Introducing the iPhone...

[Fyron]

Mehtacular over-priced, over-hyped product.

[Combat Wombat]

You were joking that you were gonna be purchasing one right? I mean apple is over pricing them by like $300 and there are multiple phones out already that do more than the iPhone does for cheaper and you aren't locked out of using 3rd party software and you aren't stuck with one carrier.

[Wade]

Just watch the introduction video: the second link; then the second selection labeled, "Watch iPhone Introduction".

Most "smart" phones are about $300. The iPod Nano 4GB is $199. That equals $499 that many...many people are paying for two devices. The iPhone does...so...much...more. I'll be getting the 8GB iPhone for $599. The 4GB iPhone is $499.

Just... watch... the... introduction. It's OK...to be impressed.

[Fyron]

As a smart phone, the iPhone does absolutely nothing more than any other smart phone, and actually far less when you consider the lack of integration with MS exchange server et all in the corporate world. Integrating a portable music player of any sort into a phone is just plain stupid IMO.

iPhone is not impressive in the slightest.

[Will]

Imperator Fyron said:
As a smart phone, the iPhone does absolutely nothing more than any other smart phone, and actually far less when you consider the lack of integration with MS exchange server et all in the corporate world. Integrating a portable music player of any sort into a phone is just plain stupid IMO.

iPhone is not impressive in the slightest.

1) Random Access voicemail
2) Apple isn't trying to sell the iPhone to corporate customers because it is not the right product for business use; it will still connect to POP3 and IMAP servers, which a lot of people use (plus Gmail has POP3, which leads to...)
3) You may think playing music in a cell phone is stupid, but that's not what the sales numbers are telling cell carriers and phone manufacturers. People are buying it, and that's all that matters.
4) Apple *IS* trying to sell it to the 21-35 gadget-loving demographic, which can afford it and will provide the highest visibility with the least marketing effort. I wouldn't be surprised if Apple created a more mass-market cheaper version if the first does well enough; if it doesn't, no matter, because it will still draw more attention to Apple's other businesses.

I would actually consider buying one if I were in different circumstances. But I won't, mainly because I would never be able to use it. It combines three things that are prohibited where I work: a camera (must remain in locked car if brought on property), a mass storage device (need a permit and a legitimate need to carry inside, renewing every year), and a personal cell phone (must be left in lockers outside the building if no camera; otherwise, camera rules take precedence).

[Azselendor]

As great as the iphone is when it comes to simplicity in interface, I think that we might just see a similar reaction to the PS3 take place. Given that nokia, research in motion, tmobile and others are all developing cheaper, yet similar capability iphone-style devices, I think apple faces a tough up-hill battle.

And don't forget Google is working on an integrated phone too.

And meizu is gonna start a price war with the m8/minione
http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/29/m...-your-engines/


The less with the Iphone will be design a great, simple interface -- but price in reality.

[Fyron]

It seems that the only thing Apple products ever have going for them is "simplicity in interface," upon which they certainly have no monopoly. Their computers are the same hardware as PCs, but vastly more expensive. Their portable music players are at best middle of the road in terms of features and quality. The iPhone is nothing spectacular compared to the competition, and does nothing the competition does not do (Samsung has a touch screen smart phone with a foldout qwerty keyboard to prevent having to use a ****ty on-screen one).