantee that an app that will work on a Nexus 1, for example, will work on another interpretation of the OS, by HTC, or anyone elses'. I've read of developers giving up on Android because they can't cope with the uncertainty of needing half a dozen different versions of one app. This may be an exaggeration, but there seems to be evidence to support it.
Posted 2 years ago # -
"clubber - Member
Fwiw, I just opened the file below on my iPhone and it worked fine.http://www.lvis.org.uk/files/Bristol12_2009LVISresults.xls "
Cheers mate - share my lap times with the world why don't you??
iPhone - very good, recommended.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Here's a photo I took yesterday with the 2Mp camera on my 3G iPhone, in Wells Cathedral.
Not bad for a snapshot.Posted 2 years ago # -
Pedal Brain will also be releasing an app and snazzy mount sometime soon, this works with ANT+ accessories (polar and garmin HRM belts) but this has a link to a subscribed training diary on-line.
Posted 2 years ago # -
cheers all ... I think I'll probably be getting one as from what you've all said it will complement what I already have (a desktop pc, large and heavy work laptop and a DSLR)
Key question now is to (a) get one now - in which case should it it be the 3G or the 3GS, or (b) wait for the 4G upgrade that a few of you have mentioned?
Posted 2 years ago # -
love mine. Once you have one, all other phones are rubbish!
Posted 2 years ago # -
I bought a new 3G off a guy on avforums (unwanted upgrade) for £300 and have gone on a sim only deal. When the 4G. comes out I'll sell the 3G for not too much loss and go back on contract to get the 4G
Posted 2 years ago # -
get one now - in which case should it it be the 3G or the 3GS, or (b) wait for the 4G upgrade that a few of you have mentioned?
....and when the 4G is coming out there will be something else around the corner
I bought my 3G off my bro-in-law in mint condition for £180 and use it on the O2 simplicity tariff. When the 4G comes out he will buy it and i will take his 3GS off his hands and be perfectly happy.
Posted 2 years ago #
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