The iPhone is unsurpassed in its media functions (surfing the Web, watching videos and listening to music) due to its sleek design; which includes a large viewing screen and devoid of an ugly key board. This design works great for most individuals but isn't great for the average business person who needs the full keyboard for composing quick emails and other messages, says Forbs reporter Brian Caulfield.
Caulfield says Apple is attempting to better appeal to the corporate world with new software. The software will allow businesses to, "pour calendar information and e-mail directly into iPhones," via Microsoft Exchange. Businesses that use other email servers, however, will not be able to utilize these features.
The new software is not going to be enough to win over Corporate America, however, says Caulfield. The iPhone suffers from limitations in design, in software options, cost, and limited carriers.
The iPhone runs 400 dollars for eight gigs and 500 dollars for 16 gigs. This can be pricy for companies when purchase numerous devices. Additionally the only carrier for the I-phone is AT&T. For these reasons Caulfield says the Black Berry devices beat the I-phone in the corporate world.
As a student, I too feel the black berry is better. For me, I have to have the actual keyboard to be able to text and email efficiently. Also I like the fact that my emails come to my phone at the same time they are sent to my computer. The I-phone pulls emails from an account every 15 or 30 minutes. The calendar on the blackberry is better too, I think. What do you think works best for the corporate world and what works best for students?
I don't see the iphone becoming a useful standard issue phone for corporate communication. The iPod music and video player in there drives up the cost, as does the touch screen. Safari and YouTube aren't going to help grease any infrastructure's wheels. I could see Apple trying to integrate it with with Microsoft Office, or maybe somehow interface with the numerous in-house developed software apps that every big firm seems to design for themselves...
Even if they do that though, I don't see it appealing to anyone except CEO's, as a business tool. As for students, I think it would be an awesome device to have, but I refuse to commit to a 2 year data plan and be forced to buy a different phone (or pay international romaing) if I travel. Attempting to unlock it voids the warranty, and I imagine you'd still be stuck in your AT&T plan)
please refer to my blog post for an update on the revamped corporate iPhone.