Robert: It's unfortunate that you're becoming an Apple fan so late in the game. Apple has made superior products since its inception. Unfortunately for all their good points, Apple's products todays are the worst they've ever been in its history. There's no way Steve Jobs would have released a product harboring such an obvious quality flaw as the iPhone's poor camera performance in 1998, for example. Then again, it probably would have cost $200 more. ;)
If you want to get ahead of the curve for once - instead of being a follower like you have been for basically all of your professional life - jump on the Linux bandwagon. It's a slight running leap but by the time you'll be a full-fledged Linux cult member in 6-12 months (after you get informed enough about the product) Linux will have matured to the point for mere mortals to actually agree with you.
And you'll be first because you started the hype before it was primetime.
Jason Coomans
· 2 years ago
I've got the Nokia N95 which is really great and I'm enjoying most of the features but as soon as the iPhone comes out here in australia i'll be ditching it for the iPhone as I'd to have a good looking and functional phone over the nokia anyday. It seems like every nokia I pick up the interface is always different and when I click on the letter image I go to write a sms which I just think is wrong but that's my 2c
Skip
· 2 years ago
The one question I have is "If Nokia had produced a phone that was 100% identical to the iPhone, would anyone care?"
I suspect the answer is "no, not really".
LayZ
· 2 years ago
"Ahh, religion is a funny thing."
Isn't this much the same attitude you take when people question the value of blogging?
pseudofinn
· 2 years ago
Wow. This is a great blog entry. Thanks for the link, and thanks for the laugh!
#2- that's it, you've hit it right on the head! If it didn't have the apple logo, and it didn't have Steve Jobs to stand up and lie to the entire world about his new toy, neither Scoble or any of the other bloggers would have anything positive to say about it.
For the record, I did read your entry about how the N95 was better than the iPhone... how does that equate to what you say now, you know... without making you look like massive, massive tool?
Rock on, Scoble.... rock on. You got mesmerized by the bright screen and the apple logo. Don't be ashamed, it's cute.
Remember, Nokia fanboys are fanboys for a REASON. Apple fanboys are fanboys because they're ignorant to what else is out there. That doesn't make you a fan boy, because yes... we all know you have an N95, very happy for you. Singing the praises of the N95 in relation to the iPhone, then signing the praises of the iPhone in relation to the N95 makes you a tool. I understand the iPhone has it's target market, which is not me, I can accept that. I just can't accept douchebag bloggers like you that can't make up their minds and personally attack your readership when they don't agree with you.
I'm getting a great deal of enjoyment out of this discussion, I must admit. Thanks!
What is all this about religion anyway?
Robert Scoble
· 2 years ago
You're in my readership? Yeah, right. You came here cause I wrote about the N95. Go back to your religious forum. People like you hurt technology companies far more than they help them.
Note that I don't write for a Nokia forum the way you do. Grand that you've built your entire identity around Nokia. Me? I want the best product and iPhone is it.
Robert Scoble
· 2 years ago
LayZ: you probably are right about my attitude toward blogging. I could care less anymore, though. But want to talk about Facebook or Pownce? Heheh.
anon
· 2 years ago
Robert, I don't really have an opinion about Nokia vs Apple. But as a developer, I resent your comment that "normal people don’t care" about the development platform. Given the opportunity, developers can make some damn creative applications that could change the entirety of a product/platform.
I'm sure you've installed a product on your PC/MAC before. If there were no developers, such products wouldn't exist.
Here's a concrete example of what a developer like myself would be interested in doing - instead of having to plug in your iPhone to your computer to sync your music, you should be able to set a "home" wifi connection which would automatically sync your media when you're in its vicinity.
Robert Scoble
· 2 years ago
Anon: well, yes, but that's "caring" in the abstract. Ask a "normal person" whether they care whether Flash or Java is on it and they'll say "no." If they even have an idea of what those are.
Ilya Lichtenstein
· 2 years ago
I can't believe you continue to hype the iPhone. Shouldn't you declare a conflict of interest before writing all of these posts? How much free publicity have you personally gained thanks to the iPhone?
This isn't even about iPhone vs. N95. This is about irresponsible blogging.
Robert Scoble
· 2 years ago
Ilya: I didn't get paid by Apple. Not sure what you are talking about.
If I want traffic we all know the best way to do that: attack Apple.
It's quite obvious you've never had your hands on an iPhone.
Mark
· 2 years ago
You're note alone. I too have had an N95 since release and while it was the best Nokia S60 phone I've used (and better than anything the rivals were offering for great phone with good data) I've ditched it for the experience the iPhone offers, and this is 1.0. Apple will, unlike Nokia and other vendors, actually upgrade the software to add features, not just fix bugs. Here's hoping one day they actually offer tethering via Bluetooth since that is one N95 feature I do miss...although the e-mail and web experience on the iPhone negate a lot of the work I had previously done only on the laptop...but not all.
kittoo
· 2 years ago
ahh..now Robert Scoble becomes "Apple" Scoble..till now I thought you are the only person who has not hyped this product..here you come.
Ilya Lichtenstein
· 2 years ago
I wasn't talking about getting paid by Apple. I was talking about allthefreepublicity you got because you bought an iPhone.
I think this is about saving face. How bad would it look if, after so publically camping out for an iPhone you said "This thing I've been waiting for...it actually isn't that great." After all of that press about you exuberantly getting an iPhone, you have no choice but to praise it.
I just wish you wouldn't be so hostile about it.
Oh, and I've used an iPhone for hours. I'm writing this from a Macbook. I also have an N95.
Robert Scoble
· 2 years ago
kittoo: funny that most of the anonymous jerks here are consistently pro-Nokia and anti-Apple. Very interesting!
Ilya Lichtenstein
· 2 years ago
Also, you, if anyone, should know that it's far cooler to be an Apple fanboy nowadays.
Robert Scoble
· 2 years ago
I got all that free publicity because I was first in line. And everyone in the damn world knows it. So, it's not a conflict of interest.
And I still don't have an iPhone. I use a Nokia N95, which is a plenty nice phone but it isn't an iPhone.
Every single person I've shown them both to agrees that they'd rather own the iPhone.
Walt Mossberg, of the Wall Street Journal, called it revolutionary.
I guess he's bought off too, right?
I read your blog. You wrote you're sick of the hype. Translation: YOU have a conflict of interest in this conversation.
Simon Brocklehurst
· 2 years ago
Robert, I think there's no doubt that Apple has created the world's best mobile handset. However, I think it's a mistake to say that "normal people" don't care about "Java".
Normal people do care about adding software features to their phones e.g. tens of millions of "normal" people buy, and install Java games on their phones every month. And now, non-gaming Java applications are really starting to take off too.
I find it hard to believe that Steve Jobs doesn't understand this; especially now it appears that iPhone may have hardware Java acceleration built in and enabled, see:
Ilya: yes, it certainly is cooler to be an Apple fanboy. People stop my son in the streets to look at his iPhone. And they generally say "I'm going to buy one."
Why is that? You might ask yourself.
Does the Nokia have a huge screen that makes it a pleasure to read on?
Does the Nokia switch between wifi and cell service seamlessly?
Does the Nokia have a touch screen that's fun to use?
Does the Nokia have a Web browser that renders pages in a way that looks like what you see on your Web browser on your Windows or Mac machine?
Does the Nokia have an SMS client that works like an instant messaging client?
Does the Nokia have a QWERTY keyboard that matches the one that most people type on instead of a 1 - 2 - 3 style phone keyboard?
Does the Nokia have visual voice mail so that you can listen to the voice mail from your boss first (or your wife)? Even in a long list of voice mails?
Does the Nokia make it easy to do a conference call?
Nah, but you all keep thinking the N95 is a superior phone. Despite almost every serious reviewer who tells you otherwise. Heck, and most bloggers.
Hell, don't believe me. Ask yourself why Don MacAskill, CEO of SmugMug (a photosharing service -- you'd think he'd want to have a device with a decent camera, which the iPhone really doesn't have) is endorsing the iPhone. http://blogs.smugmug.com/don/2007/07/02/igot-ip...
Nah, on other hand. Keep telling me that I am an idiot for telling you the N95 is an inferior phone.
I've already had three people write me telling me that the attacks I'm getting from the Nokia folks have decided it for them: they are getting iPhones.
Keep it up! It's amazing that people from the Nokia community would want to behave like Apple fans usually do.
Robert Scoble
· 2 years ago
Simon: I care. But I gotta tell you that most people out there don't care.
Have you ever done a survey of what people use their phones for? I have.
Very very very few have loaded ANY software.
Very few have even visited a Web page on their phones (not counting iPhones, cause that audience is TOTALLY different).
I was over in London recently and asked a lot of people to show me their phones and what was on them. Almost none had any Web experience. Mostly they used the SMS app.
So, when I say people don't care, that's what I mean.
Now, ask them if they want games, and they say "yes." Obviously those games have to be built in something. So to that end, yeah, I agree with you, they care about developers there.
Ilya Lichtenstein
· 2 years ago
Robert, I have a conflict of interest because I mentioned in one blog post that I'm sick of the iPhone hype, but you're don't have a conflict of interest when you wrote 33 posts about the iPhone? A bit much, no?
Fair disclosure: I was given an N95 to try out by Nokia, and I fell in love with it. Feature-for-feature, the iPhone simply does not compare.
You can argue that the iPhone has a better interface, is easier to use, is pretty, fine. But once you start listing features, the N95 wins hands down.
5MP camera, VIDEO, GPS, VoIP, flash, etc.
There is no way you can favorably compare the iPhone's crippled, flash-less web browser to the N95. Want to know why?
Because the N95 web browser uses the same code as Safari on the iPhone! It's basically the same damn browser!
I thought you were a geek. Didn't you know that?
Robert Scoble
· 2 years ago
Ilya: it might be the same browser code, but pages don't look the same, they don't act the same, I can't zoom in and out the way the iPhone does, and they don't render the same.
I thought you were a geek. Didn't you know that?
Robert Scoble
· 2 years ago
Again. I have been very clear on the features. In fact, look at my photos!!!
They make it very clear that Nokia has a better camera. IE, better "features."
But you can't answer why Zooomr's CEO endorsed the iPhone. You can't answer why SmugMug's CEO endorsed the iPhone. (Both photographers, who SHOULD care about "features").
Hint: it's not about the features. It's about how nice it is to use.
Gideon Addington
· 2 years ago
This stuff just blows my mind. People's devotion to one company or brand or whatever is astonishing to me. Not because one doesn't become devoted to one company or brand for good reasons, etc. But that people, in order to reinforce the quality of their own decisions, insit on deriding other companies - the equiliant of holding your hands over your ears, and cursing someone out.
The extent this happens in the gaming world is notorious, and obviously in the computer world (mac vs. pc. vs linux.) But it just boggles the mind - and I believe, Robert, you make a good point when you mention the "mouse and ui" issue - so many people make the same comparisions. But here's the deal.... UI does matter. That's why Apple has been so successful at so much lately, they realize that and they make use of it. Because the average person on the street is, as you say, quite out of the loop s far as tech goes. I may not be thrilled at the poor web2.0 aspects of the iphone, but the average person doesn't know squat about that - they just know they are suddenly USING stuff like that.
The iPhone is not revolutionary because it does something new. Obviously that's not the case, and all the various fanboys lining up don't get that. I've had Palms, I've had windows mobile devices - all do more or less the same thing, often more things... But the iPhone makes such processes enjoyable, it makes it a pleasant experience. What's more, it makes it something that is now accessable to the mass as a whole - which will, in turn, drive more devices to offer such functions as people learn to expect such functions. That's where the revolution is. Most of this tech isn't that new, but until the average person is using it we won't see a lot of innovation in the field nor more reasonable prices.
The iPhone is the revolution that makes that happen.
I like Apple. I only started using their products last year, but I've quickly come to love how well they work and how happy I am to be using them. There are still issues, and some of the decisions made regarding the iphone are somewhat dubious but.... Fanboy? Not at all. I have enough good experience with Apple that I'm willing to give them some slack, but I'm not going to start deriding the next company over because they are NOT Apple.
This iPhone business has been a bit overwhelming, admitedly. I'm interested, and I have one, and I'm sick to death of it too... but, the "resistance" is certainly getting rather vile.
Robert Scoble
· 2 years ago
The reason I write about the iPhone is people care about it. Hell, it even got the Nokia fans to come over here. Hell, maybe if they had come over here some in the past and been my friend (I noticed they didn't cheer when I wrote a good review about my N95, but now that I'm dissing it they all come here to hand out some abuse) then maybe I wouldn't be so ready to trash it.
No one has EVER stopped me in the street for carrying around my Nokia.
Oh, do note that picture was taken with a Nokia N95.
Gideon
· 2 years ago
I don't see any reason you shouldn't write about it, just like Engadget or Gizmodo shouldn't - it IS the news. We may all be getting a bit weary of seeing the same news in 20 places, but it IS the news. What are you going to do?
The fault, dear Brutus, lies not in our stars but in ourselves... People who can't tolerate hearing more about the iPhone have to take it upon themselves to ignore it. This attitude everywhere... with this disgusting sense of entitlement from the blogs they read... that they must quit telling the story because some people are sick of it, while the majority is still listening, is nauseating.
Hell, I write a culture blog and I have a hard time not writing about it, because it's what is going on.
And you're right - people do stop to see it. Seeing Transformers tonight I had everyone with 10 feet of me asking questions and talking about my iPhone - as I quite happily watched YouTube on the Edge service. No one cared about my Windows Mobile device, or Treo 650 back in the day.
Podesta
· 2 years ago
ROFL! Considering that Robert was given a free N95 and BOUGHT the iPhone he used for his wife, it is strange to see someone imply he is indebted to Apple.
Robert is right about how people use Internet enabled cell phones. Research reveals that about half of Internet enabled cell phone owners use their their phones to access the Web. That would be 12.5 percent of all cell phone users. So, there is still a huge consumer population to reach with Internet enabled phones.
Podesta: good point. But I bet that most of those 12.5% are using phones with keyboards like Blackberries or SmartPhones. Even then, out of 100 people that'd be only 13 people who use the Internet. And of those, how often do they use it? Once a month? Once a week?
Ilya Lichtenstein
· 2 years ago
Allright the iPhone looks nice, we get it. It's eyecatching. It doesn't look like a regular smartphone. It looks beautiful.
Does that make it a technically superior product? It doesn't matter.
This debate is fruitless- it's impossible to argue with a true believer(this applies to both Apple and Nokia fanboys).
You can trade your N95 for an iPhone, and I can continue to use my N95, and we can both go to sleep smug and secure in our own superiority.
Robert Scoble
· 2 years ago
>it’s impossible to argue with a true believer
I don't believe that. I've seen many a stuck-in-the-gutter believer come around.
Remember those Unix heads at San Jose State who said the world didn't need a mouse or Windows? They all use them now.
I'm old enough to know that eventually all of you will come around to my point of view. :-)
Oyvind
· 2 years ago
LOL. That's brilliant, Robert. Love it.
Podesta
· 2 years ago
Ilya, isn't it possible that YOU are responding somewhat to having gotten your N95 FREE? I don't see any balance in your comments. Surely, there are things that aren't wonderful about the N95, right?
Tomi Itkonen
· 2 years ago
Apple entering the market makes the whole mobile industry gain attention, Nokia included. More players, more competition, more innovations, more headlines in the mainstream media, more passion, more exciting products. There are more people discussing about the features, comparing the products...
Both the industry, and we as customers, win.
Tim
· 2 years ago
I love this stuff. The cognitive dissonance is rife :-)
I laughed out loud at the guy on the nokia forum who said that maybe the N95 was just "a little bit too much machine" for Scoble. What, is your phone now some kind of sad macho bragging facility? You're not a real man, Scoble!
I also laughed at the guy above who seems to think that Robert is just interested in being the first and coolest, when his point about the iPhone is that it's a great product. Yeah! Get on that Linux bandwagon because it's new and no-one else is a fanboy yet! Then when Linux does take over the world, you can proclaim your Linux loyalty chops with impunity!
What kind of world do these people live in?
Probably one where they don't realise that it's the interface, stupid.
Robert Scoble
· 2 years ago
Tim: yeah, that sounds like the world alright!
I'm waiting for Linux to get decent fonts. Everytime I look at a Linux distribution it doesn't come close to my Mac, which doesn't come close to Windows on the font side of things.
Not to mention why in the heck do we need another OS? What does Linux do that OSX or Vista doesn't? (And I'm NOT talking about the server -- I know very well that Google runs on Linux, but very few people can tell me why it'll be successful on the laptop or desktop).
vinnie mirchandani
· 2 years ago
It's fanstastic to see you so passionate about iPhone. In fairness, the ultimate rabid fans belong to Apple. Those that believe there was a corporate conspiracy to make sure Apple failed in IT.
I have used Nokia, Motorola, Samsung, now HTC mobile phones in last decade...and hope to some day also use an Apple...but to me having each fight like hell and innovate is fantsatic. When we get too rabid about a product that's when the vendor gets sumg and takes us for granted.
But it is like comparing a high end Mercedes to a high end Toyota. When it comes to the bigger market, Nokia is dominant and will continue to be for a few years. Nokia will sell more units in India and China in a week than Apple will sell in a year.
Let's not forget we have gotten the average person accustomed to paying $ 50 for a mobile phone. That is the Toyota Corolla market - Mercedes could never get there (nor did it want to)
Doesn't N95 have half of the iPhone screen resolution? This pretty much is a no-go for me. I currently use Nokia E60 (has better resolution) with bluetooth keyboard, but S60 is not a very good operating system - it is very slow, crashes quite often (resets itself at least once a week), "not enough memory to display page", usability is average, needs reset to use bluetooth headset etc. This maybe a matter of personal preference, but the last small device OS i liked was Epoc on Psion. It only got worse after that, until now - the iPhone.
dhan
· 2 years ago
Robert, I think people forget why apple makes good product. They usually take a small set of features and do them well...really well. N95 may have 10X the features than iPhone but if it's difficult to use (such as the camera) then they are practically useless. Nokia used to be my favorite phone company but until they stop rehashing the same design that they've been using since last 10 years, they don't stand a chance.
Johann
· 2 years ago
Hehe this is too funny, I tend to agree with Robert that the iphone is a better device for consumers, we tend to forget that most people who own an N95 are early adopters (translation we want features and options) iphone is that as well but most early adopters will get bored with it soon as there is not much hacking to be done. If I was to recommend a phone to a friend today who wanted a phone with features he would use I would recommend an iphone, if it was for a friend who I knew wanted to try a few things I would let him look at N95 but caution him about the battery life. For the Nokia lovers out there who will tell me to buy a second battery, lets face it a phone should last a full day on a charge under normal usage the N95 does not do that.
Finally, I have been reading Robert's blog for 3 years and I can confirm that he does not follow the hype he has always told it as he sees it even when he worked at Microsoft and had to trash their products.
So Robert I own N95 like it but am not a Nokia fan boy but I love the fact that Apple will make SE and Nokia better manufacturers.
SiSt
· 2 years ago
Hi, I don't have an iPhone. I don't have any apple product either. But I can understand Robert and I fully agree Steve Jobs: "Everybody hates their phone." I'm using Nokia since 2000. For me Nokia produces the best available mobiles. But the best doesn’t mean a good one! The usability of conventional phones is awful nowadays. The SMS history list on the iPhone says all about what I mean. I’m looking forward for showing photos on a mobile screen like iPhone has and not on something that only wants to be a screen. And I love that apple understood: But for all features the pocket of my jacket is not a bag pack.
Garth
· 2 years ago
The overprice iPhone is rather irrelevant to the rest of the inhabited world that want affordable and functional phones like the $30 Nokia 1100.
When will those in the "Valley" realize that life and the internet itself does not revolve around them ???.
Paul Kerton
· 2 years ago
I've said it on many sites, now I'll repeat it here. America can have the biggest hard-on for iPhone if they want, but until it comes to the mature mobile markets in Europe and Japan, then you can't compare this "super" phone to anything the American market has, as its an immature market.
If the iPhone 8GB is $599 in the US with a 2 year contract, we can expect (comparing the price to the $599 Mac Mini) it will cost around £400 ($800) in the UK/Europe. There is no way, when I can buy a Nokia N95 for a TENTH of the price on an 18 month contract that anyone is going to buy it, just for the touch screen, and lots of features that most premium phones that cost less already surpass.
Unless they upgrade to include MMS, HSDPA (3.5G), NTSC level video recording, Bluetooth 2.0 that isn't crippled, open up the application market to other companies to make games and apps AND make it cost no more than £100/$200 here, then only the insane or ridiculously wealthy will be buying this phone outside of America.
I can't believe anyone believes the N95 camera is difficult to use. Open shutter, point, gently press button to focus, press it down fully to shoot, close camera shutter. It even locks itself!
Until the iPhone is both matching price and features, then the high end price will not sell in the REAL mobile phone markets.
Paul Kerton
· 2 years ago
"Not to mention why in the heck do we need another OS? What does Linux do that OSX or Vista doesn’t? (And I’m NOT talking about the server — I know very well that Google runs on Linux, but very few people can tell me why it’ll be successful on the laptop or desktop)."
Because free computing and true consumer choice is important, then again as an ex-Microsoft employee Scoble, I'm not sure you'd understand that!
Ted
· 2 years ago
As always, everything depends on what you need and like - there is no one "best for all" solution. Everybody can have his own opinion what is good and what is crap, and that is no reason to criticize the person. On top of that probably none of you have both those phones like Robert does, so you cannot compare - yet you post your definitive opinions without even using the iPhone for one second... Funny :-)
Tyler
· 2 years ago
> And I’m NOT talking about the server - I know very well that Google runs on Linux
Well, there is BSD! Yahoo servers runs on FreeBSD Unix. So Linux is dispensable. As are cameras by Nikon, because there are cameras by Canon. Or Macs because there are PCs and PCs because there are Macs. Or PS3 vs Xbox etc...
> Because free computing and true consumer choice is important
Oh come on! Whats with this propaganda about "free computing"? Do you know how many microprocessors are in your devices, from the washing machine to the dvd player or car or gadgets? Guess how many are "free computing"... They just work. I couldn't care less if I use open source software or closed source software. And look at the web: Some Web 2.0 applications like maps or Google Mail are built "with" open source software (php, ruby, Linux), but aren't open. "Free computing" is not a natural goal to which all software is drifting.
The Linux revolution is predicted since 10 years. And it won't happen in another 10 years. Deal with it.
Oyvind
· 2 years ago
Ok, so the iPhone has a wonderful, big screen... But your N95 can have one too.
Let's be fair, Mr. Scoble- if you want to talk about the attacks, it was indeed you that started it with the name calling- which I happen to like for it's maturity alone.
And yes, we did post a link to your blog when you previously praised the N95- so we did cheer you for your views on it at the time. I remember reading someone's comments that labeled those who want a 5MP camera half-brained and fools. Just as I was called an idiot by Scoble. So if we are talking about which user base attacks who- let's be fair in your analysis, everyone.
Cheers, Scoble. Thanks again for the link.
Aditya Moorthy
· 2 years ago
Hi Rob,
I am an avid reader of your blog and I am commenting for the first time. It is probably old topic by now to talk about this, but I thought I would share some of my thoughts on this topic.
I am not "religious" towards any product and appreciate anything that is creative and better than the ones developed before. If at all I am religious I am towards bloggers like you as you guys are on the frontline providing so much of update to couch potatoes like me and I really appreciate that.
Coming back to the topic, I personally think that a comparison between iPhone and N95 is not justified as they are completely different products. Accepted that N95 and iPhones serve the same purpose but given the advancements in technologies we cannot simply take for granted that since they are both mobile phones they are fit to be compared. All those who do it would never reach a true verdict that which is better simply because we are not comparing the right products.
I am in Singapore where it is summer throughout the year. People naturally perspire a lot and the body generates quite a bit of oil. I have to wash myself several times a day just to look fresh. If I carry a phone which has no keyboard and I have to touch the screen for practically everything I need to do with the phone, the phone is going to be so sticky and oily in couple of hours that it is simply not possible to handle it myself. This is not to say that N95 does not get dirty but atleast I am not touching the display all the time.
On the contrary, the iPhone is a really "cool" product. Nothing can compare to it's beauty and simplicity. But imagine trying to blog from your phone (I haven't used one so I may be wrong here), it is definitely going to be more difficult than a phone with keyboard. I use a E65 and I blog quite easily with it even though it does not have a QWERTY keyboard.
I am not bashing iPhone or glorifying the N95 or vice versa but people have to put things in perspective before bashing either of the phone just on the basis of comparing each other. N95 is for sure a much more productive phone than iPhone and on the other hand iPhone is amazing when it comes to simplicity.
So instead of fighting the religious crowd one should come up with enough reasons and options that both Apple and Nokia go back to their drawing board trying to appreciate what the competitor has developed and finding ways to achieve it.
Well, my 2 cents worth. And thanks for adding me on Facebook.
Keep blogging...
Robert Scoble
· 2 years ago
pseudofinn: I love historical revisionism! Who called me a moron? Isn't that a name? That was done first by one of your tribe. You're not here for a conversation. You're here to beat me up and prove to your tribe back on the Nokia forum what a brute you are. Oh, you brute!
James O'Neill
· 2 years ago
Robert you sure have become an i-Phone bore.
Not being in the US I'm vague on the price, but we can divide the world into 3 groups.
(a) Those who think spending >$500 on a phone is idiotic. My Windows phone hooks into my corporate mail, my personal address book, my corporate address book and my corporate calendar. It browses the web, has a camera, plays music and videos. AND IT'S FREE on a contract. Why would anyone *pay* to have a phone ? A lot of readers don't want to hear about the i-phone.
(b) Those who have spent >$500 on a phone. Clearly they don't believe they are idiots themselves, but anyone who buys a phone other than theirs must be an idiot. That means all those with expensive fashion phones other than the iPhone don't want to hear you telling them they wasted their money.
(c)Those who agree with you. But after a while it gets dull to be told, again, how smart you were to buy Scoble's choice, so they're probably pretty bored with you.
So Robert, you don't have to post an answer, but you should think about the question "I am as interesting and relevant as when I was at Microsoft".
Juno
· 2 years ago
Robert, I'm very disappointed. You wrote not long ago that you have been experiencing some burnout with blogging. I think you would be well advised to take a break from it. Take a week. Or a month. Or a lifetime. But take a break.
Your blogging used to be relevant and interesting. Lately you've become 1) boring, 2) combative, 3) insulting, and 4) irrelevant. When you aren't attacking your readers with petty insults, you are posting the same recycled news that I can read anywhere. What happened to the interesting and innovative content?
I don't make these comments to be harsh. I'm serious when I say that you seem to need a break.
Podesta
· 2 years ago
Pseudo, I don't see how you can literally send commenters from your blog over here to attack Robert and then play the innocent victim when he calls you out. You lose.
Aditya, I think your claim that the iPhone will not be a productive device will likely be proven wrong. People use their iPods as productive devices, by loading useful text, audio and video files on them, or accessing iTunes U. So, considering the additional functions of the iPhone, such as email and the camera, it can't be any less productive.
James, the N95 cost $750. That fact is rarely mentioned on Nokia blogs or even in comments here because it is another negative for the phone. I even watched an interview of a Nokia executive promoting the N95 on iDay in which he did not mention the price until the reporter asked point blank near the end of the interview. So, if you are going to criticize the iPhone based on price, the same criticism applies to the N95, only more so.
There are good things to be said about the N95. The camera is probably among the best on cell phones anywhere. GPS can be handy, though I found the example of using it as a Neighborhood Positioning System during one's daily run silly. (Get Nike + iPod instead.) It offers the second best browser, apparently. But, the iPhone will exceed expectations in the market with good reason.
Salada2k
· 2 years ago
First of all Robert, we are not a 'tribe'. Don't try and make us out to be some kind of barbaric uprising that has something against you just because you tout the iPhone as the best thing since sliced bread, when it isn't. I called you a moron because at times you are, and as someone who has you at least on my RSS feed, and does somewhat enjoy some of things you have to say. I was particularly dismayed at some of your observations of the N95, as I only like to hear the truth be told, and I think you've missed out on some very important things you've kept from your readership about where the iPhone LACKS features. Your title as technology evangelist is not deserved.
And by the way, no one from our 'tribe' asked you to make a comparison. You took that upon yourself. Maybe they are Apples and Oranges. But you've never made that clear, at least not that I've seen. I think you owe it to your readers to say what's inferior about the iPhone.
It has been one extraordinary laugh though, I'll give you that. Also, tell me, how is this hurting the technology companies???
Podesta
· 2 years ago
LOL! Just noticed that 'you're not relevant' is the latest insult to hurl Robert's way. Who came up with that meme and sent his minions to spread it?
Zark
· 2 years ago
Podesta,
The reason the price of N95 is rarely mentioned is because N95 is usually free/dirt cheap under contract (e.g. in Europe). Though, in the US you can only get it SIM free and pay the full price up front.
Robert Scoble
· 2 years ago
Podesta: Valleywag first said that that I remember. Funny, though, for someone who is "not relevant" they sure write about me a lot.
As for whether I'm more or less relevant since leaving Microsoft. At Microsoft I interviewed one CEO in two years. Since leaving a year ago I've interviewed more than 100 CEOs and a presidential candidate. If that's "not relevant" I want more of not being relevant! :-)
Robert Scoble
· 2 years ago
>Salada2k: I've written AT LENGTH over the past two weeks about what's inferior about the iPhone. It's pretty obvious to me you aren't an astute reader if you've missed my many posts on the topic. So, I'd rather you not read me. I want smart readers here and ones that do their homework and participate in a conversation rather than just slinging mud because their piece of kit isn't as cool as the next guy's. Have a good day!
Geoffrey
· 2 years ago
"No one has EVER stopped me in the street for carrying around my Nokia."
I think that really says it all. You don't deny the n95 has a better camera, GPS, 1200+ apps...
you just want the cool factor.
Admit it and be done with it. Just don't tell us its a better phone.
Oliver Widder
· 2 years ago
At the end of the day it's just a thing you can phone with.
Geoffrey: Coolness has SOMETHING to do with it, yes.
But it is a superior phone, too. But I'm done arguing with you guys. You aren't here for a conversation about why, you're just here to "win" an argument. Hint: having a GPS, a better camera, video, 3G networks, and all that doesn't MATTER to having a better phone experience.
Robert Scoble
· 2 years ago
Oliver: heheh, I was just telling Patrick that when I was his age in 1977 we used to argue about Apple II's vs. Mainframes. :-)
Come to think of it, the conversations were extremely similar to the ones we're having today.
And the end result will be the same, too.
Geoffrey
· 2 years ago
scoble,
You haven't until now, addressed anything I've said, so you can't tell me you're done arguing :). Plus, I'm not here to win - there are two things I'd like to point out, that's all.
Choose the iphone, there are plenty of good reasons and I don't deny it... certainly coolness is an acceptable factor.
The first thing that annoyed me was your statement that the iphone offered a 'better picture taking experience'.
In the real world, Robert, believe it or not, the PICTURE is part of the "picture taking experience"... so the result matters.
I don't care how great it feels to press the button, what matters is the end result. The iphone has a crappy camera... and no, "go buy a camera" isn't a defense either... it's an admission, by you and Steve Jobs, that they screwed up in the camera department.
My second problem is that every reference you make to the n95 - a good, solid convergent device - is filled with backhanded compliments (GPS? "yes, I’ve used it, it takes four minutes to get a lock most of the time" - simply not true, mine locks on in 20 seconds or less, and I can demonstrate it on yours if you send me your n95 - I'll do a video of it)... yet your blog is also filled with all kinds of excuses for the iphone (such as: "if you want a camera, buy a camera!")
Where's the balance there?
Lastly:
Scoble said: "Hint: having a GPS, a better camera, video, 3G networks, and all that doesn’t MATTER to having a better phone experience."
Scoble, I bought a convergent device that does many things, mostly very well... I didn't want just a phone...
Is that all you bought the iphone for?
Sorry to hear it!
Robert Scoble
· 2 years ago
Today I raced Bart. I used my Nokia N95. He used his iPhone. My phone crashed when I first opened up the lens shade. I rebooted the phone. And started again. He was able to take a photo before my camera even booted up and showed an image.
That's why I said the "photo taking experience is better on the iPhone."
Oh, and to demonstrate you are NOT listening to me. I don't even have an iPhone. I bought one for my wife. Get your facts straight and maybe we can have a decent conversation. I love my Nokia N95. You HAVE noticed I use it for all the pictures I take, right?
But it is no iPhone.
Geoffrey
· 2 years ago
My mistake, Robert, you are right, and I did read elsewhere that you don't own an iphone. I did not mean to suggest otherwise. But you did say in an earlier blog you were planning on buying two, so perhaps it was a reasonable confusion on my part...
With my n95, I very rarely have crashes, and have been very pleased by the results of the n95 camera, including the fun of geocoding. I love the GPS and other functions. Every day, I bike 15 miles and the n95 records my speed, altitude, time, and maps my course to google earth! And I take pictures and answer the phone, along the way.
I admit, I am sure I would love an iphone too, it is undoubtely a cool device.
My offer still stands... I can get your n95 gps locked in under 20 seconds or... I dunno, did we settle on a beer?
They are two different phones. I hope you continue to explore some of the amazing features of the n95 ...
"GPS can be handy, though I found the example of using it as a Neighborhood Positioning System during one’s daily run silly. (Get Nike + iPod instead.)"
The nike device won't map your route to a satellitel photograph on Google Earth. Plus, now you're using two devices, not one :)
It maybe an unnecessary use of GPS (I used the phone to drive 2800 miles this summer, across country, where it was incredibly useful) - but it is FUN. Try it sometime... the Nokia SportsTracker.
LayZ
· 2 years ago
@17 "Walt Mossberg, of the Wall Street Journal, called it revolutionary."
Mossberg wouldn't know revolutionary if he were dropped in the middle of King Street in Boston on March 5, 1770.
Mossberg more or less loves the last thing he's reviewed, particularly if it comes from Apple. Hardly a "non-partisan" endorsement.
cg
· 2 years ago
Amazing how a flame war starts over smartphones. After all this is Scoble's blog and from what I have been following he offers *some* reasons for why he thinks the iPhone is better. As the cliche goes, "To each his(or her) own".
My opinion? Features aren't everything. Something to keep in mind in the seemingly endless iPhone vs N95 debates...err if they can be called debates, that is.
LayZ
· 2 years ago
"Since leaving a year ago I’ve interviewed more than 100 CEOs"
What percentage of those CEOs are running companies that are profitable? What percentage of those CEOs are running companies with >1000 employees? Point is, anyone can start a Web 2.0 company and call themselves a CEO. Doesn't mean they actually know how to run a business. So, unless ALL those CEOs were part of the F500, that's really not something to necessarily brag about nor does it make for a great barometer.
Corrupted Mind
· 2 years ago
I have been following this debate and felt compelled to share a quick word or two. Both my buddy and I are european "phone enthusiasts" - to be truthful we're phone whore's (no allegiance to any brand). To declare upfront, he currently holds an SE K800i and I'm rolling with a Nokia N93 (I think I should also make clear that - either of us could have ANY phone, bar the Vertu nonsense, and have chosen these phones on merit and lifestyle fit).
Yesterday we had a kinda surreal discussion on the iphone - the highlights of which were:
* The main thing is HSDPA. Not even regular 3G can keep up with my internet phone demands, and the way I see wi-fi, whereever it is available to me (work and home) a desktop or laptop is nearby. I don't sit in coffee shops to browse the net. * An RSS reader, although I understand there will be apps that can do this. * User customisable ringtones and sms alerts. Major oversight that can be rectified by firmware upgrades I suppose. * No MMS is terrible. It really shows how much they only think about the US market. I send pictures all the time, email isn't as immediate. * No ObEx bluetooth profile... thats like going back to GX30 Sharp days.. again, people won't stand for it. * No proper Cam * No camcorder * No phone as Modem functionality.
Both of us are considering the iphone, but as 2nd phones (dope dealer style)...
More thoughts to add to the pot I guess (sorry about the length of post). Is my post off-topic? Damn, briefly - Robert isn't a Nokia hater and who wouldn't lust after a iphone - In Europe we just accept that the Nokia phone design department is where they sculpt BRICKS!!
Steve Keriaglou
· 2 years ago
I would have prefered a more intelligent discussion on here. I understand why Scoble's blog was gaining more and more popularity in the beginning, it was of higher quality. Now it seems that polarizing just for the sake of it is making the blog more popular. As we all know -we can't argue about taste. So leave ppl alone if they don't own the cell u think they need. That goes both for Nokia and Iphone users! And please, when somebody states a good point acknowledge that please. Try to admit that you were wrong at a certain point. That's exactly the reason why I think it's not religions colliding. It is simply the inability to accept that there are also positive things about other people's cellphones. That's why ppl start to discuss heavily now. Acknowledge the other and it's all good. On one hand Scoble lacks a bit the ability to admit when he was wrong; but on the other hand some of the BLOG READERS DO THAT TOO! I don't know what Scoble's real life occupation is, but I am pretty sure he is not a journalist. If he was he might have been more able to express that EVERY cellphone has a right to exist. He has just fallen in love with the iphone now. And we all now damn well that ppl who are heavily in love can't get their mind changed by other ppl. So leave it! Love is blind! Alright, now I want EVERY ONE here to try and put their emotions aside- please be more objective on here. Thank you! :-)
Mark Anderson
· 2 years ago
As the iPhone hasn't been released in Europe I'm not in a position to say if it's a more enjoyable user experience than the N95 or not so all I can go on is:
a) How easy I find the N95 to use, and b) The features of each device and how often I would use them.
In answer to to a) I have to say "very easy". Everything is where it should be and my most important applications are just one key press away. So: Is a touchscreen UI cool? Yes. Do I really need one? No.
As for b), I use my 'phone mainly for calls, texts, music, quick web browsing, e-mail and navigation and find the N95 pretty good at all of them. Maybe the iPhone is better at some functions but that isn't a substitute for not having other essential features at all. Also, wi-fi is fine and dandy when you're sitting sipping your skinny latte in a hot spot enabled cafe but HSDPA is essential for mobile browsing on the tube or the bus which is where it's mostly going to be used.
I'll certainly give the iPhone a try out though. I just don't think it'll do for me and the majority of the European market though.
As a final point, Robert - have you updated the N95's firmware (currently V12)? This has corrected the stability issues and improved a number of the unit's features.
Robert Scoble
· 2 years ago
I updated the N95's firmware two weeks ago. I'll have to get the latest v. 12 update.
Isamu Shinozaki
· 2 years ago
I love my N95 but I'm not that religious to it and I don't see myself ditching it for an iPhone anytime soon.
I'm really in utter disgust on the approach the N95 community is taking on the iPhone. Senseless jabs.. here, there. If you didn't read well enough, I love my N95 and it's clearly conquered over the iPhone by a mile on the features side.
I've actually mentioned something like this to Darla Mack, the N95 community or Nokia in general is becoming what the Apple ads are to the Microsoft community, and I hate that. WE DON'T HAVE ANYTHING ELSE TO PROVE but yet we can't shut up.
My two cents.
Tony Pisarek
· 2 years ago
I watch the grenades being tossed back and forth, admittedly, with some amusement, I can only think that the arguments, accusations, not too mention the "mine is bigger than yours" contests, are unnecessary.. The reason that there are so many devices on the market is that not everyone's criteria for what the perfect device is, is the same.
I just, as in, 2 days ago needed to get new phone because the piece of crap, Windows Mobile-Based Motorola Q, decided to die once again.. Because I also use the device for business communication, I need something I can rely on.. Windows Mobile apparently isn't it... (I hope that this doesn't start a WM5/6, Symbian, Apple, Palm, flamewar..)
I owned a Palm based Treo and was frustrated by some of its failings as well.. Ruling out all things Windows Mobile and Palm... I looked at, and played with the iPhone, and compared it to the N95.. For a number of reasons, I selected the N95, bought an unlocked/unbranded version and am, thus far, very pleased. I have not experienced any of the issues regarding battery life, instability, etc.. I am running the latest firmware..
I have never owned a Symbian Based Phone, or anything Apple... Unless you count the Apple II+, IIe, IIGS, and the few iPods I have owned or currently own..
The iPhone has some definitely eye-catching features.. it's just not for me... there were too many show-stoppers, and missing features that are important to me when I looked at it..
Will I eventually own an iPhone? Maybe.. But, definitely not a version 1.0 one, but things can change.. I think Apple has some work to do.
Hell, I know a lady that lives down the street that is still using a rotary phone hanging on the wall in her kitchen and she is perfectly happy with that...
To each his own.. Differing viewpoints drive creativity, competition. innovation and progress..
tnkgrl
· 2 years ago
I'm in the same boat as you Robert... I have both a Nokia N95 and an Apple iPhone!
I spent a few days in Seattle around July 4th, and used my N95 mostly as a camera, and my iPhone for everything else :)
Of course, I'm still in the honeymoon phase, but as an Internet device, the iPhone beats the N95.
I'm still committed to teh N95 as my primary phone, but I'm using the iPhone more than I expected.
delvee
· 2 years ago
Hi Robert,
I am happy for you to make your money by blogging. You are totally funny guy.
BR, DV
rob
· 2 years ago
That must be one big phat check you have from Apple?!
Robert Scoble
· 2 years ago
rob: I've never been paid a dime by Apple Computer and, unlike Nokia, I haven't been sent a free iPhone either (Nokia sends bloggers free phones -- I didn't get mine from Nokia, but from Pure Mobile, a distributor of phones).
Peter Carvell
· 2 years ago
I just gave up my N95 today. Buggy, slow, rubbish piece of crap. I'll wait and get the K850i or W960 when they come down a bit in price. I'll have my old K800 over the N95 any day.
Acidia
· 1 year ago
Peter Carvell slow buggy rubbish? maybe its more dumb, stupid retarded user?
All Comments
If you want to get ahead of the curve for once - instead of being a follower like you have been for basically all of your professional life - jump on the Linux bandwagon. It's a slight running leap but by the time you'll be a full-fledged Linux cult member in 6-12 months (after you get informed enough about the product) Linux will have matured to the point for mere mortals to actually agree with you.
And you'll be first because you started the hype before it was primetime.
I suspect the answer is "no, not really".
Isn't this much the same attitude you take when people question the value of blogging?
#2- that's it, you've hit it right on the head! If it didn't have the apple logo, and it didn't have Steve Jobs to stand up and lie to the entire world about his new toy, neither Scoble or any of the other bloggers would have anything positive to say about it.
For the record, I did read your entry about how the N95 was better than the iPhone... how does that equate to what you say now, you know... without making you look like massive, massive tool?
Rock on, Scoble.... rock on. You got mesmerized by the bright screen and the apple logo. Don't be ashamed, it's cute.
Remember, Nokia fanboys are fanboys for a REASON. Apple fanboys are fanboys because they're ignorant to what else is out there. That doesn't make you a fan boy, because yes... we all know you have an N95, very happy for you. Singing the praises of the N95 in relation to the iPhone, then signing the praises of the iPhone in relation to the N95 makes you a tool. I understand the iPhone has it's target market, which is not me, I can accept that. I just can't accept douchebag bloggers like you that can't make up their minds and personally attack your readership when they don't agree with you.
I'm getting a great deal of enjoyment out of this discussion, I must admit. Thanks!
What is all this about religion anyway?
Note that I don't write for a Nokia forum the way you do. Grand that you've built your entire identity around Nokia. Me? I want the best product and iPhone is it.
I'm sure you've installed a product on your PC/MAC before. If there were no developers, such products wouldn't exist.
Here's a concrete example of what a developer like myself would be interested in doing - instead of having to plug in your iPhone to your computer to sync your music, you should be able to set a "home" wifi connection which would automatically sync your media when you're in its vicinity.
Shouldn't you declare a conflict of interest before writing all of these posts?
How much free publicity have you personally gained thanks to the iPhone?
This isn't even about iPhone vs. N95. This is about irresponsible blogging.
If I want traffic we all know the best way to do that: attack Apple.
It's quite obvious you've never had your hands on an iPhone.
I was talking about all the free publicity you got because you bought an iPhone.
I think this is about saving face. How bad would it look if, after so publically camping out for an iPhone you said "This thing I've been waiting for...it actually isn't that great." After all of that press about you exuberantly getting an iPhone, you have no choice but to praise it.
I just wish you wouldn't be so hostile about it.
Oh, and I've used an iPhone for hours. I'm writing this from a Macbook. I also have an N95.
And I still don't have an iPhone. I use a Nokia N95, which is a plenty nice phone but it isn't an iPhone.
Every single person I've shown them both to agrees that they'd rather own the iPhone.
Walt Mossberg, of the Wall Street Journal, called it revolutionary.
I guess he's bought off too, right?
I read your blog. You wrote you're sick of the hype. Translation: YOU have a conflict of interest in this conversation.
Normal people do care about adding software features to their phones e.g. tens of millions of "normal" people buy, and install Java games on their phones every month. And now, non-gaming Java applications are really starting to take off too.
I find it hard to believe that Steve Jobs doesn't understand this; especially now it appears that iPhone may have hardware Java acceleration built in and enabled, see:
http://www.psynixis.com/blog/2007/07/02/iphone-...
Why is that? You might ask yourself.
Does the Nokia have a huge screen that makes it a pleasure to read on?
Does the Nokia switch between wifi and cell service seamlessly?
Does the Nokia have a touch screen that's fun to use?
Does the Nokia have a Web browser that renders pages in a way that looks like what you see on your Web browser on your Windows or Mac machine?
Does the Nokia have an SMS client that works like an instant messaging client?
Does the Nokia have a QWERTY keyboard that matches the one that most people type on instead of a 1 - 2 - 3 style phone keyboard?
Does the Nokia have visual voice mail so that you can listen to the voice mail from your boss first (or your wife)? Even in a long list of voice mails?
Does the Nokia make it easy to do a conference call?
Nah, but you all keep thinking the N95 is a superior phone. Despite almost every serious reviewer who tells you otherwise. Heck, and most bloggers.
Hell, don't believe me. Ask yourself why Don MacAskill, CEO of SmugMug (a photosharing service -- you'd think he'd want to have a device with a decent camera, which the iPhone really doesn't have) is endorsing the iPhone. http://blogs.smugmug.com/don/2007/07/02/igot-ip...
Nah, on other hand. Keep telling me that I am an idiot for telling you the N95 is an inferior phone.
I've already had three people write me telling me that the attacks I'm getting from the Nokia folks have decided it for them: they are getting iPhones.
Keep it up! It's amazing that people from the Nokia community would want to behave like Apple fans usually do.
Have you ever done a survey of what people use their phones for? I have.
Very very very few have loaded ANY software.
Very few have even visited a Web page on their phones (not counting iPhones, cause that audience is TOTALLY different).
I was over in London recently and asked a lot of people to show me their phones and what was on them. Almost none had any Web experience. Mostly they used the SMS app.
So, when I say people don't care, that's what I mean.
Now, ask them if they want games, and they say "yes." Obviously those games have to be built in something. So to that end, yeah, I agree with you, they care about developers there.
Fair disclosure: I was given an N95 to try out by Nokia, and I fell in love with it. Feature-for-feature, the iPhone simply does not compare.
You can argue that the iPhone has a better interface, is easier to use, is pretty, fine. But once you start listing features, the N95 wins hands down.
5MP camera, VIDEO, GPS, VoIP, flash, etc.
There is no way you can favorably compare the iPhone's crippled, flash-less web browser to the N95. Want to know why?
Because the N95 web browser uses the same code as Safari on the iPhone! It's basically the same damn browser!
I thought you were a geek. Didn't you know that?
I thought you were a geek. Didn't you know that?
They make it very clear that Nokia has a better camera. IE, better "features."
But you can't answer why Zooomr's CEO endorsed the iPhone. You can't answer why SmugMug's CEO endorsed the iPhone. (Both photographers, who SHOULD care about "features").
Hint: it's not about the features. It's about how nice it is to use.
The extent this happens in the gaming world is notorious, and obviously in the computer world (mac vs. pc. vs linux.) But it just boggles the mind - and I believe, Robert, you make a good point when you mention the "mouse and ui" issue - so many people make the same comparisions. But here's the deal.... UI does matter. That's why Apple has been so successful at so much lately, they realize that and they make use of it. Because the average person on the street is, as you say, quite out of the loop s far as tech goes. I may not be thrilled at the poor web2.0 aspects of the iphone, but the average person doesn't know squat about that - they just know they are suddenly USING stuff like that.
The iPhone is not revolutionary because it does something new. Obviously that's not the case, and all the various fanboys lining up don't get that. I've had Palms, I've had windows mobile devices - all do more or less the same thing, often more things... But the iPhone makes such processes enjoyable, it makes it a pleasant experience. What's more, it makes it something that is now accessable to the mass as a whole - which will, in turn, drive more devices to offer such functions as people learn to expect such functions. That's where the revolution is. Most of this tech isn't that new, but until the average person is using it we won't see a lot of innovation in the field nor more reasonable prices.
The iPhone is the revolution that makes that happen.
I like Apple. I only started using their products last year, but I've quickly come to love how well they work and how happy I am to be using them. There are still issues, and some of the decisions made regarding the iphone are somewhat dubious but.... Fanboy? Not at all. I have enough good experience with Apple that I'm willing to give them some slack, but I'm not going to start deriding the next company over because they are NOT Apple.
This iPhone business has been a bit overwhelming, admitedly. I'm interested, and I have one, and I'm sick to death of it too... but, the "resistance" is certainly getting rather vile.
But, the reason I wrote 33 times about it is because of this: http://scobleizer.com/2007/07/01/iphone-stops-p...
No one has EVER stopped me in the street for carrying around my Nokia.
Oh, do note that picture was taken with a Nokia N95.
The fault, dear Brutus, lies not in our stars but in ourselves... People who can't tolerate hearing more about the iPhone have to take it upon themselves to ignore it. This attitude everywhere... with this disgusting sense of entitlement from the blogs they read... that they must quit telling the story because some people are sick of it, while the majority is still listening, is nauseating.
Hell, I write a culture blog and I have a hard time not writing about it, because it's what is going on.
And you're right - people do stop to see it. Seeing Transformers tonight I had everyone with 10 feet of me asking questions and talking about my iPhone - as I quite happily watched YouTube on the Edge service. No one cared about my Windows Mobile device, or Treo 650 back in the day.
Robert is right about how people use Internet enabled cell phones. Research reveals that about half of Internet enabled cell phone owners use their their phones to access the Web. That would be 12.5 percent of all cell phone users. So, there is still a huge consumer population to reach with Internet enabled phones.
Here's a report from Pew:
http://pewresearch.org/pubs/417/the-world-of-wi...
Does that make it a technically superior product?
It doesn't matter.
This debate is fruitless- it's impossible to argue with a true believer(this applies to both Apple and Nokia fanboys).
You can trade your N95 for an iPhone, and I can continue to use my N95, and we can both go to sleep smug and secure in our own superiority.
I don't believe that. I've seen many a stuck-in-the-gutter believer come around.
Remember those Unix heads at San Jose State who said the world didn't need a mouse or Windows? They all use them now.
I'm old enough to know that eventually all of you will come around to my point of view. :-)
Both the industry, and we as customers, win.
I laughed out loud at the guy on the nokia forum who said that maybe the N95 was just "a little bit too much machine" for Scoble. What, is your phone now some kind of sad macho bragging facility? You're not a real man, Scoble!
I also laughed at the guy above who seems to think that Robert is just interested in being the first and coolest, when his point about the iPhone is that it's a great product. Yeah! Get on that Linux bandwagon because it's new and no-one else is a fanboy yet! Then when Linux does take over the world, you can proclaim your Linux loyalty chops with impunity!
What kind of world do these people live in?
Probably one where they don't realise that it's the interface, stupid.
I'm waiting for Linux to get decent fonts. Everytime I look at a Linux distribution it doesn't come close to my Mac, which doesn't come close to Windows on the font side of things.
Not to mention why in the heck do we need another OS? What does Linux do that OSX or Vista doesn't? (And I'm NOT talking about the server -- I know very well that Google runs on Linux, but very few people can tell me why it'll be successful on the laptop or desktop).
I have used Nokia, Motorola, Samsung, now HTC mobile phones in last decade...and hope to some day also use an Apple...but to me having each fight like hell and innovate is fantsatic. When we get too rabid about a product that's when the vendor gets sumg and takes us for granted.
But it is like comparing a high end Mercedes to a high end Toyota. When it comes to the bigger market, Nokia is dominant and will continue to be for a few years. Nokia will sell more units in India and China in a week than Apple will sell in a year.
Let's not forget we have gotten the average person accustomed to paying $ 50 for a mobile phone. That is the Toyota Corolla market - Mercedes could never get there (nor did it want to)
Nokia used to be my favorite phone company but until they stop rehashing the same design that they've been using since last 10 years, they don't stand a chance.
Finally, I have been reading Robert's blog for 3 years and I can confirm that he does not follow the hype he has always told it as he sees it even when he worked at Microsoft and had to trash their products.
So Robert I own N95 like it but am not a Nokia fan boy but I love the fact that Apple will make SE and Nokia better manufacturers.
When will those in the "Valley" realize that life and the internet itself does not revolve around them ???.
If the iPhone 8GB is $599 in the US with a 2 year contract, we can expect (comparing the price to the $599 Mac Mini) it will cost around £400 ($800) in the UK/Europe. There is no way, when I can buy a Nokia N95 for a TENTH of the price on an 18 month contract that anyone is going to buy it, just for the touch screen, and lots of features that most premium phones that cost less already surpass.
Unless they upgrade to include MMS, HSDPA (3.5G), NTSC level video recording, Bluetooth 2.0 that isn't crippled, open up the application market to other companies to make games and apps AND make it cost no more than £100/$200 here, then only the insane or ridiculously wealthy will be buying this phone outside of America.
I can't believe anyone believes the N95 camera is difficult to use. Open shutter, point, gently press button to focus, press it down fully to shoot, close camera shutter. It even locks itself!
Until the iPhone is both matching price and features, then the high end price will not sell in the REAL mobile phone markets.
Because free computing and true consumer choice is important, then again as an ex-Microsoft employee Scoble, I'm not sure you'd understand that!
Well, there is BSD! Yahoo servers runs on FreeBSD Unix. So Linux is dispensable. As are cameras by Nikon, because there are cameras by Canon. Or Macs because there are PCs and PCs because there are Macs. Or PS3 vs Xbox etc...
> Because free computing and true consumer choice is important
Oh come on! Whats with this propaganda about "free computing"? Do you know how many microprocessors are in your devices, from the washing machine to the dvd player or car or gadgets? Guess how many are "free computing"... They just work. I couldn't care less if I use open source software or closed source software. And look at the web: Some Web 2.0 applications like maps or Google Mail are built "with" open source software (php, ruby, Linux), but aren't open. "Free computing" is not a natural goal to which all software is drifting.
The Linux revolution is predicted since 10 years. And it won't happen in another 10 years. Deal with it.
http://nrkbeta.no/how-to-get-a-bigger-screen-on...
And yes, we did post a link to your blog when you previously praised the N95- so we did cheer you for your views on it at the time. I remember reading someone's comments that labeled those who want a 5MP camera half-brained and fools. Just as I was called an idiot by Scoble. So if we are talking about which user base attacks who- let's be fair in your analysis, everyone.
Cheers, Scoble. Thanks again for the link.
I am an avid reader of your blog and I am commenting for the first time. It is probably old topic by now to talk about this, but I thought I would share some of my thoughts on this topic.
I am not "religious" towards any product and appreciate anything that is creative and better than the ones developed before. If at all I am religious I am towards bloggers like you as you guys are on the frontline providing so much of update to couch potatoes like me and I really appreciate that.
Coming back to the topic, I personally think that a comparison between iPhone and N95 is not justified as they are completely different products. Accepted that N95 and iPhones serve the same purpose but given the advancements in technologies we cannot simply take for granted that since they are both mobile phones they are fit to be compared. All those who do it would never reach a true verdict that which is better simply because we are not comparing the right products.
I am in Singapore where it is summer throughout the year. People naturally perspire a lot and the body generates quite a bit of oil. I have to wash myself several times a day just to look fresh. If I carry a phone which has no keyboard and I have to touch the screen for practically everything I need to do with the phone, the phone is going to be so sticky and oily in couple of hours that it is simply not possible to handle it myself. This is not to say that N95 does not get dirty but atleast I am not touching the display all the time.
On the contrary, the iPhone is a really "cool" product. Nothing can compare to it's beauty and simplicity. But imagine trying to blog from your phone (I haven't used one so I may be wrong here), it is definitely going to be more difficult than a phone with keyboard. I use a E65 and I blog quite easily with it even though it does not have a QWERTY keyboard.
I am not bashing iPhone or glorifying the N95 or vice versa but people have to put things in perspective before bashing either of the phone just on the basis of comparing each other. N95 is for sure a much more productive phone than iPhone and on the other hand iPhone is amazing when it comes to simplicity.
So instead of fighting the religious crowd one should come up with enough reasons and options that both Apple and Nokia go back to their drawing board trying to appreciate what the competitor has developed and finding ways to achieve it.
Well, my 2 cents worth. And thanks for adding me on Facebook.
Keep blogging...
Not being in the US I'm vague on the price, but we can divide the world into 3 groups.
(a) Those who think spending >$500 on a phone is idiotic. My Windows phone hooks into my corporate mail, my personal address book, my corporate address book and my corporate calendar. It browses the web, has a camera, plays music and videos. AND IT'S FREE on a contract. Why would anyone *pay* to have a phone ? A lot of readers don't want to hear about the i-phone.
(b) Those who have spent >$500 on a phone. Clearly they don't believe they are idiots themselves, but anyone who buys a phone other than theirs must be an idiot. That means all those with expensive fashion phones other than the iPhone don't want to hear you telling them they wasted their money.
(c)Those who agree with you. But after a while it gets dull to be told, again, how smart you were to buy Scoble's choice, so they're probably pretty bored with you.
So Robert, you don't have to post an answer, but you should think about the question "I am as interesting and relevant as when I was at Microsoft".
Your blogging used to be relevant and interesting. Lately you've become 1) boring, 2) combative, 3) insulting, and 4) irrelevant. When you aren't attacking your readers with petty insults, you are posting the same recycled news that I can read anywhere. What happened to the interesting and innovative content?
I don't make these comments to be harsh. I'm serious when I say that you seem to need a break.
Aditya, I think your claim that the iPhone will not be a productive device will likely be proven wrong. People use their iPods as productive devices, by loading useful text, audio and video files on them, or accessing iTunes U. So, considering the additional functions of the iPhone, such as email and the camera, it can't be any less productive.
James, the N95 cost $750. That fact is rarely mentioned on Nokia blogs or even in comments here because it is another negative for the phone. I even watched an interview of a Nokia executive promoting the N95 on iDay in which he did not mention the price until the reporter asked point blank near the end of the interview. So, if you are going to criticize the iPhone based on price, the same criticism applies to the N95, only more so.
There are good things to be said about the N95. The camera is probably among the best on cell phones anywhere. GPS can be handy, though I found the example of using it as a Neighborhood Positioning System during one's daily run silly. (Get Nike + iPod instead.) It offers the second best browser, apparently. But, the iPhone will exceed expectations in the market with good reason.
And by the way, no one from our 'tribe' asked you to make a comparison. You took that upon yourself. Maybe they are Apples and Oranges. But you've never made that clear, at least not that I've seen. I think you owe it to your readers to say what's inferior about the iPhone.
It has been one extraordinary laugh though, I'll give you that. Also, tell me, how is this hurting the technology companies???
The reason the price of N95 is rarely mentioned is because N95 is usually free/dirt cheap under contract (e.g. in Europe). Though, in the US you can only get it SIM free and pay the full price up front.
As for whether I'm more or less relevant since leaving Microsoft. At Microsoft I interviewed one CEO in two years. Since leaving a year ago I've interviewed more than 100 CEOs and a presidential candidate. If that's "not relevant" I want more of not being relevant! :-)
I think that really says it all. You don't deny the n95 has a better camera, GPS, 1200+ apps...
you just want the cool factor.
Admit it and be done with it. Just don't tell us its a better phone.
See my small cartoon:
http://geekandpoke.typepad.com/geekandpoke/2007...
Bye,
Oliver
But it is a superior phone, too. But I'm done arguing with you guys. You aren't here for a conversation about why, you're just here to "win" an argument. Hint: having a GPS, a better camera, video, 3G networks, and all that doesn't MATTER to having a better phone experience.
Come to think of it, the conversations were extremely similar to the ones we're having today.
And the end result will be the same, too.
You haven't until now, addressed anything I've said, so you can't tell me you're done arguing :). Plus, I'm not here to win - there are two things I'd like to point out, that's all.
Choose the iphone, there are plenty of good reasons and I don't deny it... certainly coolness is an acceptable factor.
The first thing that annoyed me was your statement that the iphone offered a 'better picture taking experience'.
In the real world, Robert, believe it or not, the PICTURE is part of the "picture taking experience"... so the result matters.
I don't care how great it feels to press the button, what matters is the end result. The iphone has a crappy camera... and no, "go buy a camera" isn't a defense either... it's an admission, by you and Steve Jobs, that they screwed up in the camera department.
My second problem is that every reference you make to the n95 - a good, solid convergent device - is filled with backhanded compliments (GPS? "yes, I’ve used it, it takes four minutes to get a lock most of the time" - simply not true, mine locks on in 20 seconds or less, and I can demonstrate it on yours if you send me your n95 - I'll do a video of it)... yet your blog is also filled with all kinds of excuses for the iphone (such as: "if you want a camera, buy a camera!")
Where's the balance there?
Lastly:
Scoble said: "Hint: having a GPS, a better camera, video, 3G networks, and all that doesn’t MATTER to having a better phone experience."
Scoble, I bought a convergent device that does many things, mostly very well... I didn't want just a phone...
Is that all you bought the iphone for?
Sorry to hear it!
That's why I said the "photo taking experience is better on the iPhone."
Oh, and to demonstrate you are NOT listening to me. I don't even have an iPhone. I bought one for my wife. Get your facts straight and maybe we can have a decent conversation. I love my Nokia N95. You HAVE noticed I use it for all the pictures I take, right?
But it is no iPhone.
With my n95, I very rarely have crashes, and have been very pleased by the results of the n95 camera, including the fun of geocoding. I love the GPS and other functions. Every day, I bike 15 miles and the n95 records my speed, altitude, time, and maps my course to google earth! And I take pictures and answer the phone, along the way.
I admit, I am sure I would love an iphone too, it is undoubtely a cool device.
My offer still stands... I can get your n95 gps locked in under 20 seconds or... I dunno, did we settle on a beer?
They are two different phones. I hope you continue to explore some of the amazing features of the n95 ...
"GPS can be handy, though I found the example of using it as a Neighborhood Positioning System during one’s daily run silly. (Get Nike + iPod instead.)"
The nike device won't map your route to a satellitel photograph on Google Earth. Plus, now you're using two devices, not one :)
It maybe an unnecessary use of GPS (I used the phone to drive 2800 miles this summer, across country, where it was incredibly useful) - but it is FUN. Try it sometime... the Nokia SportsTracker.
Mossberg wouldn't know revolutionary if he were dropped in the middle of King Street in Boston on March 5, 1770.
Mossberg more or less loves the last thing he's reviewed, particularly if it comes from Apple. Hardly a "non-partisan" endorsement.
My opinion? Features aren't everything. Something to keep in mind in the seemingly endless iPhone vs N95 debates...err if they can be called debates, that is.
What percentage of those CEOs are running companies that are profitable? What percentage of those CEOs are running companies with >1000 employees? Point is, anyone can start a Web 2.0 company and call themselves a CEO. Doesn't mean they actually know how to run a business. So, unless ALL those CEOs were part of the F500, that's really not something to necessarily brag about nor does it make for a great barometer.
Yesterday we had a kinda surreal discussion on the iphone - the highlights of which were:
* The main thing is HSDPA. Not even regular 3G can keep up with my internet phone demands, and the way I see wi-fi, whereever it is available to me (work and home) a desktop or laptop is nearby. I don't sit in coffee shops to browse the net.
* An RSS reader, although I understand there will be apps that can do this.
* User customisable ringtones and sms alerts. Major oversight that can be rectified by firmware upgrades I suppose.
* No MMS is terrible. It really shows how much they only think about the US market. I send pictures all the time, email isn't as immediate.
* No ObEx bluetooth profile... thats like going back to GX30 Sharp days.. again, people won't stand for it.
* No proper Cam
* No camcorder
* No phone as Modem functionality.
Both of us are considering the iphone, but as 2nd phones (dope dealer style)...
More thoughts to add to the pot I guess (sorry about the length of post). Is my post off-topic? Damn, briefly - Robert isn't a Nokia hater and who wouldn't lust after a iphone - In Europe we just accept that the Nokia phone design department is where they sculpt BRICKS!!
And please, when somebody states a good point acknowledge that please. Try to admit that you were wrong at a certain point. That's exactly the reason why I think it's not religions colliding. It is simply the inability to accept that there are also positive things about other people's cellphones. That's why ppl start to discuss heavily now. Acknowledge the other and it's all good. On one hand Scoble lacks a bit the ability to admit when he was wrong; but on the other hand some of the BLOG READERS DO THAT TOO! I don't know what Scoble's real life occupation is, but I am pretty sure he is not a journalist. If he was he might have been more able to express that EVERY cellphone has a right to exist. He has just fallen in love with the iphone now. And we all now damn well that ppl who are heavily in love can't get their mind changed by other ppl. So leave it! Love is blind! Alright, now I want EVERY ONE here to try and put their emotions aside- please be more objective on here. Thank you! :-)
a) How easy I find the N95 to use, and
b) The features of each device and how often I would use them.
In answer to to a) I have to say "very easy". Everything is where it should be and my most important applications are just one key press away. So: Is a touchscreen UI cool? Yes. Do I really need one? No.
As for b), I use my 'phone mainly for calls, texts, music, quick web browsing, e-mail and navigation and find the N95 pretty good at all of them. Maybe the iPhone is better at some functions but that isn't a substitute for not having other essential features at all. Also, wi-fi is fine and dandy when you're sitting sipping your skinny latte in a hot spot enabled cafe but HSDPA is essential for mobile browsing on the tube or the bus which is where it's mostly going to be used.
I'll certainly give the iPhone a try out though. I just don't think it'll do for me and the majority of the European market though.
As a final point, Robert - have you updated the N95's firmware (currently V12)? This has corrected the stability issues and improved a number of the unit's features.
I'm really in utter disgust on the approach the N95 community is taking on the iPhone. Senseless jabs.. here, there. If you didn't read well enough, I love my N95 and it's clearly conquered over the iPhone by a mile on the features side.
I've actually mentioned something like this to Darla Mack, the N95 community or Nokia in general is becoming what the Apple ads are to the Microsoft community, and I hate that. WE DON'T HAVE ANYTHING ELSE TO PROVE but yet we can't shut up.
My two cents.
I just, as in, 2 days ago needed to get new phone because the piece of crap, Windows Mobile-Based Motorola Q, decided to die once again.. Because I also use the device for business communication, I need something I can rely on.. Windows Mobile apparently isn't it... (I hope that this doesn't start a WM5/6, Symbian, Apple, Palm, flamewar..)
I owned a Palm based Treo and was frustrated by some of its failings as well.. Ruling out all things Windows Mobile and Palm... I looked at, and played with the iPhone, and compared it to the N95.. For a number of reasons, I selected the N95, bought an unlocked/unbranded version and am, thus far, very pleased. I have not experienced any of the issues regarding battery life, instability, etc.. I am running the latest firmware..
I have never owned a Symbian Based Phone, or anything Apple... Unless you count the Apple II+, IIe, IIGS, and the few iPods I have owned or currently own..
The iPhone has some definitely eye-catching features.. it's just not for me... there were too many show-stoppers, and missing features that are important to me when I looked at it..
Will I eventually own an iPhone? Maybe.. But, definitely not a version 1.0 one, but things can change.. I think Apple has some work to do.
Hell, I know a lady that lives down the street that is still using a rotary phone hanging on the wall in her kitchen and she is perfectly happy with that...
To each his own.. Differing viewpoints drive creativity, competition. innovation and progress..
I spent a few days in Seattle around July 4th, and used my N95 mostly as a camera, and my iPhone for everything else :)
Of course, I'm still in the honeymoon phase, but as an Internet device, the iPhone beats the N95.
I'm still committed to teh N95 as my primary phone, but I'm using the iPhone more than I expected.
I am happy for you to make your money by blogging. You are totally funny guy.
BR,
DV