Marlee Ready
Reporter
A group of students huddle around a library table eagerly waiting to get their hands on Apple’s latest invention. The iPhone 5 gets passed around the group as each student carefully observes its new appearance and touches the screen to activate its updated features.
The iPhone 5 is 9 mm taller and 1.77 mm thinner than the iPhone 4S. According to Apple.com, the iPhone 5 is 20% lighter than previous iPhones. iPhone 5 users find that the physical differences enhance the quality of the phone. “It fits better in your hand, it’s easier to type on and it’s not too tall,” freshman Abigail Neugeboren said.
Sophomore Hal Holappa also found these changesdesirable. “I want it because it’s a lot lighter and faster” he said.
In addition to changes in height and weight, the iPhone 5 has a new A6 chip and 4G LTE that makes the phone two times faster than prior iPhones. “Now, I can load up a website in around one to two seconds, whereas with my 4, it took me around three to five seconds or more,” senior David Lovas said. “If you are playing a game with lots of 3D graphics, it is noticeably faster on the iPhone 5.”
Despite the benefits, users still have some complaints regarding the iPhone 5. Senior Kenny Wynne is concerned about charging Apple phone devices. “The battery life on my iPhone 4 is terrible and I don’t trust it will be any better on the iPhone 5,” he said.
The new Lightning Connector which replaces the 30-pin Connector, also raises concerns. “The new cable is very problematic” library department head Ms. Luhtula said. “The library has to buy the new cables so students with the iPhone 5 can connect to the Mac computers, their own computers, and to the chargers.”
Senior David Lovas disagrees, “The new charger is an upgrade in terms of its functionality” he said. “It grips the phone much tighter than the old charger, and the device charges noticeably faster than its predecessors.”
Other additions with the iPhone 5 include a new operation system called iOS 6 as well as Apple Maps, an updated Siri and Passbook, which can hold boarding passes, movie tickets, retail coupons and loyalty cards. “‘Maps’ is really awful” Ms. Luhtula said. “I use other apps that are better for that like Wayz, AroundMe, Yelp and Local.”
David agrees, “The new maps seem to only consist of main roads, whereas the old Google Maps documented most, if not all side streets and detours.”
Nonetheless, other features of the new iOS 6 operating system have gotten positive feedback. Passbook appeals to iPhone 5 users because it makes organization easier to manage. Passbook is one of Ms. Luhtula’s favorite applications. “I was able to use it as my boarding pass this weekend and I used it for concert tickets recently,” she said. “Less paper, more phone” is her motto when it comes to using Passbook.
iPhone 5 users suggest buying the iPhone 5 to people that don’t have it. “I would recommend purchasing the iPhone 5 if you are someone who uses their phone for everything, like I do.” David said.
