iPhone 5

[shmogt]

F1's not talking about the Lighning/Thunderbolt, more the USB side of it. If Apple decided to create the "better" lightning, why not use the "better" USB 3.0?

Ya I know. I'm saying they didn't because they didn't change a single thing about this cable except for what I listed. The absolute one and only thing that is actually improved would be its reversible. So now you can plug it in either side without having to worry about which side is up.

 

[Takumi Fujiwara]

I haven't had the same results with the maps app. So far it's got me lost 2 out of 3 times I've tried to use it. It tried to lead me to the complete opposite part of town today that I needed to get back on the highway. Instead of making lefts it was telling me to go right. It did actually have the right roads just had me turning the wrong ways on them.

When we tried to use it in cincinnati, it was to slow to update and we kept passing turns. It was even connected to LTE there and still couldn't keep up. I'll probably just print off directions like the old days (heaven forbid I actually use a real map) and use them for awhile when it's someplace I don't know at all until they either get it working better or I find a better free app.

Hmm, weird. It might relate to the fact that I'm using it in the SF Bay, Apple is based, and LA, which is a huge market, so the maps have probably had more attention put into them there.

That and I believe all the new Apple computers are still in the dark ages of USB 2.0 while everyone else has upgraded to 3.0.

They finally have USB3 but it took quite a while. It was a major disappointment when I bought my current MBP in early '11 and there was no USB3 yet. Apparently the reason that happened, by the way, isn't actually a choice of Apple, it's because Apple only uses OEM Intel motherboards and Intel hadn't developed their own USB3 chipset yet.

From what I've read, there's no reason the Lightning port couldn't support USB3, it's just not wired for it on the iP5. As I understand it, a future device could do USB3 with the same port.

What kinda bugs me is the fact that Apple made such a big deal out of Thunderbolt, and then have done so little with it. I'm still waiting for a freakin' card reader to come out for it, not to mention some resonably-priced hard drives.

 

[BobK]

What kinda bugs me is the fact that Apple made such a big deal out of Thunderbolt, and then have done so little with it. I'm still waiting for a freakin' card reader to come out for it, not to mention some resonably-priced hard drives.

From Apple?!? Surely you jest.

 

[Caz]

Careful what sensitive info you are putting into your i5.
There is a bug of some sorts that is pulling data from it at all times. And no one knows whats causing it or where it is going.

Sorry i dont have any info. Caught the story on the morning news and do not have an apple phone so i havent looked into more.

Quick search brings up stories about mobile data being charged when on wi fi networks but the story this morning was something different.

 

[shmogt]

The story was Facebook bug that can allow people to steal everything. However it's not a bug since they designed it that way. That's all I heard which I assume means they allowed too much access to your phone with all the built in share features.

 

[Takumi Fujiwara]

From Apple?!? Surely you jest.

Third parties, I mean. LaCie has some now but they're ridiculously expensive high-performance SSDs. I don't mind paying normal LaCie prices for a drive but the ones they have out right now are ridiculous.

It's also ridiculous that nobody's got a card reader that is anything other than USB2 that works with any Mac made before a few months ago. The photography industry is totally dominated by Mac so it's not like there isn't a market.

 

[Sprite]

Well I can say that the iPhone 5 isn't USB 3 compatible, because my new Macbook Pro and iPhone 5 sync was pretty pathetic. I've switched over to wifi so hopefully it will be a bit faster.

I picked up a silicone case from Amazon this week and it was only £1 so I'm pretty chuffed with that. After living with the iPhone 5 for a week now I can say that the battery is a little bit weaker than the one in the iPhone 4, but not by much and considering the faster everything it's very good.

I've also had the chance to try out the turn by turn on iOS6 maps, and I was surprised by how well it all worked out. its got me to my destination in no time and thats around Leeds one way system that is a pain.

So far so good.

 

[shmogt]

Oh man street view coming to apple maps tomorrow plus apple legally has to allow other companies to make thunderbolt cables for the cheap. Downfalls to the iPhone 5 are getting fixed quick.

 

[Takumi Fujiwara]

I notice the battery being weaker than the 4, too. I'm guessing it's probably the result of the LTE connection, other LTE phones have generally burned through batteries more quickly than 3G ones. The bigger screen probably hurts it, too. It's not a huge difference but I'd say it goes through battery about 5-10% faster, like if I let my phone sit for 24 hours after charging it'll be at 50%, while my 4 would've been at 55% or 60%. It could also just be the battery being brand new, I think my battery life is better this week than last week.

 

[Crash]

Ya I know. I'm saying they didn't because they didn't change a single thing about this cable except for what I listed. The absolute one and only thing that is actually improved would be its reversible. So now you can plug it in either side without having to worry about which side is up.

The new Lightning dock connector is not the same. On top of being reversible and has a new chip in it, the new connector is fully digital and has dynamically assignable pins. A couple of sites that pulled apart the new dock connector has noted that there are actually 9 electrical contact points, making it theoretically possible for the new dock connector to be compatible with USB in the future.

I'm waiting for Anandtech, Ars Technica, or a site like that to come out with a complete technical break down of the changes in the new dock connector.

Oh man street view coming to apple maps tomorrow plus apple legally has to allow other companies to make thunderbolt cables for the cheap. Downfalls to the iPhone 5 are getting fixed quick.

Source?

I notice the battery being weaker than the 4, too. I'm guessing it's probably the result of the LTE connection, other LTE phones have generally burned through batteries more quickly than 3G ones. The bigger screen probably hurts it, too. It's not a huge difference but I'd say it goes through battery about 5-10% faster, like if I let my phone sit for 24 hours after charging it'll be at 50%, while my 4 would've been at 55% or 60%. It could also just be the battery being brand new, I think my battery life is better this week than last week.

It's almost definitely the LTE connection. That was rumored to be a huge reason why Apple was so late in putting a LTE chip into the iPhone, because of the poor battery life of the early LTE chips.

 

[mattythedog]

Source?

What he said isn't technically correct. A few sites are reporting that the mobile browser version of Google Maps is getting streeview, so iOS 6 users can still use streeview.

 

[Takumi Fujiwara]

The new Lightning dock connector is not the same. On top of being reversible and has a new chip in it, the new connector is fully digital and has dynamically assignable pins. A couple of sites that pulled apart the new dock connector has noted that there are actually 9 electrical contact points, making it theoretically possible for the new dock connector to be compatible with USB in the future.

I'm waiting for Anandtech, Ars Technica, or a site like that to come out with a complete technical break down of the changes in the new dock connector.

The really big change, beyond being reversible or having different connections, is how much smaller it is. 90% of why Apple changed it was to free up room inside the device and to let them make iPod touches and Nanos thinner.

 

[shmogt]

What he said isn't technically correct. A few sites are reporting that the mobile browser version of Google Maps is getting streeview, so iOS 6 users can still use streeview.

Yup seems like after more reports what I said is half right. Street view to Internet google maps and apple has to let others make their cables however can pick and choose who they want to do it. So I'm sure it will all still be expensive options. Probably a few more months before the Chinese find out the patents and are able to rip it off.

 

[Robin]

I'm surprised how Apple have managed to make 'premium' aluminium feel cheap like plastic. You seriously couldn't tell the difference if you were blindfolded. Big mistake adding that matt, almost toy like, finish and a real step down from glass IMO.

The really big change, beyond being reversible or having different connections, is how much smaller it is. 90% of why Apple changed it was to free up room inside the device and to let them make iPod touches and Nanos thinner.

I find it hard to believe that excuse for changing the connector, I doubt the 30 Pin interface took up tons of room inside cases. From previous tear downs this doesn't appear to be the case. Plus those devices are not anywhere near as slim as the connector slot yet (a few mm) so it was never a matter of change for necessity.

It's just like with them using a nano sim just for giggles to annoy people. I highly doubt that space is such a damn premium in that not particularly small shell to put a micro or even full sized one. Same goes for not having a removable battery or an SD card slot when other manufacturers manager just fine.

 

[Solo]

I got to hold one for the first time today and I must say the lightness of it is incredible compared to the 4 and 4s. I didn't really get to use it but as a handset it felt very solid despite how thin it is and the extra height isn't an issue at all.

 

[shmogt]

I'm not sure if I should start a new thread or talk about it in here since it relates but what do you guys think of the Samsung galaxy SIII? In terms of looks it looks pretty good accept it's all cheap plastic compared to the iPhones aluminum and glass. Everything else seems to be probably equal or a bit better to the iPhone 5 in terms of features and specs. I'm leaning towards buying a S3 because it's cheaper for me but if that doesn't work out and I have to get a normal expensive plan do you think I should still get the S3 or a iPhone 5?

 

[nick09]

You should go to a store and test it out. That's the best way to know if the S3 should be the phone for you. I personally hate the closed doors business that Apple does compared to android.

 

[shmogt]

You should go to a store and test it out. That's the best way to know if the S3 should be the phone for you. I personally hate the closed doors business that Apple does compared to android.

I have a iPhone now and really like it so Im sure I'll like a even better version but than I think it's the exact same thing just plain stuff like better camera and more power etc. The S3 will be something totally different. I don't have much of a choice since my new network doesn't offer iPhone, but if it doesn't work out I will be able to choose between them.

 

[shmogt]

Hey guys not sure if you seen, but the new 30pin adapters to work with the new lightening cables are out today and they are $29-$39 depending which one you get. However they have this one on there site which is just a brand new cable for only $19. Not sure why you would buy an adapter when you can get a new cable much cheaper. http://store.apple.com/us/product/MD818ZM/A/lightning-to-usb-cable?fnode=45

 

[nick09]

Why get the adapters? To reuse cheap/expensive accessories(alarm clock, boombox, car adapter. and etc... The list goes on and on to millions of different products) that were meant to be used with an ipod that has the 30pin connector. If someone can avoid the cost of new accessories then they get that adapter.

 

[shmogt]

Apple really screwed a lot of people. Especially since they charge more for an adapter than they do a brand new style cable. There are some features you can't use with an adapter something with controlling it from some where else. With old stuff just use your old device as a dedicated music player tho.

 

[Crash]

Apple didn't screw over people. Welcome to the world of technology. The transition sucks and will be painful for a short while, but change will always happen. If we cling on to old, outdated technologies forever for the sake of it working with what we have, we'll still be on Intel Pentiums and floppy drives. And before you say it, no the new connector is NOT exactly the same as the old one.

It's not like Apple is changing connectors every year just to have a laugh at consumers. The 30 pin connector lasted 9 years, and this new one will likely last just as long. 9 years is forever in the world of technology. Apple was getting to the point where that was a design constraint, so they had to change it to make it better and more efficient. The next time they change connectors, the current one will likely become one of the design constraints that is preventing them from doing something better and cooler.

Also, please use commas better; your posts are kinda difficult to read at times.

 

[ExigeEvan]

Apple didn't screw over people. Welcome to the world of technology. The transition sucks and will be painful for a short while, but change will always happen. If we cling on to old, outdated technologies forever for the sake of it working with what we have, we'll still be on Intel Pentiums and floppy drives. And before you say it, no the new connector is NOT exactly the same as the old one.

It's not like Apple is changing connectors every year just to have a laugh at consumers. The 30 pin connector lasted 9 years, and this new one will likely last just as long. 9 years is forever in the world of technology. Apple was getting to the point where that was a design constraint, so they had to change it to make it better and more efficient. The next time they change connectors, the current one will likely become one of the design constraints that is preventing them from doing something better and cooler.

Also, please use commas better; your posts are kinda difficult to read at times.

But Micro USB.

 

[shmogt]

I get how it had to happen one day. I'm saying they are screwing people over by offering a brand new cable as cheaper and much more difficult to find on their site as opposed to the adapter. They know everyone is gonna be buying an adapter since there is so many old cables out there and screw those people by charging them way more than its worth.

 

[Sprite]

I also don't think that Apple has done anything wrong. Yes the adapter is different but when are you going to have an issue with it, I personally can't think of when it will cause me an issue. They give you the cable in the box so why people whine over it I will never know. Plus Crash is correct, things move on and progress is needed to advance things. I understand what shmogt is saying, that Apple has put the adapter up front and centre on the store instead of the new cable so people will buy this, but if they have an iPhone 5 then they already own the cable and unless you need a second cable an adapter maybe in more demand.

Ripping people off isn't the idea though.

 

[Shoogar]

I know a couple of people with the iPhone 5, it looks really good, but I agree with the comments on the charger. I believe that once upon a time there was meant to be a universal charger, which was meant to be the Micro USB charger. I've been considering purchasing one since release now, but I will most likely wait until they drop in price. The only thing that'll change for me is that I can't use the same charger for my iPad and my iPhone.

 

[Moglet]

But Micro USB.

This. I think every phone in my family runs off micro USB, except for my brother's iPhone. It makes finding a spare charger when I go visit very, very easy!

 

[shmogt]

Oh man cheaper and much more badass cables are out. If you are gonna get a new cable this one has to be the one. You can buy a dock with it for $40 which is pretty good too. http://iphone5mod.com/shop/illuminated-lightning-cable-and-iphone-5-dock/

 

[Crash]

I get how it had to happen one day. I'm saying they are screwing people over by offering a brand new cable as cheaper and much more difficult to find on their site as opposed to the adapter. They know everyone is gonna be buying an adapter since there is so many old cables out there and screw those people by charging them way more than its worth.

I don't think that "screwing people over" is their intention. You do realize that the adapter is an analog to digital converter right, and not just a "simple cable"?

The scarcity of new cables, however, is inexcusable. They should have made a ton more earlier on.

But Micro USB.

I will give you that. It would be very convenient for everyone if Apple just went with micro USB. As an engineer and a nerd, I really want to read a complete breakdown of the differences between Apple's connector and micro USB, and the trade offs between them, if any.

 

[shmogt]

I don't think that "screwing people over" is their intention. You do realize that the adapter is an analog to digital converter right, and not just a "simple cable"?

The scarcity of new cables, however, is inexcusable. They should have made a ton more earlier on.

I will give you that. It would be very convenient for everyone if Apple just went with micro USB. As an engineer and a nerd, I really want to read a complete breakdown of the differences between Apple's connector and micro USB, and the trade offs between them, if any.

Apple is in the business of screwing people over. Their whole business model is charge a ton for a little. Everything is super simplistic and basic while being very expensive. I have the iPods, the iMacs, the iPhones, etc and every time I buy something I feel it is very over priced. Only way I can justify it is the build and quality I know is gonna be good. So these cables are very expensive and do exactly the same as mini USB but apple makes their own so you are forced to use their stuff and charges a ton for it. Your options are buy it or don't use their great products.