iPhoneCTO

I lie iphone but it's not as handy as blackberry

Adrian:

Thanks for the comments.

[The "cloud" is not yet the answer to this.]

Actually, I disagree. Lots of stats have started to pop up that indicate people are carrying less data around with them; this is especially true of security-sensitive enterprise users. The cloud is a fitting rebuttal not because I think it’s a good way to weasel around this claim – it’s a philosophical commitment by the designers at Apple. Sure, it’s a bit early to suggest that the availability of cloud storage has completely resolved use cases where iPhone users are unable [practically] to overcome their device storage ceilings. However, most of the native apps and many of the web-based apps being used *today* are managing data for users in the sky. This is a rapidly emerging trend that has reached a point where removable memory sticks are right on the verge of obsolescence. As such, I think it’s prudent to point out that the lack of removable storage [in most business use cases] represents no significant reason for an enterprise to avoid the iPhone and choose the BlackBerry.

[First, expandable storage is infinitely flexible.]

Actually, I disagree with this as well. Infinite is a big number ;-) and flexible to a point. If that last 200mb file upload is unable to synch, unless you’re standing in the memory aisle at OfficeMax, there’s nothing flexible [or infinite] about removable storage. This points out yet another a scenario why I believe cloud storage is where [enterprises] will place their bets. Security benefits aside, you really want a workforce that isn’t constrained by physical device limitations.

[Music is the #1 situation that comes to mind.]

This is where you make my point (for me) about storage. No CIO will rule in BlackBerry’s removable storage benefit because her enterprise users want to carry music with them. Likewise, no CIO will ask apple to provide a removable storage feature so it can accommodate lots of music. They might ask for other reasons, but the security risks double when the onboard storage doubles.

[…you can counter the music argument by sitting iTunes itself and its playlist and music management features that allow you to mix, match and shuffle to your heart's content.]

That’s a good argument for consumer adoption, but not for business adoption.

[There are other options in the cloud but AT+T's network does force limits on Apple and their network is not there yet.]

I’m on AT&T (not that I like them necessarily) but I’m experiencing no limitations with regard to cloud SaaS services or storage. Not sure what your point was with this comment.

[I … will forgo memory expansion because it … increases the quality of the phone.]

I agree. It’s one less thing to think about; one less add-in to buy; one less issue that security-minded developers have to worry about.

[Just because it's AT+T's fault doesn't mean you can't site this as a shortcoming in the iPhone.]

The "Ten Reasons" list addresses points made about iPhone vs Blackberry; not BlackBerry on (some network) vs iPhone (on some network). As such, I think it’s prudent to measure apples and apples, er… berrys whatever (pun intended). Sure, the AT&T exclusive creates a gray area, but if we get into gray areas, we could also bring in app services that overcome the lack of any feature, jailbreaks, and using iPhone on less constrained networks. All of these are possible, but the 10 reasons become 100 possibilities and exceptions.

[If you look around even at normal phones, you'll see they are ALL addicting.]

True, but no other mobile phone manufacturer has earned the dubious distinction of the behavioral equivalent to drug addiction.

[Crackberry isn't a reflection of the uniqueness of the blackberry]

Actually, it is. It’s a reflection on the design of the device. To their credit, the BlackBerry designers produced the most easily adopted and ergonomically-fitting mobile typing device ever. No other device has achieved this level of typing productivity, and thus, it is responsible for bazzilions of email threads, responses and hyper-participation in wasteful interaction. On the upside ;-) I’m confident a lot of companies and their employees have created great successes with the help of this device, but at what cost? My hunch (which is my way of saying “I have no data to back this up”) is that companies using iPhone (with its naturally constraining keyboard) will still help organizations and teams create great successes and possibly without the addictive, time-wasting, email-thread-flooding downside of BlackBerry’s.

Let me preface this by saying I am an apple fan and am very happy with my original iPhone

8. Still No Voice Dialing

I'm not sure I understand this rebuttal. Like #9, it's now available, so why not say that?

7. No Memory Expansion

The "cloud" is not yet the answer to this. First, expandable storage is infinitely flexible. Sometimes you need to have cards to store lots of things. Music is the #1 situation that comes to mind. It is an advantage other phones have. However, you can counter the music argument by siting iTunes itself and it's playlist and music management features that allow you to mix, match and shuffle to your heart's content. There are other options in the cloud but AT+T's network does force limits on Apple and their network is not there yet. One day expandable memory will be no big deal but right now it's an issue.

I for one, however will forgo memory expansion because it reduces the number of moving parts, and increases the quality of the phone. 16 GB is enough for me now, I'll be going for 32GB sometime next year.

6. Still No MMS

Just because it's AT+T's fault doesn't mean you can't site this as a shortcoming in the iPhone. Yes AT+T has to "fix" this, but Apple signed into the deal with AT+T, so Apple's choice of locking in here is ultimately their own and they reap both the benefits and the problems which that causes.

1. Still Lacks the Crack!!!

And now something in support of Bill's article. Yes this is the stupidest argument pro Blackberry ever. If you look around even at normal phones, you'll see they are ALL addicting. Everyone txting, surfing, taking pictures, etc etc. Crackberry isn't a reflection of the uniqueness of the blackberry, it's just a clever commentary on technological society at large.

Anecdotally, I'm addicted to my iPhone, and I use it to check my work email on an exchange server constantly, flawlessly, and easily, just like crackberries. And so does the VP of the division of my company, who brought it with him when he joined up about a year ago.