While we are all getting excited about the iPhone 3G that is finally coming to Malaysia, there are a few shortcomings from the seemingly ‘perfect brand’ (Apple, that is) and below is the 10 reasons (there may be more) that I WILL NOT PAY to get an iPhone from Maxis.
Reason #1
The design of the phone is already 2 years old. Even though it still looks great, and with a minimal facelift late last year, the iPhone is going to be replaced by a newer design anytime shortly after we get our hands on their ‘leftovers’ late this March.
Reason #2
The iPhone has a 2-megapixel camera. My first digital camera received as a gift in 1998 is a 2-megapixel too! Even the mid- to top-range phones now offer a minimum 3.2-megapixel camera. Not so cool for camwhores.
Reason #3
When you take pictures using your iPhone, you would like to share with your family and friends immediately, right? Not so for iPhone users. There is no MMS function available in iPhone. No freaking Multimedia Messaging System function! The ONLY way to send pictures to your family and friends is via email/Internet.
Reason #4
The iPhone does not have a front camera, because it does not support Video Calls. Too bad for those who want to kiss their love ones goodnight through video call. Also, bad for camwhores who just cannot resist taking their pictures anytime, anywhere, you cannot see the picture preview of yourself when taking picture. Come to think of it, that is why iPhone’s ‘back-side’ has a mirror finish.
Reason #5
Global Position System, GPS. Apple boasts that its iPhone has GPS. However, the GPS is only capable of displaying your location on the map, if you need directions to go somewhere you are not familiar, you have to find it yourself. Also, it is rumoured that your iPhone gives away your exact location, good for parents who want to track where their children is, bad for those wanting ‘to keep a low profile’.
Reason #6
If you thought you could surf the Internet with iPhone, think twice. The phone has a 3.5 inch screen, much smaller than any netbooks in the market nowadays, and its Safari web browser DOES NOT SUPPORT FLASH. Therefore you will not get the FULL Internet experience via an iPhone.
Reason #7
It does not have an memory expansion slot, unlike most other phones in the market. Therefore, you are only limited to storing 8GB or 16GB of media/data files in your phone.
Reason #8
You cannot freely install free stuffs in to your iPhone. Every application that you want to run on the iPhone must be purchased through authorised iPhone Apps vendors, therefore no more freebies for iPhone users!
Reason #9
You cannot use an iPhone as a 3G modem. Apple does not allow you connect your iPhone to your computer and use it as a data modem. Therefore the only 3G you could use on the iPhone is to check your emails, browse the Internet (without the FLASH) and shopping for iPhone Apps.
Reason #10
Not worth the money. Apple products have always been pricey. Reason? Because of its brand positioning. The iPhones are manufactured in China by Foxconn and we are paying a premium price for it just because it is an Apple product.
With the money I have to fork out to get an iPhone from Maxis, I could get myself a 3G phone with a decent camera (at least more than 2-megapixel) from Nokia (sub RM1k) which I can video call and use as a 3G data modem, an ASUS Eee PC 900 (RM1,499) and an iPod touch (RM948) which basically is an iPhone without the functions of a mobile phone. And I get three items for a price of one (iPhone)!
How about that?
