Ryan ChartrandIf you haven’t been living under a rock, then you know that Apple released the iPhone, its latest product, on June 29.
So, what is the iPhone, exactly?
“The iPhone introduces an entirely new user interface based on a revolutionary multi-touch display and pioneering new software that allows users to control iPhone with just a tap, flick or pinch of their fingers,” said an Apple press release. “iPhone combines three products into one small and lightweight handheld device-a revolutionary mobile phone, a widescreen iPod, and the Internet in your pocket.
In other words, the iPhone is a cell phone, an MP3 player, a digital camera, and a computer all in a glossy black hand-held device that measures 4.5 inches tall, 2.4 inches wide and 0.46 inches deep with a weight of 4.8 ounces.
Battery life is a reported eight hours of talk time and 24 hours of audio playback.
For business administration junior Kyle Brazil, the iPhone fit all his needs for a smart phone.
“My previous cell phone provider was Nextel,” Brazil said. “Around November of 2006 I was looking around for a new phone and a new provider. I knew that I wanted a smart phone, one that could be something more than a phone. I remember thinking to myself, ‘Man, I really want a phone that is just one giant screen and I can just touch everything,'” Brazil said.
The phone is either $499 for a 4 GB capacity, or $599 for an 8 GB capacity, and is carried exclusively by AT&T.
Monthly plans that include 450 minutes and unlimited e-mail and Web browsing start at $59.99.
Brazil chose the 8 GB model and said that after uploading his music, videos, and photos he has taken up about 6 GB of the phone’s total capacity.
Although he was not an existing AT&T customer, Brazil said that the process of switching from Nextel to AT&T was seamless.
“The set-up process could not have been easier,” Brazil said. “I think it is awesome that you activate the phone with iTunes (Apple’s music program). When I first plugged it in to my computer, a welcome screen came up and in a few short minutes my phone was up and ready to go.”
One feature that sets the iPhone apart from all other devices is Visual Voicemail. The new feature allows you to select any of your messages to listen to without having to listen to all of the prior messages.
Brazil said that in his first few days since the purchase, he has found the iPhone easy to navigate.
“This sounds crazy, but so far I love almost everything about it. The touch screen works flawlessly and the iPod component is really fun to use. The coverflow feature where you can look through your album art with a flick of your finger is really cool,” Brazil said.
He said that the phone’s best feature is Google Maps, which allows you to find cities, street addresses, restaurants or anything else by typing the search query into the phone.
Brazil also said that the phone gives directions to anywhere after entering your starting point and destination.
On the other side of the spectrum, Brazil said that the ring tone options seem better suited for text message tones than for phone calls.
He also mentioned that like all cell phones, the iPhone picks up oils from your face and fingers, but noted that the screen made of optical-quality glass is extremely scratch- resistant.
For more information or to purchase an iPhone, visit the Apple Store at 899 Higuera St. or the Web site at www.apple.com/iphone.