The iphone revolution

In discussing cell phones it seems inappropriate to ignore the one true innovation in cell technology of recent years (at least the one innovation that’s popped up in my social circle) the iphone.

I always knew a few kids with the blackberry type of deal, but that was like, one kid, well two actually.  The iphone is much more of a presence in my peripheral vision.  I saw an iphone outside a class room long before I ever headed down to the Apple Store to check one out deliberately.  

At first glance the thing is really excellent.  It’s sleek, mildly intimidating, and completely impressive.  The screen is huge, the options at least feel unparalleled when they’re all lined up on the screen.  Youtube, Safari, Calendar, Music ….. I can tell you watching Harry Potter Puppet Pals in the palm of my hand was awesome, and being able to read my e-mail, actually see it on the screen to read it, was equally as cool.  The problem was, after standing in that store long enough, the fluorescent lights burning above my head, my e-mail got a bit hard to read around my own finger prints.  

The touch screen works, and gives the phone its large screen capability (in that it doesn’t need to have a keypad) but those smudges are the same reason I bought a Canon camcorder over a Sony one.  The products were both excellent, but the Sony touch screen was just not my style.

While I’m happy with the classic texting ability of my own phone I remain jealous of the internet capabilities and sheer beauty of the iphone.  I’m less jealous when the not so tiny gadget is held up at last to an ear for a real phone call (it just looks funny), but hey, nothing’s perfect.