TechImpact / it happens there first

iPad? It has received criticism for everything from it's name, to it's phone based OS. Sure, it has a larger screen, but you can only do one thing at a time on it. Who wants to pay premium dollars for something like that!

Then I received a call from a close friend. "I've gone back to my Black Berry. I just can't deal with another dropped call. I'll just get an iPad to replace the iPhone."

My jaw is still in the floor. Could the iPad really only solve one small glaring problem with the iPhone. Could iPad be nothing more than a little bit of freedom from AT&T. If so, I guess at least in some cases, it's already doing it's job.

by Chris Gamble

To not be accused of misleading anyone, this blog entry features an iphone game series that my company makes and sells.

When I started working on the iPhone platform, it was to add it to our product line for our consulting business. Many may question why an internet marketing company would build iPhone apps, other than the obvious "to make money". The answer is just as simple -- because we build marketing solutions for the web. Yes I said it, iPhone apps are a part of the web. At least, the new web. The internet has left our PC's stored in our tiny little cubicles, and is now wondering the streets in the palm of our hand.

by Chris Gamble

That's when I thought I would switch to Apple. Let's face it, all of the Apple hardware is way overpriced, and there just doesn't seem to be a way to be bleeding edge even if you could afford it. Sure, there are the brave souls who have managed to get OSX on "normal" hardware, but I have a family and $599 for a Mac mini was way cheaper than being one of them. So, yes, I am writing this on a mac, watching the silly little bar at the bottom for when my email comes in on a mac, all so that I could build software for the iPhone. But this article isn't about me switching to Mac, it's more a dairy entry, detailing my experiences upgrading to Snow Leopard.

by Chris Gamble

A summation of my thoughts after 2 days hands-on with the Nokia N97.

I wanted to like this phone. First, I spent a lot of money to buy it. I could have bought a new IPhone 3G S and paid AT&T's early termination fee for what the N97 costs. Second, though I had some reservations about a few features I thought should have been part of the phone, I was a fan of my Nokia N95.

Foreshadowing complete, I can't recommend the Nokia N97 right now—to anyone.

by Jerry Gamble

Wired news reports that one of their recent apps has run afoul of some users. MemoryUp has recently disappeared from the Google app store, but not before several users were able to experience problems ranging from corrupted memory, deleted contacts, and spam sent to several of their remaining contacts. eMobileStudio denies that their application does any harm, but the greater question is that of quality control.

by Chris Gamble

here I am, in the magical world of Disney after a 3 hour flight with my 2 year old daughter. I was initially going to blog about the less than warm welcome, capturing images of cast members who obviously hate their job. Then I recalled that iPhone safari lacks an upload control. Not devastating, but in this age it's a terribly annoying non feature

by Chris Gamble

After reading the numerous complaints on the internet about how the 2.0.2 update took too long, and did nothing to fix the "real" problems with the platform, I installed it anyway.

by Chris Gamble

The UnOfficial Ericsson Blog slips hot off the press. The amazing cameras from Sony have made their way into a phone with GPS, 8.1 megapixel camera, LED and xenon flashes, TV out, Wifi, Newest BlueTooth and 3G network (in the HSDPA flavor) -- all in the CyberShot name.

Of course, being on Windows Mobile gives it another HUGE advantage. You can put custom software on it without massive licensing and profit sharing deals granted to the lucky few on "someone elses" phone. Sip client, VPN, SSH, or a client for WoW? If your on Windows Mobile, its probably out there somewhere.

by Chris Gamble

Back in April I purchased a new Nokia N95 8GB from Dell for around $630. I was content in knowing that while I was most likely overpaying for the device, I could at least be smug about the 3G support and other features that made my phone clearly superior to the IPhone everyone else was toting around.

Fast forward to three months later. Apple announces the IPhone 2.0, leaving me wallowing in gadget envy and despair.[Read More]

by Jerry Gamble

According to details at Wired News, several chips already exist in the iPhone armor for the soon to arrive 2.0 mobile handset.

First, data plans are $30/mnth for personal and $45 for business phones. Seems they were a bit cheaper last year.

Second, NO buying online, and NO self activation. To pick up your new iPhone or get any service you will need to visit one of the select brick and mortars, and expect to bring a sleeping bag. Not that any of us need to be at work to earn the iPhone tax.

Lastly, and most painfully, Apple was not able to snag its wander deal of profit sharing from income. What that means to you and me -- expect to pay for the software upgrades that actually make the phone work.

Good luck on July 11

UPDATE 9:59 pm Engadget refutes this last point by indicating that Apple's accounting procedures are in-line to make this not necessary. Essentially, the cost of the phone is recognized over a term. Of course this doesn't make up for the fact that REAL money will no longer be given to Apple, but I'll leave the speculation to your comments.

by Chris Gamble