Barry Goldberg

iPhone Take 2

July 16th, 2008

So here we go again.  I am going to give it one more try.  But I am glad to say things are looking up.  I managed to acquire the new device yesterday after a long grueling day on line in the hot sun.  See my Twitter for the play by play.  I ended up having a huge argument over the phone with AT&T customer service in the middle of the Apple Store.  From my other posts on this blog the story goes something like this.  I bought the old iPhone, transferred my service to AT&T from Verizon, then when the 3G was announced (rumored) I went back to the AT&T store to figure out the best way to get on the new phone.  I ended up returning the iPhone, getting this little crappy, free, refurbished Nokia to hold me over.  I was going to go back to Verizon but the sales people assured me that everything would work out and that I should stay with AT&T.  Unt I did. 

Turns out I was NOT eligible for the incentive price on the new iPhone and that’s where the argument started.  Of course back then we had no idea what type of pricing models or incentives AT&T would offer - but that’s not the point.  In the end, I wound up buying the new iPhone from the Apple Store because pretty much everyone else in the NJ/NY area was sold out and I was being told that they wouldnt be replenished for 20+ days.  Even the Apple Store’s assistant manager got on the phone with AT&T Customer Service to make my case.  Really, they made the wrong decision and unless something changes I will feel pretty screwed.  BUT, I am holding my judgement.  This morning I went back to the original AT&T store to allow them to make things right.  Manager wasn’t there so the jury is out.  So we’ll see.

I have only used the phone for a few hours but so far I have really enjoyed the experience.  Very clean, fast and predictable.  Few bullets:

• The sound quality seems better. 
• The phone is still pretty peppy but I am seeing a drag when multiple things are going on
• 3G is very noticable and the Wifi seems faster too
• The iTunes upgrade went nicely and the phone synched perfectly.  I still dont understand why iTunes makes you authorize the computer you are use to download stuff.  Had to do that for the apps to synch.
• Besides for the authorization issue (2 mins to solve) the apps synched perfectly
• I havent hooked up the email yet so I have no idea if the "push" is working yet.  Loved Apple’s note today.  "We really didn’t mean push"

On another good note I was finally approved for the developer program.  I can now write applications AND put them on the phone.  I haven’t tried it yet, but I am looking forward to it.