Let’s face it, the comparisons between (insert phone here) and Apple’s handset began long ago, and now that the thing is actually in customers’ hands, the potshots are likely to start flying at mach speed. Enter Helio, who has already felt it necessary to create a comparison chart essentially showing off the areas in which the Ocean is stronger (or at least more attractive) than the iPhone. Quite frankly, the chart does make a few good points, most notably around the iPhone’s lack of GPS, strangely omitted MMS ability, and the obligatory removable battery; of course, we personally aren’t offended nor joyous about “MySpace integration,” but we suppose it could sway some folks tweens one way or another. We know you’re anxious to see just what Helio has to say about the strong competition, and while the chart doesn’t seem quite as hostile as the apparently bitter Helio salesman we ran into earlier today, be sure to give it a read after the break.
Official word from China is that the MeizuMiniOne (AKA, M8, the original iPhone killer) is expected to go up for sale in early 2008. While the final specs and price have still not been confirmed, that hasn’t stopped importers from listing the 16GB version of the 3G MiniOne for $988.50 and a claimed “in stock” date of December 7th — a date which may live in infamy (again) if true.
The Internets are a cruel place when it comes to first generation uber-hyped gear. So goes the iPhone stress test conducted by PC World. Now, how do you think that 3.5-inch sheet of glass stacked onto a slim 11.6-mm chassis held up? Well, in tests which found the iPhone in a 30 to 40 rep shake ‘n bake with a bag full of key chains; on the business end of a deliberate cold-steel scratch attempt on the display; and dropped to concrete at heights (note plural) of up to about 6-feet, it came away with just a few scuffs along the metal edge. Right, no damage to the display. Be sure to check all the behind-split-finger gore in their video.
Well, we suppose if you’re gonna worship a false idols this weekend this is probably as good as you’re gonna get. $295 for the ice, not including the cost of the iPhone. Nobuddy fugs wid da Jesus.
We’ve been hearing scattered reports some that newly-christened iPhone owners are having a heck of a time finalizing the activation process in iTunes. That sucks for a couple reasons: first, these puppies are darned near useless without being activated, and second, it seems the procedure is hanging after the point at which existing customers’ current SIMs are deactivated. So yeah, long story short, there’s a few people out there left phoneless while AT&T gets its act together, which it’s been said may not be until morning. Burnin’ the midnight oil over there, O Masters of Activation?
Wanna know if you still have time to get an iPhone? Get your car warmed up, because most West coasters only have about a half an hour left — but the good news is every store we called still has stock (and not for lack of demand), and what’s better, none of them even have lines at this point. Hell, we also checked all fifty states in the union — not one showed the little red out-of-stock dot.
Just to drive the point home: LA – has stock New York 5th Ave (open 24×7) – has stock Palo Alto (University) – has stock, 4GB stock only San Diego – has stock Seattle – has stock San Francisco – has stock
What a day! It’s definitely been one of the craziest days I’ve ever seen, and I was just at the office. I can’t even begin to imagine how crazy it was for Vincent who was in the thick of things at the 5th Avenue Apple store. Anyway, he’s managed to find time to shoot a short video showing off the iPhone. Nothing too flashy, just the basics.
Ewdi has only just gotten his iPhone and he has already found a major flaw. Not the kind of flaws that you’ve probably seen on the Onion, but a real flaw that could cause some real problems.
If you’ve been sitting at home waiting for the Apple online store to come back up so you can buy an iPhone from home, you’d better go now. The store is open for business.
We’ve been hearing scattered reports some that newly-christened 
