An open letter to Steve Jobs...

Mr. Jobs:

You've done some amazing things.
You computerized my home with the Apple IIc.
You got me through college with my Macintosh SE (that works to this day).

After college I found myself in a PC world. I accepted the PC given to me by the not-for-profits and religious institutions for which I worked.

Now, I own an iPhone. I did not stand in line. I did not track my direct fulfillment package daily. I did believe that with the iPhone 3G, I could have form and function.

I'm well pleased with the form. Apple as always given me something that appealed to my sense of design and simplicity.

Mr. Jobs, respectfully, the function of the phone has me confused. I'm willing to concede that Apple isn't going to emulate Windows Mobile. I accept that I need to adjust to the new phone.
My confusion is fostered by the expectations you have set from the beginning. If Apple can't do it better, it doesn't do it. When Apple does do it, it will be revolutionized. You have set these expectations. When these expectations collide with the realities of how my iPhone functions, I am left confused.

Yesterday, I needed to find a name on my contact list. More accurately, I needed to match up a a known phone number with a unknown name on my contact list. But, I can't do this with my iPhone. I can scroll through names. I can search a name through the maps application. My iPhone will not assist me beyond that. When sending an e-mail or text, the iPhone gladly makes suggestions based on what I have entered.

Later in the day, I decided to send an e-mail out to one of my distribution lists. Confusion fell over me again. I can not send e-mail or texts to distribution lists. I panicked, I couldn't even remember everyone on the list.

Please understand, I like my new phone. I researched. I was certain I knew the major limitations. I knew I would encounter features or functions that I would not expect.

I ask just one thing. As you thoughtfully plan updates for the iPhone 3G, please remember me:
A guy who needs to know who prank called a young girl who does not deserve to receive vulgar texts
A guy that needs to keep parents and youth updated with texts and e-mail
A guy that would like to say that his iPhone is as amazing as his Apple IIc or the Macintosh SE.

David