Issue 39.14
Apple’s big rollout of the IPhone 6 happened this past week and many people lined up the night before just to get one. I thought our readers would like to know what the reviewers are saying about this new entry in the cellular market. Those who are died-in-the-wool IPhone fans probably already have one, but many might be thinking about getting one in the near future.
The first thing you should know is that there are two basic models, the 6 and the 6 plus. The main difference is screen size. IPhone 6 has a 4.7 inch screen and the plus has a 5.5 inch. While that doesn’t top the largest sizes in the Samsung, HTC and LG offerings, it is in the same ballpark and it is significantly larger than the IPhone 5 screen. Many people would rather stay with the 4-4.5 inch phones because they fit in your pocket better, but the larger screens are nice, especially if you use it to view or record videos and pictures or play games.
Most reviewers are happy with the new faster processor and to a lesser but still positive extent, the new IOS 8 that can also be downloaded on the older IPhone 5. A new motion sensor, better and faster wifi and cellular access including the “ac” standard, mobile payment capability (coming soon), a new barometric sensor and an improved 8 megapixel camera all are worthy additions that may appeal to those that want the newest and coolest things.
On the negative side, some processes are faster on some of the Android based phones and you still can’t use memory cards to increase storage like you can with some other phones. The camera has a good picture size and quality, but there are better ones available. Siri (the talking Apple assistant on your phone) is fun but not quite as capable as the Microsoft (Cortana) and Google assistants. Battery power is still an issue when compared with some other phones on the market, but seems to be better than the IPhone 5 series. Some have reported the increased case size (larger than the screen) is hard to use with one hand and the new phones are more slippery so you will definitely want a protective case to keep it securely in hand.
Informationally (not positive or negative), the new design is more rounded and sleek compared with the recent squared off edges of the 4 and 5 series. It is a preference thing. The 6 plus has a bigger and likely better battery and more screen icons viewable at one time. Speakerphone volume has been improved but there are better.
All in all, most reviewers are very positive on Apples newest offerings, but if you didn’t pre-order, you will likely have to wait at least a few weeks for one. Additionally, if you need a phone, many of those that stood in line to get a new one are now selling their 5 series phones at a discount on ebay and other auction sites so that may help those of us on a limited budget.
As always, make sure you do your homework first and determine if what they are offering is what you really want and are willing to pay for, and, as always, remember to always back up anything on your computer that is important to you.
Shaun McCausland has worked in the computer industry for over 32 years, 25 years of it locally with Bits ‘N’ Bytes and Musicomp and currently does in-home and on-site computer consultation, service, training and repair. If you have questions you can reach him at 435-668-7118 or shaun@musicomp.net.