iPhone 5 screen flickering "bug"

I've had my iPhone 5 for a week and today I started encountering the screen "flickering" bug when you pull up the virtual keyboard. It didn't last long and it disappeared as soon as the keyboard was gone. Is this a software or hardware bug?

The new iPhone 5 is thinner because the glass display combines the touch sensors into the glass resulting in a single layer of glass and no additional layer for touch sensors. The new in-cell touch display has been causing other types of strange screen problems which I suspect may be due to quality-control issues. In any case, I often find myself wondering if my iPhone 5 will start developing screen + touch problems over time.

Have you experienced the screen flickering bug on your iPhone?

What is the ideal smartphone screen size?

We've seen smartphone screen sizes evolve from small 2.4" squares found on the Palm Treo to the massive 4.3" screens found on newer devices like the HTC HD2. So, what's the ideal size?  There have been rumored reports that Apple may be releasing a smaller iPhone. The current iPhone has a 3.5" screen. What if that was reduced to say 2.8" or smaller? That probably wouldn't make a huge impact on younger users who don't need to use reading glasses, but should Apple create a larger iPhone for those who use reading glasses? At what point does a smartphone become too large or too small to be usable? 

This is a question I've been asking myself. I've used all sizes of smartphones in the past. I've worn them on belt cases and I've carried them in my pocket. I don't use my smartphone as a multimedia player, so I don't need a huge screen. I also don't need reading glasses (yet), so I'd probably prefer a smaller device.

Well, let's see what happens in the smartphone market this year. My prediction is that we'll see a mix of smaller and larger smartphones and the major manufacturers will need to decide which size is "optimal."

Top keyword: "android vs iPhone "

Recently, the top keyword that has been driving people to this website has been: "android vs. iPhone"

Which is better? Among health care professionals today, the Apple iPhone is much more popular than the Google Android OS. However, I don't think this trend will continue forever. In fact, as more smartphone manufacturers build devices that run Android, we'll see more physicians and medical students using Android devices. Mobile carriers like Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint, and even AT&T will soon offer affordable Android smartphones. So, even though the Google Nexus One (made by HTC) hasn't created the same type of buzz that was generated when Apple released its original iPhone, Google will make its mark in 2010. I'm confident that we will see more Android smartphones in the hands of health care students and professionals this year.

Will Apple release different models of the iPhone that include features like slide-out QWERTY keyboards and different sized screens? Will Apple announce some new iPhones next week?

What types of information are you finding when you type "android vs iPhone" into Google or Yahoo?

Motorola Droid vs. HTC Droid Eris?

If you're on Verizon and you're thinking about purchasing a smartphone running Google's Android operating system, you may be asking the question: Motorola Droid or HTC Droid Eris? Maybe you're even planning on waiting for the Google Nexus One to show up on Verizon.

Here's how I would make the decision: consider the pros/cons and these important points:

• Remember that an average smartphone only lasts approximately 2-3 years. So, you're not investing in something that you'll be keeping "long-term." The Motorola Droid is $199 and the HTC Droid Eris is now only $79. The delta is $120 and I'm sure you could use that cash somewhere else. You could even save that towards your next smartphone!
  
• If you're dependent on a physical keyboard (or thumb board) to type and enter text, then get a smartphone that has a physical QWERTY keyboard. The Motorola Droid is the only Android smartphone on Verizon that currently has a slide-out QWERTY keyboard.
• If you plan to watch videos, movies, and TV on your smartphone, then get the device that has the larger screen (Motorola Droid). 
• Are you a power user? Do you need a super-fast processor? Then get the Motorola Droid.
• Want a small and slim smartphone that you can easily place in your pocket? Go for the HTC Droid Eris.
  
• Plan to use your smartphone as a GPS navigator? Currently, the Motorola Droid offers turn-by-turn navigation through Google Maps and we don't know if this feature will become available on the HTC Droid Eris. (you can always purchase third-party GPS navigation software for any Android smartphone)
  

Some people spend way too much time trying to decide on a smartphone. I think it's more important to choose your operating system wisely. If you have limited finances (e.g., medical student or resident), then I would suggest the HTC Droid Eris. If you're an attending (or you have some other source of wealth), then go with the Motorola Droid. Of course, if you're a Mac lover like my wife, then you may be waiting for the Apple iPhone to come to Verizon.

Screen protectors on smartphones

At one time, Verizon used to ship their smartphones with screen protectors. Now, you're on your own and if you're planning on purchasing a screen protector, you can spend anywhere from $2-3 on eBay up to $20 in retail stores. (Guess where I get my screen protectors)

I wish that all smartphones came with a factory-installed screen protector. Sometimes, it's so difficult to install that protector while avoiding small bubbles under the plastic. Over the years, I've seen some novel application methods that have virtually eliminated the chance of getting bubbles.

Do you use a screen protector on your smartphone? I admit that at one time, I had screen protectors on virtually everything that had a touch screen. This includes my PDA, UMPC, tablet, etc. Now, I only use a protector on my smartphone. All my other devices are running "naked" and I've been careful enough that I haven't gotten any scratches (yet).