iPhone:- Treo Killer?

[veritech]

As i type the apple macworld keynote is ongoing, and the iPhone has been released. Question still is price. However before we even get there, as i a developer this is kinda like a dream come true, a unix based (if steve is being completely truthful), multitasking os in your pocket.

So in the opinion of my fellow developers, what is iPhone to Treo?

[philpalm]

Can apple pull off another IPod via IPhone?
A couple of parameters need to be discussed.
1)Are there too many smart phones?
2)Will the IPhone be unique enough?
3)Will apple's IPhone be simple to use and beat Treo in being user friendly?
4) Will IPhone just ride the coattails of IPod?

My simple answers no discussion: 1) Yes; 2)NO; 3) No; 4) Yes

[_Em]

A few more questions:

1) Will carriers add the user-centric (instead of carrier-centric) iPhone to their lineup?
2) Will people be willing to pay the extra $$ for the iPhone?
3) Will the iPhone actually work as advertised (or be another Newton)?

My answers: 1) some 2) some 3) somewhat
-- the result being that except for the tiny memory footprint, the iPhone looks to do better than the Newton, but worse than the iPod. Now if the iPhone came with unlocked WiFi and an unlocked SDIO slot....

[Pdaman]

iPhone, give me a break... lol

[LupeValenz]

Can apple pull off another IPod via IPhone?
A couple of parameters need to be discussed.
1)Are there too many smart phones?
2)Will the IPhone be unique enough?
3)Will apple's IPhone be simple to use and beat Treo in being user friendly?
4) Will IPhone just ride the coattails of IPod?

My simple answers no discussion: 1) Yes; 2)NO; 3) No; 4) Yes

I would say
1-Yes
2-Yes, anything apple is unique enough :).
3-Yes, though can't say for sure as don't have it in my hands, but from the webpage it does seem very easy to use.
4-Yes.

[_Em]

The thing here is that Apple is selling their iPhone for the same price as their Mini. Their TV Box is $300, which is significantly less than the iPhone.

However, development of third party apps is going to be SIGNIFICANTLY easier for the iPhone than any other phone on the market... assuming Apple continues their practice of opening up the development environment to third parties.

Also, the iPhone is AT&T Cingular only for the forseeable future. Sucks to be Verizon ;)

[mr smoove]

"user friendly?"
My girlfriend doesn't even know what to do when I give her my treo after she asks me if she can borrow my phone.

[LupeValenz]

I have to find the nearest Cingular store now ;_;, bye bye sprint. I have to say with all the apple products, they are extremely user friendly so I have to believe that the iPhone won't be any diffrent, going to be extremely user friendly while also being incrediably sexy :)

[_Em]

Just so you know: these things won't be available until June... they announced it now because they have to file with the FCC later this month.

[mrp123]

"user friendly?"
My girlfriend doesn't even know what to do when I give her my treo after she asks me if she can borrow my phone.
I don't know how to use a Treo either! My friend just got a 650 for work. She made a calendar entry for a date we wanted to meet. I suggested she beam it to my LD. She didn't know what beaming was or much of anything else to her Treo (understandable). So she handed it to me to figure out. I was confident I could figure it out being that I used Palm for years albeit never a Treo, but forget it! I handed it back befuddled. I had to remind myself it was a Palm device I was trying to operate.

I've consciously avoided Mac for a long time. No way now! A converged device that does what I ask (apparently). What a novelty. I have one foot and four toes out the door leaving Palm. If only it were on T-Mobile...

[dragonsgames]

Yeah, they HAVE to make a Sprint version! They just HAVE TO!!!! :D

[_Em]

They're not going to. From the keynote:

"When's it going to be available? We're shipping them in June -- we're announcing it today because we have to go get FCC approval... we thought it'd be better to introduce this today rather than let the FCC introduce this.
Europe in the 4th quarter of this year, Asia in 2008. "We've chosen Cingular."

"They're going to be our exclusive partner in the US -- it's a unique partnership though. We're going to be doing innovation together. We worked on visual voicemail, the first fruit of this collaboration. We'll be selling iPhone through our own stores and Cingular stores."
...
"We are changing the way companies work together. Apple and Cingular have a multi-year exclusive partnership. This is not an MVNO -- ours is a unique relationship that lets Apple be Apple, and let's Cingular be Cingular."

This means that Apple is free to develop the iPhone however they want, but it can't use carriers that compete with Cingular.

[dragonsgames]

Dangit... I might have to switch to Cingular for this one... ;)

[mrp123]

I'm contemplating buying the iphone yet still carry another phone, exactly like I do now because T-Mobile is best for me. I just have to find justification as my LD/phone setup is doing ok...until my LD is counted among the other self-destructed units.

[archangel]

Just the announcement of it will hurt Treo sales. The only thing that may save the Treo is the exclusivity with AT&T as many may not want to switch. In the long run I don't see how any other smart phone in its price range can compete. The only way the Treo can survive will be to come in at half the price of the iPhone.

A couple of parameters need to be discussed.
1)Are there too many smart phones?
2)Will the IPhone be unique enough?
3)Will apple's IPhone be simple to use and beat Treo in being user friendly?
4) Will IPhone just ride the coattails of IPod?
1) No. This market has tons of room for growth as most still have simple phones.
2) Yes. There is nothing out there like it and with the patent on the unique multi touch screen there probably won't be anything like it for awhile.
3) Yes. Mac OS is all about simplicity. This will be a much easier device for new users of smart phones that all the competition.
4) Yes. I can see many iPod users upgrading to it.

Its a slam dunk for Apple. The cell phone market is huge and they will take a huge chunk out of the smart phone section of it.

I'm curious about third party software. When/if Mobipocket and eReader make a port of their ebook readers for the iPhone I will completely leave the Palm OS behind.

[JAmerican]

My synopsis. It looks sick but come on. It looks like a PS3 Phone lol and it cost the same too. LOL.

Overall, I am confused with the battery life. It says 5hours talk time, that sucks compared to regular cell phones or smartphones that last a day. BTW, Jobs was struggling with the small portrait on-screen keyboard. Why didn't they put a landscape keyboard on it? I love my TX's Mini-Keyboard that I type everything with. If the Touchscreen is extra sensitive, it may be pulled off but I doubt it.

BTW, anyone realize that the iPhone has a 480x320 screen? Anyone thinking what I am thinking?

I would never get this phone because I hate Cingular for their data plan setup, unless they set it up separate like the Sidekick has on T-Mobile's site. Another reason is because its too popular. I like devices that are under the hood that no one knows about but thats not good for business. I also don't want to get mugged using it.

One thing Apple did was give Palm a run for their money by implementing so much in one device. Now Palm should retaliate with a TX phone LOL. Same size, 4GB flash built-in, Palm OS II, SDHC expansion, GSM/CDMA, WiFi, BT, Tabbed Browsing, $299. Same Price with built-in screen keyboard like Mini-Keyboard.

I actually am starting to like the iPhone because now it may start a revolution in the way Palm makes their phone form-factor

JAmerican

[timepilot84]

Looking at the specs, if it works as advertised, the iPhone will be the first real convergence device. No more limited capability OS that works kind of right but not really. I gave up on WinCE and PalmOS convergence devices because of the slow pace of the OS development. WinCE looks kind of like windows but lacks almost all of the functionality. Palm OS works well, but Palm keeps dragging its feet when it comes time to update the capabilities, as evinced by the recent licensing of Palm OS 5.2. As a developer, I'm tired of having to make software for Palm OS, Windows CE, Windows, Linux, and Mac OS. I thought that Linux was going to be the best bet for convergence, but for some bizarre reason, manufacturers won't release Linux based devices in the US. They release devices with great hardware but insist on cramming the WinCE on them instead of a full OS.

Well, I'm fed up. The only way real convergence will take place is to dump the Symbians, dump the WinCE's, dump the Palm OSes and have the same OS running on the desktop as well as the phone, set top box, PDA, whatever. This myriad of Operating Systems is a waste of time and effort both for them and me. In the day, a simplistic OS like Palm OS was a great idea, because of the limitations of processor speed, memory, and a monochrome screen. That was more than 10 years ago, though, and the OS still contains vestiges of that era. Its time for a "Windows XP" change to a new order. I (and a lot of developers) were hoping that Palm OS 6 would be that prooduct. When that died its slow and painful death, I held my breath for ALP, but Palm appears to be moving away from that and back to Garnet.

I for one am glad to see that the era of distinct Handheld and desktop OS's is going away. There's no reason that an OS can't have a distinct interface for handhelds and a separate one for desktops. That's what Vista is supposed to be able to do, that's what's supposed to be happening with MacOS on the iPhone, and that's what Linux already does. I'm just excited at being able to begin writing stand-alone native applications again instead of fiddling around with .Net Compact Framework, J2ME, and Web based Applications.

[intellidryad]

Treo killer?
If Palm continues to NOT innovate, YES!

[Joel]

Treo killer?
If Palm continues to NOT innovate, YES!
My thoughts/sentiments exactly!

[archangel]

BTW, anyone realize that the iPhone has a 480x320 screen? Anyone thinking what I am thinking?
I'm thinking that Apple finally gave us what many have wanted in a Treo since day one. The thing I like most about the iPhone is the fact it is the device Palm users (especially old Clie users used to style and innovation) have been asking for for years. It really demonstrates how ugly Palm branded devices are and how much the Clie is missed.

I actually am starting to like the iPhone because now it may start a revolution in the way Palm makes their phone form-factor

JAmerican
This is the Clie all over. It was Sony that pushed and innovated the Palm PDA. Palm sat on their asses forever and only with Sony's pushing of the OS did they finally catch up years later. Once again it takes another company to wake up Palm to the fact they have to occasionally update and improve their design. In this case though it may be too late for the Treo to catch up. I can't imagine Palm having anything on the drawing board that will compete with this device. The device crushes even the most powerful Windows Mobile offerings.
Price will be a factor, but it means Palm will have to survive with Treos in the $299 and under range and will get pushed completely out of the more profitable high end smart phone market. This really looks like the beginning of the end unless Palm can perform a miracle.

[Joel]

I was just at the Sony Ericsson and Nokia sites. I used to compare phone designs in there and now, I suddenly find all of their offerings boring.

[LupeValenz]

I agree, nothing out in the market compares to the iPhone, the hardware is sleek and beatiful and so is the interface. I love the bright vibrant colors. I especially love that pulsing glow when someone is on the call and your doing something in the background. I feel like a kid seeing that Macworld Keynote video, I had to clap along with the people in the video because this is truly amazing device they have made.

[GadgetGuru05]

I
I've consciously avoided Mac for a long time. No way now! A converged device that does what I ask (apparently). What a novelty. I have one foot and four toes out the door leaving Palm. If only it were on T-Mobile...

I am a T-Mobile user as well and i am sure that will be a way to unlock this little sexy girl. Apple as we know, wont limit itself to just one club and will be open to everyone to flirt with....

Now is a test for all of us to see if we are really patient or faithful...

some of you guys are to attached to your pc, treo things and got blind for real beauty and tech. that works too....

is kinda fanatic religious to deny the evolution because they think Adam and Eva were first and we are all result of a nasty incest orgy...

again, even there Apple was flirting with all of us... hahaaaa

Lets hope that iPhone tickels SONY to get involved in this market. SONY, as we all know loves chalengs and they always manage to surprise us....

What am i going to do with my UX50 and just got Treo 650 now? :(
good thing for me is that i do have a pre-paid T-mobile and i cant use anything more than simple calling anyway... i just try to convince myself why iPhone is not good for me.....



:D What a heck, i want this anyway...

[Joel]

Some members here switched to the Mac after getting the "old" iPods. Other people did too. I wonder how many would switch to the Mac this year? :D

[dragonsgames]

I am a T-Mobile user as well and i am sure that will be a way to unlock this little sexy girl. Apple as we know, wont limit itself to just one club and will be open to everyone to flirt with....

Now is a test for all of us to see if we are really patient or faithful...

some of you guys are to attached to your pc, treo things and got blind for real beauty and tech. that works too....

is kinda fanatic religious to deny the evolution because they think Adam and Eva were first and we are all result of a nasty incest orgy...

again, even there Apple was flirting with all of us... hahaaaa

Lets hope that iPhone tickels SONY to get involved in this market. SONY, as we all know loves chalengs and they always manage to surprise us....

What am i going to do with my UX50 and just got Treo 650 now? :(
good thing for me is that i do have a pre-paid T-mobile and i cant use anything more than simple calling anyway... i just try to convince myself why iPhone is not good for me.....



:D What a heck, i want this anyway...

No unlocked iPhone will be released. Apple said it will be Cingular only (exclusive partnership they won't break)

[GadgetGuru05]

I think is all about our character and our lifestyle in a real daily life.

Some repate their mistakes over and over again and never learn from them. "windows, microsoft users".

Some hates their drunk, abusive fathers and always get involved with another alcoholic, abusive boyfriend and end up marrying one.

Some like to drive a ugly huge truck or SUV "Stupid Useless Vehicle".
Some hate to try new things in their life and get stuck in their little boring daily routines.

Some Go for an adventure and have fun and take risks.

Some drive a bike.
Some drive only sports car and convertable.

Some study different things and change direction when they think is time or needed.

AND SOME, NEVER LEARN, NEVER LOOK, NEVER TASTE, NEVER TRY, NEVER SEE ANYTHING ELSE THAN THEIR LITTLE LIFE AND THAT UGLY PC IN THE CORNER OF THE BED ROOM BETWEEN THE LAUNDRY BASKET AND THE DOG BASKET.

Thank GOD "Nature, Aliens etc" that some stubborn crazy guy like APPLE does things differently and gave some colors to our boring gray life at office and at home.

Now we love to film that ugly bedroom corner and give some funny video effects on our Macs and rip some dusted cd's for a nice background music.

This is another period of our crazy life on this planet.
Just enjoy it and guess about what the next step will be!!!!

[GadgetGuru05]

I am sure there are some smart.a.s.s to hack and unlock it for the rest of us..lol

[LupeValenz]

Heck even if there weren't any other carrier for iPhone, I would buy it just for the wifi, iPod and video it self, everything else is just extra :D

[GadgetGuru05]

Now we are talking....;-)

[SonyStyle]

palm is doomed if they dont come up with something like multitasking and a slim cool form factor.

ever since palm split, they have been going downhill with ugly devices and not innovative enough. they keep recylcing old parts.

this and the nokia n95 are on my top to buy list.

[archangel]

How long did we ask for a Palm device like this only to have people like Kirvin tell us there is no market for it and that Palm doesn't make devices for us (the Clie people) just for business people? Well Apple has made a device for us and I'm betting it sells better than any Treo to date.
Too bad Palm couldn't understand that there is a market for a device like this. This is only the first version. You can bet Apple will have several phones covering various price ranges within 6 months to a year of the first phone release. Rough times for Palm.

[_Em]

Well, one thing to remember is this: After the Newton fiasco, Apple has been very careful to release devices precisely when it thinks the market is ready. This means that Apple didn't think the market was ready for an iPhone before now either. Beyond that, Palm still has up to a year to produce a similar device to sell to the competing carriers; Apple is locked into Cingular; if any other carrier wants to sell such a phone, they'll have to get it from someone else. Palm can also watch the launch of the iPhone and learn from any mistakes Apple makes.

Of course, if they just ignore the market completely, Apple will walk all over them, just like they walked all over Creative.

[mrp123]

How long did we ask for a Palm device like this only to have people like Kirvin tell us there is no market for it and that Palm doesn't make devices for us (the Clie people) just for business people? Well Apple has made a device for us and I'm betting it sells better than any Treo to date.Speak it, brother!

[Pdaman]

How long did we ask for a Palm device like this only to have people like Kirvin tell us there is no market for it and that Palm doesn't make devices for us (the Clie people) just for business people? Well Apple has made a device for us and I'm betting it sells better than any Treo to date.
Too bad Palm couldn't understand that there is a market for a device like this. This is only the first version. You can bet Apple will have several phones covering various price ranges within 6 months to a year of the first phone release. Rough times for Palm.I agree some points. Like it is true that Palm is on in deep mud, but I'm sure that it can survice from it if it JUST could work on the hires+ treo. It would be big step but very good one. There isn't example such as device with hires+ screen on the Nokia side (Though over VGA resolution devices yes). And as for that Treo, it could be close my next device after my th55 had died. Phone and hires+, and as treos have quite good battery life it just sounds amazing combination even it would have wlan and camera which are of course a huge plusses nowdays.

However you said that you are sure that iPhone will be selled more than Treos. I don't just agree with that. I might be better in some points and have huge mass of people which are just crazy on it but still, it cost much! And that it will automatically reduce selling at least half what you guys except. And still, don't forget that there are coming some very high end phone from other producters too like Nokia, Nokia N95.

[Pdaman]

I was just at the Sony Ericsson and Nokia sites. I used to compare phone designs in there and now, I suddenly find all of their offerings boring.Well, it is true. They don't have even close that thin technology in use but I'm sure that they will go for the work as soon they will got idea about losing markets to Apple. They have been working a much and I'm sure that they will do all what they can do, untill they just get their customers back. Don't forget that Nokia is the most leading mobile phone company ;) They have lots of money what to spent. And btw, you should check Finnish site too, it might be messy (though not for me ;)) and different to .com site but there are more coming soon phones. And btw, you can't compare iPhone camera to the Nokia's. They are just amazing what I have saw the specs on their site.