Stunned by lack of simple stuff

conolan

Just bought my first iPhone.
I cannot believe that there is no way to delete individual photos (or songs) from the phone. Incredible. Please don't tell me to remove from my PC and sync again. I want a subset of my photos from a PC folder on my iPhone.

You can delete photos taken by the phone, but not one transferred to the phone.
Can't delete contacts at a file level either. Could do that on a nokia from the PC.

Victor Meldrew, where are you?

banquo

You can delete contacts on the iPhone itself.

As for syncing photos, you can select which individual photos you want transferred (as opposed to being forced to sync the whole folder) before you sync.

I know what you mean about not being able to delete songs/videos from the phone itself. Can be annoying if you're on a small 8gb model and want to download something from iTunes but don't have the space. Seems a bit silly to me alright, or else I haven't copped the wiser reason why they did it

justindublin

banquo wrote: »

You can delete contacts on the iPhone itself.

As for syncing photos, you can select which individual photos you want transferred (as opposed to being forced to sync the whole folder) before you sync.

I know what you mean about not being able to delete songs/videos from the phone itself. Can be annoying if you're on a small 8gb model and want to download something from iTunes but don't have the space. Seems a bit silly to me alright, or else I haven't copped the wiser reason why they did it

Eh, I havnt?

So you'll but the bigger one I assume no?

banquo

On a 64gb iPod touch. Happy

3DataModem

Errrrr.....

You actually can delete videos and podcasts directly from the phone. Not songs though.

conolan

But there isn't a basic file manager. Such a simple thing. Not sure whether I'll jailbreak it though.

conolan

banquo wrote: »

As for syncing photos, you can select which individual photos you want transferred (as opposed to being forced to sync the whole folder) before you sync.

No you can't. Can only choose folder, no means of getting into folders on itunes (WinXP). You either sync the entire folder or nothing.

Rulmeq

conolan wrote: »

But there isn't a basic file manager. Such a simple thing. Not sure whether I'll jailbreak it though.

If you do, make sure you change the default root password.

Tom Dunne

conolan wrote: »

But there isn't a basic file manager. Such a simple thing

Remember the iPhone is a mass-market consumer device, not aimed at techies, but the general public.

So do non-techie users really need a file manager? I wouldn't think so.

keane2097

I don't think there's a single iPhone user who wouldn't like the option of being able to properly manage their photos and mp3s on the phone tbh.

Mellor

keane2097 wrote: »

I don't think there's a single iPhone user who wouldn't like the option of being able to properly manage their photos and mp3s on the phone tbh.

I don't think anyone who actually cares about their library would do it on the iphone. Doing it on the pc is faster and easier.

It would be nice to delete songs on the fly, but I don't want fiddly organising options

keane2097

Mellor wrote: »

I don't think anyone who actually cares about their library would do it on the iphone. Doing it on the pc is faster and easier.

It would be nice to delete songs on the fly, but I don't want fiddly organising options

Well clearly you're wrong since several people have already expressed the fact that they would like the option on the thread.

It's amazing as well how you can compare the speed and ease of organising your library on the PC with a method that doesn't even exist by the way.

conolan

If I have photos on my phone and want to sort them while on the train, or suddenly realise that one of my photos is unsuitable for the person I want to show them too, I'd like to delete it.

My guess is that Apple engineering are focused on the iTunes as controller concept. They need also to consider the iPhone as a stand-alone device that may rarely meet a computer again.

Tom Dunne

conolan wrote: »

If I have photos on my phone and want to sort them while on the train, or suddenly realise that one of my photos is unsuitable for the person I want to show them too, I'd like to delete it.

You can delete photos from the iPhone.

Hint: look for the little icon that looks like a dustbin

Dades

conolan wrote: »

They need also to consider the iPhone as a stand-alone device that may rarely meet a computer again.

That's the last thing they want. Apple want you constantly hooked up to iTunes so you will buy their offerings.

That said, it's only music files you can't manipulate on the device - and frankly I'm surprised any of this came as a shock to you when you bought your iPhone. There must be countless threads on the pros/cons of the iPhone with the lack of a file manager top of most of them.

conolan

Tom Dunne wrote: »

You can delete photos from the iPhone.

Hint: look for the little icon that looks like a dustbin

Only photos taken by the camera. NOT photos imported via iTunes.

conolan

Dades wrote: »

There must be countless threads on the pros/cons of the iPhone with the lack of a file manager top of most of them.

1. can't read every thread
2. Expect file manger to be a basic on any device, especially something from Apple. My first Macintosh (1989) had a file manager.

cornbb

Apple don't "do" file management on embedded devices (iPods/iPhones). It is missed sometimes but as someone else pointed out, 99% of end-users won't miss it. Jailbreak the device if you really want stuff like that. Apple have always steered users away from directly manipulating media files on the desktop too (preferring them to use iTunes/iPhoto etc).

BostonB

Its partly to manage Tags and Meta data in a central database. ie iTunes.

Stuxnet

dont be afraid to jailbreak,
it will solve your problem

Borneo Fnctn

conolan wrote: »

2. Expect file manger to be a basic on any device, especially something from Apple. My first Macintosh (1989) had a file manager.

Apple want you to suckle at their teet for life. They like to restrict the way you use your device. They just want you to keep coming back to iTunes. I totally agree with you btw but the lack of a file manager is anything but an oversight.

Tom Dunne

Borneo Fnctn wrote: »

Also, consider the fact that you need to supply them with your credit card details to download free apps.

Not true. Linky.

Dont be at yourself

conolan, the iphone clearly isn't the phone for you. Try an Android-based set instead.

conolan

NekkidBibleMan wrote: »

conolan, the iphone clearly isn't the phone for you. Try an Android-based set instead.

Bit late now!

Rulmeq

conolan wrote: »

Bit late now!

Ture, but if you jailbreak it you can get the kind of functionality you are seeking... Just please remember to change the default root password if you do.

keane2097

Is there a thread on here that discusses jailbreaking?

Is it difficult/risky?

banquo

I'd like if playlist sub-folders transferred verbatim from iTunes to my iPod Touch. That's my only complaint though.

conolan

keane2097 wrote: »

Is there a thread on here that discusses jailbreaking?

Is it difficult/risky?

I tried over the weekend. Nothing happened. It's like the software didn't finish installing. Unfortunately a lot of the guides are written by ultra techies, who assume certain knowledge or experience.
Also the issue is more complicated with v3.1.2. You can't let the phone lose power, or you have to jailbreak again.

keane2097

conolan wrote: »

I tried over the weekend. Nothing happened. It's like the software didn't finish installing. Unfortunately a lot of the guides are written by ultra techies, who assume certain knowledge or experience.
Also the issue is more complicated with v3.1.2. You can't let the phone lose power, or you have to jailbreak again.

Where would I find a guide?

culabula

Borneo Fnctn wrote: »

Apple want you to suckle at their teet for life. They like to restrict the way you use your device. They just want you to keep coming back to iTunes. I totally agree with you btw but the lack of a file manager is anything but an oversight.

I have 5 Macs, 2 iPhones, several iPods. Have never bought a crummy MP3/AAC from the store yet -and never will.

Mellor

keane2097 wrote: »

Well clearly you're wrong since several people have already expressed the fact that they would like the option on the thread.

Cleary you have difficultly reading.

I was refering to MP3s, peopel on the thread refered to photos.
I also said a delete option would be handy.

It's amazing as well how you can compare the speed and ease of organising your library on the PC with a method that doesn't even exist by the way

luckily I am blessed with common sense (you should try it).
PC based will always be quicker than the iphone/ipod. Just like typing, or email, or reading boards for example.
a PC just has much more inputs, and isn't design to be held while you do it

Borneo Fnctn

keane2097 wrote: »

Is there a thread on here that discusses jailbreaking?

Is it difficult/risky?

http://www.iclarified.com/entries/index.php?caid=2&scid=11&seid=2

I found the guides on this site very useful.

culabula wrote: »

I have 5 Macs, 2 iPhones, several iPods. Have never bought a crummy MP3/AAC from the store yet -and never will.

That's the way to do it. I really like Apple products but I'm not interested in the content they sell on iTunes.

Dont be at yourself

conolan wrote: »

Bit late now!

Yep, and I sympathise. However, it just underlines the need to do one's research before you drop €600 or sign a 2-year contract on a phone!

conolan

Rulmeq wrote: »

Just please remember to change the default root password if you do.

Blackrain worked!
By this do you mean the SIM code?

Tom Dunne

conolan wrote: »

Blackrain worked!
By this do you mean the SIM code?

No, the Apple iPhone runs a version of the Unix operating system. The superuser (or Administrator in Windows) is the root user. The default password for this user on the iPhone is well known, so you need to change it to ensure nobody can connect into your phone and do Bad Things.

jd83

No not the code, just follow these instructions.


On the iPhone:
The app to use on the iPhone is called MobileTerminal and it’s available for free in the Cydia store.
Once you have MobileTerminal installed, launch it and you should see a prompt saying this or similar:
iPhoneName: ~ Mobile$

• At that prompt, type: passwd
• You’ll be prompted for the ‘old’ (current) password for the mobile user. Enter this as the old password: alpine
• You’ll then be prompted to enter the new password – so just type in your desired new password. Use good password principles if possible (long and stong). You will not see characters appearing on the screen as you type – that’s normal, not a concern.
• You’ll then be prompted to re-enter the new password. Do that.
• You should then be returned to the Mobile$ prompt that you started on when opening the MobileTerminal app. There’s no success message to say the password was changed – but if you’re returned to the prompt and do not get an error, the change was successful. And you’re done with change for the mobile account.
• The second primary admin account for the iPhone is called root – so now you need to change that as well.
• Type this to switch to the root user: login root
• You’ll be prompted for the root user’s current password. Enter this: alpine
• Type this to start the password change routine again: passwd
• Enter the old password for root (it is ‘alpine’, same as for the mobile user) and enter your desired new password twice, just as you did for the mobile account

Rulmeq

conolan wrote: »

Blackrain worked!
By this do you mean the SIM code?

It's been well covered by the posts below, but the root password is the UNIX root password (yes your phone is running UNIX), and by default it is Alpine (I think). You need to change this otherwise anyone can SSH into your phone and take control of it, and do bad things.

Edit: I see JD83 confirmed that it's apline

Im_No_Superman

jd83 wrote: »

No not the code, just follow these instructions.


On the iPhone:
The app to use on the iPhone is called MobileTerminal and it’s available for free in the Cydia store.
Once you have MobileTerminal installed, launch it and you should see a prompt saying this or similar:
iPhoneName: ~ Mobile$

• At that prompt, type: passwd
• You’ll be prompted for the ‘old’ (current) password for the mobile user. Enter this as the old password: alpine
• You’ll then be prompted to enter the new password – so just type in your desired new password. Use good password principles if possible (long and stong). You will not see characters appearing on the screen as you type – that’s normal, not a concern.
• You’ll then be prompted to re-enter the new password. Do that.
• You should then be returned to the Mobile$ prompt that you started on when opening the MobileTerminal app. There’s no success message to say the password was changed – but if you’re returned to the prompt and do not get an error, the change was successful. And you’re done with change for the mobile account.
• The second primary admin account for the iPhone is called root – so now you need to change that as well.
• Type this to switch to the root user: login root
• You’ll be prompted for the root user’s current password. Enter this: alpine
• Type this to start the password change routine again: passwd
• Enter the old password for root (it is ‘alpine’, same as for the mobile user) and enter your desired new password twice, just as you did for the mobile account

This may be a stupid question but is there any need to do this if you haven't installed SSH on the Iphone?

Rulmeq

Im_No_Superman wrote: »

This may be a stupid question but is there any need to do this if you haven't installed SSH on the Iphone?

Unfortunately most of the Jailbreaking apps install it by default, and don't force you to change the password.

Just so we are clear, this is only if you Jail-break your iPhone.

Im_No_Superman

Rulmeq wrote: »

Unfortunately most of the Jailbreaking apps install it by default, and don't force you to change the password.

Just so we are clear, this is only if you Jail-break your iPhone.

Just found that if you jailbroke your iphone using Blackrain (like me ) you do not need to change the password.

Just confirmed with GeoHot and it seems that at least blackra1n doesn’t install SSH by default, therefore this should not be a problem if you used blackra1n to jailbreak, unless you installed the OpenSSH package from Cydia.

http://www.cultofmac.com/how-to-change-your-iphones-default-ssh-password/20871

keane2097

Do you guys recommend jailbreaking yeah?

keane2097

Mellor wrote: »

Cleary you have difficultly reading.

I was refering to MP3s, peopel on the thread refered to photos.
I also said a delete option would be handy.

Clearly you have difficulty writing.

Everyone I have spoken to who either has an iPhone or has considered getting one has bemoaned the fact that you can't manage your mp3 library on the go.

Mellor wrote: »

luckily I am blessed with common sense (you should try it).

I will try being blessed, thanks for the advice. Any idea where I should go for this service?

I can offer you advice on finding a good English language course in return.

Mellor wrote: »

PC based will always be quicker than the iphone/ipod. Just like typing, or email, or reading boards for example.
a PC just has much more inputs, and isn't design to be held while you do it

Your logic here is simply incorrect. You can only use one input at a time for this task whether you use a PC or a handheld device so the only issue is which device has the more efficient mechanism for carrying out the task in question.

You've only seen one mechanism, so unless you're saying that using iTunes to manage your music library is the most efficient mechanism that will ever exist your so-called common sense is, in fact, so much hot air.