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September 20 2007
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Better than iPhone -- the Gphone

Although I am a certified gadget geek and go to the Consumer Electronic Show (largest trade show in North America with over 150,000 persons attending) in Las Vegas every year as press, I did not fall for the iPhone. 

Why? 

Well, while I loved the new technology, I was not impressed with the Edge system they had for internet access -- far less capable than 3G -- but even more important, I am NO fan of AT&T.  I avoid them whenever possible, and was not at all interested in funding their corporation. 

Most importantly though, I just don’t like phone PDA’s.  I despise them actually. I realize this is a personal preference, but I MUCH prefer to carry my two-pound notebook with a 12-inch screen and a high-speed wireless network card, which loads faster than the iPhone, and has far more screen real estate. It is a real computer, and it is nearly as portable, but has loads more functionality. 

I doubt I will get the Gphone either, but if I had to pick, I would probably take the Gphone.

As Google readies itself to enter the mobile phone arena with the expected release of its Gphone, people are already expecting it to surpass the iPhone, which, as of yet, has failed to revolutionize the wireless industry.

This article speculates on what the Gphone would need to truly rewrite the rules.

Can Google push beyond the desktop into the mobile world? Some believe it’s a natural fit, and that Google will be able to offer consumers benefits that others have failed to fulfill.

Here are some of the benefits that could do just that – if Google does it right, that is:

  • Support both CDMA and GSM standards for international portability
  • Support Wi-Fi and 3G for wireless data transfers
  • Contain a 2 mega pixel camera with image stabilization
  • Include GPS, which would render Google Maps that much more useful
  • Include a digital camera application, capable of  uploading directly to YouTube

Exactly what the Gphone will include, and what it will ultimately look like is still unknown, but the buzz of anticipation has already started.

Keep a close eye out on service fees though, so you don’t end up paying a fortune for something you could get much cheaper. Take the cost of operating the iPhone, for example, which upon review could end up costing as much as $ 6,000 per year! Hopefully Google will not make this same mistake.

Additionally, keep in mind that Wi-Fi technologies are unreliable when it comes to security – if the FBI can eavesdrop on you by connecting to the speaker of your cell phone, even when it’s turned off, just imagine what, and who, can get access to your personal information and conversations on these gadgets.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m a huge fan of technology. Just be aware that your privacy may be threatened, and use it accordingly.

America’s Network September 10, 2007

Last100.com August 29, 2007

 


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Community Comments ( 19 )
Comment on this Article
  
  
blueangel
[ Joined on 09/07 ] [ Posted on September 20, 2007 ]
6 Points        
   
 
Novice User

Google never made an official announcement of ever releasing this G-phone, so I am surprised why this website - which had nothing to do with that sort of news - picks it up.

Regarding the i-Phone, Apple never denied the limitations of it. But wait until early next year, when they will release globally a new business i-Phone, with 3G, multi card support, etc etc.... The first generation of the i-Phone is a quick way for Apple to enter the market, the next one will be to conquer it...

 [ Reply ]
  
  
Russ Bianchi
[ Joined on 09/06 ] [ Posted on September 20, 2007 ]
6 Points        
   
 
Savvy User
San Francisco announced the collapse of a city wide WIFI service that Gphone would have benefited from in test market, along with other Google technology plans and products ( www.sfgate.com , for 8/30/07).

It remains UNCLEAR if this is a stumble, or trip, or fall, or push, in the road to said implementation.

As for I-Brick, Jobs can keep it...way too heavy and way too expensive to run...as owners are finding out in droves, if ever connected by AT&T.
 [ Reply ]
Mercola
  
Russ Bianchi
[ Joined on 09/06 ]  [ Posted on September 20, 2007]
3 Points        
   
Savvy User
  Mercola
POST SCRIPT: All WIFI technologies have ZERO security, and your access to information, as well as what you may text or communicate, can easily be listened into, onto, monitored, or copied.

  
  
Islander
[ Joined on 03/07 ] [ Posted on September 20, 2007 ]
5 Points        
   
 
Moderator User
Tricked-out gadgets like this that can do everything but write your doctoral thesis seem to be designed for the 18-to-35 group. Oh, wait, we're talking guy toys, so let's say 18 to 50.

Maybe I'm atypical, but all I want is a small, lightweight, affordable handset I can carry in my pocket to make and receive calls with. Do you suppose I will have to wait till all the boomers reach retirement age before the industry will listen?
 [ Reply ]
Mercola
  
Patty D
[ Joined on 06/07 ]  [ Posted on September 20, 2007]
       
   
Savvy User
  Mercola
If that's all you want, check out Jitterbug.  It's simplicity intrigues me and if I wasn't tied into my Nextel contract for the rest of my life, I would seriously consider Jitterbug.
  
  
Birdlady
[ Joined on 06/06 ] [ Posted on September 20, 2007 ]
4 Points        
   
 
Apprentice User

For being an alternative health site, a lot of you don't like to hear alternative opinions for some reason. Open mindedness for the win! Anytime I get offended by something I have to stop and ask myself why am I offended? Usually because it's something I don't WANT to believe or something that I have tied my personal worth towards.

Anyway...

I personally don't care which one is better because phones are deadly and their use should be limited not expanded.

 [ Reply ]
  
  
dancooney
[ Joined on 04/07 ] [ Posted on September 20, 2007 ]
3 Points        
   
 
Novice User

I agree 100%. More and more PC users are switching over to mac. Why? Isn't it obvious? Every computer "geek" I know tells me they have 2 computers. A PC for playing games, and the MAC they use for EVERYTHING Else!!   And that rediculous claim that an iphone will end up costing users $6000 a month....hahahahaha.......COME ON!!!!  The most they can cost is $99  a month!!  Where and HOW do you get $6000 a yr. from that?? hmmmmmmm

 [ Reply ]
  
  
Jeanne_Locante
[ Joined on 06/06 ] [ Posted on September 22, 2007 ]
1 Points        
   
 
Novice User

I have an iPhone and I love it!  I already had AT&T service, which I like.  I assure you it does NOT cost $6,000 a year!!  Not even close.  I have also been a Mac use for 15 years.  I would never go back to a PC.  

 [ Reply ]
  
  
lollo77489
[ Joined on 06/06 ] [ Posted on November 19, 2007 ]
       
   
 
Novice User

Just to add my .02...I have to correct the person who said earlier that he didnt write this article.  Dr. Mercola personally wrote this one "Although I am a certified gadget geek and go to the Consumer Electronic Show (largest trade show in North America with over 150,000 persons attending) in Las Vegas every year as press, I did not fall for the iPhone."  He has said several times in his articles that he is a gadget geek. :-)

 [ Reply ]
  
  
icok
[ Joined on 06/06 ] [ Posted on September 21, 2007 ]
       
   
 
Novice User

I am not sure why this guy hates ATT. ATT has not been in business for several years - they went broke and out of long distance business. Their cell business went to All Tel. South Western Bell (fromer baby Bell - who has bought 2 other baby Bells) purchased the name ATT and has switched names from Cingular to ATT.

It is South Western Bell that made agreement with i-phone and Steve Jobs. I have been told there are some bugs with i-Phones and ATT but knowing the reputation of South Western Bell and Steve Jobs - Don't Count Them Out Yet.

Apple may be better but the world is on MS with all of its problems.

There is no reason to question Dr Mercola's rationality on health issues he is right ON!

Dr Bob

 [ Reply ]
Mercola
  
Hot Soup
[ Joined on 06/06 ]  [ Posted on September 26, 2007]
1 Points        
   
Novice User
  Mercola

AT&T went out of business several years ago? That's strange, they still send me phone bills. . .

Hate is a strong word, but no telephone company as EVER come close to making me happy. They can't even reach the satisfied level. I was thrilled by the features and value offered by Vonage, but AT&T DSL can't give me enough bandwidth to make it a viable option.

  
  
stanhartman1
[ Joined on 06/06 ] [ Posted on September 20, 2007 ]
       
   
 
Novice User

Another microwave gadget being advocated on a health site? It hasn't made the news in this country for obvious reasons, but Germany just warned its citizens to avoid wi-fi, cell phones, and all other microwave sources, and the European Union's European Environment Agency  just followed suit, after a scathing new report by scientists from many countries on the truth about EMFs, at bioinitiative.org. The report states that the "explosion of new sources has created unprecedented levels of artificial electromagnetic fields that now cover all but remote areas of the habitable space on earth," causing "long-term and cumulative exposure" to "massively increased" radiation that "has no precedent in human history." The EU's EEA concludes that safety limits are "thousands of times too lenient." Britain's official health protection watchdog, Sir William Stewart, issued warnings like this years ago.

 [ Reply ]
Mercola
  
Sean Uisce
[ Joined on 11/06 ]  [ Posted on September 20, 2007]
       
   
Apprentice User
  Mercola

Thanks for raising the issue of the potential dangers stanhartman1. I get pains in my ear and around my TMJoint if I'm on the phone too long. Some days "too long" is five minutes; other days it's half an hour or even more.  

And that's just the headset on my landline.

If I'm too close to a mobile phone user I get a feeling of pressure just above my ears. Again this is not consistent.  But it's there and is real for me.  It began happening about five years ago (about three years after I chucked my mobile phone out!) and has been with me ever since. So the notion of even more technology coming onstream that I might have reactions to does not appeal in the slightest.

So for me, the fact that Germany and the EU EEA have officially cautioned against these devices makes a refreshing change.  Perhaps if some countries actually took the next step and said "ok, let's ban them - or at least further development of them and their networks - on the precautionary principle" we'd all be better off...

And perhaps the emotions some would experience at the thought of not having a mobile phone might have them seriously consider the possibility that we

- are addicted to them and

- have fallen for the world-wide media programming that our world is a scary place, full of nasty, uncaring people who won't help or are just waiting for the right moment to get us or our children when we least expect it!

  
  
EQ
[ Joined on 03/07 ] [ Posted on September 20, 2007 ]
       
   
 
Savvy User
I certainly hope we get more competition than just Google.  I've always had PCs that I've researched on reliability and service, and have had very good experiences.  Less than 1 year ago, I bought my first Apple because a person I was collaborating with had a Mac, so it made sense for easier interface.  I bought the "best" laptop at that time.  I've had to deal with so many problems with this machine, and the service has been pretty awful.  There was one problem that they wouldn't take seriously, and they finally agreed to take a look at it.  I got it back 3 weeks later (I use this for my living)!!  They replace some of the hardware, and even though it was under warranty they wanted to charge another $150 for BU.  I did the BU myself, but it was their hardward screw up that made it necessary.  I've had to deal with service 9 times.  Just recently the battery screwed up.  The contacts aren't set up to make cleaning possible.  They replaced it.  I think it depends on which store you go to for service.  The phone tech was downright rude.  I've had about 50/50 good/bad service.  Software is more expensive for Mac also.  I'm going back to researched, reliable PC brands, and I'm not buying an iphone.  Go Google (or anyone else), give us something better than Apple.
 [ Reply ]
  
  
PaleoM
[ Joined on 10/06 ] [ Posted on September 19, 2007 ]
       
   
 
Novice User

Isn't it a bit early to claim the iPhone failed to revolutionized the wireless industry? The iPhone has only been out for three months! Why is Dr. Mercola so obvious in his hostility towards Apple and its products? Just look at all the energy he used to waste in trying to convince people that the iPod is not the best MP3 player out there. (But at the same time he seems to put up with using Microsoft Windows day in day out - an operating system that's anything but secure, bug-ridden, highly unintuitive and prone to crashes. He has obviously never used OS X on a Mac, nor has he spent any serious time with an iPhone and its amazing operating system.)

No, I do not own an iPhone and I have no use for one. But I have used one, three of my friends have one and I can see why people are so in love with it. It's a beautiful piece of equipment. Its simplicity, its design - it's almost a sensual experience. Is it perfect? Of course it isn't. Which version 1.0 product in the history of technology is or ever was? But it's an incredible version 1.0 product already (for people who have use for it.)

Dr. Mercola - please stick to health related articles - that's what we all come here for. That's what makes this site so great. Apple bashing has absolutely no place here. Thank you. (And by the way - didn't readers rightfully point out last time that the "iPhone-$6,000-claim" was pretty much bogus - a sorry attempt by the competition to negatively influence consumers? Aren't you rightfully pointing these kinds of tactics out in the field of big pharma and medicine? Why are you still falling for this when it comes to technology and Apple?

 [ Reply ]
Mercola
  
richardB
[ Joined on 04/07 ]  [ Posted on September 20, 2007]
3 Points        
   
Novice User
  Mercola

Well put!! Mercola's comment on this sort of make me think about how rational he is on health matters.

Mercola
  
dancooney
[ Joined on 04/07 ]  [ Posted on September 20, 2007]
3 Points        
   
Novice User
  Mercola

Here's the ACTUAL rate plan!!:

Monthly price                                 59.99           79.99         99.99

Minutes                                            450              900          1350

Unlmtd. Data (email/web)                 yes               yes             yes

Visual Voicemail                               yes                yes            yes

SMS Txt. Msgs.                                200               200          200

Nights & Wknds                             5000           unlmtd        unlmtd

Rollover Mins.                                  yes                yes            yes

Unlmtd. Mobile to Mobile                 yes                yes            yes

Mercola
  
Robert David
[ Joined on 06/06 ]  [ Posted on September 20, 2007]
2 Points        
   
Apprentice User
  Mercola

Thank you for speaking out.

Dr Mercola, I have read your newsletter for years and appreciate it. I follow most of what you recommend and purchase products also. But this headline is not only misleading, it is simply false. You claim in the headline that the Gphone is b