My iPhone 4 has officially been put to shame

[Moe UK]

I think this is a fabulous concept and Engaget have shown it to work, not to fussed about the media or keyboard dock but the laptop one is an amazing. My iPhone has pretty much made my laptop redundant but at times when on the sofa or in bed it would be nice to surf in a bigger screen like a laptop but one that doesn't pump out a ridiculous amount of heat.

Also this could be huge for enterprise environments, imagine a citrix like client that ran in the docked mode, you could make a huge saving on buying smartphones and laptops.

as phones become more and more powerful I can see concepts like this becoming the norm. I still have a desktop at home for when I need a full desktop experience and as a server for all out media but i can see how the Atrix style concept could really replace netbooks and dare I say it laptops?

Ofcourse it is Motorola so they will find a way to cripple the whole things and price it far too high.

 

[tigress666]

Ok, I just plain don't get it.

Why would I want to use it on my computer? If I have my computer on, I'm just going to use my computer... I really don't get the advantage. Or was it that that was some dummy terminal for the phone? Even so you're still lugging a laptop sized thing around as well as your phone, why not just lug a laptop?

That ad shows it being "useful" when you are around other devices, but how is it useful as a *mobile* phone/PDA? It doesn't really show any advantages over any other smartphone in that respect. It doesn't show it being that mobile. I guess if you are near a tv that's useful. I think the amount of times I even slightly felt the need to connect my phone to a tv is so slight I can't even think of it (and if I did it wasn't some big disappointment I could not).

And who cares if I can connect it to my computer?!!!! Seriously? Anything it can do (besides make a call), my computer can do better so why would I care about connecting it? And for making a call, why would I want to do that through my computer anyways?! My phone has speaker phone if I have to use that so where is the advantage there? And seriously, if it is a dummy terminal, once again, why lug that around when you could lug a full on laptop around, the phone isn't making anything more mobile than a laptop! so why is that all that big a deal? I honestly think that looks pretty damned useless (unless the terminal is really cheap and you can't afford a laptop).

I was thinking at first that maybe it would show that it projected that screen and maybe a projected keyboard. Now, that would be impressive (or something that some how allowed it to be as small as a phone but make it pretty much as useful as a laptop when you needed). But I really don't get why it's so useful that it can connect to a laptop/dummy terminal for the phone.

I'm just annoyed cause I thought I'd see something impressive when I clicked on that link (like the proposal some company had for the projected video screen from a phone). I mean I like gadgets. But I can't even see why that's even impressive at all. It's really kinda boring.

 

[Sedrick]

Ok, I just plain don't get it.

Why would I want to use it on my computer? If I have my computer on, I'm just going to use my computer... I really don't get the advantage. Or was it that that was some dummy terminal for the phone? Even so you're still lugging a laptop sized thing around as well as your phone, why not just lug a laptop?

That ad shows it being "useful" when you are around other devices, but how is it useful as a *mobile* phone/PDA? It doesn't really show any advantages over any other smartphone in that respect. It doesn't show it being that mobile. I guess if you are near a tv that's useful. I think the amount of times I even slightly felt the need to connect my phone to a tv is so slight I can't even think of it (and if I did it wasn't some big disappointment I could not).

And who cares if I can connect it to my computer?!!!! Seriously? Anything it can do (besides make a call), my computer can do better so why would I care about connecting it? And for making a call, why would I want to do that through my computer anyways?! My phone has speaker phone if I have to use that so where is the advantage there? And seriously, if it is a dummy terminal, once again, why lug that around when you could lug a full on laptop around, the phone isn't making anything more mobile than a laptop! so why is that all that big a deal? I honestly think that looks pretty damned useless (unless the terminal is really cheap and you can't afford a laptop).

I was thinking at first that maybe it would show that it projected that screen and maybe a projected keyboard. Now, that would be impressive (or something that some how allowed it to be as small as a phone but make it pretty much as useful as a laptop when you needed). But I really don't get why it's so useful that it can connect to a laptop/dummy terminal for the phone.

I'm just annoyed cause I thought I'd see something impressive when I clicked on that link (like the proposal some company had for the projected video screen from a phone). I mean I like gadgets. But I can't even see why that's even impressive at all. It's really kinda boring.

Ads like that just through everything against the wall and hope something sticks for each person. It's to be expected, relax. Everyone won't use all that anymore than everyone is using FaceTime.

Look at all the crap that's out there for the iPhone. How much of that junk do you have? I have a dock for work to listen to music and cable to plug it into my car (for music).

The meat and potatoes is how great the phone itself is. That's the anchor.

 

[PhoneI]

I will never give Motorola anymore of my money. I have been burnt to many time with their shotty hardware and poor customer service.

 

[Moe UK]

And who cares if I can connect it to my computer?!!!!

Your not connecting to a computer, it is the computer.

 

[rwilliams]

Every other month there's some new Android-powered superphone that's supposed to change everything. If that's your thing, then great, but it's gotta be hard trying to have the latest and greatest when something better is sure to show up 2 months after you buy your phone. I prefer one phone that does everything I need it to do and does it very well. For me, that's the iPhone.

 

[tigress666]

Ads like that just through everything against the wall and hope something sticks for each person. It's to be expected, relax. Everyone won't use all that anymore than everyone is using FaceTime.

<snipped>

The meat and potatoes is how great the phone itself is. That's the anchor.

Except that ad doesn't really focus on how great the phone is. It seems to just focus on, look, it can connect to this dummy terminal (which honestly, I really don't see the allure. If I have to carry a laptop sized thing around to take advantage of that, why is it better than just having a laptop and a cellphone. You don't really get rid of either with their solution). It mentioned some other stuff on the side but it didn't really mention why those are all that much more desirable than other phones.

Your not connecting to a computer, it is the computer.

Ok, why wouldn't I just buy a laptop that still would perform better than the phone? it's not more portable as you still have to pretty much carry a screen and keyboard around (I wonder if the MBA isn't smaller than what they have you port around?).

And why is it more mobile and better than any other smart phone?

Really, what about it connecting to a computer dummy terminal to turn it into a computer makes it better than a laptop or a cellphone (I really would actually prefer to make my calls over my phone, it's easier to hold onto my ear and speakerphone is only a good option when you need hands free and the phone can do that just as well by itself)?

Really, why is that any advantage over anything we have now?

I really don't get the point of why that is so exciting. It doesn't make it more mobile than either another smart phone or a laptop. It doesn't perform better than a full laptop. The only single advantage I could see is a cheap way to have a laptop equivalent. And they don't bother to mention how pricey that whole solution would be so the ad doesn't even entice you with, hey, you'll save money with this solution!

 

[milani]

^ There are no advantages. As someone above said they're just throwing everything against the wall to see what sticks.

Besides the fact that it's utterly useless - as has been pointed out many times - it would also be proprietary, and would only work with Motorola Android phones (perhaps even just this one phone - as Motorola will probably dump the idea for its next next big thing).

Sorry, but while this is a great technology concept, it's an absolutely pin-headed consumer product.

 

[Cod3rror]

I've said before and I'll say it again the setup like Motorola Atrix is the future, watch for other companies to adopt it... it's convenient, innovative and they can sell a crap load of docks too.

Windows 8 will work with ARM, Microsoft will most likely use the same setup, mobile UI when not docked and a full Windows 8 OS when docked, by that time there will be quad core phones around with enough power to run everything smoothly.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1080222/

 

[tadad1]

I've said before and I'll say it again the setup like Motorola Atrix is the future, watch for other companies to adopt it... it's convenient, innovative and they can sell a crap load of docks too.

Windows 8 will work with ARM, Microsoft will most likely use the same setup, mobile UI when not docked and a full Windows 8 OS when docked, by that time there will be quad core phones around with enough power to run everything smoothly.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1080222/

I agree with you, personally I like the concept of a single convergent device that services all my digital needs.

Whilst I won't be running out to pick up an Atrix the minute they hit the stores unlike the endless line up of Droids and Desires etc. this is the first new device in a long time that has even peaked my interest.

 

[Apple...]

I will never give Motorola anymore of my money. I have been burnt to many time with their shotty hardware and poor customer service.

You're not the only one.

Every other month there's some new Android-powered superphone that's supposed to change everything. If that's your thing, then great, but it's gotta be hard trying to have the latest and greatest when something better is sure to show up 2 months after you buy your phone. I prefer one phone that does everything I need it to do and does it very well. For me, that's the iPhone.

Agreed. One refresh, once per year.

I agree with you, personally I like the concept of a single convergent device that services all my digital needs.

Whilst I won't be running out to pick up an Atrix the minute they hit the stores unlike the endless line up of Droids and Desires etc. this is the first new device in a long time that has even peaked my interest.

Ugh. Really? I don't want my smartphone to become my computer. Just sayin'.

 

[solideliquid]

I have a skype unlimited calling account. I just did everything they did on my Macbook Pro. Yay.

 

[Apple...]

I have a skype unlimited calling account. I just did everything they did on my Macbook Pro. Yay.

This. ^ I don't need another computer.

 

[Jollins]

When people do these spec comparisons, they never take screen resolution into account. Here are my two cents:

I've played with a lot of android phones, and I think most are junk. I played with the Atrix at CES though, and the thing rocks. It feels great, is only marginally bigger than the iPhone, and the dock is seriously cool. I really think this one will deliver, and it's awesome to see AT&T finally get a good high-end Android phone.

But... The Atrix is probably the highest-specced phone out there now, and it still hasn't matched the iPhone 4's 3.5" 940x640 screen. The Atrix is close, but still not there (it's 4" @ 960x530 or something like that). And yes, I definitely could tell a difference. The iPhone 4 still has the sharpest screen I've seen, and I won't really consider the other Android phones coming out until they can match or beat that.

 

[Mliii]

That's what was said about iPhone 4 and all we got was mediocre OS upgrades and hardware that barley caught up to the competition.

Just curious...have you EVER posted ANYTHING positive about anything iPhone related? Every time I read a post you send to Macrumors, I can count on it being negative.

I've been on line for every iPhone release since 2007 and iPhone 4 might very well be my last iPhone.

I'm sure Apple will be broken hearted when you leave...

 

[Sedrick]

... it would also be proprietary, and would only work with Motorola Android phones (perhaps even just this one phone - as Motorola will probably dump the idea for its next next big thing).

And the iPhone isn't proprietary? The iPhone is the most proprietary phone on earth. Other people have also mentioned that the Atrix docks are proprietary. You can't call out the Atrix dock for being proprietary unless you also call out the iPhone.

The fact that both are proprietary shouldn't be a factor in the least.

 

[Cod3rror]

I agree with you, personally I like the concept of a single convergent device that services all my digital needs.

Whilst I won't be running out to pick up an Atrix the minute they hit the stores unlike the endless line up of Droids and Desires etc. this is the first new device in a long time that has even peaked my interest.

Exactly, well said Tadad, I want one small device that comfortably and full replaces a laptop and acts as a phone too.

Atrix is the first of it's kind, more advanced devices with the concept improved will follow.

 

[darngooddesign]

Hopefully if this takes off they will do a tablet version as well.

 

[milani]

And the iPhone isn't proprietary? The iPhone is the most proprietary phone on earth. Other people have also mentioned that the Atrix docks are proprietary. You can't call out the Atrix dock for being proprietary unless you also call out the iPhone.

The fact that both are proprietary shouldn't be a factor in the least.

The iPhone is also proprietary, but when I buy an iPhone 5, I can, with some certainty, assume that my dock will still be compatible.

 

[tadad1]

Ugh. Really? I don't want my smartphone to become my computer. Just sayin'.

And right there is the beauty of it, it doesn't have to be if you don't want it to.

Whilst I can understand the concept not being every ones cup of tea I can't help but think that if this was an Apple preview with the home buttonless iPhone 5 "Changing Everything Yet Again Again" by seamlessly docking as the multi gesture touchpad of the the new even more "Magical and Revolutionary" MacBook Air and instantly booting to a cloud based hybrid iOS 5 - OSX operating system dubbed "Cloud Leopard" whilst simultaneously AirPlay linking to your Apple TV all the nay-sayers in this thread would be drooling into their keyboards and needing a change of shorts.

 

[tigress666]

Exactly, well said Tadad, I want one small device that comfortably and full replaces a laptop and acts as a phone too.

Atrix is the first of it's kind, more advanced devices with the concept improved will follow.

Does it really replace a laptop? Will it run Word and Excel? Will it run regular computer programs? Like full versions and not versions written for a mobile OS?

It seems the only thing it would replace is those that just need an internet machine.

Personally, I would want my phone to stay very mobile (goes with me everywhere, and I'm not taking a laptop sized thing everywhere). The only way I'd want it to be able to replace my laptop (since the solution they have here still has you lugging the phone and a laptop sized object) is if it had something like a projection screen and keyboard so that you're still just carrying around a phone sized object. Even then, I'd miss having a tactile keyboard.

 

[thegman1234]

This is a great proof of concept, but I can't imagine there ever being a realistic application for something like this. You can talk all the noise you want about the iPhone being outdated and under featured, but what's the point of having features that you have no application for in your life? And if there is a feature missing that you need direly, no pun intended, there's probably an app for that.

As far as the 4 inch screen goes, I don't get why everyone is putting so much emphasis and desire into having a larger screen. Be careful what you wish for. My cousin has an Evo and it's huge. Why do you need a 4 inch screen on your cell phone? The last thing I'm hoping for in the new iPhone is for it to be bigger.

 

[kuebby]

And the iPhone isn't proprietary? The iPhone is the most proprietary phone on earth. Other people have also mentioned that the Atrix docks are proprietary. You can't call out the Atrix dock for being proprietary unless you also call out the iPhone.

The fact that both are proprietary shouldn't be a factor in the least.

Yes, the iPhone is proprietary, BUT it is compatible with other things that I like and use. I've owned an iPod since 2003 and I can still use some of the same accessories because at least the proprietary system used by Apple has stayed the same, even while the devices themselves have evolved. I don't see other manufacturers doing us this same courtesy (ie, Samsung, who LOVES the random proprietary connector that changes all the time).

Obviously I'm not saying that this holds true for everyone but it is for me and that's why I have an iPhone and why I'll continue to own an iPhone until something that better suits my needs comes along.

 

[Apple...]

And right there is the beauty of it, it doesn't have to be if you don't want it to.

Whilst I can understand the concept not being every ones cup of tea I can't help but think that if this was an Apple preview with the home buttonless iPhone 5 "Changing Everything Yet Again Again" by seamlessly docking as the multi gesture touchpad of the the new even more "Magical and Revolutionary" MacBook Air and instantly booting to a cloud based hybrid iOS 5 - OSX operating system dubbed "Cloud Leopard" whilst simultaneously AirPlay linking to your Apple TV all the nay-sayers in this thread would be drooling into their keyboards and needing a change of shorts.

Eh, can't say that would be me. I hope the home button never leaves - multi-touch gestures are a nice addition, but please Apple, there's no need to get rid of it.

 

[CosmoPilot]

Dude you're really clueless. The Atrix 4G is just the beginning, wait a year from one, every cell phone will try to beat that. A phone that can become a netbook and a Apple TV like device is really something ground breaking. This thing is probably the first real innovation since the first iPhone was released in 2007. Airplay is not even on the same neighborhood.

Some of you knocking this thing right now will be drooling in a year or two from now, when Apple finally announces the iPhone 6 or whatever which is able to be docked into a MBA like shell, stating "woooow... Apple is really innovating this time". I like my iPhone 4 more than any Android I have seen so far, but lets face, this phone is really cool, at least in concept. You need to very blinded by your Apple fanboyism to not see that.

You could be right, but I'm leaning towards this being a fad...not an earth moving event, and here's why:

1. Powering a home/laptop device with a mobile device is truly revolutionary, but what happens when the mobile device and home/laptop device are separated? One can't access the other individually, so they must be a tandem act. Thus, you must constantly keep the two together anywhere you travel. This is no different than carrying a laptop now. What happens if the mobile device is lost or stolen? Does this render the laptop useless?

2. Security: In the event a mobile device gets destroyed while traveling (dropped, stepped on, driven over, lost, wet, etc.). Does the business traveler lose the ability to get the important files/presentations off the laptop without the "brains" being there?

Again, this is revolutionary in design...I just feel it loses momentum in real world application. The bottleneck occurs with carrying the brains around in your pocket. If those brains get smashed...it becomes a zero sum game. I believe users will want the added protection of having a stand alone laptop...separate from their mobile devices.

Since I make just shy of what Steve Jobs does, take my opinions with a grain of salt.