by psionmark on September 17, 2008
I managed to combine 2 of my favourite things last weekend.
Austin Meyer of X-Plane fame released a pocket version of his flight simulator (first favourite thing) for the iPhone (second favourite thing).
I duly downloaded the app and wrote a review for my flight simulator site, thinking that readers would be interested, which indeed they were. However, what I didn’t envisage was not the the number of flight simulator users that would be interested, but the number of iPhone users.
The impact was impressive. My usual daily uniques come in at around 1,800 to 2,000. Within 24 hours of the post, I had received over 4,500 uniques and it’s remained at over 4,000 since. I know this will drop back at some point, but I’m enjoying it while it lasts. I’ve received a tremendous number of inbound links to the review and I’m number one on Google for a search of “x-plane iphone review”, with no effort from myself other than writing the review.
What really struck me was that all this increase in traffic was from an audience I’d not really considered before. Sure, it was also a matter of timing. I couldn’t write a review of a flight simulator for the iPhone before there WAS a flight simulator for the iPhone, but it has made me think that I can perhaps make my blog reach people outside the tight niche it currently occupies.
by psionmark on July 13, 2008
It’s true, I’m hooked. So much so, I’ve just registered iPhoneUsers.Net! So, if you want to keep track of my iPhone adventure, head over there now.
This blog will now resume normal service 
by psionmark on July 11, 2008
I arrived home tonight to find my 3G iPhone had been delivered next door, so rushed around to pick it up.
As can be expected from Apple, what an exquisite package it comes in. Beautifully designed. So, of course, I yanked everything out, read the quick start and am now, like so many others, stuck in a queue trying to get the phone activated via iTunes.
I’m not in too much of a rush just yet. I’ve got it and am still marvelling at just how gorgeous it is!
More to follow once I’ve got it activated and start actually using it
Update: I’ve now got the iPhone activated. What a stunning piece of technology this is. I can’t get through the sign-up for iTunes yet, so can’t try any of the Apps, but I’ll keep trying. iTunes synced the iPhone perfectly with my Mac. The interface is a joy to use. More to follow when I can put it down long enough to post!
by psionmark on July 7, 2008
I’ve just received an email from O2 saying they are taking orders for the 3G iPhone from 8AM today, so I’ve got 20 minutes before I put my order in. The email states:
Initial, successful orders will be delivered on 11th July by courier and will require a signature as proof of receipt.
I held back on the first version of the iPhone, but I’m about to fold on this one. This is partly because I became a Mac convert about 6 months ago and I’m going through a “everything Apple is great” phase right now and it also happily coincides with my existing mobile phone contract coming to an end.
So, who’s getting one, apart from me?
Update: 8:10 AM - well, that went well. O2 clearly haven’t quite got themselves prepared. Two attempts at ordering online have been met with “We are unable to process your order.” and a phone number for a line that’s closed!
Update 2: 8:25 AM - third time lucky - I’ve just ordered a 16Gb 3G iPhone
Update 3: Wednesday, 10 PM - still no confirmation email from O2, although a friend who ordered later on Monday has got his confirmation through. O2 have taken the money for the phone and the first month. Checked “My Orders” on the O2 site and they say it’s been dispatched, so is now presumably sitting on the road somewhere waiting for delivery on Friday.
