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A couple of reasons why an iPhone Nano doesn’t make sense


5 January, 2009 (23:33) Posted by Oli | ,

iPhone nano.jpg

Macworld is here, and Apple’s keynote is just around the corner and all I keep reading about is the iPhone Nano. TUAW posted about it, MacRumors posted about it. Even Twitter is abuzz about the possibility of an itzy bitzy iPhone. I just can’t see it though, and here’s why.

First off, there’s screen real-estate. Do you REALLY want to use an iPhone with a smaller screen? Even now, two years into the handset’s life, I still hear people complaining about the on-screen keyboard. People say it’s too cramped. OK, so imagine that same keyboard but half the size. You couldn’t use it before and you damned well won’t be able to use it now ! Yes they could make the keyboard landscape but does two-handed operation really lend itself to firing off a quick text message ? I never, and I mean never, type on my iPhone with two hands.

Next up, apps.

The applications are written for a set screen resolution. How will these apps run on a screen with a different resolution? Will they run at all ? Even if the resolution was to stay the same but on a smaller screen, you wouldn’t be able to read anything, no tap the exact pixel needed to activate buttons.

Now I know people will point to the downturn in the economy and say that a cheaper iPhone is needed, what with everyone being extra careful with their pennies. Everyone remember the last product Apple made smaller, lighter and just plain sexier? That’s right, the MacBook Air. Seen the price on one of those puppies ?

If Apple want to make the iPhone more affordable, there’s other (read better) ways to go about it. Smaller capacity would be thee easiest. Could we see the reintroduction of a 4GB SKU ? I can’t see them taking out GPS seeing as they’ve made such a big deal about the iPhone’s location awareness. 3G too, is something that really needs to stay there. WiFi could possible go, especially if 3G gets a stay of execution.

Of course, it’s safe to expect all round lower quality parts in any low price-point product so the glass screen could be on its way too.

So there we go. I just don’t think making a smaller form factor iPhone is that good of an idea. Change what’s in a normal iPhone instead.

I’m sure there are plenty of you who disagree with what I think, so be sure to heckle me from the safety of the comments section below !

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Comments

Comment from Shaun
Time: January 5, 2009, 11:50 pm

I’ve no idea to be honest, I think it makes sense to have an iPhone Nano and it’s a very Apple thing to do, but then I agree with a few of your points, particularly the keyboard, i’ve no idea how they would make that one work.

You’re very brave to make such a prediction the day before the event though! lol

Comment from Oli
Time: January 5, 2009, 11:52 pm

@Shaun – It’s not bravery, it’s stupidity :) I just don’t see the need for anything smaller than what we currently have. Less features possibly, cost cutting perhaps. Who would buy a smaller iPhone for any reason other than it being cheaper ?

Of course, I’ve been wrong before.

Comment from Shaun
Time: January 6, 2009, 12:01 am

I think you’d be surprised actually.. loads of people i’ve shown off my iPhone too are so impressed with it’s look and features but say it’s too big for them. I can imagine a lot of people loving a Nano sized version, but not if the reduced screen compromises everything good about the phone in the first place.

I guess we’ll just have to wait and see, if it is true i’ll be very keen to try one.

Comment from Oli
Time: January 6, 2009, 12:04 am

@Shaun – That’s the thing, how do you keep the current functionality of the iPhone if the screen is smaller ? Would all the current apps be usable on a smaller screen ?

Comment from Oli
Time: January 6, 2009, 6:41 pm

Well, I was right ;)

Comment from Shaun
Time: January 6, 2009, 10:24 pm

Well done! It doesn’t mean it will never happen tho ;) I mean we were also expecting Mini and iMac updates which didn’t happen.

I can still totally imagine an iPhone Nano if they find a wall to make the UI work. To answer your question about the functionality and apps I don’t think they would want them to act and behave the same. You know how Apple love to have different ‘tiers’ of features in various models of a product. Like the differences between Macbooks and Macbook Pros.

I’ll give you credit for being right though but if it ever does happen i’ll be straight round here taking it back :P

Comment from Oli
Time: January 6, 2009, 10:25 pm

@ Shaun – Oh yeah, if it does happen I’ll expect a severe lashing from anyone who can get here before I delete the post ! ;)

Comment from Ursula
Time: January 26, 2009, 10:35 am

So, I agree with Shaun, because I know a lot of people, who say, that iPhone is too big for them, especially girls say that, so Nano size is really do for them. As for me, I think, that Nano is too small for me, and I dont want to change my iPhone to Nano, but still a lot of people want to buy just Nano, maybe it is because of its price.

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