Over the weekend, I purchased an iPhone. I have been a long time Sprint customer for cellular service--my wife and I have had a shared plan for some time. My latest phone had been a Treo 650--which has been a great phone. Prior to the 650 I had a 600. Prior to that I had a Palm Vx along with a cell phone. You can probably see the PDA pattern.

When the iPhone came out I felt the pull, but still had quite some time left on my contract with Sprint.

Lets get the things about the iPhone I don't like out of the way:

1. In the US, the phone is tied to one carrier--AT&T
2. On a device that costs between $400-$500, what is with the measly 2 mega pixel camera?
3. When you send a photo attached to an email, it reduces the size to 640x480
4. Where the heck is 3G?
5. I have been a pretty heavy user of Dial Up Networking (DUN)--basically, you pair your phone to your laptop and you can access the Internet through that connection. It is slow, but it works. DUN is not supported by the iPhone without a hack.

Ok, now that we've got my dislikes out of the way, let me just say that the experience of unboxing an iPhone is similar to taking other Apple products out of the packaging. It is a very satisfying experience.

When you open the package, the iPhone is nestled in a very tough piece of plastic with the instructions set on top of it. You have a strong sense that the device was well protected.

When you first fire up the iPhone, it has close to a full battery charge. There is nothing more frustrating that buying a device that needs charging before you can use it. The iPhone gives you instant gratification.

Setting up the iPhone is very simple. Hook it up to your computer and iTunes immediately starts. The setup occurs over several easy screens that includes the ability to quickly and easily transfer your service from your old carrier. No stress of calling your old carrier and trying to explain why you are dumping them.

The device feels good to hold and just looks delicious with its huge and clear screen. The screen detects electrical currents from your fingers, making accidental hitting of buttons in your pocket impossible.

The browser is easy to learn how to use with intuitive finger actions that activate different features like zooming that seem like second nature. The same can be said for the email client. I set up both work and personal email very quickly.

Access to the Internet moves backwards and forwards between the Edge Network and WiFi as different services are available with WiFi being its preferred connection.

The keyboard takes a little getting used to--a real keyboard might be nice.

I used to say that the Treo was the best phone I'd ever owned. Despite the shortcomings of the iPhone, I have a new favourite. The iPhone isn't a phone--it is an Internet connectivity device that lets you make phone calls.

I'll write more as I become better familiar with the iPhone--but so far I love it.