Apple iPhone Problems

 iPhone combines three products — a revolutionary mobile phone, a widescreen iPod with touch controls, and a breakthrough Internet communications device with desktop-class email, web browsing, maps, and searching — into one small and lightweight handheld device. iPhone also introduces an entirely new user interface based on a large multi-touch display and pioneering new software, letting you control everything with just your fingers. So it ushers in an era of software power and sophistication never before seen in a mobile device, completely redefining what you can do on a mobile phone.

iPhone is a revolutionary new mobile phone that allows you to make a call by simply pointing your finger at a name or number in your address book, a favorites list, or a call log. It also automatically syncs all your contacts from a PC, Mac, or Internet service. And it lets you select and listen to voicemail messages in whatever order you want — just like email.

Perceived shortcomings with Apple's iPhone are persuading potential buyers to hold out for an updated version. Worries over slow network speed and battery life will deter some from coughing up $550-plus for the device when it is released in the US this week, despite the hype.
Experts say the phone could easily top a long list of digital duds once touted as "the next big thing!".

"This is the most expected phone since Alexander Graham Bell's. Expectations are off the charts," said Jupiter Research analyst Michael Gartenberg. America's largest wireless provider, AT&T, has an exclusive deal to sell the phone. But it does not work on AT&T's fastest network, which uses 3G technology, and some say web browsing will be slower than phones on other networks.

Many believe glitches will surface once buyers start using, while power email users are concerned the on-screen keyboard will not be as easy to use as Apple chief Steve Jobs claims. "The ultimate success is how quickly Apple builds this into a family - how quickly prices come down and models become more affordable," Gartenberg said.

Todd Dagres, of US venture capital firm Spark Capital, which specialises in digital media and technology, said Apple had a track record of rolling out improved cheaper models, as with the iPod. But given the hype surrounding other Apple products that became cultural icons, some believe initial doubts will be overcome. "I'm sure Apple will sell every model they build," said American Technology Research analyst Shaw Wu.

Apple claims the iPhone - combining an iPod, digital organiser and wireless Internet device -will allow up to eight hours of talk time, six hours of web use and 24 hours of audio playback.