[kwlug-disc] Computer-like mobile

[Andrew Kohlsmith (mailing lists account)]

On Saturday, June 12, 2010 09:13:02 am John Van Ostrand wrote:
> I would say that even though the iPhone has lots of mind-share it's
> actually a poor general purpose computer. First the O/S doesn't
> multi-task. There is a recent API addition that allows applications to

The iPhone multitasks just fine. Apple removed the API calls from general use.

> register call-backs of some sort, but it isn't true multi-tasking, more
> like cooperative multi-tasking. This means that you can't talk on the
> phone and browse your contacts to give someone information. Second, the

? I do this all the time.  When you're on a call, press home and go to 
whatever other app you want.  The ipod app works the same way.

> iPhone is what Apple calls a "walled garden", or with less spin, a gilded
> cage. Apple decided that you can only get applications that it approves so
> it controls which applications are available for the phone and there's
> only one place to get them, yup Apple. And for this service they take a
> hefty percentage of the software licence fee. There are jail-break
> procedures for the iPhone and subsequently other places to obtain apps. If
> it's anything like my AppleTV box it may be hard to keep it open. The
> AppleTV box I have needs to be re-hacked every time it updates.

Yep, this is the #1 problem with the device. I've used a LOT of smartphones 
over the years (right back to the Treo 650) and the iPhone's the best one of 
the bunch, hardware and software wise. Unfortunately they want to try to 
dictate HOW I'll use the device, and that's unfortunate.

-A.