Test driving iPhone 3G (Verdict: mediocre)

I went out and got myself a shiny new iPhone 3G yesterday from the AT&T store on Geary Street in San Francisco (which was only out of stock once, they said.) The cell phone buying process is typically akin to some circle of hell, but overall I had a very pleasant experience.

I've been accused of being an Apple fanboy a number of times, but I have stuck with the BlackBerry both for functionality and Verizon's network. I wanted to test some of the features (and play the games) on the iPhone and decided to give AT&T another shot.

I had been waiting for the 2.1 firmware upgrade before I got the phone because in the past I couldn't even get one bar in my house in San Francisco. All reports said the problems were solved so I went for it. When I got home I checked and I did have 3 to 4 bars pretty consistently. I made a test call which took about 10 seconds to initialize and all seemed well.

I plugged the iPhone into my MacBook Pro, iTunes launched and the set-up process began. And ended. Three times. Then suddenly it worked and I was registered with Apple and AT&T.

I decided to grab a few things from the App Store's free section. Every item failed multiple times. After my fifth attempt on Pandora, iTunes told me I already had it, and so I did.

Hard to believe it was an Apple product that was going this wonky on set-up.

My quick take? The iPhone is good, but not great. It doesn't replace a computer and has enough idiosyncrasies to deter the business user from choosing it over a BlackBerry. For consumers it's great, provided you can get AT&T to work for you.

The good stuff:
- The applications are fantastic and the user experience is truly unmatched
- Sound is great
- Integration with the Mac is great
- Camera is surprisingly good
- The onscreen keyboard is usable (though I still prefer the BB keypad)

The problems:
- AT&T network is shockingly bad. Verizon blows it away by a huge margin.
- Launching applications is slow (like three to four seconds)
- I have yet to get 3G coverage in San Francisco. It only worked for me in Burlingame, Calif., when I was down there for a meeting
- The time it takes to initialize a call is laughable. I did a test of the iPhone vs. my VZW BlackBerry and I had already finished the conversation before the iPhone had connected.
- For some reason Mail won't consistently log in into Gmail. I don't know which app is to blame.
- Shifting from portrait to landscape is highly inconsistent

I'll give the iPhone the full 30 days before AT&T punishes me for rejecting them. My hope is that I find the positive to outweigh the negative. So far I'm evenly split.

[ibeetle]

Quote:
- AT&T network is shockingly bad. Verizon blows it away by a huge margin

Oh, please. It depends on a about a hundred things and you know it.

Where I live is Verizon country, North East NJ, about 20 minutes from NYC. If you even think anything bad about Verizon they will chase you down like angry villagers from a 1930's horror movie.
Not being from this area I can look at this a little more objectively. Verizon on a scale of 1 to 10 is a 9. However, some would have you believe they are an 11.
AT&T in my area is a 8, not that big of a difference. Where I am originally from, South East Louisiana AT&T blows Verizon out of the water.

[lazlo13]

that's weird... i LIVE in southeast louisiana and ATT sucks! i dropped ATT b/c i couldn't get a signal across the causeway.

matter of fact, my wife still has ATT, and hates it. you really can't be serious. verizon totally smokes ATT here.

[Dleon84]

I love my iPhone Edge since it rarely gives me any problems but have never used a BB. I am an Apple fanboy I guess you could say but welcome objective reviews, and you were able to deliver. Thank you for user experience. Don Reisinger should learn a few things about your take on opinion. Cheers!

[ausernamenoonehaschosen]

It sounds like you were being to quick with it, and not taking it slow to learn how to do it correctly, thus learning through multiple failures. Perhaps you didn't realize that even to download the free apps you need to have your credit card information processed by apple first? However, I do hear that the San Francisco area does have wonky 3G coverage. Also, it takes about 2 - 3 seconds from pushing call to have it start ringing. Is this actually a long time? It was the same with Alltel, and they are rated quite highly in the consumer market. Also, I have gmail set up though mail on my iPhone, and it has always worked well for me. Hopefully you figure it out.

[ausernamenoonehaschosen]

Oh, and to disagree with you again, I think the camera is surprisingly bad, and one of the low spots of the iPhone.

[CrisC--2008]

Well, Dave, perhaps the name of your Blog says it all.

In any case, here is some feedback.

Activation: When I got my iPhone 3G, activation happened at the Apple Store. Had I done it at the AT&T store, it would have completed there, ie, when I left the store, the phone worked. Unless activation has changed, did your phone work before you left the store? (&, did you see 3G service?)

v2.1: Version 2.1 was just released. I doubt any phones at the Store were shipped/updated with v2.1. If you look in your iPhone setting/general/about, does it indicate v2.1? Or, did part of the setup process you undertook at home include the 2.1 software update?

Did you have a iPhone 2G before, ie, are you 'upgrading' your phone in iTunes? Care must be taken during this process to be sure all is configured the way you want it. I assume you had iTunes (& Quicktime) at the most current version on your Macbook Pro before you plugged in your new 3G.

AT&T 3G coverage: I see from the coverage map San Fran is solid 3G! As asked before, did you see 3G in the AT&T store? Have you called AT&T Wireless I reported your 3G access issue? Or, did you go back to the AT&T store & report the same? (The squeaky wheel gets the grease, or in this case more DS1s....) By other blogs, I see 3G capacity issues in what I suspect are high 3G iPhone usage areas, San Fran being one of them. I saw the same problems initially in some areas in the East, but I am now seeing relief and marked improvement, especially since the 2.1 update.

If you have never downloaded an App before, note that the process is a little different. Even 'buying' free apps is a purchase, and is subject to iTunes account validation, etc.

You did not mention if you set your GMAIL with SSL or not, nor whether you ever noted a difference between wifi, 3G or EDGE. If you are doing it with EDGE, expect some delays. My daughter uses SSL gmail with no problem.

You also did not mention using Fetch (or Push). I have a yahoo ssl email account set to Fetch & a me.com email account gets Pushed. The me.com email is immediate, while the yahoo takes a while to connect, and update the email. I personally have no experience with gmail.

The only delay I experience is with Contacts. I suspect that each time I access it, it attempts to sync & update with my me.com address book. (if you have not tried me.com with your iPhone 3G & MacBook Pro, set it up & give it a shot. I think me.com sync issues have moved passed the major issues stage, and is reasonable sound now. Might give you something more to blog about)

Here's hoping your next 20+ days with your new iPhone 3G improve, and you find more positive things to say. (I would love to know what your experience with AT&T Wireless support is, too.)

[wratbatblue]

IMO, it would be more accurate to say the AT&T 3G network is shockingly inconsistent, than to dun the entire thing. Edge works pretty well, other than the occasional coverage black hole. I've never been with Verizon; does its network have no black holes? Even out in the boonies? Anyway, I've had my share of ups and downs with the iPhone 3G; downs to the point that I thought I was ready to sell it on Craigslist recently. But...when the first positive response came in, I realized that I didn't like the idea of being without my iPhone. It gets a little better with each update. I figure by the time this version of the hardware is replaced (in 6-8 months, I'm thinking), Apple and AT&T will have ironed out the 3G bugs. It ain't gonna happen with this model, folks. Just MHO! (One has to be careful expressing negativity about Apple here in this forum. Fanboys are extremely rabid, and will bite.) To close, I think the camera is pretty okay, and although there are more menus and button pushes involved in making a call than I was used to with more traditional cell phones, I don't find the length of time from button push to connection to be out of the ordinary.

[Galaxy5]

"IMO, it would be more accurate to say the AT&T 3G network is shockingly inconsistent,"

I have to agree. In Huntsville AL, where I travel for business often, I have yet to see the RSSI indicator drop under five bars on my iPhone 3G. Internet access is faster on the phone than on my hotel's WiFi network.

When I go back to San Jose, the service gets spotty and drops out. I very seldom lose calls, but have data hiccups often. ATT hobbles the phone, that's for sure.

[yuniverse]

perhaps someone has already posted what i'm about to say:

RETURN YOUR PHONE FOR ANOTHER iPhone! Your iPhone seems defective.
1 my iPhone takes as little time as any other phone to initiate a call... less than a second
2 launching application is also quick... depends on which app, though 1-2 seconds top to get their loading page, then about another 1-2 seconds to use it
3. gmail on my iPhone always works
4. portrait & landscape mode is very consistent on my phone.

you've must gotten one of the rotten apples... go get it exchanged... and post the review again, please.

[peramica]

As far as the Verizon v. AT&T comment, I can't comment on the relative strengths and weaknesses of the network, but in terms of service, Verizon wins hands down. My experience with Verizon was extremely pleasant and quick, while attempting to purchase DSL from AT&T was something out of the Ninth Circle, because you did seem frozen. My DSL was finally turned on 10 days after it was supposed too, and after 8 hours of the most frustrating attempts to find someone who could deal with my problems.

[spunkybart]

It's interesting to me the different experiences that folks have with the iPhone. I have great coverage at my house (in Virginia) and okay coverage at work, so I'm happy.

I visited San Francisco a few weeks ago, and had consistent 3G service the entire time I was there. I used GPS, made calls, checked e-mail with no problems. So, it makes me wonder what the difference is between your experience and mine.

I also haven't had any problems with Gmail.

I generally agree with your other comments, except that I have no experience with Verizon, so I can't judge that.

[crue24]

AT&T was 10 days late in turning on DSL for you and your upset? Once upon a time I had Verizon DSL and it took 2 months to get it setup, ridiculous! But cell coverage is a different story. I left Verizon long ago because their phones suck. Even with the good ones they cripple the bluetooth and other features which annoys me greatly, even now because I can't just "bluetooth" a pic or file to someone.

Anyway, in regards to the iPhone, I haven't purchased the 3G yet, but the 2.1 update made my 1st gen run a lot better, especially my e-mail accounts: .mac, gmail and yahoo. All around the phone is more stable and apps launch faster, don't crash as much, so I would say your issues sound odd to me because 2.1 fixed everything you mentioned, (for me at least).

[kevinmfb]

I must say that I had a different experience while I was in San Fran for a week in late July (pre v2.1 update). The 3G coverage was available at all times and lots of free wifi (I live in Nebraska where we are a little behind on 3g and wifi for some reason)...all was good for me there. As far as bars go my hotel didn't have the best coverage-two was the lowest but good enough to make a call. Everything worked great except while on 3G my battery life was horrible. Since we don't have 3G here in Nebraska (PLEASE HURRY ATT&T) I don't know if the battery bug has been resolved or not. If not I'll have to charge twice a day. So far I like my new iPhone 3G well enough. It has it's moments like most can attest to but I love how easy it is to use. Two of my friends have the Instinct and I must say that it is NOT up my alley...

[IgnatiusTheKing]

AT&T's network is pretty bad, but I've experienced none of the other things you mentioned, even before 2.1 was released. My iPhone has worked since the day I got it and I've never had major issues. Now that Apple has released the latest software fix, even the minor problems I had are gone. Sounds like you got a lemon; take it back and get a new one.

[keshavjoshi]

I have been using iPhone 3G since launch. I used to have Samsung Blackjack/Verizon before that. After 2.1 upgrade, here are my observations:
1. Call quality is good. 3G coverage in a primitive market (compared to SFO) like Cleveland is great.
2. WiFi works fine. Also, calls take about the same time to connect as they did on my BJ/Verizon.
3. Corporate emails while not as great as a Blackberry (email threads, color coding emails etc), works surprisingly well.
4. No dropped calls since 2.1 upgrade.
5. Applications start in 1-2 seconds max.
6. Browser is good.
7. I hardly use camera, so I can't comment on it.
8. Ipod integration is great. Combined with bundled Apple headphones, the music+calls is a seamless experience.
9. Best of all, Iphone 3G (v 2.1) does not "crash" as often as my Blackjack used to (LOL here). Windows Mobile comes nowhere close to Apple in stability.

One last thing: Now when my plane lands, I don't have to wait for 2-3 minutes for my cell phone to "boot" as I used to do with Blackjack.

Overall, I am very happy with my iPhone.

[Galaxy5]

Regarding your blackjack experience...

My coworkers carry a Treo 750 and a Mot Q. Each phone crashes multiple times daily - the Q user has to remove his battery and wait 30 seconds before attempting to get his phone to work again.

While my iPhone has had a hiccup here and there - Safari's crashy nature ticks me off - it has never needed a reboot because of a crash.

Someone on one of these comment threads sarcastically likened iPhone Mac OS X 2.1 to Windows 95 yesterday. iIf that's the case, Palm and Windows Mobile are akin to System 6.0.7 and DOS 3.3, respectively.

[keshavjoshi]

I have been using iPhone 3G since launch. I used to have Samsung Blackjack/Verizon before that. After 2.1 upgrade, here are my observations:
1. Call quality is good. 3G coverage in a primitive market (compared to SFO) like Cleveland is great.
2. WiFi works fine. Also, calls take about the same time to connect as they did on my BJ/Verizon.
3. Corporate emails while not as great as a Blackberry (email threads, color coding emails etc), works surprisingly well.
4. No dropped calls since 2.1 upgrade.
5. Applications start in 1-2 seconds max.
6. Browser is good.
7. I hardly use camera, so I can't comment on it.
8. Ipod integration is great. Combined with bundled Apple headphones, the music+calls is a seamless experience.
9. Best of all, Iphone 3G (v 2.1) does not "crash" as often as my Blackjack used to (LOL here). Windows Mobile comes nowhere close to Apple in stability.

One last thing: Now when my plane lands, I don't have to wait for 2-3 minutes for my cell phone to "boot" as I used to do with Blackjack.

Overall, I am very happy with my iPhone.

[keshavjoshi]

Sorry for double post :(

[pwweiss726]

I have had an iPhone since the first update for the original iPhone and I have been happy with it for about 80% of the time. Admittedly, I am most definitely an Apple fanboy and I am pretty disappointed with the most recent upgrade. Yeah, the app store is great and I have enjoyed using several of the apps for both work and play but I cannot get over the fact that my phone is now much more unstable. Before the 2.1 release (but after 2.0) I would regularly try to answer calls and the phone would lock up and force me to reconnect to iTunes before using it again. I thought, hmm, maybe I something is physically wrong with my phone. I took it to the Apple store and they said that it was fine (for what that's worth). So I am left to conclude that it was 2.0 was the problem. Since upgrading to 2.1 I have not had the problem again...fingers crossed...

As for the network issues. I live in the Philly area and have had Sprint and T-Mobile, both of which were better than AT&T. Almost all of my friends and coworkers have Verizon and they definitely get better signal than I do. EDGE is ok but I can't really speak for 3G.

I have used both a BB pearl and BB curve (on T-Mobile and AT&T respectively) and I can say without a doubt that the iPhone is a better phone with the exception of the keyboard. But, by sacrificing that, you gain more retail for the screen while not using the keyboard which IMO is worth the tradeoff. Ultimately, I would not give up my iPhone for a BB. I just wish that I wasn't stuck with AT&T!

[vtchuck2000]

Very refreshing to see an objective and unbiased review on the iPhone. I guess there still are journalists left who haven't been hypnotized by for Steve Jobs' charm yet.

[sting7k]

That seems strange it is taking your iPhone so long to start a call, mine takes maybe 1-2 seconds before the ringing starts. Did you try EDGE? Maybe your 3G reception wasn't very good at the time. I will agree that AT&T's 3G network is very poor coverage wise (too poor really its a joke almost), but when there is coverage and you get good signal the speeds are quite fast.

I also don't know why you had so many problems connecting to your computer and installing apps. Those things have not happened to me, my phone is always instantly recognized by Vista and installing apps now takes about 30 seconds with 2.1 software.

[Galaxy5]

I'd tend to attribute most of his problems to ATT's Bay Area network. It is alternately brilliant and terrible. Mostly somewhere in between.

[jaybarrow]

Gee, and I can't believe I'm saying this since I had a negative approach to the latest iPhone 3G software upgrade, but I was blown away at the results. Everything promised was delivered. 3G reception is dramatically better in my area than before so I leave it enabled all the time now, apps launch instantly, iPhone backups are incredibly fast, Safari has yet to crash, not a single dropped call (unless you count when my sister calls me from her Verizon cellphone). I'm not a fanboy either, I just want what I pay for to work. My iPhone 3G does.

[dannynono]

I'm a long time Apple fanboy and fairly new iPhone 3g user. I'll second the motion that you've got a lemon iPhone and should return it. Not to say that some of your criticism isn't w/out merit - yes, switching from Verizon to AT&T cellular is a step-back in the N.VA/DC region - but all in all, I wouldn't switch to another phone.

As someone who has carried 2 pocket devices for the past 6 years (cell phone and iPod and sometimes a 3rd device photo viewer), the positive benefits of using one single device for for phone and music outweigh what few negatives I've encountered so far.

my cons:
1. yes, there are OS bugs to be worked out still (2.1 on my phone and apps still crash, typing is sluggish at times, and I need to hard-boot phone every couple days).
2. no built-in 1-touch calling (there's now a 3rd party solution, but it's .99 for each 1-touch number).
3. no built-in voice dialing (some 3rd party apps are available, but I've not tried them).
4. no Flash or JAVA support.
5. no built-in file transfer (3rd party Air Share is working fine though!)

my pros:
1. control itunes and airport express speakers throughout my wi-fi network.
2. seamless connectivity with personal gmail and office's exchange server.
3. can listen to my home systems' 140GB music collection on my iPhone via 3G/wi-fi connection (3rd party app: simplify media).
3. remote control home systems via VNC apps.
4. While it may not replace my laptops or desktop computers for actual work (duh) I find that the web browser more than adequate for reading blogs/News sites and such (my laptop no longer makes the trip into the kitchen when I'm following an online recipe).
5. Very easy to use Flickr apps (if you're into Flickr) and syncs well with iPhoto.
6. Best of all, I've no doubt that most of the negatives above will be solved by 3rd party apps (free or pay for) or by Apple themselves.

[Lelouch_Vi_Britannia]

This review is kinda biased since you're using the iPhone in a low coverage area on a crappy network. I'm on Rogers and I have no problem with 3G reception and never have.

[mikalg]

Oh Dave, don't you know by now it is politically incorrect to say anything negative about an Apple product? you might as well be commenting something negative about a minority. You will be roasted on the pit of "how dare you"! I agree with you, it is NOT all that it is advertised. Now I did it, I'll be banished to the nether regions for agreement with you. Not that all you said was all that negative....it's just unless you are in absolute praise and adulation of all thing Apple...you are a MS shill, and deserve to die horribly.

Such poppycock!
Anyway, I'll see you in Dante's Inferno next week when I finally decry: I wish I had never bought this Iphone! I want my Blackberry back!

It IS the truth after-all....but does that really matter any more? Lets be HIP and COOL, and ignore all of the negatives, in favor of the positive. My Blackberry ran everything much better in my mind.