Sprenzy Shopping Blog

iPhone… Overhyped? Overpriced? Poor business phone? Bad network? Maybe. Is it the ultimate all-in-one converged device? I think it’s the best one available right now. Say what you want about the iPhone, just make sure you test one out to really appreciate its simple, elegant and absolutely amazing user interface (UI).

I have owned a Windows Mobile 5.0, a Pocket PC and a Palm device and it always took me a few days to completely figure out how to use the phone and operating system. The iPhone’s UI is so well designed, it only took me a few minutes to understand it. There’s truly no need for a user’s manual.

I can’t say enough about the iPhone’s interaction design and functionality integration (between the phone, iPod, Internet, etc.). Using your fingers to scroll, zoom and navigate is pure joy and puts a smile on my face each time I use the iPhone.

Here’s a review roundup:

• Apple’s iPhone: an initial (but in-depth) review from AppleInsider
• Apple iPhone review by PC Magazine
• Review: Apple IPhone Rocks, Rolls, and Doesn’t Disappoint by Wired
• iPhone Review at Engadget

I love my new iPhone, but it’s not without flaws, which are highlighted in most reviews. Despite these flaws, it’s still hands down the best and most entertaining phone I’ve ever owned. The beauty of the iPhone is that its deficiencies can be fixed through software updates. The only thing that can’t be fixed with the iPhone is 3G data connectivity.

I didn’t plan on buying an iPhone and was going to wait for the 2nd Gen phone. But after reviewing my Verizon bill, the $50 a month I pay for unlimited data and 250 text messages is a complete ripoff. So on Saturday morning, I went down to the Apple store in San Francisco and picked up an 8 GB iPhone. I’ll be saving $40 a month by switching to an AT&T plan, which means I’ll break even in 15 months compared to sticking with Verizon’s overpriced data plan.

Sorry Verizon and Motorola Q, it was fun, but there’s a better and cooler gadget that you can’t come close to competing with… Hello iPhone!

After watching Steve Jobs’ Macworld keynote address and introduction of the iPhone, all I can say is… wow, brilliant, amazing, spectacular, fantabulous… there aren’t enough superlatives that I can give the iPhone. The user interface and design are simply beautiful, intuitive and elegant. The iPhone consists of three devices rolled into one.

1. A widescreen iPod with touch controls

2. A “smart” phone

3. A mobile Internet device

If Apple released these products individually, each device would be revolutionary. Words cannot describe how cool and mind blowing the iPhone is. To truly appreciate this gadget, you’ll have to watch the 2007 Macworld keynote address. If you can’t watch it all, skip to 01:23:20 in the keynote address or 00:57:00 in the iPhone introduction video to see Steve Jobs demonstrate a real world example of iPhone use… music, phone call, photo, email, web browsing, end call, automatically back to music… wow!

Unfortunately, the iPhone won’t be available until June 2007. Pricing is $499 for a 4 GB model and $599 for an 8GB model. Both require a two year contract with Cingular, the exclusive iPhone wireless carrier.

I’ve had a bad experience with Cingular in the past but I’m completely ready to drop Verizon and my Motorola Q come June. As you can tell, I’m super excited about the iPhone but I’m just as psyched for future Apple products using multi-touch technology.

Is the iPhone the holy grail of gadgets? I don’t know, but it comes pretty darn close. Maybe Apple can add 3G, wireless iTunes synching, GPS, over-the-air HDTV antenna, a heart rate monitor…

To get a complete overview and specs of the phone, go to Apple iPhone.

Update 01.17.2007: Added an entertaining video from Dave Pogue of the New York Times.

The average Thanksgiving meal contains 3,000 calories and if you snack all day it can reach up to 4,500 calories. I certainly did my share to raise the average calorie intake. I’m guesstimating I put down 5,000 calories easy.  Call me an over-achiever if you want. Now I’m on exercise kick to keep off the unwanted weight during the holiday season. One of my favorite new toys, which motivates me to run more often, is the Nike+ iPod Sport Kit.

If you already own an iPod Nano, the Nike+ iPod Sport Kit adds voice feedback (male or female) and visual display of your run/walk time, distance and pace. The Sport Kit consists of a small sensor (accelerometer) and a receiver that plugs into your Nano. The sensor is designed to fit into Nike+ running shoes but still works with any shoe if you can properly secure it.

Next you will find several Nike+ iPod Sport Kit reviews and a review of the Marware Sportsuit Sensor+, which attaches the sensor to any shoe.

• Playlistmag.com: Nike+ iPod Sport Kit Review - “When Lance Armstrong or Paula Radcliffe told me, through my nano, “Congratulations! You’ve just run your fastest mile.” I felt like they were talking directly to me—even though I knew they weren’t. The Nike + iPod Sport Kit is simple but ingenious, easy enough to use for beginning runners and technophobes alike, while reliable enough for even competitive runners.”

• PC Magazine: Nike+ iPod Sport Kit Review - “With its great community features, the Nike + iPod Sport Kit adds an extra element to running and walking that can actually inspire and motivate you more than simply listening to music and timing yourself.”

• The Adventure Blog: Nike+ iPod Review - “If you enjoy running, walking, or hiking, I highly recommend the Nike+iPod system. It’s a very well designed product that is easy to use, offers great value, and should be a benefit to anyone into fitness. It’s online portion should also help you track your data over time, set goals, and make progress in increasing your distance and speed.”

• iLounge: Nike+ iPod Sport Kit Review - “What Apple and Nike have achieved with the Nike+iPod Sport Kit is a nearly unqualified triumph: an expansion of the iPod nano into a digital sport running and walking partner, using add-on technology that works well and is easy enough for anyone to use. While we won’t go so far as to claim that it will replace the need for gyms or even just their treadmills, the Kit’s cool features - voice feedback, big on-screen text focused on your workout goal, PowerSongs, and Nikeplus.com - are generally so well-done for the reasonable price that you can easily look past the system’s few flaws.”

• The Final Sprint: Marware Sportsuit Sensor+ Review - “Marware’s Sportsuit Sensor + is a terrific adapter for runners who want the benefits of the new Nike+iPod Sport Kit, but don’t want to spend the extra cash on Nike+ Ready shoes. For only $9.99 it is an investment you won’t regret and we highly recommend it.”

Since I’m a Mizuno and New Balance fan, I haven’t purchased a pair of Nike+ running shoes. On my initial run with the Sport Kit, I placed the sensor between my shoe laces and tongue. It fell out 40 feet into my run but I didn’t realize it until three blocks later. Luckily, I was able to find the sensor before it was run over by a car.

After this initial blunder, I secured the sensor by placing it into a small Ziplock sandwich bag and then tucking the bag underneath the laces. An alternative and better solution is using Glad Press’n Seal wrap to make a pouch and tuck it under the shoe laces (shown top right). Both solutions are cheap, easy and waterproof. My only concern is the durability of the Press’n Seal, so I ordered the Marware Sportsuit Sensor+. Check out other sensor/shoe mods at theappleblog.com.

I’ve run with the Nike+ iPod Sport Kit eight times so far and I really enjoy using it. I’ve used it out of the box and uncalibrated. The distance accuracy is very good as I’ve only seen a 0.01 mile discrepancy on my known 1 mile and 3.25 mile markers. From my experience, if you keep the sensor flat or parallel to the foot bed, the distance and pace accuracy is pretty good uncalibrated. But if you attach the sensor on the top of the shoe tongue or on an angle, calibration is definitely required. I’ve also noticed total distance is less accurate on hilly running routes.

Overall, I still prefer running with the 2nd generation iPod Shuffle because it so small and lightweight. But getting distance and pace voice feedback is extremely useful during my runs. And it’s very helpful if you need to train at a certain pace. For its simplicity, run/mileage tracking, community features at Nikeplus.com and a low $30 cost, I highly recommend the Nike+ iPod Sport Kit to enhance your runs. It could also be great stocking stuffer for people who like to run with their Nano.

Other Nike+ Accessories:

Nike+ Clothing - the Nike+ clothing is expensive at $70+ per shirt. But it’s an option, if you don’t like carrying your Nano in your hand or using an armband. I have a short sleeve seamless top, which works well but you can’t see the Nano display. I prefer looking at the display every now and then during a run.

Nike+ Armband - I don’t like wearing armbands so this accessory is not for me. Similar to the Nike+ clothing issue, you can’t see the display while using the armband.

Are you thinking about getting the Microsoft Zune? There’s been a lot of buzz about the Zune over the last couple of months. Now that it’s released, here’s a hands-on review roundup.

• Ars Technica: Microsoft Zune - “The Zune is quite a compelling product, but it shows a strange schizophrenia of spirit. The detail work on the device is elegant and illustrates the thoughtful care lavished on the product, but basic functionality is crippled or poorly implemented.

  When a device promises “the social” but drastically limits file-sharing, can’t swap video clips, and only works with identical devices, it’s a tough sell in a world dominated by iPods. All Apple has to do is release a model with WiFi and Microsoft’s major advantage is wiped out. And because that “advantage” isn’t used well, the Zune will face an uphill path to broader market adoption.”

• i64x.com: My Zune Comparison: Zune vs. 5G iPod Video - “After using the Zune for a few hours I posted my iPod for sale online to cover most of the cost of the Zune and haven’t really looked back. Aside from the issue with the front USB ports I’ve had no problems with my Zune. The unit is rock stable, and the software - a bit slow at times - is still easy to use and with manual sync turned OFF is very drag and drop oriented and power user friendly.”

• Engadget: Zune Review - “The Zune is a player riddled with a lot of small issues – death by a thousand cuts. Do we think any particular one is a deal breaker? Well, even given our nightmarish software issues, not really. Do we think they should have worked out the kinks and sat out this holiday season? Probably, yeah. Do we think there’s potential for betterment of the platform and especially the player through software updates? Given enough time, absolutely. Would we recommend the product for purchase, like, right now? Not a chance.”

• Gizmodo: Zune: First Full Review - “Overall, this seems pretty promising. I can’t find any mis-steps or anything where I have to ask “wait, this is dumb, why did you do this?” in both the player and the software. The Zune itself is very sexy, and feels nice to the touch—not too heavy. We can’t wait to do another hands on as the launch date approaches.”

• WSJ.com: Microsoft’s Zune Challenges iPod - ”Overall, the iPod and iTunes are still the champs. Still, I expect the Zune to attract some converts and to get better with time. And this kind of competition from a big company with deep pockets and lots of talent is good for consumers in the long run.”

I found the Ars Technica review the most informative and entertaining to read. i64x.com’s review is also very good with a great rant on DRM and debunking of some Zune complaints/rumors.

I’m intrigued by the Zune’s UI and WiFi capability. The ability to navigate by artist, playlist, album, etc. without having to back-out a level is an improvement over the iPod’s UI. Even though the Zune WiFi implementation is limited, the potential is there. The ability to wirelessly synch an MP3 player with a PC would be killer feature.

Before passing judgment on the Zune, I’ll need to play around with one first. However, based on the first round of reviews, the Zune appears to be a viable alternative to the iPod and could get better with future software updates. If you know of other good Zune reviews, please share it with us.

This past Monday, I received my new 1 GB iPod Shuffle (2nd Generation) to replace the original Shuffle that died. After playing around with it this past week, I’m very happy with my new toy.

Apple improved the Shuffle by making it smaller and lighter. The built-in clip makes it easier to carry, even when you don’t have pockets. Additionally, the aluminum material has a much better look and feel than the cheap plastic of the original.

The only feature from the first generation Shuffle that I miss is the ability to connect directly to a USB port. The new Shuffle requires a mini-jack dock. But I have no issues giving up direct USB connectivity for the great size and form factor of the new Shuffle.

Here are some useful reviews:

• iLounge Review - “Because of its small size and simplicity, Apple’s incredibly small second-generation iPod shuffle will still be a viable option for many users; it’s a very good, generally recommendable option if you need a low-capacity music player. However, in our view, unless you’re as size- or weight-obsessed as a supermodel, or just don’t want to spend a dime more than the new shuffle’s $79 asking price, the even better lowest-end iPod nano is a smarter long-term purchase in literally all regards.”

• PC World Hands On Review - “I like Apple’s new iPod Shuffle. Given that 1GB of capacity is no big shakes these days, the lack of a screen seems less deplorable than during our last Shuffle review. If you’re on a budget and you want a good, albeit minimalist, audio player, get the Shuffle.”

• Playlistmag.com Review - “This iPod is sure to be the season’s most popular stocking stuffer, largely because it’s robust, holds more than enough music for even a day-long workout, and is priced to move.”

• PC Magazine Review - “The second-generation iPod shuffle is impressively small, and the built-in clip makes it ideal for working out, running, or just casual listening. Its lack of a screen or any extras like an FM tuner—or even support for many iPod accessories—is countered by its impressively diminutive size and low price.”

• Apple Insider Exposes Possible Issue - “It may have been a million-to-one shot, but one user’s early experience with Apple Computer’s second-generation iPod shuffle left him (and his new digital music player) a little bent out of shape.”

The Shuffle is not for everyone. If you need an LCD screen to skip to a specific song, then this MP3 player is not for you. However, if you want a super simple, small and lightweight MP3 player, then the new iPod Shuffle is a great player. It’s perfect on a run, during a workout or as a second iPod for use on the go.

Picture: Size Comparison between Shuffles and Nano