.MAC / .ME Catastrophe

With the launch of the iPhone 2.0 Update and iPhone 3G, Apple also launched their new service called ".ME." A service in which syncs all devices content info (calendar, address book, settings, media, etc) with your iPhone, Mac, and even PC. Brilliant idea, right?

Theoretically, it certainly is a brilliant idea and helps contribute to my O.C.D. Unfortunately, I experienced (among with other .Mac users) a complete nightmare. I'll accept the fact that this is a new system barely launched by Apple, and it takes a while to work out the bugs. As of the past few years, Apple has done a great job not really having to worry about that, and launching well-tested products during first generation launch.

Unfortunately, it proves that Steve Jobs is merely a man, and Apple (despite their climb vs PC sales) is not 100% perfect.

I've encountered the following:

1.) .MAC to .ME transitions:
I could not login to my previous .MAC account via the new .ME login interface. I followed instructions from the Apple Forums and FAQs but it did not recognize my login/password (despite multiple password resets and the ability to receive email and utilize other functions). To top it off, I couldn't even update my credit card to renew my service which literally expired today. Therefore, I'm loosing my previous .MAC login/email address (which I guess I can really live without).

2.) NEW .ME Trial
More info: http://www.apple.com/mobileme/setup/
So I signed up for a trial .ME account and decided to start new since my old .MAC account had expired today anyway. I initiated the creation of the account, and setup the PUSH/SYNC options.
a.) There is an issue for prioritization of sync. If I just updated an item on my iPhone, and then I update something via web based .ME, it clearly has trouble prioritizing which one goes first.
b.) There obviously is an over-extended lag for the update, it make take a few minutes, or maybe a hard reset for the device to update itself.

3.) iPhone 2.0 update and iPhone 3G server updates stalled
On Friday, when everyone in the world was syncing their new iPhones (and existing iPhones) to iTunes, the Apple servers took a gigantic dump. The fact my iPhone was unable to sync left me phoneless and stranded for several hours.

4.) iPhone 1st Generation is now slow
I haven't tested out the 3G yet but my 1st generation functionality is just slow. It takes forever to load applications, switch from home page to email, text or even phone functions.

In conclusion, I comprehend that new services and new products often come with a trial / clean out the "bugs" moment during the beginning of it's launch. I am also not the one experiencing the issue (as you may see in the Apple Forums). Mr. Jobs, I am disappointed, as the launch of the .ME, updates and the new iPhone technical issues are just NOT up-to-par!

iPhone 3G Release

Yes, it's that exciting. The iPhone 3G comes out Friday, July 11th, 2008, 8PM and I'm contemplating whether to buy one or not.

Common sense says it would be completely worthless to purchase one at this time. The only changes would just be the Microsoft Exchange (which I wouldn't use), the 3G speed (awesome), and Maps with GPS (totally awesome).

According to Apple.com, the latest software update 2.0, claims that current iPhone owners would be able to have Applications Feature. Actually, it doesn't officially say it specifically, so I'm guessing when I plug in tommorrow to update, the applications feature probably wouldn't work. I guess we'll have to find out.

In all honestly, I can't fathom to have an obselete piece of technology. Actually wait, there's a few things I can live with. My plasmas are still 720p, my PC still runs Windows Windows XP on a Pentium D (not core duo), I still mainly use CS2, and I just barely even updated to Leopard. So okay, I take that back, I'm not down with Vista yet, and I really can't tell the differenc efrom 1080p from 720p. But my beloved iPhone which has been my pride and joy the last year, will now just be a thing of tommorrow once the 3G version comes out.

Its absolutely hurts, and quite frankly, pisses me off that non-iPhone users are jumping on the bandwagon tommorrow and paying a considerable amount less money than I did when the price reduction set last year.

My other complaint is on iTunes, they've recently released the new applications. Usually when dowloading music, it gives me an option checkout prior my card. Unfortunately, I've barely hit input to shopping cart thinking it would go into my shopping cart, but itautomatically downloads!!?? Now I've added about $20 worth of stupid applications I would never really want to pay for anyway. What the hell? Okay, I'm over it, but what if the applications update is only applicable for iPhone 3g, and not for the original iPhone. And why doesn't apple.com list the specifications for both versions?

Well, I know the answer; to entice current users to upgrade anyway. Of course, in this economy I could always save money, pay of debt or attempt to invest. Or, I can stand in line at 8AM at the Mac store. I guess we'll have to see.