Over the years, I have had much debate on whether or not to jump in to the heated debacle that is the "Smartphone Wars." At one point, I had almost decided on either Windows or Ubuntu because I was familiar with both, and each provided me with a variety of smartphone hardware (as does Android), but with the consistent interface that iOS provides across its generations of devices.
Originally, I had planned to go with Android, along with the Ubuntu One app, which allows a user to boot Ubuntu from their Android device, while still keeping their Android installation intact. However, as years went on after I made this decision, Ubuntu and Android parted ways, and Ubuntu Mobile became its own separate distribution that installs itself in place of Ubuntu instead of alongside it as an app that boots using the Android kernel.
Upon learning this, I took some more time to think about my smartphone options. I had finally made my decision a couple of months ago to settle on Windows Phone. This was because of the consistent interface across different devices, and the fact that there was a very good piece of hardware that used and supported it -- The HTC One M8. My reasoning for going with Windows Phone was that I would be able to use Microsoft Office to edit and submit assignments on the go without having to pull out a heavy laptop, plus Windows 8 allows its users to download an app and use it on their desktop and mobile device, and I had heard that Windows 10 had improved this feature.
My decision in this matter came to a crashing halt when Emily pointed out how uncomfortable it would be to create and edit documents on a five-inch screen, even though this was one of my arguments for getting a Windows Phone in the first place. I then decided to go with Android again, and I had settled on the decision to choose either the Motorola Moto X or Google Nexus 6 (the latter of which is also made by Motorola). My brother had decided to get an iPhone at this point because he was fed up with how glitchy Android was, and wanted a fresh start. Well, over time, we both switched sides when Emily's iPhone that her employer provided her with started having call (and other issues).
Emily's next step (after a failed attempt at having an Apple Store employee fix it) was to get her phone replaced. This meant that Emily would have an extra iPhone to use, so she offered it to me with no strings attached. She then offered it to me because it would mean that she would have a spare, and after some careful research and consideration, I accepted the offer. I also showed Matt the Motorola Moto X (and possibly Nexus 6) because he was diving into App development, and Android caters better to this anyway.
Ironically, Emily was able to get her existing phone in working order (for now), so that put me back to the drawing board regarding how to get an iPhone in the first place.
Anyway, after my decision was made, I took the time to research what kinds of apps I would prefer to install on the phone itself. Also, because the iPhone has a reputation for being easily damaged, I looked for a cover to protect the device. For that, I picked one that looked like an early Macintosh and as a plus, was a joke to a cartoon that Matt and I used to enjoy. That can be found here.
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| Compy iPhone 5 sleeve |
I showed the phone cover to Emily, and she thought it was clever, as well as reasonable. As for the types of apps I would want to start out with I looked through the Apple App Store via my web browser and came up with five candidates to start out with:
5) WinZip - I initially decided on this app because I have used it before on Windows desktops, and it comes in handy sometimes. I also was not sure if iOS could natively handle ZIP files, and in that context, it seemed like a good idea to download it just in case.
4) Khan Academy App - This is a website that I use every day, and I was curious how the mobile app would be. I thought that it would also be a positive to not have to pull my laptop out or boot up my desktop in order to do a couple of math equations every day.
3) Fruit Ninja - There wasn't much logic to this choice. I mostly needed it to fill out the top five list, and it's just a fun game overall. I have tried it before on an Android tablet, and also at either Dave & Buster's or Scene 75. It's quite a fun game, and I would not mind playing it again.
2) LDS Gospel Library - Practically every church member that I have met has this app (as well as others) and this will be a nice addition to my iPhone, as well as a relief on my shoulders so that I don't have to lug a large pair of scriptures and 5 manuals everywhere.
1) Roku Mobile App - I saved the best for last. When I moved out to Colorado, one of the things I forgot to take with me was batteries. I have three devices that require AA batteries, and one that requires AAA. Three of the four devices I have learned to work around. My desktop's TV tuner can be controlled by keyboard and mouse, so I do not need AAA batteries for my remote control right now. I brought a spare wired keyboard and mouse with me so that takes care of almost all of my AA battery problems. The only issue is that I do not have anything to control the Roku with, which is also where the AA batteries come in. With the Roku app for iOS, I will finally be able to set up and use the Roku without worrying if I am going to need to replace remote batteries (the iPhone has RC capability and a rechargeable battery).
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| A depiction of the iPhone 5 from the front, back, and side. |
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