Dear Mr. Jobs (About That iPhone...)

Larry Magid, In An Open Letter To Apple's CEO, Has Some iPhone Suggestions

(CBS)  While you're at it, how about adding voice dialing and voice recognition? It would make the phone a lot easier to use when you need to make a call and can't look at the screen and would go a long way to making up for the downsides of a touch-screen dial-pad.

I was thrilled to see the iPhone has a standard size headphone jack which made me think I could use any headphone including expensive noise canceling headphones but was very disappointed to see that you recessed it so it won't work with most other headphones or the audio cable for my car stereo. I know – Belkin makes an $11 adapter that solves the problem but I don't want to carry around yet another adapter that takes up space and is sure to get lost.

Macs and PCs have cut, copy, paste and "save as" functions but the iPhone lacks a way for users to do anything with text or images other than look at them. You should at least be able to clip text from a website and paste it into an email message.

The iPhone has a great 2 megapixel camera but no video camera. You might consider adding one and while you're at it include a copy of iChat or AIM so that people can make video calls from the road. That would be way cool.

I don't know if you're aiming the phone at kids but I do know of a couple of 13-year-olds who bought one. Because the phone is online and comes with a web browser, you really ought to consider adding some parental controls, such as those Apple and Microsoft have on your desktop operating systems.

Steve, I don't so much mind you charging an extra $100 for the eight gigabyte version ($599 compared to $499 for four GBs) but why not let users add additional memory with either an SD card or one of those tiny microSD cards that a lot of other phones accommodate? SanDisk just announced an eight gigabyte microSD card which could let users double the storage of their eight GB iPhones.

And speaking of storage, why limit people to the music, video and photos they can store on the phone? Now that you make a connected device, you should let people use your .Mac or other online service to store their media and pull it down to the iPhone as needed.

Come to think of it, that would be a great feature for Macs, PCs and that WiFi-enabled iPod that you haven't announced but ought to build. In fact, you ought to offer an iPod that has all the features of the iPhone, minus the phone for a lot less money and no service fees.

And why on earth would you not let users replace their own battery? It's one thing to be without an iPod for a few days while waiting for a battery to be installed but no one wants to give up their phone which, as you say, lets "them carry their whole life in the palm of their hands."

And, of course, I'd like you to lower the price but I know you won't do that until sales start slacking off or the competition comes out with something as good or better.

Once again, thanks and congratulations for this incredible product. If you fix just a few things and make it more affordable, I'd recommend an iPhone to a lot more people other than those who are made of money or willing and able to spend money to live on the bleeding edge of technology.

---

A syndicated technology columnist for over two decades, Larry Magid serves as on air Technology Analyst for CBS Radio News. His technology reports can be heard several times a week on the CBS Radio Network. Magid is the author of several books including "The Little PC Book."

[jamescvnt]

Forgot to give you guys's the link to sign up the free Navigation, it's

RoadComm.net

[jamescvnt]

RoadComm, Inc. an large Telematics company is in beta with beta with an application and services for phones which offers many iPhone features plus navigation and GPS based services.

I tried it for 6 months, it's very good and it's free.

Why would anyone want to spend that kind of big money for iPhone?

[brianbwb-2009]

to UnderMyBoot,

Your reasons are quite valid, and is why I still use win xp. Also, the software I need for my work is by and large not ready for prime time in Vista, and probably won't be for at least two or three years, if ever.

XP does what I need it to do now. Vista does not.

Vista is a waste of money at this time, and as long as they play Big Brother, it will never see my HDD.

I don't need aero glass, or any of the offerings of Vista, though I wouldn't mind 64 bit address space.

I just wish my DXIs, VSTIs and my DAW and video editing studio was available in *nix, I'd be there yesterday.

[brianbwb-2009]

"Perhaps as you get older and make more money, you're appreciate a Mac but hey, whatever"

Hey, jbelkin800, I am older, I do make more money, I still prefer PCs, especially AMD based ones, why?

More bang for the buck, and I can tailor it to my needs (music and video production) much more cheaply than a Mac, and as someone posted, they are both Intel under the hood, that is why I like AMD.

By the way, I do appreciate beluga on a slice of Edam cheese, Cohibas, owned a Maserati for a summer and sold it, both bad gas mileage, and too low slung for the streets it was on.

While I tend to favor the practical, I do also appreciate the finer things in life, Mac is not one of them...

[undermyboot]

Microsoft Vista raises minute-by minute spying on Microsoft customers to a new level.

Use parental controls? Vista reports to Microsoft EVERY SINGLE WEB SITE your child visits and what they type.

By using any of these items, you agree to share your information with the Redmond Company: Windows Update, Web Content, Digital Certificates, Auto Root Update, Windows Media Digital Rights Management, Windows Media Player, Malicious Software Removal/Clean On Upgrade, Network Connectivity Status Icon, Windows Time Service, and the IPv6 Network Address Translation (NAT) Traversal service are the features and services that collect and deliver data to Microsoft from Windows Vista. Microsoft says that users have the possibility to disable or not use the features and services altogether. But at the same time Windows update is crucial to the security of Windows Vista, so turning it off is not really an option, is it?

Windows Vista will contact Microsoft to "confirm
the identity of Internet users". Of course that the Windows Vista Digital Rights Management could not miss from a list of services that contact Microsoft on a regular basis. If you want access to protected content, you will also have to let the Windows Media Digital Rights Management talk home.

The Malicious Software Removal tool will report straight to Microsoft with the findings of your COMPUTER SCAN. Also,"by default standard Internet Protocol information will be sent to Microsoft at regular intervals."

[undermyboot]

Microsoft has an additional collection of 47 Windows Vista features and services that collect user data. Still, Microsoft underlined the fact that the list provided under the Windows Vista Privacy Statement is by no means exhaustive.

Activation, Customer Experience Improvement Program (CEIP), Device Manager, Driver Protection, Dynamic Update, Event Viewer, File Association Web Service, Games Folder, Error Reporting for Handwriting Recognition, Input Method Editor (IME), Installation Improvement Program, Internet Printing, Internet Protocol version 6 Network Address Translation Traversal, Network Awareness (somewhat), Parental Controls, Peer Name Resolution Service, Plug and Play, Plug and Play Extensions, Program Compatibility Assistant, Program Properties%u2014Compatibility Tab, Program Compatibility Wizard, Properties, Registration, Rights Management Services (RMS) Client, Update Root Certificates, Windows Control Panel, Windows Help, Windows Mail (only with Windows Live Mail, Hotmail, or MSN Mail) and Windows Problem Reporting, Windows Genuine Advantage, Windows Defender, Support Services, Windows Media Center and Internet Explorer 7, are the main features and services in Windows Vista that collect and transmit user data to Microsoft.

This extensive enumeration is not a complete illustration of all the sources in Windows Vista that Microsoft uses to gather end user data. However, it is more than sufficient to raise serious issues regarding user privacy

[undermyboot]

Are you using Windows Vista? Then you might as well know that the licensed operating system installed on your machine is harvesting a healthy volume of information for Microsoft. In this context, a program such as the Windows Genuine Advantage is the last of your concerns. In fact, in excess of 20 Windows Vista features and services are hard at work collecting and transmitting your personal data to the Redmond company.

Microsoft makes no secret about the fact that Windows Vista is gathering information. End users have little to say, and no real choice in the matter. The company does provide both a Windows Vista Privacy Statement and references within the End User License Agreement for the operating system. Combined, the resources paint the big picture over the extent of Microsoft's end user data harvest via Vista.

Reading Between the EULA Lines

Together with Windows Vista, Microsoft also provides a set of Internet-based services, for which it has reserved full control, including alteration and cancellation at any given time. The Internet-based services in Vista "coincidentally" connect to Microsoft and to "service provider
computer systems." Depending on the specific service, users may or may not receive a separate notification of the fact that their data is being collected and shared. The only way to prevent this is to know the specific services and features involved and to either switch them off or not use them.

[undermyboot]

Here's why you should NEVER buy another Windows computer: Microsoft Vista now reports EVERYTHING YOU DO on your computer to Microsoft. Mac does not. Microsoft takes control of your computer from you. They can even disable your computer remotely if they think you are doing something that violates their all-encompassing policies. Apple does not. So if you like Microsoft controlling everything you do on your computer and seeing everything you do on your computer, then go right ahead and be a Microsoft slave. Read this analysis of the extremes Microsoft has gone to with Vista. then buy a Mac.

http://news.softpedia.com/news/Forget-about-the-WGA-20-Windows-Vista-Features-and-Services-Harvest-User-Data-for-Microsoft-58752.shtml

[jbelkin]

A PC is a fine computer when you are a telemarketer or you're at the Jiffy Lube. Grown ups should demand better and that's a Mac. Perhaps you haven't graduated from college or are unwilling to spend real money on a computer, that's your choice - that's why there are PC's. Same reason there is a Motel 6 versus a 4 Seasons - you don't get the difference, that's fine. Pc appeals to people on a budget, nothing wrong with that. Pc's only compete on price, Macs are designed more than just on price - just like there is a difference between a Suzuki and a BMW.

Some people like Twinkies, chilli and wine coolers - people with more discriminiating taste prefer desserts not wrapped in a thousand miles away, $75 steak and a Mac. To each his own. Perhaps as you get older and make more money, you're appreciate a Mac but hey, whatever.

As for the iphone as well as the ipod and the Mac, once again, in an instant, your Nokia, palm & moto, your Compaq, & your Rio are once a distant second best.

[jbelkin]

A PC is a fine computer when you are a telemarketer or you're at the Jiffy Lube. Grown ups should demand better and that's a Mac. Perhaps you haven't graduated from college or are unwilling to spend real money on a computer, that's your choice - that's why there are PC's. Same reason there is a Motel 6 versus a 4 Seasons - you don't get the difference, that's fine. Pc appeals to people on a budget, nothing wrong with that. Pc's only compete on price, Macs are designed more than just on price - just like there is a difference between a Suzuki and a BMW.

Some people like Twinkies, chilli and wine coolers - people with more discriminiating taste prefer desserts not wrapped in a thousand miles away, $75 steak and a Mac. To each his own. Perhaps as you get older and make more money, you're appreciate a Mac but hey, whatever.

As for the iphone as well as the ipod and the Mac, once again, in an instant, your Nokia, palm & moto, your Compaq, & your Rio are once a distant second best.

[jbelkin]

A PC is a fine computer when you are a telemarketer or you're at the Jiffy Lube. Grown ups should demand better and that's a Mac. Perhaps you haven't graduated from college or are unwilling to spend real money on a computer, that's your choice - that's why there are PC's. Same reason there is a Motel 6 versus a 4 Seasons - you don't get the difference, that's fine. Pc appeals to people on a budget, nothing wrong with that. Pc's only compete on price, Macs are designed more than just on price - just like there is a difference between a Suzuki and a BMW.

Some people like Twinkies, chilli and wine coolers - people with more discriminiating taste prefer desserts not wrapped in a thousand miles away, $75 steak and a Mac. To each his own. Perhaps as you get older and make more money, you're appreciate a Mac but hey, whatever.

As for the iphone as well as the ipod and the Mac, once again, in an instant, your Nokia, palm & moto, your Compaq, & your Rio are once a distant second best.

[jbelkin]

A PC is a fine computer when you are a telemarketer or you're at the Jiffy Lube. Grown ups should demand better and that's a Mac. Perhaps you haven't graduated from college or are unwilling to spend real money on a computer, that's your choice - that's why there are PC's. Same reason there is a Motel 6 versus a 4 Seasons - you don't get the difference, that's fine. Pc appeals to people on a budget, nothing wrong with that. Pc's only compete on price, Macs are designed more than just on price - just like there is a difference between a Suzuki and a BMW.

Some people like Twinkies, chilli and wine coolers - people with more discriminiating taste prefer desserts not wrapped in a thousand miles away, $75 steak and a Mac. To each his own. Perhaps as you get older and make more money, you're appreciate a Mac but hey, whatever.

As for the iphone as well as the ipod and the Mac, once again, in an instant, your Nokia, palm & moto, your Compaq, & your Rio are once a distant second best.

[cyberdjs4]

Macs cost more because there are lots of people stupid enough to pay for a fantasy.

Macs and PCs are the same computer once you crack the case open and look at the hardware inside.
A slick OS means nothing when the HD or power supply fails.

By the way, when was the last time you backed up your data?

GET OVER YOURSELVES PEOPLE!
Let's stop fighting over which is the better computer and let's figure out how we are going to fix this country after Bush leaves office.

[brianbwb-2009]

Macs cost more than PC's because they do more than PC's.
Posted by archangelric

Since when? The vast majority of software has been and still is "PC" based, though many are now coding in universal binary, because even Mac is now Intel.

Macs used to outperform PCs for graphical apps, but that was fifteen years ago, before Silicon Graphics took that title, since then the Intel/AMD
graphics card manufacturers have long since caught up to and surpassed Mac, to the point that now Mac uses Nvidia, Matrox, and Ati cards.

PCs are still MUCH cheaper, easier and less hassle to service, ( I am an A+ certified technician and also did warranty service for Macs, I know what I am saying) and definitely outperform Mac on a "bang for the buck" basis.

I can build a seriously high end, quad core PC with 16 GB memory, and a TB HDD for the same price as a standard dual core Mac with 4GB memory, and a 500 MB hdd.

[brianbwb-2009]

$500, and you cannot change the battery if it dies? This was a corporate design decision that turns what would have been a good idea into a very expensive toy that cannot be relied upon to be a device for important communications.

AT&T Edge? Obsolete telecommunications technology, but they will gladly let you pay for the upgrade to 3G down the line, maybe say, another $200? If it is a simple software upgrade, why can they not do it now, and if hardware, how is it worth upgrading something for which you cannot even change the battery?

If parts are needed, will Apple reverse its' policy of not letting vendors stock parts, or will you have to wait four to six weeks for parts from Apple, as they do with their PCs?

Once again, a good premise by Apple is spoiled by corporate greed, count me permanently out.

[CBSTV]

Very well written, Mr. Magid. I hope that Steve Jobs sees your suggestions.

[boston1954]

My phone is my phone. My camera is my camera. My computer is my computer. My MP3 is my MP3. Call me old fashioned but I see no reason to combine them...........

[house015]

For those who claim the Mac products are no better than regular PCs...have you really compared the two products? Sure, the Mac devotees get a little nuts sometimes, but their product is, in fact, better. Intuitive programs, far better security and none of the "so you want a screen to go with the cheaper-than-a-Mac $400 computer system?" a la carte pricing PCs love so much. Yeah, I guess they're just deluded. Just keep buying those Dells, dude.

[emilymhanson]

Dr. Mr. Jobs,

Sorry, I don't have an extra $500 and my chocolate Verizon phone works just fine, not to mention I just got it. So I have no intention of buying a new phone until the price is reasonable and AT&T stops acting like Microsoft.

[amazedd]

Dear Mr Ford,
Why start with a Model T? Let's go straight to GT and spare us the bother.