The world is all a buzz with the release of Apple's iPhone. The promised usability of this device has everyone all a twitter. I've been digesting the myriad of reviews this summer's blockbuster release has generated and here's the breakdown.

Most everyone thinks it is pretty good. There's always something wrong with it, but that seems to change depending on the reviewer. It's almost as if ergonomics is personal in nature. Hmmmm....curious.

The iPhone is generally referred to as "cool" and "awesome". But the major concerns seem to focus on the battery life (which is a concern of all portable devices) and the extensive use of a touchscreen. The battery life issue has yet to be decided but the touchscreen thing is apparent.

The way the iPhone is using the touchscreen seems innovative and intuitive, but it lacks tactile feedback. That's the kicker right there. The keyboard has no tactile positive reinforcement of a button press or any tactile land-marking to allow you to type blind. Granted they have some ingenuity behind the interface that promises to enhance your typing speed and accuracy it is still a major shift for some to let go of typing by touch.

All in all it looks like the iPhone has passed the preliminary test and is living up to its promise. I guess it is time for me to get my hands on one and find out for real.

Resources

• iPhone Ergonomic Evaluation
• iPhone Ergonomic Breakdown
• Join the iPhone Usability Discussion