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"Just avoid holding it that way." - Steve Jobs EDIT: Interesting. Watching the votes go up and then down makes me think that half of the people do not apprecia

by gareim 11y ago

"Just avoid holding it that way." - Steve Jobs EDIT: Interesting. Watching the votes go up and then down makes me think that half of the people do not appreciate my comment. In that case, I feel like I should elaborate. If the phone is in your pocket, then reaching in has two options. One is wrapping your hand around the sides and the other is a pinch on the front + back. With OP's button pressing issue, I think it's more likely to be wrapping. I personally don't see how it would be a problem even with wrapping, unless you're used to squeezing hard, but it can be remedied easily by putting the phone in so that the home button is oriented top side. That also brings along the benefits of being unable to unlock quickly and allowing you to listen to music without straining your headphone jack as much. If Apple had kept the home button on the top, there would be more complaints. A top button is hard to reach, especially on the new, taller iPhones. It was already a complaint when the iPhone 5 form factor was released. Having to reach up to lock makes your grip on the phone a bit more tenuous. Combined with exerting a downward force cause you're pressing the home button, dropping an iPhone becomes more likely. Frankly, this is the first complaint I've seen directed towards a side power button. For right handed users (sorry, lefties), the button is easily accessible to the thumb now. There's less balancing required to lock the phone. I've only seen reviews that were upset at top home buttons on big phones (HTC One series), never ones about side power buttons.

mixmastamyk 11y ago
I preferred the top button, and have no trouble reaching it. Now, when I go to hit it, I almost always push the volume button at the other side as well when squeezing. I'm getting used to it, but this is it's third location! My first ipod touch had it on the top left.
CamperBob2 11y ago
EDIT: Interesting. Watching the votes go up and then down makes me think that half of the people do not appreciate my comment. I don't agree with your assertion that a top button is more awkward, even on the larger phones, but I wouldn't moderate anyone down for saying so. But you've got to consider how many Apple users, fans, and even employees are probably reading a site like this one. They may not have the time or motivation or even the ability to articulate a rational rebuttal to a critical comment, but the good ol' downvote button is only a click away. Can't take it too personally. And speaking of usability facepalms, there's also the wonderful HN up/down button layout to contend with. I don't always hit the arrow I'm aiming at with an optical mouse, much less a finger on a touchscreen. I think those buttons amount to some kind of obscure hazing ritual or inside joke on YC's part; they can't be that obtusely-designed on purpose.

by gareim 11y ago

mixmastamyk 11y ago

I preferred the top button, and have no trouble reaching it. Now, when I go to hit it, I almost always push the volume button at the other side as well when squeezing. I'm getting used to it, but this is it's third location! My first ipod touch had it on the top left.

CamperBob2 11y ago

EDIT: Interesting. Watching the votes go up and then down makes me think that half of the people do not appreciate my comment. I don't agree with your assertion that a top button is more awkward, even on the larger phones, but I wouldn't moderate anyone down for saying so. But you've got to consider how many Apple users, fans, and even employees are probably reading a site like this one. They may not have the time or motivation or even the ability to articulate a rational rebuttal to a critical comment, but the good ol' downvote button is only a click away. Can't take it too personally. And speaking of usability facepalms, there's also the wonderful HN up/down button layout to contend with. I don't always hit the arrow I'm aiming at with an optical mouse, much less a finger on a touchscreen. I think those buttons amount to some kind of obscure hazing ritual or inside joke on YC's part; they can't be that obtusely-designed on purpose.