Sunday, July 3, 2011

Oh god, I got an iPhone

I know, anyone who knows me is shaking their head at this post and muttering 'sell out' under their breaths.
For years, I've been on Team Blackberry and raved about my buttons and my bbm. But this week, I decided it was time to switch over to Verizon, hop on a family plan with Kika, and ultimately, get a new phone. For weeks, I hem and hawed over Droid phones (keyboard or no keyboard; 4G or no 4G; Samsung or LG... it goes on). But what happens at the Verizon store (also known as the 3rd ring of hell) caught me so off guard, I still don't know why I have an iPhone.

Between Kika, Jax, and the saleslady, I was bullied and cornered into Appleland b/c apparently I get very unlady-like when my phone battery dies (iPhone has the best battery life, they say). There were a few other selling points, but I stopped listening and just handed over my credit card. So it happened.

Then the application flood ensued. What I've collected so far:

*Chase: This app actually works! Bb version was just a shortcut to the website. This, I found, was infuriating and slow. I can even deposit checks with it! iPhone for the win here.
*Facebook (duh): It's a whole new experience on iPhone.
*Foursquare: Much better than the Bb version, I must admit. The GPS function is infinitely more accurate than my Bold.
*Kickmap: Decent NYC subway map app. I wouldn't mind recs if anyone has one that they like a lot.

*Instagram: Pretty fun photo app that allows you to fiddle with pictures and make them funkier and 'pro'

*NY Times: Things load so much more quickly vs Bb so I thought I'd pick up a new one. Decent but article selection is so-so without having to sign in.

*Pandora: Same old.
*Photogram: Another fun photo app that creates email cards with your photos.
*Twitter: Different but not much better than Bb in my opinion.
*The Weather Channel: The weather app already installed is a little to simple (as are most things with this phone)
*Words with Friends: Best part of my phone. It's a great Scrabble rip-off that basically consumes a lot of my free minutes throughout the day. I heard Zynga is jumping on this internet IPO craze soon. I can see why. They're awesome. Remember Farmville?

[Photo: My first Instagram installation: Patrick sulking about the rainy weather outside]

Anyone have other recommendations on applications I should get? No, I will not download Angry Birds.

7 comments:

  1. Tune in radio for rockin NPR podcasts

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  2. Great review Yon! :)

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  3. Got it, Ryan! Perhaps I'll wait till weekday to tune into NPR :)

    Thanks Jackie! I couldn't have gotten through the week without your guidance and support!

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  4. Congrats on your new iphone
    Google tipped us off about your mentioning getting the KickMap -
    Here's an AppStore promo code so you can upgrade from the 'KickMap Lite' and download the 'KickMap24' for free:
    TF9N7JYTRPYL
    Enjoy!

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  5. Yes I remember Farmville and I'm so glad we've jumped off that bandwagon. Thinking about a time when I was stressed about harvesting my cotton irks me a little now.

    I agree about the 4square app, SO much prettier on iphone and a lot faster and easier to use. And the Chase app is SOO cool, totally surpassing the coolness of receipts with check images on them :)

    Not gonna lie, have been thinking more about switching to iphone, although if the BB Bold touch comes out and it's awesome, I might consider that. I really like having keys to type on- autocorrect is not my friend.

    Whatapp is good if you have a lot of friends with smartphones. its a lot like bbm with the whole delivered/read options. it can send pictures/videos really easily (although in general iphone sends pics quickly anyway), and unlike bbm you can change the background of ur chats. might be worth the .99 cents :)

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  6. Whatsapp and Angry Birds. You know it makes sense!

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  7. WoAi, I will not download Angry Birds! I wouldn't ever want to be caught shooting birds around on the subway or something

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