The 3G iPhone is Apple shame

[wronski]

And where did I say anything remotely resembling that remark? Why do people constantly argue against things I didn't say? Of course I agree with this.

This is a public forum. I was merely putting that out there for everyone else to see, not arguing with you at all.

 

[Small White Car]

Are you blind?

He's talking about the 3g, not 2.0 firmware

This is the only actual complaint he made in the first post:

As an enterprise device is it is a complete waste of time - I am so frustrated with every aspect of it. It isn't even a good toy. It is unreliable and you spend more time fiddling with restoring it and loosing important data because the back up you have isn't compatible with the latest buggy firmware or some other badly engineered excuse.

Forgive me, but that really sounds like software issue to me. You disagree, and that's fine, but I don't think it's unreasonable for me to have taken it the way I did.

 

[wolfwill23]

I 'switched' in 2004 and haven't touched a PC since (thank God.) I own three Macs and use them for my business.

I could not wait for the iPhone 3G to come. Well, several trips to the Apple store later and countless hours spent on the phone with tech support, I can safely say that the product is a huge turd. It just doesn't work.

I am on my 3RD IPHONE now and the reception problems persist. I have been a customer of AT&T for over 10 years and HAVE NEVER had reception as poor as this. I probably drop about 10% of my calls, which is very embarrassing for business. And the calls are dropped in completely random situations. It used to be, 'Oh wait, I'm approaching a dead zone, let me call you back.' No more. Now I'll be sitting in my office, have 4 bars on 3G and then I drop the call and have 1 bar on EDGE, then NO SERVICE and then back to 4 bars on 3G. Wtf?! And if I turn off 3G (which I shouldn't have to) the problem is still there.

If this is what's to expect from a more popular Apple INC., then I it's a sad day for Mac users. I can't believe Jobs let this happen. The reason you pay a premium for Apple products is because 'they just work.' But the iPhone 3G DOES NOT work. It's a lemon and I smell an unavoidable product recall coming soon.

 

[Linuss]

You're cherrypicking again:

This was just infront of your quote, to justify what the quote was talking about

Apple's 3G iPhone is a shock and debacle!

Heck, your quote even says "Enterprise Device", not software.


And here's some other parts naming the 3g specifically:

. I was so excited when the 3G version came out believing that Apple just gets better and better.

What a fool am I!


Apple's loss of honour and dignity as exemplified by the iPhone 3G.

 

[tomashi]

the very fact that you are a apple aficianado for 20 years made me disregard everything else you said

 

[Small White Car]

And here's some other parts naming the 3g specifically:

He's obviously using "3G" to refer to "this phone I just bought" and not "an exact, specific part of this phone." If I say "I don't like this phone" you think it's impossible that I might be referring to the software? That HAS to be a hardware complaint? Why?

Clearly you want to interpret every use of the word "3G" to mean "the hardware" and nothing but.

I think, on the other hand, that if someone is complaining about having to restore the software, they're talking about...the software! You seem to so tightly focused on his exact word choices that you ignored the actual message. He's complaining about things not working. The things he complained about are all software related issues. Obviously he wasn't too careful about what things he called by what name, but if you look at the overall story, it's all software problems.

 

[joeconvert]

I've had no trouble with mine. I also like how you complain the the 3G is not an enterprise device even though you owned the original iPhone and thought it was fine.

Yea, except now Apple is going out of their way to promote it as one. This in turn leading to disappointment and nonperformance - which is exactly what the OP is complaining about.

 

[Dammit Cubs]

I have been an Apple Afficiando for 20 years and I purchased an iPhone 1.0 and used it without too much hassle for a year before the launch of the 3G version. I was so excited when the 3G version came out believing that Apple just gets better and better.

What a fool am I! Apple has become worse than Microsoft - mostly becasue we expect Microsoft to be awful at everything they do. Apple's 3G iPhone is a shock and debacle! It is horrible. As an enterprise device is it is a complete waste of time - I am so frustrated with every aspect of it. It isn't even a good toy. It is unreliable and you spend more time fiddling with restoring it and loosing important data because the back up you have isn't compatible with the latest buggy firmware or some other badly engineered excuse.

I used to be Apple's biggest freelance unpaid sales guru - now, I am ashamed and humiliated. I cannot forgive the wasted hours, ******* around and disappointment caused by Apple's loss of honour and dignity as exemplified by the iPhone 3G. You will not recover from this one Apple - you have lost your soul, your essence, to whatever demon rules the digital age - you know the one, the one the keeps Microsoft kicking despite its death years ago!

Apple and Steve Jobs should be ashamed of themselves. I wonder whose heads are rolling over this one. I can't begin to express my disdain and disgust. Nokia, I was wrong! All is forgiven!

I actually enjoy it alot. Considering I had the old iphone. The enterprise has really helped me to help my work email and all those software apps are cool. The reason for all the slow downs is simple. More apps = more threads = slower performance.

You got to be kidding me if you think this is apple's worse product. And you are seriously mad if you think apple's gotten "worse" than microsoft.

But it's one man's opinion trying to ruin anothers. If you really didn't care about expressing your opinion... why post it on message boards? Why not send Apple a personal complaint yourself. Oh thats right... steve checks these boards all the time. thats where his workers are getting some ideas!.....(silence)

relax home spice.

 

[Linuss]

He's obviously using "3G" to refer to "this phone I just bought" and not "an exact, specific part of this phone." If I say "I don't like this phone" you think it's impossible that I might be referring to the software? That HAS to be a hardware complaint? Why?

Clearly you want to interpret every use of the word "3G" to mean "the hardware" and nothing but.

I think, on the other hand, that if someone is complaining about having to restore the software, they're talking about...the software! You seem to so tightly focused on his exact word choices that you ignored the actual message. He's complaining about things not working. The things he complained about are all software related issues. Obviously he wasn't too careful about what things he called by what name, but if you look at the overall story, it's all software problems.

You quoted "device" yourself.

Since when did "device" = "software"?

I always thought device meant hardware, and software meant software.

But what do I know?



Could the software be part of the problem? Sure. But there are far more problems from people on the 3G then on the 2G.

 

[wronski]

No. Device is the whole package in my opinion. That's Apple's big thing: making devices where they include their hardware and software.

 

[Small White Car]

You quoted "device" yourself.

Since when did "device" = "software"?

I always thought device meant hardware, and software meant software.

"Device" is what's in your hand. It is half software and half hardware. Both parts affect how the device works.

If the a chip fails or the software controlling that chip fails the result is the same = Device doesn't work.

 

[marksman]

I think the 3G iPhone is awesome and a nice improvement over my original iPhone.

I would like to thank Apple.

 

[redgaz26]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 2_0_2 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/525.18.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.1.1 Mobile/5C1 Safari/525.20)

still beats the zune!!

It's far better than any other mobile/pda out there even with some problems.
Let's hope the problems are solved soon???

 

[Deadman64]

Can I buy an optional RAM upgrade for my iPhone 3G?

 

[Sowelu]

I love my iPhone 3G - when it works, and unfortunately that's not too often. I can honestly say that I've spent more time doing restores (due to the Apple Logo of Death) and soft resets (to get connectivity back) than I have actually using and enjoying the phone the way it was designed to be used.

While I may not be as upset as the OP - I too am annoyed at and disappointed by Apple for clearly rushing this device and software to the market. The iPhone 3G clearly was not ready for the masses and definitely needed another month or two of testing. I won’t even get into MobileMe which is still slow and buggy.

There is really nothing to debate. Let the endless marathon threads of severe connectivity issues, app crashes, excessive restores, case cracks, and inconsistent display quality speak for themselves. I wonder exactly how much R&D went into this product, and how they didn’t run into any of these problems while testing.

The cosmetic build issues alone should have been flagged with the test units initially built at the factory. This alone leads me to believe that the product was rushed and did not go through vigorous testing. Now that they are forced to use plastic backings, you’d think they’d take the time to make sure it will hold up as well as the aluminum did (and use a special plastic that is better than the rest). Ironically, the plastic backing didn’t do much for reception – at least not for me. I’d rather have one less bar than a $500 phone with cracks all over it.

I would have preferred an announcement from Apple (Steve Jobs) stating that there will be a delay, and the new iPhone 3G will now be ready in the Fall of 2008. Instead, to keep shareholders happy, they stuck to their initial target date. As a result, we are all along for the beta testing ride, even though we thought we were buying a product that ‘just worked’ as advertised.

A true Apple fan would expect more from their favorite tech company (like me), and not defend it when all the issues at hand have been proven (in large quantities) over and over again. Like I’ve said before – I believe in Apple and I’ll deal with the beta testing period as I have faith that the iPhone 3G that they meant to go to market, will actually soon come to be.

 

[Oskee2001]

I recently got the 3G on Tuesday after 8 months with the first generation iPhone. I loved my first iPhone, but the Edge speeds were getting unbearable. I was also experiencing crashing and buggy apps, but that seemed to be a problem with 2.0 more than anything. So I got the 3G, and its certainly a lot faster, and the buggy apps and crashing are still there. Haven't had a huge problem with dropped calls, so it looks like the major problem is the software -- the 2.0's. once 2.1 comes out, i'm guessing it'll be back to normal....

 

[iPhoney3G]

INX13.....What's even worse??? They are currently denying it!

Hey INX13.....what's even worse is that they are NOT taking responsibility. They are digging themselves a HUGE hole. Instead of saying "we are aware of the problems, we are working hard to resolve them, and a "fix" should be available in September," they are denying that problems exist!!!! What a shame...this is a business mistake that has been made over and over and over again. See my thread under "iPhoney3G" to see what the "genius" in the apple store told me! It will make you .

 

[BoingoBongo]

I'm not only concerned about the fact that they're not aknowledging the problems, but that they're increasing production at unbelievable rates.

I would LOVE a product recall at this point. But how likely is something like that going to be when there are millions and millions of defective units in use?

 

[Elven]

For every bad story of the iPhone their is 600 good ones.

I have an iPhone 3G 8GB, mint, works, no problems, sure the software did not update right, backup worked.. restored, now works.

I'm happy.

 

[kleo]

That's what you get for buying the first run of something without giving it time for the kinks to be worked out.


It's basic knowledge on all car/tech purchases== DON'T GO FIRST RUN.

The first gen iPhone was 100X better then this pos plastic 3G thing.

 

[docal97]

i think that overall the new OS is significantly better after the new updates than at launch. I can understand the complaining after launch, but for most, the situation has significantly improved, and should be even better after the 1.2 firmware in a few weeks. The 2.0 software obviously wasn't ready to be released when it was, but I think now we're seeing an OS that is of the phone, and should only get better soon.

It had to be expected that with something as new and untested as the App store that there would be problems. I'm sure Apple is working hard to resolve those issues.

 

[mac jones]

Such shame.

A once mighty company now needs to hide head in sand.

And while stockholders are having huge party

Oh the shame

 

[bbapps]

Gotta admit thou Apple does push the envelope of technology. Apple comes out with the IPhone all of a sudden you have Samsung, Palm, Blackberry, .. coming out with new phones to match. I'm sure Microsoft has something in the makings too. I'm mean I never thought I'd be able to SSH or remote desktop into my servers to perform a quick fix using my cell phone.

I remember, must of been around 5+ years ago, all these PDAs and bulky smart phones where coming out. Wife tried to get me to buy one, no way, won't fit in my pocket, doesn't do what I want. Not until the IPhone have I considered one of these smartphones/PDA devices. Don't have one yet, but got my family plan all moved over to AT&T except for one straggler (e.g. myself), plan on getting an IPhone in the morning.

I'm sure these issues will be resolved (e.g. or I wouldn't be going down to get one in the morning). I remembered when I got my new Aluminum IMac, 1st Gen, there was some issues with the video card/driver, forums were flaming just as they are now, Apple was just as silent (e.g. they be fixing, not getting into the PR mud fest). It wasn't long before that was resolved with driver updates, just had to stay away from graphic intensive programs for a while. Oh yea, wasn't long after that Dell starting coming out with more stylish hardware (e.g. have you seen Dell's laptop commercial, sounded just like a Apple commercial).

By the way, just switch to OSX maybe 1-2 years ago, now have two, three counting the one I bought for my son. A joy to use!!!

 

[lakaiordie]

the iphone has to be apples most popular product ever

and you know what happens with popular products, more people have them. so then the people who do have problems are online complaining.

 

[inx13]

The Op Responds

Firstly, as the ORIGINAL POSTER, let me thank you one and all for such an enthusiastic and, for the most part, intelligent response to my rave last night. It is true, I had a bad month with the iPhone 2.0 crashing daily and having to restore the little bugger as a new phone each time because the back ups were corrupt. (Caused by telephone calls or text messages coming through while backing up – I suspect – now I switch to aeroplane mode when backing up ands syncing). Secondly, my work has been suffering too much while I try to manage this iPhone 2.0 – something that didn’t happened with the iPhone 1.0.

Yes, I am a Newbie to this forum as a voice, not an observer, and I have had 20 years experience with owning and loving Macs and Apple. I am happiest fiddling and fixing my Apple gear as an Art Director, business manager and musician. I own way too much equipment and manage all the gear at work and for friends and family. Yes, I am a power user. And I know people with less expectations and demands having too much fun with their iPhones – for now…

As for Apple – as a company and its many products have been more than a brand for me (as for many of you) – it has been an Uber Lovemark (yes I am quoting). And as such we, the users, own the Lovemark – not Apple. Apple has an obligation to us to maintain the integrity of their Brand – and our Lovemark – or run the very real risk of becoming the ‘Bland’ that Microsoft has become. Apple has always been the leader in design and quality in an industry renowned for soul shattering mediocrity - especially given the possibilities of what we really could be enjoying.

For the first time in my 20-year love affair with the Mac and Apple, I have been compelled to provocatively speak out and denounce my Lovemark! I have felt betrayed! Emotional? You may say that and it would be an accurate analysis. Mad? In every sense of the word - perhaps! But I don’t care what people think – in fact, most of the time I am surprised that they do. Apple was for me different – yes ‘think different’. Its 1984 ad ‘why 1984 will not be 1984’ epitomized its magic and power. Apple seems to have lost that spark that ignited it. Is it a symptom of becoming too diversified and too big, while rationalising the workforce and outsourcing essential services? Cost cutting and letting marketing opportunities shadow quality control?

To me the iPhone 2.0 should be re-branded and sold as Microsoft product, then we would come to accept is flaws as expected and predictable. Apple rushed the product to market excited by the international opportunities and the success of the open source community!

1. The software is (Microsoft) buggy – if you run the Apple software only, you are relatively safe, I think. However, he 3G chip is intermittent and unreliable.
2. If you download apps from the Appstore, I suspect that Apple is not checking compatibility between apps and its firmware – and therein lies one of the cores of its instability.
3. The Apps in the Appstore are probably not properly checked and some are just downright badly designed from a technical POV – I will not comment on some of the (artistic) designs and concepts at this point.
4. I suspect that this iPhone has cheaper and less reliable components compared to the iPhone 1.0.
So, there! That’s is off my chest and having visted a local telco this morning, I have realised that I will stick with the [skanky] iPhone 2.0, even though it is fraught with problems and gives me heartburn – the alternatives are too ghastly to contemplate!