iPhone 5 Is Awesome

Tech reviewers are simply gushing about the new iPhone 5. After playing with it over the weekend, most tech-heads are head over heels:

• David Pogue at the New York Times says the iPhone 5 is a winner for two reasons: its bigger, sleeker design and the hardware (fast processor, gorgeous screen, awesome camera). But as for the new Lightning cord, which renders every iPhone accessory you already own useless, "That’s not just a slap in the face to loyal customers—it’s a jab in the eye."

• USA Today's Edward C. Baig also likes the new 4-inch display, and notes that Apple thankfully doesn't counter it with "a bulky design or poor battery life." Siri's improved, too—she can now open apps and update your Facebook status.
• CNET puts it succinctly: "It's absolutely the best iPhone to date, and it easily secures its place in the top tier of the smartphone universe. "
• The iPhone 5 camera's panoramic feature is getting quite a bit of attention. MG Siegler at TechCrunch calls it "amazing" and "easy to use."
• Of course, it's not all glowing reviews. Disgruntled Waze CEO Noam Bardin lambastes Apple's choice to drop GoogleMaps in favor of its own navigation system, telling Business Insider that "with the Apple maps, you're literally not going to find things."

(More iPhone 5 stories.)