Technology For Agents

Yesterday, I wrote about how the Apple iPhone is to be released on June 29th, and today I stumble upon an article by Forbes that goes into detail on why you should wait on an iPhone purchase. The writer, Dan Frommer, hits on some key points that I missed out on, which are quotes and trimmed below.

• The iPhone’s battery is one example of a feature that could flop.
• The iPhone’s stripped-down data features could also provide incentive to wait for a better offer. (continues) But for whatever reason, Apple decided not to allow the iPhone to work on AT&T’s fastest, “third-generation” (or 3G) wireless network, opting instead for its slower “EDGE” network.
• One reason may be the iPhone’s built-in wi-fi capability, meaning it can connect to local hot spots and avoid AT&T’s data network altogether.
• Rabid e-mailers or texters may also be skeptical about the iPhone’s keyboard-free design.
• We already know that it will cost $500 to $600, depending on storage capacity. But AT&T’s contract requirements could easily quadruple that price.

While I agree that the battery issue, toned down network, and price tag would make me think twice about an Apple iPhone purchase, the wi-fi capability and non-QWERTY (keyboard configuration) wouldn’t really matter to me much.

I would hate to be limited to a slow network, however. I just shelled out $500 for a phone and the internet is creeping along at near dial-up speeds? The last thing I need are grey hairs acquired from impatiently waiting for Google maps to load.

What are your thoughts on Dan’s take on the iPhone?

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