First Generation iPhone

Yesterday, I had a chance to take a look at the first generation iPhone - also known as the iPhone 2G. It was released in 2007 and was arguably the first smartphone to really seduce regular consumers.

There's something really special about this phone. As soon as you hold it, you get a really clear sense of how much thought and attention its creators have given to it. I personally feel that this is the most attractive of the 4 iPhones released, and here's why:

First of all, it's got an aluminum back. I love Apple's aluminum products and this is no exception. There is something special about the iPhone though. The tolerances and fit and finish seems to surpass that of the MacBook Pro and iPad. The biggest difference is that the grain of the aluminum is way smoother than that of recent Apple products. I don't know if the iPhone uses a different manufacturing process or if there is a aesthetic/functional reason for this.

The iPhone 2G also has the best "in-hand" feel. The 3G feels too plastic and the iPhone 4 is too rectangular. The 2G is just right (maybe to thick but it's 2010 now).

And guess what? The original iPhone is the only iPhone to not have any visible screws. I'm guessing that Apple changed the design to make servicing more efficient. I also really like the mic/speaker grill design; very Dieter Rams.

Kind of reminds me of the Magic Mouse.

With my 4. Notice how the older displays were grey in color.

Gorgeous.

The iPhone 4 is significantly slimmer.

The top. I love the how the sim slot flows with the curve of the phone. The recessed headphone jack that fit nothing was pretty lame though.

The volume rocker and mute switch also look brilliant the iPhone 2G. The black just looks fantastic contrasted to the silver casing.

Well, I guess there's nothing much to say. Can the iPhone 5 be aluminum? Pretty please?

Incase Slider Case for iPhone 4

I picked up the Incase Slider for the iPhone 4 yesterday. It was my case of choice for the iPhone 3GS so I figured that the iPhone 4 case had to be just as good.

Please don't ask/complain:

- Why are you using a case? If a product needs a case, it's a failure!
- Did you get the case because of the lack of signal? iPhone 4 fail!
- Woah, why did you get a slider case? Ryan Block told me that it'll destroy the iPhone 4!

Ever since I saw the white iPhone 4, I've wanted it. I couldn't hold out long enough and ended up picking up the black model. I still have this desire for a white iPhone and figured that getting a white case is the easiest way to satisfy this hunger.

Classic Incase packaging.

Comes with a case and a little stand. Costs $35, which is slightly pricey but not crazy.

The case. The Slider cases always have these rubber guard rails that prevent the phone from scratching.

The case is composed of 2 pieces and slides into place, hence the name "slider". Notice the tasteful location of the logo. I hate it when case manufacturers have a giant logo on their case.

Incase has also made a black ring around the camera hole to prevent glare. I've heard that it doesn't exactly work as advertised. I couldn't care less though - I almost never use the flash.

Nice cut outs everywhere. Unlike the bumper, this will work with pretty much any pair of headphones.

The precision of the products is better than most case manufacturers out there. There are some mold lines but they are mostly muted and all the edges are cleanly resolved.

Love the looks. The flash ring adds a nice design touch too.

The stand. I'll probably never use it though.

The slider isn't exactly a thin case, but instead offers really nice protection and great grip in the hand.

The fit is super tight.

Looks great with the Apple universal dock too.

Around Waterloo. (Week - 20)

So, I decided to take a more in-depth look at this city occupied by 114,700 people.

The buses here are eerily similar to the ones in Vancouver. Same color theme, same seating surfaces and everything.

I don't have data for my iPhone in Canada so I've been using the compass for navigation. Works like a charm.

Some of the buildings in the University of Waterloo Campus. Some of the buildings actually have pretty attractive architecture. The university is really significant here and has more than 30,000 students, faculty and staff. Remember, Waterloo is home to only 114,700 people.

Typical anti-big brother graffiti you would find in a university campus.

Some of the buildings are actually kind of Orwellian here.

Saw this and,

reminded me of this.

Also found this.

Quite a fan of bodum products, they are almost universally well designed and made. I own an older model of the french press and they seemed to have made them more modern and Braun-esque. Highly recommend french presses, they're the cheapest way to enjoy awesome coffee.

As usual, I'm taking photos of passing cars. Jaguar XK here.

The Hyundai Genesis Coupe isn't exactly a high volume car but they are surprisingly prevalent in Waterloo. In Vancouver, I was lucky if I saw one a week but here, I see one everyday. The fact that there are so many university students is probably a big factor. The Coupe is a relatively affordable way to impress girls.

Not a fan of the front but the rear is pretty hot.

I'm constantly surprised by how quickly Ford has improved their products. I wish the new Edge looked a little more aggressive though.

My favorite detail on the new Edge - says "Edge" on the headlight diffuser.

How I miss the Pontiac G8. Too bad they will quickly become extinct.

RIM is headquartered in Waterloo.

There are a good deal of RIM offices. At least 16, as shown by the sign.

There isn't much to see though, just a bunch of square, grey, concrete buildings.

RIM, RIM, RIM.

I came across these in the RIM headquarters, and found them quite intriguing.

These are shared bikes (I'm guessing) that are used by RIM employees to get around the different offices. The bikes seem to dock into these docking station for others employees to use.

Super durable and minimal design. Not sure why it says Montreal on the bikes though. Waterloo is in Ontario and Montreal is in Quebec.

Look at how thick the handle bars are!

Map of all the station locations.

Everyday when I go to work, I have to watch where I step because these Canada geese defecate everywhere.

It's like a Hitchcock's film here.

They are everywhere. It also doesn't help that this lake is next to Google's offices.

It's fall though, and soon, the geese will have to migrate.

I've enlarged the size of these photos by 50 pixels (width). They are now 800px wide and I think the larger photos are an improvement. Let me know if anyone dislikes the larger photos.