Consumer And Business Sides of iPhone

There are two sides to the iPhone: Consumer and business. In true Apple tradition, the iPhone pushes the technology envelope and delivers a pleasing user experience. For businesses, the iPhone introduces a new device for which companies need to set a policy. If they don't, they will find employees purchasing the iPhone and coming in expecting IT to connect them to the corporate mail server and mobile applications.

For consumers, the iPhone is similar to the iPod, though much larger than some models, and includes a screen that rivals any on the market.

But iPhone is different in how the user interacts with the device. There are no hard keys on the phone; it is operated via the touch screen. The interface is clear and intuitive, though some say it is slow at times and lacks features like easy one-touch auto-dialing.

Perhaps the biggest complaint connected with the iPhone is that the battery cannot be changed. This tells that Apple is hoping people will buy it, use it for a couple of years and replace it when it no longer holds a charge.

For businesses, the iPhone has more negatives than positives. It does not support direct connection to corporate e-mail systems, like the Blackberry and Windows Mobile devices. Also, iPhone requires the use of iTunes, so if your corporate IT policy does not allow iTunes to be installed on work PC’s, the iPhone is a no go.

Perhaps, the biggest disappointment is in the wireless carrier. In the Seacoast, AT&T has probably the poorest network coverage of the major three carriers. It's unfortunate that the iPhone will not soon be available on Sprint or Verizon.