Topic: The iPhone- personally, it sounds like a waste of money

[Clark Kent]

http://news.com.com/8301-10784_3-9734842-7.html?tag=cnetfd.mt


Pricing for iPhone service released
Posted by Marguerite Reardon
AT&T on Tuesday announced pricing plans for the Apple iPhone, which will go on sale Friday, June 29.

All plans include unlimited e-mail and mobile Web surfing and 200 text messages a month. For $60 a month, users get 450 minutes of talk time. For $80 a month, they get 900 minutes of talk time. And for $100 a month, they can talk for 1,350 minutes.

Subscribers will have to sign a two-year contract with AT&T to get the iPhone, and there will be a one-time activation fee of $36.

The companies also said that users will be able to activate their iPhone using Apple's iTunes software on a Mac or PC. Once the device is activated, users can synch it just like they do an iPod to access music, videos and other files on their computer.

The iPhone goes on sale at 6 p.m. local time in Apple and AT&T retail locations throughout the country. The phone comes in two versions: the 4 gigabyte version will sell for $499 and the 8GB version will cost $599.


I'm an Apple man, always have been, most likely always will be, but this is a waste of money.  500-600 bucks for the phone, no discounts, no subsidy over your contract.  $36 for activation, you can't use a SIM card or anything else to simply begin using it, locked into a data plan with a device that has built in Wi-Fi ( why the hell would I want to use a data plan when I can simply log into a coffee shop or some other free Wi-Fi joint instead and have faster data transfer?).  Also, you are locked in to a 2 year contract with $175 cancellation fee, even though the typical reason for this (subsidizing the cost of the phone) doesn't apply here. 
Also, I heard on CNET to expect new chips out from TI at the end of the year that will make the iPhone an outdated piece of junk in 6 months time.  So much for being a decade ahead of its time.
I don't know why they would make such a dumb ass move, but even as a die hard apple afficionado, I say this is a waste of cash.

[Just plain old Punisher]

Everything is always obsolete in six months. But I agree.

I have to admit, I was abit of a luddite when it comes to phones. I recently upgraded to one of those flipphones with GPS on it. That little sucker is awesome.

[Commander Maxillius]

I thought it looked really cool until I saw they're only allowing them on AT&T's network.

If it won't work on Verizon they can cram the iPhone's silky smoothness up their collective arses.

[Clark Kent]

I thought it looked really cool until I saw they're only allowing them on AT&T's network.

If it won't work on Verizon they can cram the iPhone's silky smoothness up their collective arses.

Yeah, truth be told, I've never heard anything good about AT&T service.  I was pretty upset when Cingular was bought up by them.  If I had known that would happen I would have never signed up with Cingular to begin with.

[Commander Maxillius]

And why would a phone not work on another carrier's system?  It's not like it's Federation and Klingon tech!  Even PCs and Macs can talk to each other for cryin' out loud!

[Clark Kent]

And why would a phone not work on another carrier's system?  It's not like it's Federation and Klingon tech!  Even PCs and Macs can talk to each other for cryin' out loud!

Is that a retorical question?  My understanding is that this is intentionally done.

[Death_Merchant]

And why would a phone not work on another carrier's system?  It's not like it's Federation and Klingon tech!  Even PCs and Macs can talk to each other for cryin' out loud!

No doubt business decision.

If this is popular despite being AT&T only (and using the slower band-not 3G), expect new negotiations with the other carriers before long...

This is a typical Apple product: nothing really technologically new...just packaged & engineered such that it's easy to use and gorgeous...

Apple put a lot of effort into this. And remember: it's only rev 1.

[Clark Kent]

A few more thoughts on the iPhone- it's completely unusable unless you have it activated and are in a contract with AT&T, with the lowest priced plan starting at $59.99.  That means, once everything is taken into consideration, this phone actually will cost you, at a bare minimum $1,974.76 before taxes and fees you pay for your service and on the actual product.  The next model up would be $2,074.76. 
That second one is actually more than I paid for my iBook, which I upgraded at purchase, with accessories and 3 year warranty.  Just a thought.

[Lepton]

Not mentioned here but perhaps implied is that the IPhone doesn't do anything new.  One has long been able to browse the web, play music, take photos, etc on existing Pocket-PC based phones.  Also the web features that the IPhone offers are actually running on a cell network with inferior speed and coverage.

[Death_Merchant]

A few more thoughts on the iPhone- it's completely unusable unless you have it activated and are in a contract with AT&T, with the lowest priced plan starting at $59.99.  That means, once everything is taken into consideration, this phone actually will cost you, at a bare minimum $1,974.76 before taxes and fees you pay for your service and on the actual product.  The next model up would be $2,074.76. 
That second one is actually more than I paid for my iBook, which I upgraded at purchase, with accessories and 3 year warranty.  Just a thought.

By the same logic, you need to add to the cost of your laptop the fees you pay to your ISP for internet access....

Yes, the iPhone is expensive. However, the required calling plan is no different for the iPhone than any other AT&T phone/plan with the same network access requirements.

With a two-year contract, monthly charges will run from $60 for 450 minutes to $100 for 1,350 minutes. That includes unlimited data (e-mail and Web), Visual Voicemail, 200 SMS text messages, AT&T roll over minutes and unlimited mobile-to-mobile calls.  There’s also a one-time activation fee of $36. These prices are in line with what business people pay for their monthly smartphone service. It’s somewhat steep for the average caller.

FYI: My BB cost me (Verizon) ~$100/month and the BB itself was $450 at time of purchase...

and the "it doesn't do anything new" argument misses the point.

What Apple product does anything "new"???
 iPod?
iTunes?
iMac?
iPhone?

You can always find competing products that can "do the same thing".

My 99 Chrysler does the "same things" as my neighbor's BMW, but I covet his.....

[Sirgod]

I daho.

Stephen jumping in on this conversation agreeing with Death Merchant.

[Clark Kent]

A few more thoughts on the iPhone- it's completely unusable unless you have it activated and are in a contract with AT&T, with the lowest priced plan starting at $59.99.  That means, once everything is taken into consideration, this phone actually will cost you, at a bare minimum $1,974.76 before taxes and fees you pay for your service and on the actual product.  The next model up would be $2,074.76. 
That second one is actually more than I paid for my iBook, which I upgraded at purchase, with accessories and 3 year warranty.  Just a thought.

By the same logic, you need to add to the cost of your laptop the fees you pay to your ISP for internet access....

Yes, the iPhone is expensive. However, the required calling plan is no different for the iPhone than any other AT&T phone/plan with the same network access requirements.

With a two-year contract, monthly charges will run from $60 for 450 minutes to $100 for 1,350 minutes. That includes unlimited data (e-mail and Web), Visual Voicemail, 200 SMS text messages, AT&T roll over minutes and unlimited mobile-to-mobile calls.  There’s also a one-time activation fee of $36. These prices are in line with what business people pay for their monthly smartphone service. It’s somewhat steep for the average caller.

FYI: My BB cost me (Verizon) ~$100/month and the BB itself was $450 at time of purchase...

The iPhone is however being touted as a consumer product, not a business one.  Not all of us want the data package that AT&T forces you to use- we'd rather realy on local hotspots for internet connectivity, either for cost or performance reasons.  And no, I don't need to include internet fees for my laptop- the laptop works and always has worked without the internet, the iPhone, however, does not work without an active contract with AT&T- even the non-cell phone services require you to have an active contract with AT&T.
The iPhone itself is a wonderful piece of equipment, and I do have techno lust over it, however, the overall costs and contractual agreement trumps that, IMHO, making it crap.

[Sirgod]

I don't know, Like most small gadgets, I'd be afraid I'd break them with my clumsy hands.

Stephen

[jualdeaux]

I don't know, Like most small gadgets, I'd be afraid I'd break them with my clumsy hands.

Stephen

either that or you would try to use them as a blunt instrument to beat a guy down the next time they shoot at you.

[Sirgod]

I don't know, Like most small gadgets, I'd be afraid I'd break them with my clumsy hands.

Stephen

either that or you would try to use them as a blunt instrument to beat a guy down the next time they shoot at you.

LOL, can they be set to overcharge, and blow up? God Waldo, That got me laughing again. Can't do that many more times, The spirits willing but the body keeps breaking Down.

Stephen

[Clark Kent]

I don't know, Like most small gadgets, I'd be afraid I'd break them with my clumsy hands.

Stephen

So then, I guess you must have your wife always hadle captain winky for you?   

[Sirgod]

Hell that damn thing hasn't worked either. For a long long time. Except to get me out of bed and go pee about a jazillion times a night. Hmm. Might need more asians, heck there eyes are closer to the parts. J/K.

Stephen

[Clark Kent]

Hmm. Might need more asians, heck there eyes are closer to the parts. J/K.

Stephen

That would be one reason I like them so much...   

[Nemesis]

A few more thoughts on the iPhone- it's completely unusable unless you have it activated and are in a contract with AT&T, with the lowest priced plan starting at $59.99.  That means, once everything is taken into consideration, this phone actually will cost you, at a bare minimum $1,974.76 before taxes and fees you pay for your service and on the actual product.  The next model up would be $2,074.76

By the same logic, you need to add to the cost of your laptop the fees you pay to your ISP for internet access....

I have to disagree as the laptop functions without an internet account whereas the iPhone apparently does not. 

If you absolutely must have internet access for the laptop you can choose any conventional form of internet access at a variety of rates that offer various features to fit your budget and needs.  With the iPhone you are restricted by Apple and AT&T as to your connection types.

[Nemesis]

A competitor for the iPhone

[Electric Eye]

Ahhhh, AT&T, they are really on my sh*te list right now, they can take their super DSL contract and stick it, and look at what Clark posted, now they want to lock people into a 2 year contract for a phone? 

[Commander Maxillius]

Don't all cell providers have 2 year contracts?  I know Verizon does.

[Clark Kent]

Don't all cell providers have 2 year contracts?  I know Verizon does.

Not always, it's just this is the first time I've heard of a 2 year contract when you are paying full price for a phone up front.

[Death_Merchant]

Time will tell, won't it....

This will either be like the iPod, or the Newton.

My money is on the iPod-effect...literally.
Against the advice of my broker, I bought Apple years ago...at $15

it's $122 now, after having split 

[Clark Kent]

Time will tell, won't it....

This will either be like the iPod, or the Newton.

My money is on the iPod-effect...literally.
Against the advice of my broker, I bought Apple years ago...at $15

it's $122 now, after having split 

I believe I once recommended my dad buy apple stock back in the 90's when the stock was that low.  i told him that they would most likely make a big comeback, and he should invest while he could.  He insisted he couldn't afford the $15 stock.    Oh well, he showed me.   
truthfully, though, I didn't expect for them to bounce back to this level, though.

[Lloyd007]

Heck I invested in it a year ago when it was at 65 bux. I'm hoping for the i-pod effect as well and with unlimited data services (altho it is slower) for only $20 more than basic cell service (you really can't walk out of a cellphone store with a service plan that is less than 30 dollars a month for steady service and the 30 dollar a month plans have no free minutes or anything). And heck maybe the Apple effect will spread to AT&T as well! They know they are the weak link in the chain right now and that's gotta hurt a company's pride just a little...

[Tus-XC]

in a market like this, i would say the ipod effect is unlikely.  While the iphone is attractive in looks and features, the market is (imho) already saturated.  With the ipod there wasn't a good mp3 solution until it came out, and thats why it owns most of the market.  the iphone however has to compete heavily with a market that hasn't been staying stagnate and has in fact been imho somewhat innovative.   

[IAF Lyrkiller]

That is why I have a Tracfone, no contract to tie me down and it is prepaid.

[Commander Maxillius]

That is why I have a Tracfone, no contract to tie me down and it is prepaid.

Gotta love 80 cents a minute nationwide

[Just plain old Punisher]

That is why I have a Tracfone, no contract to tie me down and it is prepaid.

Gotta love 80 cents a minute nationwide

Depends on how many minutes you buy. In many cases its around 25-30 cents a minute. If you don't use your phone all that much (IE less than 200 minutes a month) then you actually do save money with the pre-paid plans. Besides, you don't have any contract and no bill at the end of the month to pay.

[Commander Maxillius]

That is why I have a Tracfone, no contract to tie me down and it is prepaid.

Gotta love 80 cents a minute nationwide

Depends on how many minutes you buy. In many cases its around 25-30 cents a minute. If you don't use your phone all that much (IE less than 200 minutes a month) then you actually do save money with the pre-paid plans. Besides, you don't have any contract and no bill at the end of the month to pay.

I know, I had Tracfone for a bit.  I used it too much to make any sense though.  Probably does work for some people, just not for me.

[Nemesis]

The truth about the iPhone.

Just for those who want to know.

[Sirgod]

That does raise the question, will the tech behind the I-phone be obsolete in the next two years? you know when the tech is old school?

Stephen

[Death_Merchant]

I think talking about features or the tech in the phone misses what the iPhone is really about.
The tech can always be changed or upgraded in future revs (or replicated by others)

It's about the interface & how it works.

My wife has the latest RAZR. She keeps handing it to me, asking "how do I do ....?"
...and often I can't quickly answer.

No such problem with the iPhone. Everything is clean & easy to get to.
I particularly like the ability to see a listing of your voicemail, and listen to them or delete in any order.

[Just plain old Punisher]

I think talking about features or the tech in the phone misses what the iPhone is really about.
The tech can always be changed or upgraded in future revs (or replicated by others)

It's about the interface & how it works.

My wife has the latest RAZR. She keeps handing it to me, asking "how do I do ....?"
...and often I can't quickly answer.

No such problem with the iPhone. Everything is clean & easy to get to.
I particularly like the ability to see a listing of your voicemail, and listen to them or delete in any order.

Why are you letting your woman be around technology? You know it only confuses and infuriates them.

[Death_Merchant]

I think talking about features or the tech in the phone misses what the iPhone is really about.
The tech can always be changed or upgraded in future revs (or replicated by others)

It's about the interface & how it works.

My wife has the latest RAZR. She keeps handing it to me, asking "how do I do ....?"
...and often I can't quickly answer.

No such problem with the iPhone. Everything is clean & easy to get to.
I particularly like the ability to see a listing of your voicemail, and listen to them or delete in any order.

Why are you letting your woman be around technology? You know it only confuses and infuriates them.

So that when I sit at our home computer for hours, and she grumbles, I can say:
"Honey, something's not working right, and I'm trying to fix it so you don't have to deal..."

...and she say "Thanks!", and leaves me alone ;-)

Plans within plans Punisher, plans within plans......

[Just plain old Punisher]

I think talking about features or the tech in the phone misses what the iPhone is really about.
The tech can always be changed or upgraded in future revs (or replicated by others)

It's about the interface & how it works.

My wife has the latest RAZR. She keeps handing it to me, asking "how do I do ....?"
...and often I can't quickly answer.

No such problem with the iPhone. Everything is clean & easy to get to.
I particularly like the ability to see a listing of your voicemail, and listen to them or delete in any order.

Why are you letting your woman be around technology? You know it only confuses and infuriates them.

So that when I sit at our home computer for hours, and she grumbles, I can say:
"Honey, something's not working right, and I'm trying to fix it so you don't have to deal..."

...and she say "Thanks!", and leaves me alone ;-)

Plans within plans Punisher, plans within plans......

Ah, but there's sex involved in there somewhere right?

[Villa64]

I done got me one for Christmas.  Pretty neat.  Since it is touchscreen, they have alot of flexibility for interface changes.  One disappointment is that, although it acts a little bit like a computer, you cant just slap your desired application on it.  They instead use the internet to link you to applications.  There supposedly is a move afoot to release some code so people can write applications that can be uploaded to iphone.

[KBF-Kapact]

Nokia 9300 smart phone. I think it's about $600... $30 a month unlimited data service..... who needs wifi? I have Word, Excel and Powerpoint and a faster processor than my first computer

[Death_Merchant]

There supposedly is a move afoot to release some code so people can write applications that can be uploaded to iphone.

Careful.
Each iPhone update Apple issues has a habit (likely intentional) of breaking any hack or "unapproved" third party app.
Don't be the first to install an update if you've customized.

[Clark Kent]

There supposedly is a move afoot to release some code so people can write applications that can be uploaded to iphone.

Careful.
Each iPhone update Apple issues has a habit (likely intentional) of breaking any hack or "unapproved" third party app.
Don't be the first to install an update if you've customized.

Apple did promise that they would open up the iphone/ipod touch for third party apps around this time...

[Villa64]

Careful.
Each iPhone update Apple issues has a habit (likely intentional) of breaking any hack or "unapproved" third party app.
Don't be the first to install an update if you've customized.

Thanks for the advice.  I was right on the verge of doing the hack for a cook program that lets the phone figure out where it is without a GPS.

Cool thing is that I read in USAToday today that Apple says that they are going to start allowing actual applications on the phone in Feb.

So hopefully something will come of that.  I guess my assumption is that the applications that will be created that go directly onto the phone will be more interesting than the ones right now that are webapplications, which are wholly uninteresting.

[Leto Atreides]

Bah I have the Helio Ocean!!!

http://compare.helio.com/

[Death_Merchant]

Careful.
Each iPhone update Apple issues has a habit (likely intentional) of breaking any hack or "unapproved" third party app.
Don't be the first to install an update if you've customized.

Thanks for the advice.  I was right on the verge of doing the hack for a cook program that lets the phone figure out where it is without a GPS.

Cool thing is that I read in USAToday today that Apple says that they are going to start allowing actual applications on the phone in Feb.

So hopefully something will come of that.  I guess my assumption is that the applications that will be created that go directly onto the phone will be more interesting than the ones right now that are webapplications, which are wholly uninteresting.

MacWorld announcement today (1/15/08)
Apple today announced a free software update for its revolutionary iPhone that allows users to automatically find their location using the redesigned Maps application; text message multiple people in one message; create Web Clips for their favorite websites; customize their home screen; and watch movies rented from the new iTunes Movie Rentals right on their iPhone. [...]
  The iPhone software update 1.1.3 is available immediately for free via iTunes 7.5 or later for all existing iPhone customers in the US, UK, Germany and France. New iPhone products shipping from the factory will include the software update and existing iPhone customers will automatically get the update for free when they sync their iPhone with iTunes.

iPod Touch customers already have the most advanced mobile web browser in the world with Safari, and now Apple is adding five more great mobile applicationsMail, Maps, Stocks, Weather and Notes. The iPod Touch software upgrade also includes new features such as Web Clips, a customizable home screen and beginning today, the ability to watch iTunes Movie Rentals. New iPod Touch products shipping from the factory will include the software upgrade and existing iPod Touch customers can get the software upgrade for $19.99 by purchasing and downloading it from iTunes.

Position without GPS is being done now with Google & Skyhook wireless

Steve Jobs: "What everybody's really excited about is the SDK we're gonna release in late February to our developers"

[Villa64]

Well heck, I'd better get plugged in.

I'll let you know how well the locator works.

[CaptStumpy]

That update sounds good, have to check it out. Will be nice to customise the main menu.

I've owned an iPhone now for a few months and I have to say I love it.

Not much of a Mac fan. Never liked the cult-like aspects of the Mac but I have to say they nailed it with this one. At least for some market segments.

It's great for me because I don't use my phone that much and mostly rely on email communications for work. The iPhone kills both those birds for me. Of course there are phones that will do that as well, and I checked those out too. Not only did I find their UI clunky but with additional data plans they were actually more expensive than the iPhone, plus required purchased apps which the iPhone does not. I imagine that will change when 3rd party apps come out.

As a freelance graphic artist the iPhone is a great thing. The iPhone serves as a portable portfolio for me. When a potential client asks about my work I can actually show him samples right there through the picture feature. It doesn't hurt that the client is also facinated by the iPhone as I'm showing him my work.

In addition to sincing with my already owned iTunes library due to my earlier iPod purchase I use it constantly to web surf. I used to be tied to my desk practically all day during business hours. Now I don't even have to get out of bed to check my email and run through my morning surf. If nothing's going on I often don't even go to my office and am free to do other things.

I use my iPhone much more for surfing, email and image features than I use it's phone features. So for me, it's a win win. And all for only about 20 bucks a month more than what my wife and I payed with our mutual phone plan under Verizon with no data.

I've had no problem sincing with my PC and it downloads my outlook calendar, email, internet bookmarks, and sincs with my music choices on iTunes seamlessly once you figure it out. I use the note feature constantly to send email reminders to myself.

Downsides.

1. Battery: Cannot be replaced by user and there is a fee.

2. A little buggy: Being more sophistated software-wise and new has it's disadvantages. I'm not sure how this stacks up against other Windows based data phones since I've never owned one. But given Windows quality I think I can guess. So far it seems to be browser (Safari) issues (crashing, lock-up, link breaks. The iPhone software and firmware itself I haven't had a problem with).

3. Non customizable interface: (At least until the patch. I'll let you know how "customizable", customizable is. Sometimes with Macs that means, not very)

4. No self-made custom ringtones: Custom ringtones only through limited iTunes snips for .99c  (Not a biggie and I HATE music ringtones, it does come with a better than usual array of pre-available ringtones. I use crickets myself)

5. Battery-Life: It goes through charges fairly quickly. I get about two days of use before recharge. I'm sure that really nice screen doesn't help battery life. If I've got to choose between the really nice screen and battery life, I'll take the screen.

6. Must use AT&T: I think this will change after the exclusivity contract expires. While I'd like to shop competing plans, I'm getting better reception with AT&T than I did with Verizon, so it's been a plus for me.

7. Edge Network: Your default AT&T wireless network. Slow and somewhat flaky but pretty reliable overall. iPhone will also sinc with other wireless networks and it really hums at the local coffee shop.

The big plus for me. Three things.

Interface. Interface. Interface.

Last night, a not so tech savvy friend asked me to help him with something on his cell phone. Even after two months, I stared at the interface like it was a model T Ford. The iPhone is wonderfully intuitive and well designed. It puts other data phones to shame in interface even if the other data phone is more flexible and has more available functions. Even after 3 months it is a joy to use. Which I could never say about any previous cell-phone I've had which any time using the interface makes me want to hurl the thing against the nearest brick wall.

Of course, designing interfaces might have something to do with my appreciation of the iPhone. Finally a product who's interface is designed by actual, real, interface designers rather than just some programmer or worse, an engineer.

[knightstorm]

The iPhone isn't meant to be practical.  Aside from some extra storage space it really doesn't add any features that today's smartphones don't already have.  Its a fashion accessory.  A large part of the success of the ipod line in general is the fact that its a trendy.

[Just plain old Punisher]

That update sounds good, have to check it out. Will be nice to customise the main menu.

I've owned an iPhone now for a few months and I have to say I love it.

Not much of a Mac fan. Never liked the cult-like aspects of the Mac but I have to say they nailed it with this one. At least for some market segments.

It's great for me because I don't use my phone that much and mostly rely on email communications for work. The iPhone kills both those birds for me. Of course there are phones that will do that as well, and I checked those out too. Not only did I find their UI clunky but with additional data plans they were actually more expensive than the iPhone, plus required purchased apps which the iPhone does not. I imagine that will change when 3rd party apps come out.

As a freelance graphic artist the iPhone is a great thing. The iPhone serves as a portable portfolio for me. When a potential client asks about my work I can actually show him samples right there through the picture feature. It doesn't hurt that the client is also facinated by the iPhone as I'm showing him my work.

In addition to sincing with my already owned iTunes library due to my earlier iPod purchase I use it constantly to web surf. I used to be tied to my desk practically all day during business hours. Now I don't even have to get out of bed to check my email and run through my morning surf. If nothing's going on I often don't even go to my office and am free to do other things.

I use my iPhone much more for surfing, email and image features than I use it's phone features. So for me, it's a win win. And all for only about 20 bucks a month more than what my wife and I payed with our mutual phone plan under Verizon with no data.

I've had no problem sincing with my PC and it downloads my outlook calendar, email, internet bookmarks, and sincs with my music choices on iTunes seamlessly once you figure it out. I use the note feature constantly to send email reminders to myself.

Downsides.

1. Battery: Cannot be replaced by user and there is a fee.

2. A little buggy: Being more sophistated software-wise and new has it's disadvantages. I'm not sure how this stacks up against other Windows based data phones since I've never owned one. But given Windows quality I think I can guess. So far it seems to be browser (Safari) issues (crashing, lock-up, link breaks. The iPhone software and firmware itself I haven't had a problem with).

3. Non customizable interface: (At least until the patch. I'll let you know how "customizable", customizable is. Sometimes with Macs that means, not very)

4. No self-made custom ringtones: Custom ringtones only through limited iTunes snips for .99c  (Not a biggie and I HATE music ringtones, it does come with a better than usual array of pre-available ringtones. I use crickets myself)

5. Battery-Life: It goes through charges fairly quickly. I get about two days of use before recharge. I'm sure that really nice screen doesn't help battery life. If I've got to choose between the really nice screen and battery life, I'll take the screen.

6. Must use AT&T: I think this will change after the exclusivity contract expires. While I'd like to shop competing plans, I'm getting better reception with AT&T than I did with Verizon, so it's been a plus for me.

7. Edge Network: Your default AT&T wireless network. Slow and somewhat flaky but pretty reliable overall. iPhone will also sinc with other wireless networks and it really hums at the local coffee shop.

The big plus for me. Three things.

Interface. Interface. Interface.

Last night, a not so tech savvy friend asked me to help him with something on his cell phone. Even after two months, I stared at the interface like it was a model T Ford. The iPhone is wonderfully intuitive and well designed. It puts other data phones to shame in interface even if the other data phone is more flexible and has more available functions. Even after 3 months it is a joy to use. Which I could never say about any previous cell-phone I've had which any time using the interface makes me want to hurl the thing against the nearest brick wall.

Of course, designing interfaces might have something to do with my appreciation of the iPhone. Finally a product who's interface is designed by actual, real, interface designers rather than just some programmer or worse, an engineer.

I like my blackberry 8830 =)

[Death_Merchant]

Yup, I have the BB Curve. Need the corp push-email.

But lookie here. iPhone survives falling off some guy's car & getting run over by a semi at 70 mph
Still works & screen is ok
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikebeauchamp/2215285685/