On Reviewing the iPhone

Caught by John Gruber over at DaringFireball, another technology columnist has reviewed the iPhone without actually using one!

Tim Carroll over at Palm Infocenter has written a 10-point (yes, hackneyed is the world you're thinking of) comparison of the iPhone and the Palm Treo. And, yes I expect a completely unbiased review of the Treo's abilities from Palm Infocenter. After giving the Treo a 6 to 5 victory over the iPhone (yes, there are 11-points), he later admits this in the comments:

Actually won't even have a chance to play with one for at least a year, if the usual time to market in Oz is any indication. But I don't think that any of the points I've made would change if I got to play with one; I base my criticisms not just on Apple's own promotional materials and video guided tour, but the dozens of iPhone reviews and hundreds of comments from new users over the net. And just plain common sense too.

Well now, I've actually handled an iPhone but not the latest Treo, but I think according to Palm's promotional materials the iPhone is way better. I mean, it's just plain common sense. Now, someone pay me.

When did this kind of hackery become acceptable? New rule: if you're going to review a device (or anything frankly) you actually have to engage it in some way. I know, I know, it takes time, but that's what readers deserve. Not this obvious click-fodder.

Link.

Hat-tip to Daring Fireball