Bruce Feiler - Where God Was Born, Abraham, Walking The Bible

The O-No! of the I-Phone
Saturday, June 30, 2007

My Dad asked me this week if I could help him fix his Ipod, which has now broken for a second time with the same problem: The Podcasts don't play. My brother has apparently had the same problem and told him to go on the website and slog through a many-step process. It could be worse, it turns out: He could have an Iphone. Dad, read this.

Actually, you probably can't read that because it's behind the firewall, but here's the essence. There's no way to change the battery without sending it back to Apple, going several days without your phone, then getting a new battery. For a fee. Apple says its 300 charges will last three years, but Joe Nocera is skeptical.

Maybe it will get two years. But let’s think about what that means. Those who are dismissive of the battery issue are saying, essentially, that when the two years are up, and the battery needs to be replaced, customers will purchase a new and improved iPhone instead. That’s why it is a nonissue for them — they are buying into the idea of assured obsolescence. If all you want is a new battery after two years — and don’t lust after whatever new phone gadget Mr. Jobs has come up with by then — then you’re just not with it.

Besides, don’t most cellphone users get a new phone within two years? The answer, of course, is yes. But most cellphone purchases are heavily discounted — costing $100 or less — and are tied to an extension of the service contract. Is Apple really going to play that game? I’m betting the answer is no. Buying a new iPhone is going to be an expensive proposition for the foreseeable future — which of course is great for Apple’s bottom line, but not so great for its customers.

And what about the people who have early battery problems? Or those who are such heavy users of their iPhone that they need a new battery after a year? The question remains, What are they supposed to do? Go without a cellphone while Apple is replacing the battery? From where I’m sitting, this is classic Apple behavior. It is perfectly happy to sell you the coolest $599 device you’ve ever seen. Just don’t expect them to be especially helpful when it runs into problems.

Posted by B Feiler at 10:38 PM
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