Why no flip/clamshell for the iphone?

[KnightInExile]

Curious, I've noticed that the iphones (as well as iphone 4) does not come in flip/clamshell types. Also, I am seeing less and less of them in regards to non-iphone types as well. I would imagine that flip/clamshells offers better protection to the buttons and screen, whereas, the iphones are a one-piece item and can easily get damaged.

Why are the flip/clamshell models declining in popularity? Is it because having two LCD screens cuts on battery life? Or is it because the hinges eventually wears out and breaks apart due to overuse? Or is it something else entirely? Is Apple considering releasing a flip/clamshell model in the near future?

 

[iquinn]

Really? Not to be rude but do you know anything about Apple? Flip phones are ugly, Apple does not do ugly. Not to mention the fact that there is no way that the iPhone could ever function as a flip style phone. What makes the iPhone and other phones function the way that they do is that they have a large screen and that is not something that you can have on a flip phone. Just look at that pile of junk BB style and you will see what I mean.

 

[ChrisGonzales90]

In a sense, we have gone back to the candy bar style phones, just removed the buttons and have a screen. Apple makes quality products so there's a less chance the screen will crack unless you (the owner) is rough with it. As for the button being damaged, the home button is pretty much flush with the glass. The other buttons are solid.

I mean look at these mock up from out good friend google

You get the idea.

 

[KnightInExile]

Really? Not to be rude but do you know anything about Apple? Flip phones are ugly, Apple does not do ugly. Not to mention the fact that there is no way that the iPhone could ever function as a flip style phone. What makes the iPhone and other phones function the way that they do is that they have a large screen and that is not something that you can have on a flip phone. Just look at that pile of junk BB style and you will see what I mean.

No offense taken. I don't really know much about iphones, which is why I'm here. In regards to flips being ugly, some are, but some aren't. It's interesting that you mentioned BB because they just came out with the first qwerty flip phone 9670 model. Talk about ugly!

 

[Ipheuria]

You wont see any smartphones with flip, that's just old hardware.

 

[hoosieriphone]

ugly

I don't do ugly..... That is why I switched from Blackberry to iPhone. I feel like I am holding a beautiful piece of art in my hand.

 

[Fausty82]

Can you imagine the size of a flip phone to get a 3.5-4" screen? The screens on the flip phones aren't nearly big enough... and as everyone else has said... flip phones are ugly.

 

[NEO2126]

flip clamp shells seem to break way to fast for me... maybe im too rough on my phones, but my iphone is cared for like a newborn, most of the time...

 

[ImStrapped]

Flip used to be the stuff after all those candy bar Nokia phones but its like Justin Bieber - it comes and goes n no one gives lol. Flip phones are just ugly.

 

[noaim]

its not that apple doesnt do ugly is that apple doesnt do options they make one thing and stick with it very seldom in any of there products do they do something different they make small changes each year thats it

 

[Garz]

Apple is not as stupid as RIM to make these. They dont sell

 

[iLoveiPhones]

I could just imagine the glass screens scratching up against each other. *cringe*

 

[ImStrapped]

I could just imagine the glass screens scratching up against each other. *cringe*

I don't think that's ever been an issue though. Besides, now a days all screens are scratch proof anyway

 

[cpc12]

flip phones are the Bomb !!! I still rock my Star Tac.

You know your old skool if you know what Im talking about.

1996. old

 

[SurfStoked]

Flip and clamshell phones tend to eventully have hardware issues. The "Candybar" style phones seem to be the big thing right now

 

[jonewatson]

i have iPhone 4 and i care my iPhone like a new born baby. And flip clamp shells seem to break way to fast for me..