21 replies to this topic

[Izra]

With the all the hype over Apple's recent release of the iPhone (June 29), and all the recent coverage over the phone of the "next generation", I would like to know what Tech students have to say about the new device. Is it worth the money? Will it hold as much music as you need it to? (There are 2 models, a 4 gig and an 8 gig) Will the lack of AIM be a big factor for students?

Also, with the release of the iPhone, new talk of the next Ipod have already started, which would be Apple's 6th generation. According to many experts in the field, the new Ipod will feature a 3.5 inch display screen which will be a touchscreen, very similar to the iPhone. Also, the new Ipod will feature a camera, estimated at 2 megapixel quality. The screen will be capable of being turned landscape to allow users to watch full video's using the entire screen. The screen will also feature a virtual click-wheel which Ipod users have grown to love.

So, what are your opinions on Apple's decisions on the iPhone release and the new Ipod?

Next generation Ipod websites:
Site #1

Site #2

[NickC]

It is a very very very cool phone. Just like a PDA, you can check email, and all that stuff, like a mini computer at the palm of your hand.

It is very useful for businessmen or who ever travels alot.

But you're right, it doesnt have AIM. Most of us teens use AIM quite often. If it was between the IPhone and the Sidekick, I would take the sidekick. I wouldnt really need to log on to the net that often or check email. I can wait until I get home for that. It has alot of cool features but its just not for our age group.

[z2z007]

The plans are way too pricey and surfing on at&t's EDGE network is pathetically slow. The technology is great in the phone. I would just get it for the visual voicemail. (I really hate dealing with the current way voicemail is set up on cell phones.)

I do not think the iphone was designed for a businessman either. I believe Apple even admitted to that.

When it is compatible with 3G like the European version and has a SD slot, then I'll consider purchasing one.

[naharissya]

The new iPod looks hot. I want it but I won't buy it since its been only 6 months since i bought my 5th generation iPod. I wish Apple would stop making new ones so fast. I feel outdated.

[tycoonboy388]

The pictures that Izra posted concerning the next generation of iPod's are just guesses of what the next generation of the Ipod will look like (I think the top photos are more likely, the bottom ones are too reminiscent of the iPod mini), from what I've been able to see on the internet, it isn't concrete that another generation of iPod's are coming out this year. One of the websites Izra provided listed first quarter 2007 (already passed) as the release date of the next generation of the iPods.

For both the next generation iPod and the iPhone, I'm somewhat wary of a touchscreen, I really don't have faith that they will stay clean or still work after awhile. I also found that using the keyboard on the iPhone to be difficult, which further detracts from the touch screen. But I wouldn't buy an iPhone anyway, it isn't available on my network, and Verizon is good enough for my purposes that it wouldn't make sense to change networks to pay additional money for a phone. It really is too pricey. Who thought that an iPhone would cost as much as a PlayStation 3, though the phone is really more costly because of the plan.

[Transparent Reality]

Apple won't release a new ipod until after september at the earliest. They won't change the lineup during the free ipod promotion for college students.

[Izra]

Yeah. What really bothered me when I was trying out the iPhone was the fact that the keyboard could only be used in portrait mode, making it very difficult to type using both hands and thus limiting typing speed. The next generation iPod sounds really good but I'm concerned about the price and the fact that the click wheel will be "virtual" and "touch", because I believe that as hard as it is to keep iPods clean and in working condition now, it will only get harder. That has always been a major factor with Apple, especially their iPods, the fact that the devices are beautiful when you get them out of the box but unless you are very very careful, they scratch instantly and they aren't made to last for very long.

[z2z007]

You can use the keyboard in landscape in Safari.

[Josh]

For all those interested in an extensive, intelligent, three-part review of the iPhone (with pictures, so you don't zone out), head on over to engadget (one of my favorite sites in the whole wide world).

[RacPaime]

I have been hearing problems of the iPhone overheating and then ending up permanently damaged. As with all new products, you generally should wait when the iPhone is out and all noticeable major problems are solved. I still think the sidekick is the best although a iPhone seems great for showing off its advanced technology (and expensive price).

[Josh]

RacPaime, on Jul 5 2007, 02:15 PM, said:

I have been hearing problems of the iPhone overheating and then ending up permanently damaged.

Hell, I've been hearing that problem about every Apple product over the last 6 years.

[DhIrEn]

wow, i like the 6th generation iPod, but the iPhone isnt really that great, i think evryone just wants one because its from Apple and not because they like the actual features

[Irene]

I'm personally not a fan of the iPod. My mom bought me a green iPod mini. And I'm not happy with it. Not only does it scratch easily, but after less than 2 months, it started going on the fritz. When I turn it on, a song plays that is completely irrelevant to the song that my screen is actually displaying. Sometimes it would just freeze, forcing me to restart it. For it's price, I don't think it's worth it at all. The headphones aren't so great either. My brother's video iPod turns on by itself on more than several occassions. The mp3 players I've had before my iPod lasted me a lot longer without going on the fritz. Unfortunately, I lost all of them.

Apple keeps coming out with newer iPods utilizing greater technology. But until they come out with one that actually works well and would last me more than 2 months without getting on my nerves, I'm not spending my money on buying another one. I wonder how much the 6th generation iPod would cost.

[jj2]

Irene, on Aug 9 2007, 09:27 AM, said:

Apple keeps coming out with newer iPods utilizing greater technology. But until they come out with one that actually works well and would last me more than 2 months without getting on my nerves, I'm not spending my money on buying another one. I wonder how much the 6th generation iPod would cost.

I agree with you =) Even though the only Apple I owned is the older generation ipod shuffle, I don't plan on getting another Apple product. I think Apple is getting more credits then it deserves for its ipods. People are getting them just because their friend has one, not because they need it. (Who needs 60 gigs to hold their music anyway? MY laptop only has 50 gigs of storage, and i only use about 10.) I perfer other brands, such as the sony errisons phones, where I can just store the music on my memory card and listen to it on my phone. Much more cost efficient, and one less thing to carry when you leave the house.

[Carrie]

my bro had his ipod video for a year and a half and it's still fine. i think it depends on the user sometimes.

and i agree sony ericsson has nice phones! i love the camera

[NickC]

jj2, on Aug 9 2007, 10:06 PM, said:

I perfer other brands, such as the sony errisons phones, where I can just store the music on my memory card and listen to it on my phone. Much more cost efficient, and one less thing to carry when you leave the house.

Yup Yup, I use a 2GB Memory card and I can store so much music on it. Also, instead of using USB for storing my work, you can also use it as a USB.

Also, if you carry one less thing, people can steal one less thing from you!

[z2z007]

Personally, I keep my music on a separate device because I do not want to sap the battery life out of my phone. My phone can act as a mp3 player. It has an internal miniSD slot. Regardless, I find my ipod nano's interface to be much more intuitive. I never had any problems with it. Besides, it came free my laptop.

I understand the overheating concerns with apple products. My 1st gen macbook pro suffers from it. I think it is due to apple's overindulgence with using thermal grease. Nevertheless, I installed an application that allows me to manipulate my fan controls at my will, which alleviates the condition.

[DhIrEn]

But again, most people want ipods because other people have them, i mean there are other mp3 players that play the same music and probably cost less, but just because Apple is really popular, ipods are what people want

[Irene]

DhIrEn, on Aug 13 2007, 01:50 PM, said:

But again, most people want ipods because other people have them, i mean there are other mp3 players that play the same music and probably cost less, but just because Apple is really popular, ipods are what people want

Agreed.

[Quixotic]

I definitely don't like the Iphone right where it is now because for 600 dollars, you should expect the best. It still lacks some features ( go to this link for problems http://www.thecellfreak.com/list-of-iphone...-and-drawbacks/ )

I have an Archos 604 wifi, which has 30 gbs for music, pictures, video, wi-fi AND touchscreen. And it was 300 dollars. It's just not a phone but it can do pretty much everything else Iphone does for 300 less.

http://reviews.cnet.com/portable-video-pla...7-32027902.html

And yes, Sony Ericsson has awesome phones like the new w960i or w910.