1) AT&T Sucks
This isn’t news. AT&T’s network suffers constant congestion issues, resulting in frequent dropped calls. (This isn’t to say any other network trying to support a phone with this kind of market share would perform any better).
To make matters worse the AT&T data network, even on “3G”, is clumsily slow. In fact, even AT&T’s planned 7.2 megabit network upgrade will be slower than what the other major networks have in the works. And a point that hits home to many road warriors - AT&T does not allow laptop tethering, which is a useful feature whereby users can access the Internet on their laptops via the cell phone data connection.
2) Motorola Droid – the First Viable iPhone Alternative
The Motorola Droid, the latest potential “iPhone killer,” has been out for just about a week now; and the positive reviews are pouring in: Engadget – Boy Genius Report – LA Times. The fact that the Droid is on the Verizon network is extremely appealing to many frustrated iPhone owners (myself included).
3) iPod Touch + Verizon MiFi – a More Creative iPhone Alternative
Love having 50,000 apps at your fingertips, but can’t stomach the 2-yr commitment to a network with perhaps the worst reputation in the industry? Depending on your needs, pairing an iPod Touch with the new Verizon MiFi mobile hotspot may be just what the doctor ordered. The MiFi is a handy little gizmo that gives you “wi-fi” access just about anywhere you go. The device utilizes Verizon’s 3G network and allows up to 5 wi-fi devices to share its 3G connection simultaneously. Using one of several VOIP apps now available for the iPhone/iPod Touch, you can even send and receive phone calls on an iPod Touch. It should be noted the MiFi only has a battery life of about four hours, so using this setup as an always-on-in-your-pocket solution may not work for everyone.
4) Call Quality is Terrible, on a Good Day
Call quality is atrocious on this otherwise amazing piece of technology. Even if the wireless gods are shining upon you and you are getting 5 bars, voices are often garbled and difficult to comprehend. Phones such as the Blackberry Bold and the new Droid have received rave reviews for their voice quality. It’s really a shame Apple/AT&T didn’t step up to the plate and address this widely reported issue with the release of the 3GS.
5) Single-tasking in the Year 2009
You’d think having one of the most technologically advanced smartphones on the planet would make your efficiency soar to new heights, right? Think again. I can’t tell you how much wasted time I’ve spent idly staring at my iPhone as it attempts to open an incoming Beejive instant message. I bought my 3GS thinking push notification was a valid solution to the iPhone’s lack of multi-tasking ability. While push notification was a major improvement for the iPhone, it doesn’t come close to the streamlined multi-tasking of a Blackberry or a Droid or a Pre. Nor does it allow me to stream Pandora while checking email. WTH, Apple??
