Pensacola Computer Help Technoblog

So Steve Jobs went to demonstrate the wonderful new features of the new iPhone yesterday, but funny thing, it wouldn’t work because everyone was clogging up the local wifi. This is a bad thing because of two major points: first, many of the new touted cool features, like the ability to place video calls, only work on wifi networks, and secondly, why have a ‘phone’ that isn’t reliable enough to use on the phone carriers network?

Sure, the new screen is very nice and crisp, and there are definitely some cool features. But come on Steve – you demonstrate the new Netflix app which streams movies to your new iPhone on the same day that ATT, the ONLY carrier for the iPhone, changes it’s data plans and eliminates the one good thing it had going – unlimited data. Well, ATT isn’t stupid, and they know that while a lot of people don’t use that much bandwidth every month, that with the new apps, and new features coming out, more and more people are going to need more data, which with their new data plans means more $$$ for them.

It also seems that Apple, while forging ahead and trying to promote their slick new features, is missing out on some of the features that people really want – like the ability to actually view all the web pages on the web on their phones (sorry Apple fans, you will NEVER have the ability to do that on an iPhone). On the other side, Google’s Android is embracing the ENTIRE web and with the latest Android update, you can now view Flash websites on your Android powered devices. Lets not forget that Apple’s app store, while filled with an amazing number of apps, is still policed by Steve Jobs app controllers who decide what you can and can’t run on HIS hardware, not to mention the fact that 30% of the money that you spend on those apps goes right into Apple’s pockets.

So, should you buy a new iPhone? Well, if you don’t use a lot of data, then it might be worth it …. but wait, if you don’t use a lot of data, then that means that you really aren’t using the potential of the phone, so hmmm. Do you constantly use your phone where there is wifi? … oh wait, if there is wifi, then you can use a ‘REAL’ computer. Do you only need to see just a few pages of the web? well in that case, the iPhone is definitely for you …. oh wait, you live in Pensacola where 3G drops in and out on a whim, so again, maybe not for you.

Don’t get me wrong by my vitriolic commentary, the iPhone is a wonder of technology and is shaping the way people communicate. It definitely has some very cool features and is at the forefront of techology. It’s just that it’s shortcomings are becoming more and more apparent, as is the fact that Apple and Steve really don’t give a damn about much other than their bottom line, and what they determine the future will be. – Lets see, what did Steve do yesterday? He unveiled his latest profit maker. What did Bill do yesterday? He donated 1.5 billion dollars for women’s and childrens health. So who really is more interested in ‘helping’ the world change?

While I normally just write about the geek stuff, I though I would write about a great experience I had at a new Verizon wireless store here in Pensacola on Navy Blvd (right next to Blockbuster and Walmart).  I have always had to travel to the malls or down to 9 mile road to get stuff for my Verizon service, and I was pleasantly surprised to find a new Verizon store so close to home. Unlike the mall stores, this is a franchise store and I must say the people that run this one are friendly and are a shining example of what good customer service is.

Upon entering the store I was greeted warmly and immediately felt comfortable – no high pressure stuff, but people who were willing to help me with whatever I wanted while not hovering over me (I hate those salespeople who just hover over you).  They even offered me a cup of coffee, which was a nice touch. I spoke for quite a while to both the people who were working there – the owner, and a very intelligent and friendly young lady who both answered all of my questions and really made me feel welcome in their store. The thing I liked the most was that these were people who believed in customer service, and talking with customers as people instead of just the ‘buy something now’ attitude you find in too many places today.

I love that they put their store here, and I encourage anyone who is already a Verizon customer as well as anyone looking for a new phone or cell service to visit them – you won’t be disappointed, and I think you be pleased with the excellent customer service. They have a full selection of phones and accessories, and unlike the chain providers, they specialize in just Verizon and are ready to help people in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

I recently decided to upgrade my current cell phone to something a bit more. After doing a lot of research (there were so many to chose from), I decided on a Sumsung Omnia. After looking at the Apple iPhone (yuck! and no tether option), and the Blackberry Storm (too many issues and no wireless), the Omnia seemed to have the best feature set for what I needed. These days, a phone can be so much more than just a phone or even a regular PDA, and in reality, the features in this tiny phone would have taken up a whole room 30 years ago.

It has: Wireless so I can connect to my home network or wireless hotspot, Bluetooth so I can use a bluetooth headset as well as ‘beam’ data between it and my home computers, a tether option so I can use it as a broadband modem when connected to my laptop, a pretty cool touch screen, Windows Mobile 6.1 with Word, Excel, and Outlook, as well as Remote Desktop which is something I definitely wanted to be able to remote into various computers if needed. It also has 8GB of onboard storage with the ability to take up to a 16GB micro SD memory card (plenty for files and pictures.

For some nice extra features, it comes with a 5.1 megapixel camera (one of the highest resolutions on a phone), smart voice recognition, and a very cool feature which allows you to take a picture of a business card and then the software will decipher it and create a contact from the info on it. Oh and it even has a built in FM radio!

It totally amazes me the number of features that are packed into this slim phone, and with it I can not only place and receive calls, but I can check my email, surf the web, and get directions as well as take notes, transfer files, listen to music or watch videos, and take care of a great number of my business needs while on the move. It is almost scary to think what will be available in a couple years when I am eligible to upgrade again!