J.D. Power & iPhone Business User Satisfaction?: a Statistical Fluke

Apple proudly announced in a full page ad in today's Wall Street Journal that J.D. Power and Associates, which rates consumer satisfaction in numerous markets, "...ranks [Apple's iPhone] highest among business users."

Apple, however, left out two sub-headers in the J.D. Power release. "One-Fourth of Business Smartphone Users Report Experiencing a Software-Related Issue with Their Current Device."

"The study finds that one-fourth of users report experiencing at least one software-related issue or problem with their current smartphone device. The software-related issues reported most often include the need to reboot the phone, application malfunction/freeze and issues related to touch screen malfunction. Among those owners who have experienced a software problem, 44 percent report having to reboot their device at least once on a weekly basis during the past 12 months, while 34 percent report experiencing either an application malfunction or application freeze at least once per week. "

The survey of 1,388 "business smartphone users" rated six smartphone manufacturers: Apple, RIM (BlackBerry), Samsung, Motorola, HTC and Palm. The iPhone was rated 778 on a 1,000 point scale, RIM's BlackBerry's at 703 and Samsung just below RIM at 701.

J.D. Power conducted the survey before the release of RIM's BlackBerry Bold (AT&T) in July, the G1 (T-Mobile/Google) in late August and the BlackBerry Storm, which only recently hit Verizon stores. Other smartphone manufacturers such as Nokia, which holds a 38% share of the world's mobile phone market amd Sony-Ericsson at 23% were noticeably absent from the study, most likely due to low availability rates in the U.S.

J.D. Power and Apple fail to define the "business smartphone" market. Despite the iPhone supporting exchange server syncing and security protocols--mandated by IT managers--neither J.D. Power nor Apple define a "business smartphone user." Most likely, the majority of iPhone users surveyed are self-employed, work for a small business or use the iPhone along with an approved business handset, such as the BlackBerry, in larger companies, where few IT managers have yet to approve the use of iPhones on company servers.

Another statistical fluke not addressed in the survey release is skewed ratings. Apple has only released a single smartphone with fewer than 10 million in use. HTC, Samsung, Nokia and others, on the other hand, have distributed hundreds of millions smartphones worldwide.

As the number of rated smartphone handsets rises, the overall rating of the iPhone, bolstered by Apple's promotions and hype, rises higher than the rest as a whole, because the iphone ratings are based on one handset out of dozens.

I searched Phone Scoop for handsets I consider meet the minimum "business smartphone" requirements for U.S. carriers.

All phones: *

• have Calendar
• have Data-Capable
• have Email Client
• have Multiple Numbers per Name
• have Packet Data (EDGE or 1xRTT or 1xEV-DO r0 or 1xEV-DO rA or WCDMA (UMTS) or HSDPA 1.8 or HSDPA 3.6 or HSDPA 7.2)
• have PC Sync
• have To-Do List
• have WAP / Web Browser

More than 20 phones met the minimum requirements. Click here to view them.

As I've written before in MTM and elsewhere, Steve Jobs and Apple are masters of marketing hype. But they can't legitimately escape the laws of statistics. The iPhone, although a breakthrough device in many ways, represents a drop-in-the-bucket in mobile telephony.

* Some phones listed may not be available from U.S. carriers. Check eBay and other sources on the Web.

Steve Jobs Knows What I Want and "I Need a New Phone"

Amusing. Due to the globe spinning, the 3G iPhone hit Australia, then Europe, then the U.S. It appears so far that phone activations in all countries except the U.S. are going fine. AT&T and Apple--unprepared for the onslaught--experienced software activating glitches, requiring iPhone buyers to complete the final activation at home using iTunes. Ah....well...

I took a quick spin around major blog and news sites this morning. The buzz surrounding Apple and AT&T stores in the U.S. appears less buzzy than during the first release. U.K. buyers and non-buyers were less gleeful--but, of course, they're British.

The funniest comment came from a New Zealand buyer who said: "Steve Jobs Knows What I want and I need a new phone." This must be true because, next to God, only Jobs would have enough insight into the cellular needs of the world.

Press reports about the 3G gray market in action are growing. The hackers, as expected, should have an unlocked 3G iPhone available on eBay and elsewhere within short order.

Not that anyone would ever return an iPhone within the 30 day AT&T "trial period," but confusion stil reigns whether the 10% restocking fee, charged by AT&T, is based on the $199 sale price or the MSRP. Time will tell, depending upon how many 3G iPhone users return the units. My guess is mostly new iPhone users will return. The diehards will keep the unit no matter the flaws documented in MTI, MarketingBeyond and elsewhere. Click here for the full documented history.

We'll let the dust settle.

3G iPhone Battery Life & Data Download Performance: Wake Up and Smell the Coffee

For anyone thinking of visiting their local Apple or AT&T store Friday to buy the new 3G iPhone, take notice. You are NOT going to be happy with your Web surfing experience and you are NOT going to be happy as you watch the iPhone's battery drain like an SUV sucking gas. The hype continues.

Walt Mossberg in his Wall Street Journal 3G iPhone review was too nice. But at least he published his test data in today's All Things Digital to warn off the wary. The user comments will fill you in on other complaints about iPhone features--or lack thereof--I won't cover here.

In my previous post "Steve Jobs, Hype and the 3G iPhone," I wrote about the latency (crawl-and-stall) nature of AT&T's broadband mobile network--and the battery drain problem. Mossberg's review confirms what I wrote.

Mossberg, testing the 3G iPhone in New York City, only achieved download speeds of 200Kbps to 500Kbps. (That's KILOBITS, not MEGABITS.) Due to the large screen size and resolution of the iPhone, 3G vs. Wi-Fi web surfers will be greatly disappointed. Add the fast battery drain and web surfing will be like ocean surfing on a slow wave that dissipates before reaching shore.

Why is this? Why will 3G iPhone users NOT achieve AT&T's 1.4Mbps (that's MEGABITS) claim? Why does the battery drain quickly, like other AT&T 3G phones?

As Verizon rightly claims, "it's the network." Despite the best 3G radio in the iPhone, it can't overcome the built-in latency (crawl-and-stall) and turtle-speeds inherent in AT&T's 3G network. The company is furiously installing 3G cell phone towers across the U.S. But it will take at least another year before most areas of the country have 3G and even average 1Mbps mobile download speeds.

This is not true in most European and Asian countries where mobile carrier networks, optimized for high-speed Internet downloads, deliver 6Mbps to 20Mbps on average. Even smaller countries--such as Finland and Denmark--average 7Mbps. (Listen to my podcast interview with Lennart Svanberg on MarketingBeyond). Svanberg is an Internet and mobile expert. In the podcast, he talks about mobile network data speeds in Europe and Asia.

And the battery drain? It's draining quickly because the 3G radio in the iPhone needs to draw more battery power to maintain the signal and maximize the download speed. And it's not only data speeds draining the life out of the iPhone. Mossberg's tests revealed a maximum of 5 hours talk time vs. 8 hours on the original iPhone, requiring Mossberg to re-charge the iPhone daily.

Considering the additional $240 AT&T is now charging for the data plan ($30 vs. $20) per month without text messaging, I wouldn't buy the first 3G iPhone version. If you have the original iPhone, keep it, unless you're very dissatisfied with AT&T or touch phones in general.
If you're dead-set on buying a 3G iPhone, WAIT for at least a few months until AT&T and Apple fix bugs and optimize the device.

As AT&T--now approaching 75 million customers--continues expanding, network demand for voice and data services will grow faster than AT&T can deliver. Wait for the dust to settle before changing carriers or mobile devices.

Want to Sync Your SmartPhone on Your Mac? Try Mark/Space

Synching calendars, contacts, to-do's and notes is a major pain for mobile users who prefer Macs vs. PC's. While Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Motorola, Samsung and others supply sync and multi-media software, using USB or bluetooth connections, I've never been totally satisfied with their solutions. The software is 90% Windows-based and doesn't always sync mobile phones accurately.

As a result, online Web-based sync companies have stepped up to the plate, offering synching and data back up services that securely protect your mobile device's information. But unless you have a fast broadband connection, the services are slow. Many mobile users are also concerned about storing their private data on other's servers.

Google offers limited synching for your calendar, docs, notepad and even YouTube videos, but it's not a complete smartphone sync solution. Plaxo delivers contact synchronization for Macs and PC's only, while Glide Sync provides a fairly comprehensive package.

Mark/Space, however, provides excellent synchronization software for Mac geeks who want to keep private data on their Macs and sync with their mobile phone.

So far, I've used the company's "Missing Sync for Windows Mobile" and I'm planning to buy a copy of its new "Missing Sync for BlackBerry" software as soon as my 8830 arrives this week. (RIM supplies its own PocketMac software free, but users on BlackBerry Forums say it has flaws and Missing Sync works better.) Mark/Space also just announced software for the iPhone.

"Missing Sync" software provides greater value and functionality than other sync software. In addition to accurate synching of your calendar, contact, to-do and notepad data, Mark/Space also includes a unique feature--Mark/Space Notebook--synching your mobile device and Mac notes across the Internet to other computers, using its own "SyncTogether" software. Dot-Mac users can use their accounts as well.

Palm users will love eliminating "HotSync"--a problematic mobile sync tool, frequently creating duplicate calendar and contact entries. Nokia and other Symbian phone users have access to Apple's iSync, but numerous iSync users have become disenchanted with its performance.

Mark/Space clearly outshines the competition. As more people go mobile, we need reliable sync solutions that integrate personal and business information. "The Missing Sync" tools for Mac users are excellent.

My Penance: Writing an iPhone Review That Someone Will Hate

In a previous post here--"My Sin: I Bought an iPhone"--I dramatized, just a bit, the experience of buying a mobile device that's been the "talk of the town" for over a year. I've intensely tested the iPhone for a few days now. This post is my penance.

It's interesting to observe how cell phone/mobile phone users write and react to consumer electronic reviews. Reading Engaget, one would think mobile warfare is imminent. Phonescoop reviewers seem more sedate, but you still read "the best phone I've ever bought" right next to "the worst phone created by God." The reviews are interesting to read if you realize how personal mobile devices have become to a lot of people. What pleases one person causes fury in another. I covered this human behavior in an eBay post called: "Choosing a Smartphone." Six of nine people liked it. This confirms the SW/SW/SW principle: "Some will, some won't, so what?"

Now that the iPhone is in the hands of a few million people--and Apple has released a few software updates to fix some bugs--it's now safe to step back and take a look at this evolutionary device. (My iPhone is resting comfortably next to my laptop as I write this; so unless Steve Jobs has inserted some C4, I think it's safe to write this review.)

I still believe my eBay blog post over a year ago about personal icons is valid. I wrote: "The icons became a statement of me. Whether it's the Apple iPhone or an expensive audio device or a WIFI mobile telephone--it doesn't matter. Consumers worldwide now lust after an increasing array of iconic symbols, symbols that give meaning and definition to one's self, symbols that rapidly change as we acquire more of them. Just as the Internet has rocketed information access to the masses, new objects, new icons appear on the market with increasing rapidity and variety. It's as if the cosmetics industry has taken over the definition of oneself. The icons spread, we buy them, and we let them define who we are. So...as you lust after the Apple iPhone and consider paying $1,500+ for a shimmering sliver of light, remember that you are buying the latest icon--something that defines you as a person and next year at MacWorld, Jobs will have something else for you, a new object you think you need....but only for the moment."

I'm going to try avoiding features of the iPhone--"Cover Flow," screen resolution and size and the "two finger squeeze"--that others have written about ad nauseam. Rather, I'm going to comment in bullet format what I like and don't like about the device--features and functions of value. If I skip your favorite "cool and awesome" iPhone feature, consider it a sin of omission.

Here we go...duck for cover:

• Screen Clarity. The iPhone has the best screen clarity for text and graphics I've ever seen on a mobile device. It's absolutely striking in all applications from Safari to email to maps. The iPhone should win an award if, for nothing else, Apple engineering on screen brightness, contrast, color and readability in portrait and landscape. Outstanding.
  
• Touch Screen Smear. All cell/mobile phone users create smears on their phones' screens--whether a flip or touch screen phone. I found the iPhone smear worse than other touch phones and very difficult to clean. Luckily, the iPhone's crisp display overcomes the smear, but other smartphones with large screens are less prone to dust and smears. (The Sony Ericsson P910 and Palm Treo's come to mind.)
  
• Phone Sound Quality--Earpiece and Speaker Phone. Superb with occasional hiss courtesy of AT&T Mobility. Sound distorts on the speaker phone as well when signal strength drops.
• Calling Features. The ringer off switch on the left side of the phone is too small and difficult to engage, but the large dialing pad is a welcome addition to touch phones. It's also interesting that Apple, the inventor of the iPod and iTunes, didn't include voice control for calling or opening applications. The HTC Touch, my model for an Android-enabled phone
  has both, plus a lot of Samsung and other phones offer voice dialing.
• Quick and Automatic Switching from AT&T's EDGE Network to Wi-Fi. I entered my home network information once, and the iPhone switched back-and-forth swiftly. (My home network is powered by a dedicated Speakeasy DSL line (1.3Mbps) connected to Apple's latest Airport Base Station. When away from my home network, the iPhone automatically alerted me to other Wi-Fi networks within range. While connected to Wi-Fi, I easily used one finger to navigate each screen quickly. The iPhone UI is best-of-breed touch screen technology that sets a new standard for competitors.
  
• GPS, after a few attempts, clearly showed roads, highways and traffic patterns with quick screen re-draw as I moved my finger in all directions. Since I have GPS in my Toyota Prius, I'd never use the feature while driving but might use it when lost in a big city. Unfortunately, downloading megabytes of data from AT&T's EDGE network would be frustrating. (Good news: Gizmodo just announced AT&T is working on "Fine Edge" to increase data download speeds.)
• Safari Browser. As Mac users know, Safari is light years ahead of any competing browser. The iPhone can hold 8 mini-screens in memory and they open and close rapidly with stunning resolution, far better than screen rendering on Nokia's N80. When returning to some of the minimized Safari browser windows, the mini-screens were blank with the webpage title at the top; however, as soon as I touched the screen, the correct page maximized correctly. Zooming in with Safari at first delivers slightly blurred text. A second or two later, it's crystal clear. (Again, I'm using my home network--not AT&T's.)
• Automatic Landscape Viewing Brilliant. I was able to view a readable Wall Street Journal page in Landscape with little text size adjustment.
  
• Lack of Flash Support. This issue was reported seven months ago. I was unable to retrieve my voice messages on GrandCentral because the website requires Flash. (Skyfire, a start-up company in Mountain View, California, just announced a free browser that automatically adjusts page formatting with video support for high-end smartphones. Availability is mid-2008.)
• Re-Arranging Icons and Creating Multiple Home Screens. Great time saver.
  
• (Data Plan Cost and EDGE Comment). I believe that Apple obtained an agreement with AT&T on the $20 unlimited data plan and 200 text messages because both knew most iPhone users would surf the web using Wi-Fi rather than EDGE. (The status screen on my iPhone shows only 3MB of EDGE data downloading, while my Wi-Fi downloading during the three days test must be several hundred megabytes.) AT&T's other data plans for BlackBerry's and Smartphone/PDA's cost $30 to $50 using either EDGE or 3G.
• Suggestion for Apple and AT&T. In Safari preferences, allow users to turn off picture and graphics downloading. HTC already does this on their Touch device, and Microsoft Office 2007 automatically blocks picture downloads in email for security reasons. Downloading text only on AT&T's EDGE network would significantly improve performance. (Taking this step would also address the industry's increasing concern about mobile viruses and spyware.)
  
• Text Data Entry. While the iPhone's QWERTY keypad is the largest I've seen, using one finger to enter text takes time to learn despite help from the confirming larger alpha-numeric circles that appear when pressing a letter or number. Frequently, three or four letters with accent marks appeared while pressing a button. Moving my finger to the proper button didn't change to the correct letter.
• Fonts Change Size. When switching from portrait to landscape, Safari increased font size. Upon returning to portrait, the original font size displayed.
  
• Word Completion Needs improvement. After typing "N," then "O," the iPhone suggested "NOI" rather than "NOW," which I intended. Other manufacturers, especially Sony Ericsson, deliver greater accuracy when using T9 text entry.
  
• Pressing Space Bar Twice for Period. Good feature, used by BlackBerry users for years.
• Large Positioning Circle for Editing. Excellent idea and reduces eye strain and errors.
• Using Two Thumbs to Enter Text. No way. This works on a BlackBerry due to the full QWERTY keypad with the BB's weight shifted to its top. The iPhone's weight is evenly distributed, lacks a rubberized back like other smartphones--making it easier to hold the phone--and switches to other screens and applications on its own. Will cover that in a second.
• "M" key is to the left of the back key. Several times, I erased entire words when my finger was too close.
  
• iPhone Movement Causes Problems. The phone's movement sensitivity is set too high. In multiple cases, moving the phone slightly or laying it down on a table caused other applications to open. For example, when I laid the phone down, Safari or the Favorites screen opened. Several Web pages minimized on their own.
• Finger Slide AND Home Button? One thing mobile manufacturers attempt doing is eliminating excessive steps in menus and such. Why does the iPhone require a finger slide from left to right plus pressing the home button to awaken? The home button is recessed so swiping one's finger across the base of the phone is not going to cause problems. "Simple strokes for simple folks."
  
• Construction. The iPhone's exterior metal casing is too smooth, causing the iPhone to shift in your hand and possible drop it. HTC, Nokia, Sony Ericsson and other manufacturers provide a better grip. Plus the bottom black base beneath the connection port easily scratches. Change the color, Apple, or make it rubber for easier handling and stability.
• Camera Quality O.K. No zoom and no streaming video, but the indoor pics are better than I expected without camera controls. The plant above and eagle to the right are untouched iPhone shots.
• Multiple Email Account Navigation. While scrolling through and viewing emails in full HTML is fantastic, unlike a BlackBerry, you have to press multiple buttons to access the inbox of each email account--a hassle that also plagues Sony Ericsson and Nokia phones. Like a BlackBerry or, for that matter, Apple Mail or Outlook, there should be ONE inbox showing all your emails. Kudos to Apple for allowing one or more preview lines in email settings.
• Email Download Size Limit and No Push. Perhaps AT&T got in the way on this one. Standard setting options are auto-check, Show (number of most recent messages), Preview, Minimum Font Size, Show To/Cc Label, Ask Before Deleting, Always Bcc Myself, Signature and Default Account. Not bad. Let's add, as with other email clients, "download headers only," "download entire message" or "only download XX kb." And, since Yahoo has now teamed with Apple on push email (it works), why not POP3 and Imap accounts as well. And, if Apple wants to get the business market--Microsoft ActiveSync on Exchange servers.
• MMS Messages to AT&T Website? I ran a few MMS messages from T-Mobile to the iPhone and received an email to retrieve the message on an AT&T website. No, Apple, let's do it the normal way.
  
• No Calendar Weekly View. There's monthly, daily and list views but not weekly. Almost every phone on Earth offers a weekly calendar view. Let's get it on the product spec sheet, Apple programmers.
• Limited Bluetooth Profiles. I gather Apple feels, like Verizon for many years, that crippled bluetooth is kosher. Sorry, hands-free is not enough and running all synchronization of pictures, songs and such through iTunes creates a "sync monopoly." My two Macs with bluetooth can't directly exchange pictures with the iPhone. Back to the drawing boards.
• Quit Using the Word "Easy." My last request. Tell your marcom people that their salaries get docked $10 every time they write "easy" in a user guide. Read my post about the Apple website.
  

Well, folks, that's it. All in all, Apple set the bar significantly higher for the mobile phone industry. Let's hope the industry, including Apple, responds with easy-to-use (oops), sophisticated communication devices and applications. The U.K., Europe and especially Asia already dominate mobile technology. I believe there's hope for the United States as well.

My Sin: I Bought an iPhone

I committed the ultimate sin yesterday. I walked into an AT&T store and bought an iPhone. Yes, after blasting Apple, Steve Jobs and the iPhone for over a year, I succumbed to the temptation. I couldn't stand the hype and glitz any longer. With my knees shaking--and my declared perfect Android phone with me--I did it.

As I opened the package, my trembling hands picked it up, gazed at its glimmer, clutched it carefully as I inserted the USB connector to the phone and my MacBook Pro. Agonizing pains shot through my fingers as I started activating the device by agreeing to all of the legalese created by Apple's and AT&T's lawyers.

Stressed out with trepidation, I entered my credit card number and other information. Pausing just a moment, I clicked on "activate." Ah, the sin was nearly complete.

Apple's iTunes and AT&T's verification servers went into action, telling me on the screen what was happening and the emails I'd soon get.

The emails arrived one-by-one, each giving me just a bit more information on my sinful decision. I wondered: Is this a venial or mortal sin? Which had I committed? When moving on to Heaven or Hell, would Steve Jobs be there to greet me?

The final email arrived. ACTIVATION! The phone was now ready to use. Just as I wrote about Vista and "Windows It's Alive," the iPhone sprung to life with the latest software update. Strange icons beckoned me to push them, my home network discovered in an instant. The iPhone was now a MePhone.

It enveloped my senses as I started pushing buttons. Then the ultimate cool and awesome experience--synching with iTunes. Apple now knew about my sin. They had acquired a new victim (I mean customer).

I was late for choir practice. So I left the shimmering piece of glass in its cradle, firmly attached to my Mac. But I knew when I got home, IT would be there...

Bluetooth Neuron Disease Spreading Fast at Starbucks

The American Academy of Bluetooth Physicians recently announced a new mobile illness called "Bluetooth Neuron Disease." Symptoms include loss of reality, increased musical abilities and bipolar depression. The disease is spreading rapidly among iPhone users who place Starbuck orders using a paired bluetooth headset. DaVido, a singer obsessed with Starbucks, recently acquired the disease.

In a recent study, the AABP observed cell phone bluetooth users at 50 Starbucks in Silicon Valley. Over 75% of BT users were talking to themselves and staring into blank space as they imbibed latte's, capuccino's and "Grande Big Gulps," 36 ounces of Starbuck's daily coffee blend. 

Suffering from bluetooth neuron disease, medical researchers believe the combination of caffeine and BT headsets results in solitary beings who prefer conversing with people they can't see. When researchers attempted removing the headsets, individuals started screaming "latte, latte" and required medical intervention.

Researchers speculate that wearing BT headsets on the left ear, combined with the caffeine, stimulates the brain's right hemisphere, leading to enhanced musical abilities. Downloading songs from iTunes to an iPhone at Starbucks may worsen the condition.

According to Star Buck, CEO and President of Starbucks in Seattle, "we are thoroughly investigating this serious situation and cooperating with the AABP." To ensure that Wi-Fi, available at most Starbucks, is not contributing to the illness, Starbucks' managers have turned off all wireless routers in the stores.

Twas the Night Before Christmas 2007 Cell Phone Review

Twas the night before Christmas when all through the realm

Not a Samsung was stirring not even a twelve-nine.

The iPhones were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St. Steven soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug with their phones,

While visions of Motos danced in their tones.

And mamma with her widget and I with my jack,

Had just settled down to play with our crack.

When out on the lawn there arose such a chatter,

I threw down my smartphone and sought out my fatter.

Away to the window I brought out my flash.

Tore open the shutters and threw out the Dash.

The tune in my breast as the new-fallen snow

Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects that GO.

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear

But a moguled Android and eight tiny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so googled and knoogled

I knew in a moment he must have been snoogled.

More rapid than nanos his courses they zuned

And he whistled and shouted, and called them ituned!

Now Dasher! now Dancer!, now Prancer and Vixen!

On, Comet!, On Cupid!, on Donner and Blitzen!

To the top of Redmond! to the top of Mountain View!

Now crash away! crash away! crash away all!

As dry leaves that before the wild tornado fly,

When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky

So up to the house-top the coursers they flew

With a sleigh full of Toys, and St. Steven too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof

The ringtones and vibrations of each little hoof

As I drew in my head, and was churning around, 

Down the chimney St. Steven came with an iphone.

He was dressed all in denim, from his head to his foot,

And his clothes were all covered with logos and loot.

A bundle of Ipods he had flung on his back

And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

His eyes how they twinkled, his dimples how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, he nose like a cherry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth

And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.

He had a broad face and a little round belly.

That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,

And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,

Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.

And laying his finger aside of his nose,

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, 'ere he drove out of sight,

"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"