The 3G version of iPhone was introduced this year in July. Despite the high price and software issues, popularity of iPhone has been growing everywhere including Pakistan. To date about 75 countries have been announced for this international launch but Pakistan is still not on the official list.
But given the talent Pakistanis have in reverse engineering and adapting gadgets to their need, who needs an official provider? I believe that iPhone has all that it takes to be one of the most popular phones in Pakistan: it is stylish, feature-rich and a status symbol. In a very short time iPhone has become the phone of choice for the tech celebrities of Pakistan. It is also quite popular with Pakistanis abroad as well. Actually iPhone is one of the most requested gift item from Pakistan!
I have been testing the 3G iPhone for a few months now and I love it, despite a few issues. I couldn’t help comparing it with Blackberry pearl and other regular phones. But a simple comparison is not possible because iPhone packs so much more than the so-called smart phones. Now it does not mean that it is beyond criticism – the 3G iPhone has had its share of software bugs and network issues, many of which have been fixed recently.
First and foremost – iPhone is an eye candy. Browsing the web on iPhone is a treat and has made mobile web enjoyable. The visual elements, its ability to render images and graphics is superior than any other device. I find myself browsing the web quite a lot with the iPhone. Fans of iPod will love it too as it packs the popular audio features and capabilities in one sleek gadget. If you are all about email, many consider Blackberry to be much better but the new push capabilities of iPhone are quite appealing. The touch interface is intuitive and easy. If you make quite a lot of calls then beware – the touch key pad may or may not be your thing. Personally, I prefer the physical keyboard, at least when using the phone while driving.
The GPS and google map works quite well. There are many interesting new applications available which utilize GPS, such as iPray with Qibla Finder. This brings another interesting point: the very profitable Apple Store business model, which has resulted in huge number of interesting applications (some are free) available for download. Both the developers and Apple benefit from this approach.
Here are some suggestions. In case you have the new 3G iPhone, get the latest software fixes released by Apple (2.1 was released on Sep 12) which improves battery life and call quality and fixed many bugs.
If you have the original iPhone, no worries – it is good enough for most purposes. If you want to take the phone from US/EU to Pakistan, you are better off with the non-3G edition as 3G is non-existent in Pakistan. For US residents note that depending on your location, you may be on EDGE as 3G coverage is still limited and ATT network is mediocre. The email (push, support for exchange) of the new iPhone allows it to be easily adopted by professionals and companies.
Regardless of the bugs and complaints from die-hard Nokia and Blackberry fans, the iPhone is selling very well and it has some impressive and attractive features. Apple has shaken up the mobile monopolies of carriers and handset makers. It even forced Nokia to open up its platform and Google is under pressure to come up with a better product and platform. Competitors like Samsung, LG and HTC are working hard to come up with their versions of “touch†phones and this should mean more choices for consumers.
Images are from Apple web site and flickr.com.
I have used both Blackberry and iPhone and I think typing email is MUCH easier on the iPhone. Also reading and working on email is much easier. I bet you will soon see Blackberry copying the iPhone platform even more in email
iPhone….finally a phone for the homosexual community
Bilal, I agree that Blackberry is great at what it does. It is just that a new product which fascinates people takes the center stage for a while. Just look at all the “touch” phones which are coming out this year.
I think the market will benefit from all the recent innovation from non-conventional players like Apple, Google and opening up of the market for independent mobile software developers. iPhone had a much bigger impact on the tight control exerted by the network operators (such as Verizon) in US but outside US, there is a different dynamic at play. For Pakistan, India and China, Nokia is the dominant player with a formidable penetration and lead.
iPhone in Pakistan!? Sorry to see an expensive hype winning over substance. People in richer countries may do so but not in a country like Pakistan.
Quick facts, beyond the ‘slick’ look n feel:
1) Expensive to buy
2) Expensive to have the plan
3) No video recording
4) No replacement of batteries
5) No MMS support
6) No copy/paste on files.
7) Very hard to ‘type’ in effective way.
8) Apple’s typical narrow-minded approach: Only software approved by Apple can be installed despite the SDK
9) No Flash support. This is a big drawback.
10) Apple has a cult-like following and their self-proclaimed evangelicals are never shy of rubbing in their Apple toys and give unsolicited advices: Buy Apple.
Apple tries to portray itself as an ‘underdog’ company, taking on the Goliath of Microsoft. But in reality Apple lost initially in the 80s because of its complete-control approach. iPhone, as well as other Apple products, including iPod, are also designed for the ‘lock-in’ model where both hardware AND software are Apple produced and/or Apple-approved. At least Microsoft didn’t try to monopolise the hardware sectar.
Yes, iPhone looks ‘cool’ and ‘elegant’. But that’s it! People will realize this after the big-hole in your pocket is already made.
Does any one knows what is the street price of iPhone in Pakistan?