The Apple iPhone sets a new bar for the smartphone industry and, despite some network limitations, the iPhone is a whole new experience and a pleasure to use, according to Walt Mossberg and Katherine Boehret of All Things Digital.

In contrast to many analysts who just have opinions about the Apple iPhone, Walt Mossberg and Katherine Boehret actually got to put an iPhone through its paces for the last two weeks. Their conclusion was that, despite some very minor annoyances, the device offers a whole new experience and works beautifully.

On top of that, despite being tossed into Mr. Mossberg’s briefcase and Ms. Boehret’s purse, the screen and the body for that matter never acquired a single scratch.

Some of the negatives included: some audio accessories that work for the iPod may not work with the iPhone, there is no way to cut, copy or paste text, and extra key strokes are required to move between major functions. Also, there is no direct access to the iTunes Store.

On the positive side, battery life was pretty much what Apple has claimed. The visual voice mail allows random access, and it’s very easy to turn the speakerphone on and off and establish conference calls.

The most important thing about this review of the iPhone is that two very respected, astute and technical writers put the iPhone to good use for two weeks, discovered its strengths and weaknesses, and found it to be, overall, a pleasure to use. Apple has apparently done its homework and AT&T has also field tested it for months. This review debunks all those who have presupposed that Apple, being new to the mobile phone market, cannot effectively compete.