Ignorance is bliss I've always thought. Nothing proved this more than when I recently tried out a smartphone with a big screen.
I have used an iPhone since early 2010. First the iPhone 4 and now the iPhone 5s, which is longer and slimmer than its predecessor. I was happily enjoying the innovation.
Then the nice people at HTC not only flew me to Turin to watch a big football match but also insisted I try out their new HTC One M8.
It is around 20mm longer and 12mm wider than the iPhone, giving it a larger screen presence which at first glance did not seem to be a big deal. But after using the HTC for a couple of weeks there was a light bulb moment - what I really, really want in life is a phone with a massive screen.
It is just better, simply. However, you can't always have what you want because realities kick in.
The HTC is a very good phone at the point of use, maybe a bit better than the iPhone overall and miles better if you factor in the screen size. Yet the HTC is literally a conundrum on the back end.
I couldn't even begin to work out how to transfer pictures or other media to my backup drive. Using the software reminded me of how I was all fingers and thumbs with computers in the early 1990s.
I don't like to feel stupid even if I like being ignorant of many things.
In contrast iTunes is intuitively easy. I am a genius thanks to Apple and they let me remain a delightful ignoramus.
But I have spoiled that now.
I know about the wonder of a big screen but I'm trapped in my gilded cage. The solution is to settle in for the long haul and wait for Apple to catch on.
malrawi@thenational.ae
The Bio
Favourite vegetable: “I really like the taste of the beetroot, the potatoes and the eggplant we are producing.”
Holiday destination: “I like Paris very much, it’s a city very close to my heart.”
Book: “Das Kapital, by Karl Marx. I am not a communist, but there are a lot of lessons for the capitalist system, if you let it get out of control, and humanity.”
Musician: “I like very much Fairuz, the Lebanese singer, and the other is Umm Kulthum. Fairuz is for listening to in the morning, Umm Kulthum for the night.”
KINGDOM%20OF%20THE%20PLANET%20OF%20THE%20APES
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Wes%20Ball%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Owen%20Teague%2C%20Freya%20Allen%2C%20Kevin%20Durand%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E3.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The Penguin
Starring: Colin Farrell, Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz
Creator: Lauren LeFranc
Rating: 4/5
Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
World Cricket League Division 2
In Windhoek, Namibia - Top two teams qualify for the World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe, which starts on March 4.
UAE fixtures
Thursday February 8, v Kenya; Friday February 9, v Canada; Sunday February 11, v Nepal; Monday February 12, v Oman; Wednesday February 14, v Namibia; Thursday February 15, final
Company%20profile
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