The Husbear has been craving an iPhone for a long time. So I finally broke down, broke his contract with Sprint, and surprised him with an iPhone a few weeks ago. He's been raving about it ever since. "It's so simple to use," he says. It must be, if he can use it without asking me to many questions on how to do this or that with it.
I have to admit: it was easy to set up. Ordered it online from Apple. FedEx delivered it to my doorstep. I opened the box, plugged it in to my computer, and walked through activation with iTunes. Simple.
After playing with his phone for a few days, I went and did the unthinkable. To me. After years of having several Windows Mobile devices (first my Motorola Q with Alltel, then my Motorola Q9c with Sprint) I purchased an iPhone for myself.
Those around me have known my vehement opposition to and ridicule of all things Apple. Not because I'm a "PC" (which I am!). I grew up building computers. That's what made computers so interesting to me. The ability to build, modify, and play with all sorts of components of my choosing. And I could load almost any OS (Microsoft's or others) on any hardware I put together. For me the opposition to all things Apple stemmed from their closed, proprietary technology.
So the last few days I've been trying to put into words the reason I switched.
I think the biggest reason for me as to why I went with the iPhone: a centralized location to find applications (at the App Store), and the fact that so many companies seem to be offering only iPhone-based applications and services.
I've easily found application replacements for everything I did with my WinMo device without having to search all over the Internet for them.
Had Microsoft done the smart thing years ago by creating a centralized application store, I think WinMo would have done extremely well outside the business world. Now they're attempting to do just that. To late, in my opinion.
I still feel dirty for having taken a bite of the Apple. I've been assured by some of you out there who follow me on Twitter that the feeling will pass. I'm sure it will. But it's still an odd feeling to have the "enemy" sleeping in my house.
Until next time...
BearToast Joe commented on August 19, 2009 at 7:18 pm:
I appreciate and admire a man who admits to being open minded, even when it's tough. I agree with you on all counts.
kyle commented on August 19, 2009 at 7:41 pm:
appreciate your being able to look at it with open eyes. welcome to the apple side.
Nick commented on August 19, 2009 at 8:16 pm:
I dislike the iPhone itself. Doesn't really have anything to do with Apple - I own an iPod, afterall - or AT&T. I'm not a fan of phone devices that don't have buttons.
But when you get right down to it, my disdain for the iPhone is really a disdain for the lifestyle that requires one. In such a way, I'm constantly at odds with myself for using FaceBook or Twitter. "Do I really need this functionality?", is the question I keep asking myself, and I'm coming back with a "No" more and more as the days go by.
I'll admit it's a fairly sexy device, though. Just needs buttons.
Erik Rubright replied to Nick on August 19, 2009 at 11:13 pm:
I don't know about "the lifestyle that requires one" part. There are plenty of other tools I had on my WinMo device that weren't related to social networking, and I have found the same thing true so far on the iPhone. And now I don't need to lug around my iPod as well.
I thought the lack of buttons would drive me nuts, but it's actually something that hasn't. While I miss the tactile keyboard at the moment, I find myself getting used to the touchscreen rather rapidly.
I guess time will tell whether this holds true....
Dead Robot commented on August 19, 2009 at 9:01 pm:
I love how Apple instills a sense of discovery with all their product. Their manuals are incredibly lacking all the fun easter eggs you can find just by playing with their hardware/software.
Inversely when Microsoft purposefully omits details intended to be "discovered" it usually makes people mad. Funny that.
Welcome to the world of poseurs and pretension. Lets sextext!
Erik Rubright replied to Dead Robot on August 19, 2009 at 11:14 pm:
I've jokingly said "those gays and their iPhones" on several occasions. Although I now have one, hopefully I won't become "one".
matthew thompson commented on August 19, 2009 at 10:30 pm:
How long before you had grindr installed?
Erik Rubright replied to matthew thompson on August 19, 2009 at 11:15 pm:
Actually, that was the first app the Husbear wanted on his. I put it on mine as well, but haven't launched it... yet.
Kevin-Andrew commented on August 20, 2009 at 9:15 am:
Bravo! Welcome to the sweetness.
rg commented on August 20, 2009 at 9:38 am:
Ha! Feel the Apple force - it flows through the universe and everything in it. Let the Apple force flow through you Luke...er...um...Erik.
Urspo commented on August 21, 2009 at 12:29 am:
oh dear!
I am holding out for the version that warps time and space.
Erik Rubright replied to Urspo on August 21, 2009 at 11:15 pm:
I think there's an app for that.
Cb commented on August 21, 2009 at 4:48 pm:
As Apple has opened themselves up to compatibility with Microsoft, and becoming less proprietary by allowing app development-- so should you feel ok about opening up to apple and their technology.
Plus, how much are you loving your phone??
PLUS plus, ALL teh gayz have ' 'em!!!
the replicant commented on August 22, 2009 at 12:08 am:
Oh dear. I think the iPhone event horizon is approaching.
Dyl commented on August 23, 2009 at 5:43 pm:
Welcome to the dark side