First iPhone reviews appear

Stephen Withers
Thursday, 28 June 2007 08:14

Your IT - Mobility

The first iPhone reviews have been published by some major US titles, and the vibe is positive.

That's not really surprising, as Apple seems to have seeded some friendly reviewers with pre-release test units. That's not to say they are biassed, merely that they have a perspective that aligns with Apple's, and are therefore more likely to 'get' the iPhone.

David Pogue, writing for the New York Times concluded "So yes, the iPhone is amazing. But no, it’s not perfect."

David Levy told Newsweek readers "Certainly all those people lining up to buy iPhones will find their investment worthwhile, if only for the delight they get from dazzling their friends", though he did suggest that "smart consumers" may prefer to wait for an improved and less expensive model.

Walter Mossberg, writing with Katherine Boehret in the Wall Street Journal, concluded the iPhone "isn't for the average person who just wants a cheap, small phone for calling and texting. But, despite its network limitations, the iPhone is a whole new experience and a pleasure to use."

Like the other reviewers, USA Today's Edward Baig found a few niggles but asserted "iPhone's splash of a debut is worthy of the attention it is receiving."

Some titles seem slighted by Apple's decision to not favour them with an advance sample, and perhaps this explains some of the sniping that's going on, with articles harping on about the same old issues that have been done to death since the iPhone was unveiled in January and that have been put to rest by the hands-on reviewers.

We'll examine some of these quibbles on the next page.