The Internet has changed the way we live our lives, and having that same Internet in the palm of our hand via a smart phone has taken that life-changing experience even further. However, these devices come at a cost, one that may make buyers thinking twice before taking the plunge.
There is no denying the popularity of the devices in modern culture today. By combining a telephone with unlimited internet almost anywhere in America, it has changed the people’s lifestyles3. Applications can turn these phones into Global Positioning Systems, news delivery services or even portable Facebook applications at the push of a button.
Apple’s iPhone 4, the latest iteration of their all-in-one smart phone, sold 1.7 million units within three days of its launch last month.
“This is the most successful launch in Apple history,” said Apple president Steve Jobs in an official statement.
Apple’s wonder product does come with some terrible catches: they have been criticized for non-removable batteries, spotty service and expensive service plans only available through AT&T. A major software flaw recently found with the iPhone 4’s antenna has caused Jobs to issue a formal apology and offer free cases to all owners. Consumer Reports stated they “can’t recommend the iPhone 4” in its latest report, and comedians like Letterman have had a field day.
A Bay Area AT&T store employee (who wished to remain anonymous) said that, despite these concerns, keeping up with the demand for the iPhone 4 in her store has been tough. Her store has forced her to work eight overtime shifts in a row, each totaling more than ten hours.
“It’s all about status, so of course everybody needs their new status symbol. If they don’t get what they want when they want it, they get irate,” she said.
Sprint and Verizon both have smart phones of their own, designed for those frustrated with the limitations of the iPhone. The Google Android line of phones improves upon its primary competitor’s design, including such features as a higher-resolution camera and future compatibility with Flash.
However, these phones come with a number of hidden fees. An unlimited data plan costs $30, which is about average. However, including extra features like giving it wireless “hotspot” access or giving it extra storage space can raise your monthly fees up to $110 a month for just the data plan. These fees are placed on top of normal cell phone use charges, which usually begin at a price of $100. Sellers also lock in people to a contract, requiring users to stay with their plans for upwards of two years.
The radio antennas built to keep up with service also pose a threat to communities. According to an SF Gate report, mobile provider T-Mobile has plans to place four antennas in the steeple of St. Matthew’s German Evangelical Lutheran Church, bringing the total amount of cell sites in San Francisco to well over 700.
While there are no definite studies, the radiation emitted from these devices has posed concern for the city of San Francisco. Residents and school districts have gone to the Board of Supervisors, which has then fought against the federal government.
If one knows what they are getting into, a smart phone is a worthwhile purchase. However, there are some people out there who are simply interested in the newest piece of metal and glass, determined to have it at all costs. Before taking the plunge, think about the benefits and the downsides. If more people took that step, the information available in a smart phone would become that much more useful for them.