Since the birth of the all-in-one smart phone, our lives have become entangled in technology like never before. It’s not about making phone calls or text messaging your friend that you are running late, anymore. No, it has gone beyond that. Now, mobile phones are being used to send emails, browse the web, watch video clips and even do some online shopping.
Specifically, the iPhone has become the latest ‘must have,’ with the latest iPhone 4 rumoured to be released in July. While inside the train, I noticed something that sparked my curiosity. Every second person in my line of sight had an iPhone in his/her hand. It is interesting to note that it is not the wealthy businessmen or corporate women that are sporting the new ‘iPhone trend’ but average, middle class individuals.
It was found that 48% of iPhone purchases were from people who earn $25,000 – $49,000 per annum. The monthly fees and handset price is not what everyone would say is cheap as you would spend a minimum of $60 per month on a plan with Telstra.
So why is it so appealing, that those with limited financial means would ‘splurge’ on the latest craze? You can fit your entire life into it. Everything is at your fingertips and with a gentle push of an image; the iPhone is at your command.
By creating a single piece of technology that integrated the basic necessities of communication (text messaging, phone calls, emailing and internet) but taking it to a whole other level, Steve Jobs (CEO of Apple) was sending a wave of technological evolution to Apple’s consumers. While writing an SMS, it automatically displays the correct spelling of a word that may have been typed in haste.
Create a voice memo if you’ve had a sudden burst of inspiration and you don’t have a pen or paper. Spotlight Search allows you to search throughout your entire iPhone from one place – where it accesses emails, contacts, calendars and also everything in your iPod in order to find the search item.
Text messaging can be typed out on a full QWERTY keypad which means you don’t have to press the number 2 three times to get the letter C. Text messages are conveniently sorted in order of recipient as thread-like conversations so that you don’t have to go back to their original message to remind you what was said. It’s like a best friend that can hold all your personal details and secrets: the great thing about it is, you can bring it with you wherever you go; thanks to its pocket friendly design.
The applications (aka ‘apps’) that are available for download are what keep people on their iPhones continuously. There are 60,000 apps readily accessible ranging from games to restaurant finders, with approximately 300 new applications being released every day.
As I am a 2nd year University student and quite meticulous when it comes to organizing my assignments and planning study days, my favourite application is iStudiez Pro. In it, you can organize your timetable by adding your subjects (which can also be colour-coded) and your assignments.
The extraordinary thing about the iPhone is not only its software features but the power of its simplistic-yet-sophisticated design on its target market. In theme with the other Apple products, most specifically the MAC computers, there are no other physical attributes on the phone. No annoying antenna’s sticking out and no more flipping the cover to answer the phone.
Yes, I am an iPhone lover; a proud owner, at that. My only complaint so far is that it has a very limited battery life. It does not last a whole day, especially if you are constantly on it.
So, if you are in limbo on whether or not you should purchase an iPhone, I say go for it. It’s a great investment and those who are not tech savvy need not worry because it’s completely user-friendly. – ?