iphone

Good things come to those who wait: How much will the iPhone cost next year?

Well, the iPhone's now out, and it's pretty darn popular. Unfortunately, it's also pretty darn expensive. At $500 for the 4GB version and $600 for the 8GB model, the iPhone's steep price is enough to keep many gadget hounds away from the Apple-y goodness. Waiting a year or two for the iPhone's second or third iterations might be the best course of action. While purely speculation, it's a fairly safe bet that future versions of the iPhone will cost less and offer more features than the first iPhone.

Last year, Apple Matters published an article detailing the historical prices of the iPod, … Read more

The iPhone's poor JavaScript performance

No one expected the iPhone to deliver desktop-class performance with regard to Web-based applications, but JavaScript speed on the iPhone is downright sluggish in most respects -- a frustrating fact given that AJAX is the only current method for building dynamic third-party applications for the iPhone.

Celtic Kane online offers a Javascript benchmark that tests various Javascript functions: Try/Catch with errors, Layer movement, Random number engine, Math engine, DOM speed, Array functions String functions and Ajax declaration. In our informal tests, a MacBook Pro running at 1.83GHz with Mac OS X 10.4.10 and the Safari 3.… Read more

Integrating the iPhone with car Bluetooth systems

We previously noted that the iPhone is significantly hampered with regard to Bluetooth connectivity. Under Mac OS X, Apple's Bluetooth File Exchange cannot send files to the iPhone and iSync cannot be used to synchronize with the iPhone. We've also yet to hear of a Windows utility that can perform an Bluetooth-based synchronization or exchange with the iPhone.

The iPhone can however, integrate easily with most cars' hands-free Bluetooth systems. We've identified some compatible systems, and instructions for a few.

Toyota (Prius and other models) The iPhone integrates well with this system. Instructions for pairing from iPhone … Read more

Fix for iPhone syncing problems

We previously reported on an issue where iTunes fails to properly synchronize contacts with the iPhone, hanging repeatedly at the "Syncing contacts" phase. We've now identified a potential fix for this issue, as it occurs under Mac OS X. Navigate to the directory: ~/Library/Application Support (this is the Library folder inside your user directory folder) and delete the following folders:

iSync SyncServices

Note that according to Apple, deletion of the SyncServices folder can result in duplicate contacts in Address Book or appointments in iCal and data loss in Address Book or iCal. However, it's the … Read more

For the record...

The iPhone works exactly as described in Apple's Calamari ad. There were some who doubted that and suggested there should have been some kind of disclaimer at the bottom, but that work flow and the number of taps is 100% accurate.

JaJah's iPhone app hobbled by Safari

JaJah is an emerging "dial-around" service. From your computer, you tell it who you want to call, and it dials your phone, then the other party, and connects you to each other. The advantage of using a dial-around product like this: cost. JaJah charges 3 cents a minute for international calls.

The iPhone's strong Web browser should make it a great platform for JaJah, and JaJah just created a special iPhone version of its site, FreeYouriPhone.com. You use the slick interface and big screen to initiate a call, then wait a second for the iPhone to … Read more

OneTrip Shopping List (iPhone App)

Heading down to the grocery store usually means sitting down at the kitchen table and writing out a list. With OneTrip Shopping List, you can make your grocery list on your iPhone using a well-made interface. It's especially easy to use because you can choose from common categories to find the things you need such as vegetables, meats, or fruit. Once you find the specific item, just touch it to add it to your list. The list even lets you check things off once you get to the store.

iPhone link: http://onetrip.org/onetrip/?pass&go

Web … Read more

MyMetar (iPhone App)

Though the audience might be small for this particular iPhone app, the product would definitely come in handy if you're a pilot. MyMetar lets pilots instantly view weather information for their current flight path.

iPhone link: http://www.mymetar.com/doublehoya?theme=iphone

Web site link: http://www.mymetar.com/iphone/

Mogoso (iPhone App)

This app for the iPhone provides another way to shop for low prices online. Simply enter the product, and Mogoso searches Amazon.com for matches. What makes this app better than other shopping apps we've reviewed so far is the way it brings the listings, reviews, and expanded summary to your phone rather than sending you to Amazon.

iPhone link: http://www.mogoso.com/

Web site link: http://www.mogoso.com/about.aspx

Passing on the iPhone for the Blackberry Curve

I used to think I was an early adopter. But then then iPhone hit, and I just couldn't feel the hype. I had to go into my local Apple Store today to have an iPod fixed, and discovered that Apple had plenty of iPhones on hand (to try and to buy). So, I gave it a spin.

It's beautiful. It's easy to use. It has everything going for it, except two:

It's not very easy to type on this thing, whatever Mossberg may tell you. It's just not. It doesn't fundamentally change the value proposition of a phone/PDA combo.

On this first point, I suppose one could get used to hitting a screen and, if Steve Jobs is to be believed, eventually we all will. Why? Well, because Mr. Jobs tells us to. (I'm a diehard Mac fanatic, so I've been convinced by him before against my will. :-)

But it's the second point that has me sticking with my Blackberry (after years of using a Treo and recently switching to the Berry).… Read more