Why I Didn’t Get an iPhone
I recently purchased a T-Mobile Dash (a.k.a. HTC Excalibur) and I have been pretty happy with it, not because it is the fastest or coolest smartphone on the market, but because it is has a ton of cool features for not a lot of dough. I really wanted an iPhone for all of the same reasons you do, but I didn’t get one and here’s why:
- 90% of the people I call are on T-Mobile’s network. Mobile-to-mobile calls are free with a family plan, so it just makes cents for me to stay with T-Mobile.
- The Dash only set me back $99 after rebates, that’s like $300 cheaper than an iPhone.
- I can tether the Dash to my MacBook via a Bluetooth PAN and then broadcast my phone’s internet connection through my MacBook’s AirPort. Future post forthcoming…
That last feature was the real clincher for me, not only am I able to use my phone’s internet connection on my Mac, but I’m also able to use my MacBook as a router to broadcast said internet connection over a wireless network. Pretty cool, eh?
I do think that an iPhone ranks way higher in degrees of sexiness and innovation but if the iPhone follows the trend set by it’s cousin the iPod, then the next iPhone will be the one I’ll want to get. Maybe Apple will make the second-gen iPhone 3G compatible and maybe they’ll add the Bluetooth PAN feature just for me! And maybe Mike Huckabee will win the Presidency.
One major drawback of the Dash is that Windows Mobile 6 does not work with ActiveSync!
4 Responses to “Why I Didn’t Get an iPhone”
By David Lay on Mar 6, 2008 | Reply
From what I read on engadget or mobiledia or something, the 2nd Gen iPhone will be 3G compatible and is set to be released by the end of the year (most people are saying July, but I’d wager December is more realistic)…
That said, the Dash seems to be a really sweet phone and I think your reasoning is impeccable.
By kyle on Mar 9, 2008 | Reply
Four reasons why I hate my dash:
1. The phone selects who it will take calls from and who not to take calls from…it does a terrible job of letting me screen my calls. I have had it replaced once already because this is a common problem for the phone.
2. I have cracked two screens (my fault) and I just prefer a phone that either flips or is too fat to fit in my pocket.
3. The phone sometimes freezes because of “windows based software” it uses. I don’t know why this is, that is what T-mobile tells me.
4. Whenever I fly to a different zone it totally resets to the factory default for the settings I have it on.
The only reason I like my Dash:
1. Bubble breaker.
By Hilary on Mar 10, 2008 | Reply
You have Jerry convinced. I think that is the phone he will be wanting when his plan expires in April. Thanks a lot!
By kyle on Mar 28, 2008 | Reply
I was with my buddies and they both have Dashes…2 more cracked screens. We have terrible luck.