Mobile Phone News:

You may remember that I mentioned here about the war brewing between the Apple iPhone and, well, all other mobile phones on the planet. Well, we’ve recreated this in our own little way, today, as me and Dan W Esq (one of our ever-awesome web team, who unfortunately insists on the Esq at the end of his name) decided to have a row about it. No fisticuffs or anything, you understand, just two friends having a friendly, spirited debate about mobile phones, arguing like cat and dog, and then, somehow, miraculously, agreeing at the end!

And yes, it was about the Apple iPhone 3G. Y’see, Dan W is the second biggest Apple fan in the known universe after Chewie. It was inevitable he’d buy an iPhone at some point, and quite frankly, I’m amazed he’s waited this long. He will be getting the new Apple iPhone 3G when it comes out.

So, what was our argument about? Well, it started with a simple question: now the Apple iPhone 3G is on its way, is it going to be the mobile phone that brings about a whole new perception shift in how we look at, think about and use mobile phones? Or, taking the opposing viewpoint, is it simply a massive hype exercise, for a product that isn’t actually that good?

Well, things started off well, as we both agreed that the iPhone, in its first incarnation, is still one of the best looking mobile phones ever made, and it seems likely that the Apple iPhone 3G will follow suit. Of course, I had to point out it’s also probably the biggest fingerprint-magnet in the history of mobile phones. Yes, Dan, I know you can wipe the screen, but that’s the problem, you end up wiping it about 93 million times a day…

“Ah, but look at the screen,” says Dan, and here I have to concede he’s right, because the screen on the iPhone really is magnificent. Even I have to agree the interface is all swirly and pretty, and rather intuitive, too. I dispute that it’s better than all other mobile phones, but I’ll let that slide for now.

And then it all went wrong. We were being so civil up till this point, but in hindsight, it was one sentence that started the debate properly.

Maybe I shouldn’t have said, “Aye, but the camera… it’s crap, isn’t it!”

This immediately led into a five minute debate about whether you need a top-end camera on mobile phones, and how it shouldn’t be called crap, because 2 megapixels is actually average for mobile phones. Erm, yeah, but the iPhone 3G is being billed as the best phone in the universe, average doesn’t cut it! There’s no way you can argue it has a good camera.

That’s why I tried to stay on the camera argument. I had a horrible suspicion I knew what he was going to mention next, and it could ruin my argument completely. Please don’t mention the feature I think you’re going to mention, Dan…

“How about the web, then? You can’t beat internet access on an iPhone!” says Dan.

Damn.

Alright, I’ll concede the Safari browser is exceptionally nice to use. And alright, I’ll concede that with 3G built in, the Apple iPhone 3G probably is the best internet mobile phone out there. I hate you for bringing that up, Dan, why couldn’t you stay on stuff I know I can beat you on??

Sigh, no way out of it, the internet experience on the Apple iPhone 3G will be like no other. It keeps the Safari browser from its predecessor, and it includes 3G (which, let’s be honest, the first iPhone should’ve had, since so many other mobile phones do), so it’s going to be a damn sight faster than its predecessor!

And then, something miraculous happened. Me and Dan actually agreed on something. Despite our separate feelings on the iPhone, we both agree that it IS going to change the way people use their mobile phones for the internet. The Apple iPhone 3G really can change the mobile world, not just by people buying it for themselves, but by the simple fact it will give all the other manufacturers of mobile phones a massive, much-needed kick up the ass to do new, innovative things. Annnnnnnnnd we’re already seeing that, with things like Nokia buying Symbian.

But as for the Apple iPhone 3G… well, Dan will 100% definitely get one. And I’ll take great delight in telling him he can’t forward on stupid sound clips because his Bluetooth won’t let him.

It keeps him grounded, don’t you know!

Do you agree with Dan, and say the Apple iPhone 3G will be the best thing since sliced bread? Or do you agree with Technical Markus, and say the Apple iPhone 3G is STILL underpowered, and made by a company whose CEO is the smuggest man on the planet, and deserves a good slap. Either way, leave us a comment and have your say!