The iPhone -- A Practical Innovation or Just Another Pretty Face?

After testing my new iPhone in the past couple of weeks, I have a verdict.

I give it a solid 9 out of a perfect score of 10.

Why I gave it a solid 9:

1. Great browser. Just like surfing the web on your computer.
2. GSM like feature. Find directions, locations maps and even a satellite view.
3. Built in ipod and ability to download and watch TV shows and movies. (You have an option to get the iPhone with either 4 or 8 gigs.)
4. Intuitive type pad. Learns how you type and most common words you use.
5. The phone itself works great and I love the voice mail feature. When you check your voice mail, no longer do you have to call into an access number. Your voice mails get automatically downloaded like a 'wave' file into your phone and you play pause fast forward it instantly. Plus it shows who left you a message (caller ID.)
6. Email functionality and syncing to my computer works flawlessly.
7. The big screen makes everything easy to view.
8. Zoom in and out features by literally pinching the screen.
9. Turn the phone sideways and it knows to change your screen position to a wide angle view.  (I have a hard time believing that alien technology wasn't involved in manufacturing this device!)
10. Wifi enabled. Basically, wherever there's a network, whether your home, office or airport, the iPhone will pick up the signal and viola, surfing the web, accessing emails, getting directions, reviewing stocks or your portfolio or viewing the latest videos on you tube (all independent buttons on the main screen) becomes more than bearable. (Practically as fast as your computer!11. Pictures. While it comes equipped with a supposed 2.0 mega pixel camera, I find the quality to be a bit lacking. However, the photo album is fun to use. (Actually, everything about the phone is a blast to interact with and makes for a positive, enjoyable experience.) Just flip through the pictures using your finger as you would a regular picture album. (Sorry, no video yet. )

Why I took one point off:

1. No search function in contacts. The iPhone does have a feature that allows you to instantly go to the section in your contacts alphabetically. And while this is an easy feature to use, still, no search box.

2. While most business users may not care about this feature, it doesn't support A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile). This profile defines how high quality audio (stereo or mono) can be streamed from one device to another over a Bluetooth connection - for example, music streamed from a mobile phone to a wireless headset. Just imagine working out at the gym, going out for a run or taking a bike ride without the annoying wires tangling you up. Bluetooth device to another, both devices will need to share this A2DP profile. If both devices to do not contain this profile, you may still be able to connect using a standard Headset or Hands-free profile, however these profiles will not support music.

(Supposedly, there's an after market plug in you can purchase to make the iPhone compatible with A2DP. I'm in the process of researching that and will let you know what I find out.)

3. No extra battery. While they claim the battery should last about five years, there's no way to swap out and replace the battery with a spare. And if your battery dies, you'll need to send it in for a replacement.

All in all, I'm now a huge iPhone fan. And with the recent $200 dollar price drop, purchasing this device (now $299 or $399 for the 8 gig) has never been easier to justify. Oh, did I mention it also looks insanely cool! It is certainly one good looking phone.  As for me, I'm already looking forward to purchasing the next generation iPhone and hope for a perfect score of 10 the next time around.

For more information you can visit the apple site here.