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Upsetting the Apple CartFarhad Manjoo takes readers' questions about flawed iPhones and Steve Jobs' other recent stumbles.

Posted Thursday, Aug. 28, 2008, at 2:51 PM ET

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Apple's problems with iPhone and MobileMe are minor compared to Microsoft's problems with Vista. My employer, with thousands of PCs, refuses to install Vista because of the problems with it. At least Apple is forward in saying they have problems.

Farhad Manjoo: Thanks for the perspective. It's true, there are many MobileMe users—and many iPhone 3G owners—who report having no trouble at all. It's helpful to keep that in mind, even if it is of little consolation to those people who are suffering with Apple difficulties.

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Bethesda: I've followed you from Salon to Slate (of which I was already an occasional reader before your move). Just had to comment on Boulder's accusation. For those of you who are less familiar with Mr. Manjoo's work, you should know that he has long been routinely excoriated as an Apple sycophant. (I think unfairly, but I'm a longtime Apple user and fan myself, so I can't exactly claim objectivity.) Every blog post about Apple would reliably prompt a dozen or so "you're such a lackey" comments.

I think he moved to the formerly-Microsoft-affiliated Slate just to balance out the vitriol.

Farhad Manjoo: Thanks for your note. It's true, I'm a fan of Apple and people have noticed. That's not why I joined Slate, but it certainly causes some confusion regarding my position in the MS-Apple wars.

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Pasadena, Calif.: Comment on the rotten Apple post: I noticed your reference to your 3G iPhone and your old iPhone—why do you even have them if you don't like them so much?

I also noticed that while you have noticed issues emerging on Apple computers, there is no comparison with similar issues for PCs, only comparison in customer satisfaction—as if PC failures had nothing to do with customer satisfaction, and Apple customer satisfaction is related only to marketing prowess.

As a convert from PCs with long experience with both PC failures and Windows software failures, I am very satisfied with Apple, because I have experienced very few problems in the three years I have used Macs, and when I have, they have been completely resolved by Apple.

I have been lucky to live close to two Apple stores—in Arlington, Va. and now in Pasadena—where I find knowledgeable people who help me address issues, usually because I never bothered to read the instructions. I'm just now beginning the iPhone journey, setting it up, reading instructions, etc. I want to be an informed consumer—that is my part of the bargain.

Farhad Manjoo: I bought the new iPhone because I loved the old iPhone. I expected the new phone would be like the old phone, just faster.

But the new iPhone—which, of course, runs on the same AT&T network as the old phone—drops more calls and rarely connects to 3G. I'm keeping it because I don't have much choice, do I? I'm locked into AT&T's contract.

I'm glad you mention the retail stores. Apple's Genius Bars are indeed genius. All of my experiences with them have been fantastic.

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Goleta, Calif.: As of 8:57 a.m. Pacific I'm unable to log onto my friggin' MobileMe Mail. I get a message that says to check the system status on an Apple support page. But get this: the support page says everything is hunky-dory!

Arrrggghhh!!

I've been a .mac subscriber for at least five years, but I'm ready to bail. How Apple could screw up the whole MobileMe thing so badly mystifies and irritates me no end.

I can't be alone on this, can I?

Farhad Manjoo: No, you're not alone.

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Dallas: I have been an AT&T customer for years, and I am eligible for a phone upgrade in about 5 weeks. I was planning on getting the new iPhone. Based on your article, would you suggest one wait until some of the kinks are fixed before purchasing. Also, I have been a Mac user now for just over a year and will forever be grateful for making the switch. thanks!

Farhad Manjoo: There are two options. You could wait for Apple to say what's wrong and whether the problems are fixable. Or you could take the iPhone plunge and closely monitor your experience. You have two weeks to take it back; if your phone doesn't work as well as you like in your area, then take it back.

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Farhad Manjoo: Well, thanks all for your interest. It's been fun!