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?

Attention all college students here in Pensacola Florida – UWF, PJC, PCC, etc. If you are an active student with a valid .edu email address you are eligible to take part in Microsoft’s Ultimate Steal offer which for the next few months offers you a copy of Microsoft Office Ultimate 2007 for $59.95, and if you buy it before the end of September 2010 through this offer, you qualify to get a free downloadable copy of Office 2010 when it comes out later this year!

This is an incredible deal, as Office Ultimate 2007 retails for @ $600, plus toss in Office 2010 and you are truly getting a steal. This is a bona-fide legal copy of Office and is offered by Microsoft for active College Students only.

For details and to take advantage of this offer, visit: http://www.microsoft.com/student/discounts/theultimatesteal-us/default.aspx

Also, be sure to check out the details of the free Office 2010 download here: http://www.office.com/techg

If you aren’t a student, you can still take advantage of the free Office 2010 upgrade program by purchasing a qualifying Office 2007 product between March 5th and September 30th 2010.

Included in Office Ultimate 2007 are:

Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Groove, Publisher, Access, and Info Path

In addition to this offer, Microsoft is also offering eligible students Windows 7 Professional for $64.95!

For questions about Windows 7 or Office 2007/Office 2010, visit Pensacola Computers at:  http://pensacolacomputers.com