I’ve had an Iphone for a couple of weeks now, and have a real love/hate relationship going. What I love is the elegance that is typical of Apple products. Also the integration of mail and the .ics calendar format.
Her’s what I hate:
1. The battery lasts about 1.5 – 2 hours. Even with mild use the battery just tanks really fast.
2. The 3G network. It runs the battery down faster than the edge network, and I wish I could manually switch to the edge network, but so far it seems like it just switches automatically when 3G is not available. Coverage seems very spotty as well.
Featured Iphone apps:
TWITTERIFIC
This is a twitter client for Iphone. It shows me a feed of everyone I’m following, and let’s me quickly post tweets
WORDPRESS FOR IPHONE
The Iphone will let you do most browser based activities, including writing a blogpost in Safari. WordPress for Iphone cleans up the process with a client app that prevents the user from having to constantly re-size the Safari browser window of the Iphone. Simple fields for the title, tags, categories, post copy and publishing status. Additionaly, you have the option of time stamping a publish date for your post. You can also add photos directly from the Iphone. (see photo below). This post was entirely created and published using WordPress for Iphone.
Both apps are available from the app store.
September 2, 2008 at 8:26 AM |
Hey Brian,
I’m getting much better battery life from my iPhone. I use wifi and 3g alot but no bluetooth. It usually lasts all day for my use. You might want to check with Apple, it might be defective. If you live by an Apple Store just make an appointment at the genius bar.
As for 3G, in Settings/ General/ Network there is a switch to disable 3G and force your phone to use the Edge.
Twitterific made Twitter useful to me but I prefer Twinke right now. It uses conversation bubbles like iChat makes it easier to follow.
September 2, 2008 at 1:26 PM |
I have one iPhone user that claims to get through the day without a charge. I say ‘claims’ because I’m not sure he would be honest with me since he believes that Steve Jobs is John the Baptist and Apple is the Christ. He believes the iPhone to be a perfect device and is afraid to let me (a PC guy) know of any shortcomings. However, I can tell you that he does not use a bluetooth device and we are pushing email to him from our Exchange server via ActiveSync.
I have two more iPhones on the way for myself and another guy in my department to try out before we allow anymore in our organization. I’ll post back if we have battery issues.
Also, Jason Cole over at Lake Pointe Church told me that their folks had solved the battery life issues there were having – but I can’t remember what he told me. I think you know Jason. His blog is: http://productionnuts.blogspot.com/ I’m sure he would be glad to help you if you contact him.
September 4, 2008 at 10:29 PM |
Brian,
I get through most of my days without getting into the battery warning. But…I also do the following:
Reduce the brightness
Fetch email every 15 min (not push)
I KEEP 3g on
No Bluetooth
Have the screen shut off quickly when not in use
In Israel the 3G network was WAY better. Battery life also was better there.
Try those things and see if it helps.
Also, make sure you have the very latest software version because I have seen a little battery improvement from that last update.
The thing I have seen is that I use my iPhone for so many more processes than I ever did my Blackjack. So it is not just a phone, but a small computer that I am using way more than my phone….so usage ends up draining my battery.
ALSO, Kensington makes an external battery that will quick charge your phone in a pinch. I always have a charged one in my bag for emergencies.
September 12, 2008 at 3:27 PM |
Apple just released an update (2.1) for the iPhone. One of the fixes is suppose to be better battery life. I’m installing it right now and will post information about it on my blog after I see if it makes a difference.