iWant
I’m not really a gadget geek. But after all of the early adapters have tested out the latest tech tools for me, I inevitably begin to pine to be part of their club. So it’s official, I finally have iPhone fever.
I haven’t quite convinced Sherry (or my wallet) that my fever needs curing, though. Apparently the ability to upload pictures to flickr on the go or play video games while waiting for her outside an Old Navy dressing room still falls in the “want” and not the “need” category. But I did see Sherry perk up at Apple’s latest iPhone commercial featuring the home-improvement-themed MutliLevel app. A phone and a level in one? How cool. Now if only they could make a screwdriver, hammer and paintbrush app too…
Are any of you members of the iPhone club? Has it improved your life or, better yet, helped you become a better DIY-er or blogger in any particular way? Do tell.
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iHave… and I use it *constantly*. And especially with a new house, I use it for shopping lists on my many Lowes trips, photos of furniture and art (sync’ed with Evernote for easy tagging and sorting), and music while working. And that little level does come in pretty handy!
I have an iPhone and I love it. It’s very addicting. It’s nice to have when you waiting in the car for preschool pickup or stuck somewhere. I probably use it mainly for checking email. It is also nice for directions.
I’ve had my iPhone for over a year and I don’t know what I’d do without it! Once you get one, you’ll wonder how you lived without it. I read your blog on my iPhone every day! There are so many amazing apps that make your life easier and more organized. I highly recommend getting one for you and Sherry! -sent from my iPhone :)
I have an iphone and absolutely love it. I got rid of my landline and use it for everything — phone, email, calendar, lists, getting online at times, photos, directions, etc. It is also fun and for games and that type of thing, but it definitely has made my life easier.
I had one and after a week returned it and got a Blackberry. 100% reliable, functional and you can also upload pics to facebook or flickr on the go!
And no, it’s not that I didn’t understand how it works. And no, I’m not an anti-apple girl. At home we have two iMac, one MacBook and two iPods classic. I wish I could have loved more that iPhone. Cute, but not good enough for business.
I WISH I had an iPhone! My 15 year old, 11 year old, and husband own one. I am the outcast in my family without. Reason: They insist I am much too clumsy. Fact is, if I really wanted one, I would just get it, but I am afraid to prove them right! (Having a teenager means we have spyed many a cracked screen!)
iLove.
Hi, John!
OK, I’m about to get a little overzealous because YES, the iPhone is a life-changer. I can barely even choose between the “useful” and the “fun” part, because it’s truly both.
In the interest of not going on forever, here are the ways I use it that I think would apply directly to you and Sherry:
1) I take pictures in stores while shopping – of things I want, things I want to remember, things I bought so I remember the price, or now, things I want to blog about. I also take pictures when in a new neighborhood or city of boutique/restaurant/whatever names, so I can look them up online later.
2) Anytime the inspiration strikes, I use the “notes” feature to brainstorm. As Sharif mentioned, it’s also a great shopping list tool. OH – and I keep all of my room/window/door/furniture dimensions in there when I’m out shopping for anything home-related.
3) GOOGLE READER! I spend tons of time on the bus/in line/wherever catching up on my favorite blogs and starring the posts I want to revisit.
4) Twitter – I know you guys use Twitter (I’m @erintrep!), and Twitter is way more fun to use from a phone that has really effective and user-friendly apps.
5) Email – as mentioned above…this is a no-brainer. I’m sure you guys get a few of those.
6) Wikipedia/googling anything you want, anytime. It’s a great way to get random questions answered.
Oh, and I know it feels like a big splurge, which might go against your DNA, but I think of it as a smart purchase instead of a spendy purchase. This iphone is far and away the best value of any purchase I’ve made in a LONG TIME.
There. I said it. (Hope this helps you out, man!)
I have the iPod touch, which essentially does all of the same things the iPhone does, save texting and calling. I LOVE it (and use the level application all the time!)
Need some more convincing uses for it? I use it to balance my checkbook, find restaurants and read reviews, find taxi services when I’m in other cities (and also when I’m in my own!), read the news, check my e-mail (it has built-in WiFi), instant message with someone when I need to, listen to music, calculate tips and split checks, keep my three-year-old niece entertained with the drawing and game applications, keep track of my appointments with the calendar/planner application, look up movie times, make my grocery list (with a great application that organizes everything by the section you find it in the store), get directions to where I’m going, translate other languages (super helpful with signs when traveling), check my Facebook, play games when I’m waiting for something and, last but certainly not least, control my iTunes on my computer with the remote application. It has been a lifesaver on more than one occasion!!
Can you tell I’m totally addicted to it?
ONLY invest in one if you can afford the internet plan every month. It’s the only way it’s worth it. And whatever you do, if you decide paying $30-130 per month for internet is too much, ask them to take it off the phone completely. Otherwise you end up like I did, with a $450 bill for internet “connection fees” I didn’t use.
I got one for Christmas. It has made getting around my new town so much easier and really saved our bacon during Christmas travel. I’ve never been someone who has the latest gadgets, but this has definitely had a positive effect on my life.
I use it for checking email, surfing the web, listening to my IPOD at work, playing games in the car. I even have IShape an app that lets you imput your food and exercise amounts for the day so you can track them. I love that I can find a recipe on line while at the grocery store and be able to pick all the ingrediants up right there.
But my favorite part is that after getting lost several times you can simply select your current location and the location you need to go and you’ll get directions. You don’t need to know your current location, the IPhone knows…. This is so much easier than any of the in car versions because you can use it if you’re out walking in the city or in a friends car.
We aren’t big cell phone users, so we opted for the far less expensive IPod Touch. The Touch has all the phone does except the camera and phone options. They work on bluetooth technology and can get access wherever there is WiFi access. And they haven’t left our hands since. It’s great and a less expensive option as there is no monthly fee.
I also coveted the IPhone from afar for a LONG time. Three months ago I gave in, and I don’t know how I functioned without it before. Notes, to do lists, quick internet look up, all the fun applications, directions…although in this economy it is definitely a “want” and not a “need”, I do believe Valentine’s Day IS coming up and who likes to get something they need?
My husband and I both have iPhones and they are definitely worth the investment, even though the monthly bill is second only to our rent and car payments! Our most recent project aided by the iPhones: I had to work late this week, but we didn’t want the Home Design event things at Target to get picked over since they were 50% off, so my hubby went and sent me pictures of everything; it’s like I was right there shopping with him! I always have my shopping lists and recipes too(so I know exactly what to get at the grocery).
Very convincing everyone…
I’ll say, the main thing I’m having trouble getting over is increasing our monthly phone bill. Right now, Sherry and I pay $70 for the two of us to have calling and texting on our two phones, and I know that would have to change if we got an iPhone (or other smart phone).
Also, Sherry and I already a little too married to our computers, so I can only imagine what will happen if we can’t escape the Internet when we leave the house.
I was tempted by the iPod Touch as an alternative, as some of you have said, but the no camera thing is kind of a deal breaker for me. I don’t think I could stand to carry around my phone, my iPod Touch AND a camera all the time (and you know us bloggers need our cameras). I only have so many pockets…
Does any one have any other iPhone-like phones to suggest? Particularly if they’re Sprint and I can use some of my free phone credit? Perhaps a Blackberry..
Thanks everyone!
-John
iPhone. Do it. As some of the other comments noted, make sure you know how much the plan is in total, with tax, data and text packages. I very much love mine.
That said, and you go with another smartphone – do not go with the Blackberry Storm. It’s unnecessarily clunky in my opinion and apps are underdeveloped.
I was always happy with my Treo (with Palm software, not Windows Mobile) and I know the Palm Pre is coming out soon enough. It looks pretty sweet. Good luck! An iPhone will change your life though!
I work for AT&T and I will say that it’s verrrrry seldom we get calls about problems with the iPhone. It’s almost ALWAYS user error. So like most Apple products, they definitely have worked the kinks out of it. I don’t have AT&T service personally, but if you were seriously considering the iPhone, it’s something to think about.
Well, I have an LG Dare. I love it. It’s on Verizon though. I got if for Xmas and I am very happy with it. Alas, it doesn’t have a level.
I have had the iPhone (8 not 16) since December and am very glad I bought it.
Until now I had a phone that was just a phone (no camera, no internet – it was an 8 year old Nokia brick that made excellent phone calls and was free). When it died, I cried, did tons of research and then, gulp, bought the iPhone.
I carried a Blackberry is various forms for 4 years with my job and I far prefer the iPhone except for the keyboard – getting used to touch typing on the screen takes a while.
I am now unemployed and having this thing allows me to leave the house and keep connected to email, etc so I dont feel stuck at home behind a PC while looking for a job.
The maps feature is great. The GPS knows where you are, you can easily click on an address in an email or web page and get directions – that are better and faster than the Garmin GPS thing in my car.
I have saved tons of time when out too. I can be forgetful and walk out and leave a grocery list on the counter. Now, when I do, I can pull up the recipe online and shop away. Saves return trips home. My grocery store does electronic coupons too. If I see something on-sale but i need a coupon, I can hit their website, add to my account and – boom – discount applied.
Only ought 1 App – Scrabble – when it was on-sale and it is the best time waster ever. All other apps I have were free and OK – nothing I couldnt live without yet. The level looks cool, but we have a real one and how often do you have to level things when you arent at home???
I am still learning all I can do with it, but absolutely love it. Was afraid of jumping on the bandwagon and having more phone than I needed, but I use it constantly. And am far more organized – no more paper lists everywhere.
Wow – this is long. Sorry!!
I finally got my iPhone for Christmas, just past, and I absolutely adore it. It’s the best. I love it. I can’t live without it now. I adore the wide variety of apps I can use in my life. The phone is excellent, works well and all. The iPod is great for my music, videos, etc. The internet works great with wireless and the 3G is just fine too. I highly recommend you get one. We have two actually one for me and one for my hubby. We love them. Did I say that already, well sorry but it’s so true. Love your blog!
Hey! I love your site! I have the iphone and it makes everything in life so much easier! Plus I get to check you guys out on twitter all the time! Bonus!!!
My husband and I both have an iphone. We love it! We can’t imagine ever owning anything else. The apps you can find for this phone are unlimited. People end up falling in love with it because it goes beyond the basics. I wont add to the list of cool and functional things this little phone can do – but I will say that you just have to try it, and then you wont be able to live without it. Believe us. I left Sprint (after 5 years) for ATT, and my husband is a super nerd and keeps close tabs on technology news and he doesn’t see anything else out there as good as this phone, and definitely not the blackberry.
Don’t fear the attachment – I felt the same way before I got it but I’ve found after owning mine for over a year that I spend less time on the computer because I handle things on-the-go. We also have Mobile Me and the push is phenomenal!
Come on, drink the kool-aid ;)
oh the dilemma! my husband finally got one and to be honest, it’s rad (yes, rad). one of the best things we’ve ever purchased. the navigation saved us several times on our vacation and well it’s just laid out so well. as soon as my blackberry contract is up i’m getting one…maybe in a year it’ll be down in price! =)
Read my post on my iphone, maybe it will convince sherry http://web.me.com/emilyj/Notions_on_Nesting/Blog/Entries/2008/8/19_New_Gadget.html
I have one and I’m totally hooked! Just yesterday I used ti to find out when and where Coroline was playing, then I used it to browse blogs while I was sitting in the theater waiting for the movie to start. I also used it to take photos on a hike earlier that day and to check trail maps. I love it! I broke it down by how much it would cost me to have it until the contract ran out. Totally worth it.
I vote go for it. My husband was not amused when I first got it 2+ years ago, but now he has one too!
I’m sure you could use an iPhone as a hammer, but it might not work the way it’s supposed to afterward.
I’m not an iPhone hopeful, so I can’t speak to that, but the level app is pretty impressive.
Do it! It’s so helpful to be able to snap a picture and email it to someone at home. There are all kinds of neat applications you can download too, in addition to the cool level thing there are budget applications, to-do applications etc. It would be very helpful for remodeling projects!
I had to laugh at this post because I can totally relate. I’m pretty gadgety, however didn’t even have a hankering to get the iphone. However, upon first seeing the commercial with the level… the bf and I both looked at each other with one brow raised… no words were needed, we both knew we were intrigued.
However, as we’re both current (new) Blackberry users, we won’t be switching anytime soon. One word of advice though: if you have a sense that the rollerball is a little hard to work with, you’re probably right – return the phone right away… it will make playing Brick Breaker very difficult :)
Driving down the interstate into a four hour drive our speedometer went out. I was able to find an app to tell us how fast we were going – now that’s amazing. Then, when my two year old starting crying, I pulled up Finding Nemo on the phone and she’s was finally content with a movie to watch.
This phone is worth every penny and then some.
Just a tip – do the tracking software if you do get it. My daughter just learned a hard lesson in responsibility with her iPod Touch. We’ll be filing a police report today and it’s sad to think that someone will be arrested. It’s heartbreaking when things come up missing (the Apple products are tempting targets) and even more heartbreaking when they’re gone for good.
I just got mine last week and I am not kidding when I say it has changed my life! (For real. Not joking.) There are SO many cool applications that are PRACTICAL (I don’t even have any games uploaded on mine, and I don’t use it as an actual camera – although the camera is REALLY useful for snapping pictures while you’re shopping, and there’s even an app where you take a picture of an item, and then a screen pulls up that shows you every store that carries that item and the price.) It’s the best tech gadget I’ve ever purchased. Everything all in one. Get one – you won’t regret it!
I love the iphone and all is capabilities, but it becomes too much and people rather fiddle around then hold a conversation, listen to presentations etc. It is iRude. If you do get one, make sure you are only using it when it is appropriate. It is a huge investment, plus, if you break it. It is done. Apple doesn’t offer a repair plan at this point.
Like Holly I bought the iTouch instead of the iPhone and I absolutely love it (and I’m loving not having the high monthly fees the iPhone has).
Cindy is right! ALWAYS make sure your BB is in perfect condition for the brick breaker. You’ll use it!
And besides the level app there’s nothing mentioned here that the BB can’t do… but of course it sounds cooler saying you have an iphone!
you will never regret buying one… i have the level app actually – so fun to use and you don’t have to whip out the tool box!
I actually just used my iphone this weekend for blogging purposes… whilst shopping to document some things and then easily post them!
The camera feature is one that may get lost in the shuffle as “just another camera phone” – but it actually takes really good shots, especially in the outdoors. Check out my latest post for some photos that I took with my iphone!
Love it love it love it. Some of my favorite aspects:
-being able to instantly check user ratings before making purchases.
-never being bored during a long wait! Can always browse, play games, listen to music, shop, watch Youtube, endless possibilities.
-the streaming radio apps! Whatever unique niche music genre you’re into, you can listen to that kind of thing just about anywhere.
-the games. simply awesome array of different kinds – even if you’re not into games, there’s SOMETHING there that will grab you. With the tilt responsiveness and perfect touch screen, controlling games feels slick and fresh than on any other platform.
Keep your current phone plan and upgrade the phone. Get the one with the best camera you can find. Then, get the iPod Touch. You save money in the long run and only carry two small gadgets. Alas, I still insist on carrying my Flip video too, to capture my kids’ antics, but I also happen to carry a very big purse, so it’s no big deal for me. I asked my husband if 2 is too many for a guy and he didn’t seem to think so.
So, are you guys going to get the new iphone? I have to admit shortly after my comment I broke mine (it was an OG), but my husband had read that a new iphone would be released soon-ish so I waited to replace it. I’ve been living with a GoPhone since, and I’ve wanted to throw it in front of a moving truck every day. *sigh of relief* but the new one is coming out this Friday and the improvements that have been made are insanely-awesome! It’s worth every penny, seriously (but not the $99 one – the camera upgrades alone are worth getting the next step up – plus you’d want the speed and 16GB of the 3GS it’s sick!).
Hey Jessy,
We’re still living it up with our terrible cheap phones (mine doesn’t even have a camera!) and we have no upgrades planned in the near future thanks to the whole economic slump (we’ve been cutting back so a new phone seems like too much of a splurge). Maybe by the next time the release a new iphone (6 months? a year?) we’ll be ready to take the plunge! Here’s hoping…
xo,
s