My iPhone Annoyances

1. You can't wrap the headphones around the iPhone, as it causes problems when answering calls. Like most people, I wrap my headphones' cord around my iPod--it's the most convenient way to keep the cord untangled and stored away. But if you do that with an iPhone, you've got a problem when a call comes in. The wrapped cord can prevent you from pressing you ear to the handset, or the end of the cord swings around, or the wrapped cord can just generally hurt your face or annoy you. It's a puzzle to be solved, and I think the best thing to do is to remove the headphones from the phone when you are not using the iPod function.

2. It's hard to dial with one hand. Here was the situation: I was carrying bags of food in one hand downtown. I decided I needed to call my buddy. I dig the iPhone out of my pocket and attempt to dial. With one hand, I struggle to unlock and have to swipe my thumb at an awkward angle several times. Once the phone is unlocked, I accidentally hit a menu option--I didn't even realize I was touching the surface, I was just trying to get a good hold on the phone (this accidental touching happens a lot, especially with one hand). I become so involved in in the process, I nearly walk into someone. I have to stop, walk out of the way of everyone, hit the home screen, then go through the whole process all over again.

3. There are too many steps to dial a number. I want to call my buddy Fred. I unlock the phone. Ok, where's Fred's number? I have to tap "Phone." Ok, now where's Fred's number? Tap "Contacts." Hello, Fred? Oh, I have to find him by his last name. Scroll and hit Fred. Hello Fred? Oh, I have to hit his telephone number. Hello Fred? Finally! Frustrating!

There are moments where I wonder about the practicality of the phone in challenging everyday situationss. I enjoy the phone immensely, and I won't say that I'm totally frustrated by it, but there are moments where the more basic nature of my Nokia or iPod shuffle just worked and didn't make me pause my day to work the device.

My suggestion is for Apple to focus on the phone first, and sacrifice ease of use for other applications to increase the phone app's ease of use. I can't browse the Internet while walking down the sidewalk, so why put it on even ground with making a phone call in terms of accessing each application on the phone. Make it harder to access the Internet and make it easier to get to the phone.

I want the ability to view my contacts with one tap after unlocking. Or, to view my favorites after one tap after unlocking. In fact, I want an option for the screen to automatically show my contacts after unlocking. Turn the iPhone into a more simple phone, or at least give us the option to.