<p>Like move a song from your computer to your iPhone. See how many different things you need to do, different places you need to click, etc. You can learn it, but if you don’t know how to do it, it’s hard to figure out. It’s not intuitive at all. </p>
<p>If people like whatever convenience iTunes offers over GUI directories, then fine. But the fact that they made it that you can’t just drag and drop one directory from a computer onto your iPhone seems like they made it intentionally hard to use.</p>
<p>I set up my phone but again, the main thing is to put in the time up front to make it easy. I have all my contacts listed and calling most is as easy as saying “call x” or opening the phone icon and hitting any of the favorites listed. </p>
<p>I have messages set up to each of my usual messaging people. Say I want to message my brother. I open the messaging app and tap on his name - because it’s already there because I already sent him a message. </p>
<p>For the web, I have favorite bookmarks. Much easier than typing. Hit the safari button and use the bookmark icon at the bottom. Learn how to add blank pages or to open links in a new window and you’re mostly done. </p>
<p>I use the gmail app as well as Apple’s but I took the time to set up the gmail mailbox categories on the web so the app sorts my mail for me into five categories. Learn how to tag something as important and you’re mostly done.</p>
<p>I use Siri a lot. Not for searches but to remind myself of stuff. Learn how to say “Remind me to …” </p>
<p>This is most of what people need for daily use.</p>
<p>The Apple Store runs workshops for those who need to learn how to use their phone. If there is an Apple Store in your area, that would be the way to go.</p>
<p>I agree that the iPhone is easy to use,mainly because I have been able to figure it out on my own. My kids got me started with the basics, and then I taught myself the other skills on an as needed basis.</p>
<p>My husband just started using an iPhone, and it’s interesting to me to see what he struggles with. I have a three year advantage over him, but it reminds me of what I went through way back then. He couldn’t get rid of the badge on the phone app, because he thought it was a missed call. I showed him that it was actually a voicemail. He couldn’t understand why he wasn’t able to use the suggested word when texting, but he was touching the word instead of using the spacebar. I had the exact same problem until my daughter told me what to do.</p>
<p>If your friend can take the beginners workshop at Apple, she should be in good shape.</p>
<p>The iPhone is not the easiest to use, contrary to popular belief. I’m a Human Factors / Software engineer with a good number of years experience developing mobile technologies, and have used many types of smartphones. In my view the easiest smartphone to use is Windows Phone - by a wide margin - then iPhone then Android. I had a Windows 7.5 phone for 2 years, an Android phone for work development, and now have an iPhone…</p>
<p>It depends on how big also. The iPhone and some Androids are quite small (not all Androids, i.e. wife’s Samsung Note II) but Windows phones tends to be large and heavy (Nokia…)</p>
<p>There is a learning curve. H and I switched to a pay as you go style plan since we weren’t using many minutes- I preferred the old clamshells but now need to take the time to learn the basics of the flat phones we went with. The available clamshell phones weren’t very good quality so I have had to figure out how to even answer the phone! Your friend should visit various places to test out phones with the help of the salespeople. Needs to figure out what is wanted. Some of us just want to talk, not take pictures, listen to music or surf et al. Compare it to checking on new cars- some features you discover you love when you didn’t know they existed…</p>
<p>Just because most cell phones today are smart phones doesn’t mean she needs one. Depends on her lifestyle. We rarely have reasons to use ours- retired with computers and a home phone setup that is nicer to talk with.</p>
<p>I think Siri makes things easier (SIL who is the LEAST techy person I know loves her iPhone). There’s a commercial where the guy shows off his flip-phone-owner-friend the “easy mode” of GalaxyS4. I haven’t tried it personally, but still loving my S2.</p>
<p>Ive been using Apple products for almost 24 yrs, but was hesitant about getting an iphone.( I waited until 4th gen- now I have iphone 5)
Our family did have the touch ipod however, which is quite similar except for the call feature.( although there are apps for calls)</p>
<p>I agree that many people don’t need a smart phone, my H uses a dumb phone as he only rarely writes texts, and usually then just in response to receiving one.
He uses his ipod touch to play with where there is internet & even where there isn’t.</p>
<p>I do not think that for most people who might be afraid of smartphones there is a huge difference among them. The reality is that there should plenty of people who can help using the features, especially the simple text and voice mail. This said, I probably would recommend the iPhone for the simple reason that one can go and hang around the “genius” bar, and find plenty of other confused customers. </p>
<p>What will definitely be needed is a helping hand to navigate the still moronic and confusing iTunes. After all those years, the Cupertino geniuses have still not figured out that their instructions are plain confusing, especially when one wants to move things around, or merely safe his or her history. iTunes is a royal PITA, but that is the price one pays to be in Apple’s world.</p>
<p>I didn’t read any indication that OPs friend was interested in listening to music on her phone, anyway if she gets a Windows phone, cant she listen to music on that?</p>
<p>As the last person I know without a smartphone, I’ll add that while I’m sure I’m perfectly capable of eventually mastering one, at this point in my life I’m sick to death of having to learn new technologies and ride learning curves. Even the electronics on my new dishwasher were totally counter intuitive and required multiple consultations with the huge operating manual before I could figure out what to do. Honestly, I have better and more enjoyable things to do with my time than to master the latest and greatest smartphone. Staying dumb for now.</p>
<p>Thats perfectly reasonable mommaj.
The dumb flip phones are generally easier to hear a phone conversation, I have to use my headphones if I want to have one on my iphone.
I do like reading books in bed on it though.</p>
<p>I can guarantee you I know someone who has a more retro phone than all of you guys. </p>
<p>There’s nothing intuitive about iTunes. </p>
<p>I do like how you can stream albums for free before they’re released. I listen to Miley’s new album on repeat before it released this past Tuesday. :)</p>
<p>I’m not sure I know how to use iTunes, even though I use it to back up my iPhone. It’s not particularly intuitive to me either. But another advantage of an iPhone, is that you can call Apple, and they will walk you through problem solving situations. I had to do this twice in the last week, and now I know a lot more about using iTunes! Plus, the person on the phone was VERY patient, and spoke to me with very clear instructions that did not make any assumptions about my prior knowledge. There’s no way I would use anything other than an iPhone, and I’m seriously considering switching to a Mac because of their helpful service.</p>
for free on itunes for free before it is for sale next week, but some are having trouble apparently.