subject: Review: Apple's New iPhone by:Timothy Pipp [print this page] Like many people, I sat glued to the blogs on June 7, 2010 for the Worldwide Developers Conference. Everyone knew what was coming: Apple was going to release the newest iPhone. Even after the whole iPhone leak, it was unclear what the device would offer.
I have stayed up many nights and have done a lot of research on this new phone. I wasn't sure if I would get it, but after the iOS4 software update it seemed like Apple didn't give me much of a choice. My iPhone 3G was awesome, but the update made it too glitchy and left me and others flusterd.
Long story short, I showed up at my local AT&T store at 7 a.m. on Tuesday (the day AT&T released the iPhone 4) to grab one of 20 iPhones they had in stock. I was number 17. I am impressed. I have heard lots of bad things: the reception is bad, having glass on both sides is not good, and the list goes on. But from the second the sales person turned my new phone on I could tell it was going to be better. The sound alone (maybe I was hearing things, it was 7 in the morning) was crisper than before.
With its slimmed down sleek look, the iPhone 4 is more modern looking. Most importantly, it's shiny, and for some reason people like shiny stuff. Right away you notice the glass on both sides instead of just on the screen -I'm not sure of the purpose, but I am not complaining. The phone has a camera out front, which is pretty cool for that sweet Facebook pic, Skype or for the new Facetime Apple just introduced. However, you can only enjoy Facetime with other iPhone 4 users. The phone has the camera on the back as well, and now it is 5-megapixels. Another noteable improvement is the volume control, which is now it split into two buttons with a clear + and -.
I was amazed at how easy to set up the phone was, and iTunes made it easy to transfer music from one phone to the other - I have had many phones and this one was by far the easiest transition. The new phone allows you to set your home screen. In the previous version the only choice was a black background, but now it is like a desktop. The new Retina display is quite a change from the older phones. This has to be the clearest cell phone screens I have ever seen.
I have heard a lot about calls being dropped or the bars are not all there, though I have not had an issue with this yet. I have also read if you buy a case for the phone the reception will be better - something to do with holding the phone with bare hands throws off the newly designed external antenna. One is I have had is with my Bluetooth headset. My phone cannot find my device. Recognition depends on the brand and model you have. Also, with my iFrogz case the phone doesn't fit into my iHome. Of course this is not Apple's fault, but it's something to consider.
By far the biggest problem so far is a faulty sensor near the ear piece. I actually read about this before it happened to me. I was on the phone and all of a sudden the call was muted. What happens is when you hold the phone close to your ear the screen disappears so your ear doesn't dial or press buttons when you're on the phone. As a result of this glitch, I ended up hanging up, muting and dialing while on the phone.
For me the good outweighs the bad. I know after owning Apple products for a few years now that the big problems will get fixed. I am on day two with the phone and so far it's lived up to its name. What will Apple do next?
About the author
I am a writer, graphic designer and Advertising Director for Verus Magazine. This is the first article I have done. Please check out our site for other amazing articles! verusmagazine.com
