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