by Hagana Kim

Created on: December 31, 2008

Calling the iPhone a cellular phone is like calling Microsoft Excel a calculator. The iPhone goes so far beyond what we've come to expect from cell phones that it is literally changing the way people live their lives.

Mobile internet is nothing new, but in Blackberry's hands it's always been a second-rate alternative to the real thing. The physical limitations of the device never let the user forget that they were getting a limited internet experience. But internet on the iPhone is actually better in some ways than the real, "computer" version because of the incredibly intuitive interface, and the ingenious organization and presentation of the content.

The iPhone's "homepage" should be a model for actual computer operating systems. It puts Windows Vista to shame (although granted, so does an abacus). The iPhone doesn't do everything that a laptop can, but it can also do things that laptops can't. The iPhone seamlessly combines traditional functions of computers, such as email, contact databases, and a calendar, with internet content enhanced by the iPhone's software, such as stock quotes, the weather, and GPS maps.

It's also an iPod, a Youtube television, a digital camera, and a portable gaming console. But the most amazing thing about the iPhone is that it's becoming more valuable as time goes by, thanks to the growing library of software that is being written for the device. Urbanspoon can suggest places to eat. Shazaam can tell you the name of the song that's playing on the radio. Not to mention the device itself learns your typing habits and adapts accordingly. There are even rumors that a corrupted iPhone is the villain of the upcoming Terminator movie

The iPhone's most endearing quality may be its talent for eliminating downtime. Long waits at the DMV turn into opportunities to read the newspaper, or watch a little Youtube. Even delayed flights are more bearable with a fully charged iPhone.

Finally, there's an enthusiasm and subculture about the iPhone that sets it apart from other cellular phones. I personally prefer PCs to Macs, but I understand now why some people are so passionate about Apple. People with iPhones love to keep each other informed about the latest applications, or race to look up movie show times and restaurant ratings.

I've clearly been caught up in iPhone-mania, but I assure you I don't work for Apple. And the iPhone certainly isn't perfect. It's not cheap, you won't confuse the battery with the Energizer bunny, and the protective case is an absolute necessity (take it from someone who's dropped theirs). But as far as the best cellular phone on the market goes, there's really no competition.

Oh, you can use it to call people too.

Learn more about this author, Hagana Kim.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.