iPhone = iHell

I've been fortunate. In the past month, I've only had to crush the consuming hearts of a few iPhone would-be-owners. They're so excited and giddy when they arrive.

"Look! Multi-touch interface!"
"Look! No Compatibility with anything!"


"But I can get my email on it!"
"But not from your office Exchange Server!"

Only one person in the entire firm (that I'm aware of) actually coughed up the $600 and contractual obligation for 2 years. I think he'll be taking it back.

I would like to remind people that we (being IT people) aren't here to make your pathetic devices do what you want. That's what product designers are for. Remember that while Apple means well in changing the world, they're also notorious for incompatibility at launch of any device. Don't go out and buy one of these devices thinking that you can make it do what a real PDA does. It doesn't play nicely with Outlook. It doesn't even play nice with Exchange server. You can't load any programs (ala Palm) unless they come from apple. Web 2.0 apps work. But what about those times when you don't have Internet access or (as it commonly happens) Internet access isn't working on the tower your phone is connected to? You can't browse the web offline.

So, if you have purchased an iPhone: My condolences. But, don't you dare ask me for any advice or thoughts on the thing. I maintain that it's a toy and waste of money .

Ranting complete.
Gregsta'