Quote by Pastafarianism:
QFE. I don't know about the demo unit, seeing as there's not all that much optimization they can do. I know most retailers do that with TVs and displays but this is just an iPhone.
Anyways, I've been following the iPhone since January. I've been hearing horrible reviews of the EDGE network. I'm hoping the next generation has 3G and GPS.
As for the keyboard which is the only problem with usability I've heard, it depends where you're coming from. I've read several reviews that have said if you're coming from a blackberry, or a similar smart phone, you're going to have trouble with the keyboard, but if you're coming from a traditional cell phone, you'll love it.
Optimization means they have a wi-fi hotspot in the store to show off the capabilities of the online service, not the unreliably and slow EDGE network. The applications and info already in teh phone is done ahead of time to show you how cool it is, btut not how much work is put into it. More than likely being run off AC power than teh battery.
In addition, Safari only supporst Apple Quick time and youtube, which means videos on teh most popular sites like CNN, ESPN and everything else in teh free world will not work.
There have been major complaints of the screen attracting finger grease causing issues in bright light of not being able to see through it.
The battery is soldered in the phone, only last for approximately 300 charges and Apple's replacement plan includes loaning you an Ipod (for a $29 fee) and charging you $85 to replace it.
Not including 3G was just plain dumb and probably intentional. A 3G device is fully capably of dropping back to the Edge network, so whatwever Apples intentions were, it was not with the consumers best interests in mind.
The bottom line is that this device has lots of cool little features, but it is so flawed in its current incarnation that waiting for the 2nd or 3rd gen model only makes sense. There are a lot of better ways to spend $500 dollars....
