iPhones continue to suck

[rsn 135]

After Apple Says Otherwise, iPhone Alarm Still Remains Silent

screenshot via The New York Times

The iPhone alarm failed to work again on Monday morning after Apple said the problem would fix itself.If you use you iPhone as an alarm clock, it might be time for a backup plan.

On Sunday I wrote an article about an iPhone programming bug that failed to activate the phone's built-in alarm, leaving a lot of customers upset, confused and late. In the article, I noted that Apple had acknowledged the problem existing but said it would automatically fix itself by Monday, January 3rd.

Yet on Monday morning the problem did not seem to have gone away. A lot of angry iPhone owners wrote in to The Times complaining that they had missed flights, were late for work, or had failed to drop their kids off for the first day of the 2011 school year — all because the iPhone alarm didn't work again.

Apple did not respond to a request for comment asking if there was an update to the programming error.

The problem seems to have affected so many customers that it became a trending topic on Twitter by late Monday morning. Most were irate that they had been assured that the phone would work properly for their first day back to work, but instead remained silent all morning long.

Erick Piller, a student who uses his iPhone as a primary alarm, said in an e-mail that he missed a scheduled flight this morning after Apple had assured the media that the alarm would begin work again on Monday morning. "I set a non-repeating alarm for 3:30 a.m. Monday, but when I woke up by chance at 4 a.m., it hadn't gone off," Mr. Piller said. "I ended up missing a flight by fifteen minutes."

Other readers wrote in to say that they thought they were "going crazy," or had somehow broken their phone, when the alarm didn't work again Monday morning.

In my Sunday article it was unclear if the alarm error affected only iPhone 4 owners, but by Monday a number of readers said their earlier model iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3G failed to work properly too.

One of the most popular messages on Twitter about the problem was written by comedian Andy Borowitz who said: "Steve Jobs was set to hold a press conference on iPhone alarm glitch, but he overslept."

[spookyturtle 9,465]

I call BS. Apple is great and makes the best of everything. If Steve doesn't sell it, you don't need it. They are perfect. Ask any iSheep.

[spookyturtle 9,465]

Even if the iPhone didn't work and couldn't make calls, people would still buy them by the millions. That guy has the greatest marketing of any company on the planet. He could sell sh!t and people would be camping out to buy it.

[rsn 135]

Even if the iPhone didn't work and couldn't make calls, people would still buy them by the millions. That guy has the greatest marketing of any company on the planet. He could sell sh!t and people would be camping out to buy it.

iPhone fans camp out to buy the new 3G

Jordan Michaels and Ethan Mahoney

Michaels got in line Tuesday at midnight, and his friend Mahoney joined him the next morning to keep him company. "I haven't showered or slept but I love life; I'm getting an iPhone," Michaels said.

(Susan Torres/Boston.com Correspondent)

[spookyturtle 9,465]

Every business and company would do anything to have that blind, loyal following. And on top of it all, everything sells for a premium price. Last years technology at tomorrows prices. I know people who have an iPhone, iPod, iPad, iMac, Macbook, and Apple TV. And as soon as an updated model comes out, they buy that too. Who wouldn't want customers like that?

[rsn 135]

Every business and company would do anything to have that blind, loyal following. And on top of it all, everything sells for a premium price. Last years technology at tomorrows prices. I know people who have an iPhone, iPod, iPad, iMac, Macbook, and Apple TV. And as soon as an updated model comes out, they buy that too. Who wouldn't want customers like that?

Yea, Apple stuff sure is hella-expensive. No argument there. I'll buy my next Windows-based laptop off of craigslist, thank you very much.

The iPad looks kind of cool though. Still, way more than I am willing to pay.

Edited January 3, 2011 by rsn

[Kang Lang 7]

I have an iPhone, and actually didn't have the alarm trouble. As for the iPad I wouldn't have bought one, since I have a net book for school and power laptop for school. I happened to win one from work as a raffle and it's ok but I am not 100% sold on it yet.

[rsn 135]

I have an iPhone, and actually didn't have the alarm trouble. As for the iPad I wouldn't have bought one, since I have a net book for school and power laptop for school. I happened to win one from work as a raffle and it's ok but I am not 100% sold on it yet.

One of the nice things about tablets (the iPad is a tablet) is that they should allow you to take freehand notes. For example, open up an existing email or word document and annotate it with your own script during a meeting. Pretty useful, IMHO.

[spookyturtle 9,465]

I've played around with a friends iPad and it is fun, but slow as hell on the AT&T 3G service. I like the touch screen interaction, but as far as typing extensively on the virtual keyboard, no thank you. Again, I think it is a cool device, but starting at $500, it's too much IMHO. The one Apple product that does give me wood is the new Macbook Air. That is one sexy laptop.

[Darnell 8,478]

My Winders Mobile Pone doesna have this alarum limitation.

No, I won't trade ya my Winders Mobile Pone for yer lame-@ss non-alarum iPone, either.

But you know who will?? ANY SPRINT STORE - go now, get 'fixed' - you'll fine in a few moments (or was that fined?)

[Ban Hammer 12,840]

they've been Ipunked.

[spookyturtle 9,465]

I'm surprised Apple doesn't bring back the Pet Rock and call it iRock and sell it for 149.99.

[Ban Hammer 12,840]

I'm surprised Apple doesn't bring back the Pet Rock and call it iRock and sell it for 149.99.

just wait until they release their line of sex toys......

[SuperDuper! 230]

People that complain about the price of Apple products tend not to own them nor understand them.

Those that get it, understand that Apple products make your pathetic life worth living.

Word!

[spookyturtle 9,465]

I'll bet you have at least one of everything they make.