When the original iPhone was first introduced, I was a BlackBerry toting loyalist. Using a BlackBerry is addicting, and it was easy to turn my nose up at the the gimmicky touchscreen device from Apple. I didn’t get it, and didn’t think it would work.
I was wrong.
The iPhone pretty much changed the landscape, and my appreciation of the device has grown substantially with every new iteration introduced. So much so, that I have actually considered (gasp!) getting one. If you knew me back in my BlackBerry days, you will understand how momentous this is. The iPhone might have the best specs wall-to-wall, and it looks HOT.
And now we have the iPhone 4S.
I had long since decided that it would take the perfect storm to nudge me towards iOS.
Basically:
- I would have to be able to get administrative rights on it. I would need Cydia.
- It would have to outperform my current device/platform by a good margin.
- I will not change carriers for it.
Other trivial drawbacks like expandability and no removable battery are not necessarily deal breakers, but they did make my choice easier to make.
With the latest iPhone supposedly set to be released on each of the Big 4 American carriers, one major self-imposed limitation will be gone. And I am looking. Hard.
Beautiful, sleek hardware. Unlimited software. Accessories for days. What is not to love? You just can’t go wrong with iOS. I’d have just about every app I have on Android, and then some. Did I say accessories?
But I am not sure that I am willing to jump ship from Android just yet. And my reason might be considered to be fairly benign.
It no longer has anything to do with my initial gripe (cloud computing). Apple has done good with iOS5 and iCloud. I wish there were more free options, but iCloud is a better reincarnation of MobileMe, and nothing is ever truly free except Salvation.
At the end of the day, it has to do with the scourge of my XP existence: iTunes. I abhor iTunes, and I truly hate the dependence on it to get iOS devices to work. I understand that it a very necessary part of the ecosystem, and it is an innovative hub of content, but I would hate the fact that for the most part, I would have to need it.
That’s my reason. It may sound a bit fickle, but I am a smartphone user, and technology fickleness defines my generation. I reserve the right to change my mind at anytime.
What about you?
John says
I understand the dislike for iTunes dependancy. But trust me. It’s worth it for the best mobile experience you can find.
That’s all.
Nick says
Yup – what John said.
ThatGuyKC says
I’m sorry, did you say “XP”?
HAHA!
Elijah Nicolas says
You actually do not need iTunes anymore with the introduction of iOS5 and iCloud. Yes it’s “free” for up to 5GBs and it will definitely not be enough with your iPhone backups taking up at least 50%, if not more of the space, but it IS the Camera replacement, Flip replacement, Nintendo DS replacement, and of course gives you the best in terms of end-user experience and that for me is the kicker. Android has been the biggest let down in terms of navigating and market segmentation. Their devices are definitely capable especially with the upcoming release of Google’s Nexus Prime next week in San Diego, but we all know it’s not about the specs alone. With iOS 5 being compatible all the way down to the iPhone 3GS, most iPhone users can expect a similar experience and friends will continue to share in their appreciation.
Stephen Parris says
Actually, the backups don’t count against your 5GB limit either. The 5GB is just for your personal “stuff.” Docs, etc.
Caleb says
Actually that’s not really correct. Your purchased music, apps, books, and your photo stream do not count against your free 5GB storage. But since that is most of what is on your device, 5GB will go a long way.
Will Rieske says
Have you ever read “Radical” by David Platt?
Adam says
I agree for slightly different reasons. First, my life runs off of Google. Android makes that easier. Second, I refuse to buy something wth a logo because everyone else does.
Yeah, and my hatred for itunes has grown as well.
Dave says
Funny, the LACK of a unifying app like iTunes was the reason I left Android for the iPhone.
Nick says
Based on this logic you will never be getting an iPhone… 😛
But seriously since I started using Spotify I haven’t touched iTunes. Not to mentioned that with iCloud you would only have to open iTunes once to use iTunes match to copy all your music to iCloud and then never have to open iTunes on your computer again… And the mobile app is pretty slick.
Tre Lawrence says
I had iTunes on my XP machine way back when. I loved it, till it turned my computer into the Balkans. Since then, the mere mention of iTunes makes me quiver.
I, too, have become Google-fied. It will be tough to change my ways. The only time I have needed to physically tether was to root the device.
Chris says
You can use Spotify to push music to your phone. It will let you import your local music files and then from there you can sync to your phone. No iTunes needed. It’s how I put music on my Android phone from my Mac. And I do it wirelessly over wi-fi!
So I just took care of one of your excuses for you. I’ll be switching from my Droid2 to an iPhone on Verizon in May when my current contract is up. I was also a former Blackberry user. The only thing I miss is the keyboard.
Ed Roden says
Wow…the exact reason I have stayed on android! iTunes is horrible.
Matt B. says
I’m right there with you. I’ve thought about the iPhone a few different times, but being an Android fan these days, I can’t really justify the Apple “coolness” factor over being comfortable with Android now.
Raoul Snyman says
I don’t use Windows or OS X. So I’m one of those freedom-loving open source hippies. I don’t buy Apple products because of lock-in. I don’t do Microsoft, and I’m wary of Google for the same reasons (Google less so, because they tend to implement open standards, but none-the-less).
Quite frankly, I can find better phones that are not from Apple (my current phone is a freedom-loving Nokia N900 with real Linux – not Android – on it).
Also, as I mentioned on another post, why buy an expensive iPhone, when you could buy a slightly less expensive phone and give the rest of the money to missions?
Gangai Victor says
“why buy an expensive iPhone, when you could buy a slightly less expensive phone and give the rest of the money to missions?”
Wow…amazing thought, God bless you Raoul!
Becky says
I support your decision that you can choose to want it but also choose to not get it as well. I have yet to move up to a Blackberry and I’m young, so you can take however much time you want. I will say that the iPhone is probably better, though could be more distracting if you have a hard time focusing without it as it is. I think it’d be great but not going for it right now, it’s your choice.
Jeremy says
I have a Blackberry, but I also have an iPhone, iPod, and iPad. The BB was my first, then I went to Google Android, but soon went back to BB. The Android phones are good, but have too many hiccups. I bought an iPod years ago, and it’s never failed me. I was given an iPad for work, and I have to say, it’s Amazing (except for the whole Flash thing). Those two devices, and the fact that Verizon started selling iPhones, is what lead me to get an iPhone for work. I still have my personal BB, but I have to say the iPhone beats it. It works great, no software hiccups, and now with iOS5, it will be even better. It is also one of the easiest smartphones to operate. My wife is not a techincal person, and hated her Android phone. She found it too complicated. I recommend the iPhone, and she can’t put it down. Everybody will have their preferences, and there are somethings that the iPhone can’t do, yet. But if you are true to yourself, you cannot deny Apple’s quality is one of the Best in the world, and that’s why people are attracted to the Apple brand. It’s funny how people who have Android or BB phones call Apple users followers, but BB and definitely Google is one of the biggest companies of the world. Who are the real followers? I have to say it’s sad that Jobs is gone now. I hope that the company keeps up the work that he started, but I’m sad for Jobs himself. I don’t know if he accepted Jesus before he died, I just pray he did!
Aaron Wright says
My experience with iTunes on Windows was the reason I never bought an iPod or any other iDevice for that matter. However, after making the switch to Mac with the most recent Macbook Pro, my experience using iTunes with my iPad 2 (of which I am now on my second one), has been relatively painless. Of course, I sync very little to iTunes, everything is in the cloud now.
I am strongly considering ditching my Android phone (I have an HTC Incredible) for the iPhone 4S. I will miss the dedicated Amazon MP3 app and Google Nav though. I just have no desire to have to hack my phone to receive OS updates in a timely manner…
Allan White says
As others mentioned, iOS 5 cuts the [annoying] iTunes cord. I think it’s a game-changer.
Happy with my iPhone 4, can’t wait to drop i
Allan White says
As others mentioned, iOS 5 cuts the [annoying] iTunes cord. I think it’s a game-changer.
Happy with my iPhone 4, can’t wait to drop iOS 5 on it.
Tre Lawrence says
Aaron… I have been tempted too. Really, really tempted. And I’ll be the first to admit that my hatred for iTunes may a bit over the top.
I might be too much of a tinkerer to be satisfied with iOS. Also, I am struggling to come up with functionality that I would have on iOS that I don’t already have on my EVO.
I rely heavily on TeleNav, which i get for free, and Gapps too.
It’s a tough situation… ***dramatic sigh***