ISO50

The iPod Nanos have the headphone jack at the bottom. I don’t like that idea on the phone. It seems like it’s going to be awkwardly sticking into your palm if you are using it one handed and touching with your thumb.

Larger screen is nice, as long as it isn’t a horrible detriment to battery life.

Less glass on the back is good. I think it was a bad idea to start with. I think it will be more durable this way.

Hopefully the antenna issue is fixed and the engineers were actually listened to this time.

Less precious? I dunno, depends on price but at the end of the day it’s a phone, it doesn’t define your identity as a person.

Personally, I’m looking at moving to a Windows Phone this fall when the new Nokias and Samsungs are shipping with Windows Phone 8. Something fresh and new and I really like the simple and clean interface. I don’t know what Apple’s obsession is lately with replicating old fashioned physical items and elements. It gets in the way and is totally different approach when you compare it to Apple’s hardware design. The Windows Phone interface looks like something Jonny Ive would have done.

i’m curious why you like the headphones jack on the bottom of the device, jakub? initially, that strikes me as an odd design move.

The only thing I’m skeptical on is the design line beneath the lens on the back. Yes it’s a detail, but I feel like it needs breathing room or a margin, something.

I’m not a fan of bigger. It’s plenty big enough. I don’t think I’ll be a fan of the plug at the bottom. I think they are really trying hard for this one to be “different,” but they should have made it better.

Hopefully it’s more durable. My home button is giving out after 2 years. It seems a little crazy for something so expensive and fairly new.

I was hoping for a little more of a design change. I don’t like cases on my iphone, it takes away from the product so durability is huge, we’ll find out shortly. They better sell adapters for the new port and not charge more than $10.

Call me when they get rid of the home button.

Not overly excited about this. Headphone at the bottom doesn’t make too much difference to me. I use an FM transmitter mount in the car so no cable. It will reorient itself sitting on the treadmill at the gym so no biggie there.

“I don’t know what Apple’s obsession is lately with replicating old fashioned physical items and elements. It gets in the way and is totally different approach when you compare it to Apple’s hardware design. The Windows Phone interface looks like something Jonny Ive would have done.”

As for the above, jailbreaking is so easy now and really opens up your phone for customization. There
are plenty of clean minimalist themes out there to choose from. My iPhone is decked out in a very cool and complete Dieter Rams/Braun theme right
now; People are always commenting on it.

I have the Samsung Galaxy S3 on Verizon and the headphone jack is on the bottom. It doesn’t get in the way because when I’m listening to music with headphones I’m usually at a desk where the bottom of the phone is near me. If I’m running with it, it’s on my arm and not a big deal there either. I guess it just depends on how you use it most..

I’m just not convinced, I don’t think it’s the phone that’s the problem, I think it’s the whole package. I have to agree with Dan and say Apple’s IOS is really feeling dated, especially besides the the new Nokia Lumia and Windows 8.

It’s starting to feel like the IOS is aimed at the lowest common denominator and their UI basically hasn’t changed since 2007. Our understanding of the technology has matured since then but aren’t moving forward.

The Lumia seems more crafted, innovative, fun and sits better as an example of design. I’m not saying it’s perfect – Apples phone have an air of confidence and luxury quality that the lumia seems to be missing. That said I’m starting to think about moving away from Apple (I hate this thought) for the first time in years.

All I hope is that Apple come out with something mind blowing next week but I’m just not holding my breath.

I’m sure most have seen this before but the clear app just shows the potential of the iphone http://www.realmacsoftware.com/clear/

I really like the new screen size and ratio. I have always felt that 16:9 or near that is the right size for a phone screen. I am happy that it is not increasing in width at all. I do love the steel and glass finishes of the current and upcoming design. However the rear camera does seem to be a little too close to the metal case. It is the right distance from the corner but not the metal underneath.
I think a solid metal back would be nicer and cleaner, however I am not sure how that would work for the antennas. What I do like is that Apple many times uses the function=form approach. That appears to be the reason for the center metal panel vs. the glass ends.
I like the idea of all the openings being on the bottom. I love the new, small dock connector. Apple has used the 30 pinner for 11 years, it is time to move forward.
I like some of the skeuomorphic design Apple is using. It is like having nice walnut wood connected to a glass and steel frame. Warm comfort with clean design. I especially like the reel-to-reel design of the podcast app.
I am excited for the 12th and to hold the thing in my hand.
peace.

i’m gonna say the headphone thing is great. i put my phone in my pocket topside down becuz a) there’s god knows what collected at the bottom of my pockets, lint, pubes, paper bits, etc and i don’t feel like gunking up my dock, b) it just feels more natural putting it in that way.

my gripe with the 4 and on is the lack of curves. i just don’t like how square it is, give it subtle curves AND make a screen that’s edge to edge. i’m not an engineer so maybe this isn’t feasbile at this pt, but i am amazed nobody has really done this on a mass scale yet, either on smart phones OR laptops/desktop monitors.

I like this post/video much better for comparing the physical size and feel of the new model:

http://www.theverge.com/2012/9/2/3286722/iphone-5-mockup-ifa-2012-video

Definitely love the bigger screen especially since it’s not that much taller overall, and about 1/5th thinner. Maybe it will even be less weight? Headphone jack on the bottom makes sense to me too, so you have all the cords out of the same side when charging in the car and what not. Plus it creates another safeguard for a slippery phone when holding it.

We always obsess over the hardware for good reason, but I’m really looking forward to iOS 6 and its features. As usual they’ll have some surprises in for us. The possibility of on-screen fingerprint or even waterproof tech is super cool.

You’re loving the replacement of a input connector that has been around for ages, which will make a lot of equipment people have already bought for their old iPhones obsolete?

Uh, okay…

The cassette tape analogy really only goes so far. Cassettes and cassette decks are media/components. It is I/Os that are the issue here and, with interface technology, consistency and universality has been the name of the game for a very long time. Take the venerable RCA connection; It has been a staple on audio components since the 1940’s and still appears as the main I/O on most audio and video devices (along side HDMI). It still cheeses me off that most midi controllers are coming out with USB only and no standard MIDI din connection.

Yeah, a valid point, I suppose. My caocainnl argument against is “10,000 years”. Humankind has managed to deal without them for 10,000 years, so my default position is that we don’t really need them that much. That goes for a lot of things, not just cell phones, of course. I certainly don’t have any qualms about carrying one where there’s a need, but if there’s not