The 'cool factor' will sell the first 3 million. By then, 3G or whatever new technologies will be available in a rev. 2 version. Apple is famous for working on the replacement for each product long before the first rev. is even finalized.

How is the touchpad different than the HTC touch? --I haven't been able to find any differences in technology. (?)

its running a different os. implementation, not technology is the key.

That, and HTC will probably be sued into the next millenium for patent infringment if they get too close to the iPhone functionality

Oh yeah, technology. Zune has just destroyed the iPod, as predicted.
:rolleyes:

Forgetting all the drivel in your earlier statements, it must be a blinding flash of the obvious that the iPhone is not a corporate device.

But you also miss the point that it is the corporate world that is buying most of these new phones. And they are doing it for email to keep their employees tethered to the business. Why do you think RIM was so successful with the Blackberry? The fact that a Blackjack, Treo, or whatever Pocket PC / Smartphone you want to mention plays music or DVD’s is just gravy to pull multimedia enthusiasts in as buyers. And with the pricing structure of the iPhone it will be the well off enthusiast that buys the iPhone, not the millions of junior high kids. Plus a lot of those kids already have iPods. Heck, we don’t even know if as a phone it is Blackberry quality or very good. Other than the “chic” factor –which the iPhone clearly has- why would anyone other than an Apple aficionado run out to buy one?

Are you putting your money where your mouth is and buying Apple put options? Timing is good with the Google buyout rumor rolling around...

And for those of you who can't tell the difference in UI implementation, you'll be satisfied with the inevitable knock-offs. Here's one, already:

http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/20/keepin-it-real-fake-part-lx-iphone-clone-on-video/

Marketing? I'm not an Apple user, but am a music afficianado and I simply couldn't understand why anyone would want an Ipod (or any MP3 player) a few years ago. That didn't stop me from purchasing Apple stock however once I saw what a cash cow it was. I didn't hold a position in Apple the day the Iphone was announced, and I immediately jumped back in. I don't really know squat about devices like these, and Hal is absolutely spot on about the corporate environment, but I also think the Iphone is going to be HUGE regardless of the technology limitations (that can be corrected over time). In this case, I'm betting that "cool" beats technology hands down (and I'm a computer geek)!

drivel?

Well, I'm sure you know more about the industry, and more importantly, the content side of things that will drive these devices than I do. Best of luck with designing your next killer app/device/whatever.

Zune. Yeah...go MS! They rock!

Tech, the question as I read it, is the upcoming iPhone going to be a success? To phrase my answer differently, I think it will be a moderate sales unit success because of lack of 3G and corporate oriented API's. I also think it will get rave reviews and possibly break some new technology ground. Maybe they have found a way to over come, for example, the issue of no tactic feedback from a touch screen when typing????

Is it going to make me go buy stock in Apple? Nope. :D

Seriously, I don't see it. I keep hearing that Apple has so super IP, but I can't find it (haven't seen it). Multi-touch? . .is that "new" (patentable) because that 20+y/o idea hasn't been put into a phone until recent? Seriously, I don't get it. I can understand what Dr no is saying "it's the implementation" that people like. But that's GUI, not hardware.

Pelicans: No one gives a crap about EDGE or 3G or any of that stuff, no one understands it, its still voodoo. The average consumer does however understand WiFi, its in every coffee shop, library, and business from coast to coast. Those of us on the left coast are privileged to have it almost everywhere for free. I think you're going to see these closed technologies fail in favor of open standards and networks, the iPhone will only serve to lead the way, something Apple is very very good at doing.

I wouldn't either....now :)

ps: But I'm not selling either...I think Apple is gonna hit a grand slam (again).

I agree...

Mat, think of EDGE as the old days where you used a modem and dialed up to the Internet. 3G is like DSL / cable.

WiFi will certainly help overcome most of the multimedia issues I voiced earlier. However, it is yet to be seen if the phone will make it to market with WiFi. AT&T/Cingular has a history of crippling that feature on phones that would otherwise have it.

I would be suprised if Steve Jobs would let AT&T grab him by the balls. If he's not going to let the RIAA and the record companies lead him around by the nose, I doubt he'll let the telco's do it.

and Apple has a history of getting other industries to change the way they do things (think music and movies/tv).

More power to him. I'd love it!

With regard to WiFi, keep in mind a couple of things. First the coffee shop is paying for that "free" bandwidth Mat mentioned. Second, studies have shown that where a user has both WiFi and 3G on their phone, they seldom use the WiFi. Third, cellular revenues are rapidly moving towards dependence on data plans. And fourth, as much sense as off loading to free WiFi makes for the cellular carriers, they view it as competition and will fight to keep WiFi off their devices. That is why I buy international phones from places like Expansys and Mad Monkey Boy so I can have both data paths.

I was thinking about getting one, as the old i870 is wearing, but I don't want to be the 1st on the block to make a 6 bill boo-boo, but then I saw it doesn't have a camera, and with my work, I really use that feature, and for fun too. Just think Joe, I would have so many less pix to post without my phone:rolleyes:

hmmm, I thought Most non-geeks are simply talking (not texting) with the phone.

No doubt the iphone will have all sorts of geek methods available.

sorry grandpa, you're out of touch ;)

Around here children text. Adults e-mail and speak. If not for the "recording" and searching inherent in e-mail we would only speak.

I don't know a single person that texts for professional (non recreation/personal) reasons.

I imagine working at a University would skew ones sense of things "adult" :D.

A friend of mine owns a big construction supply business. He only texts. It allows more mobility. Personally, I hate texting.

About the iPhone... My understanding is that the iPhone if fully WiFi capable, but you have to buy the EDGE package from ATT to unlock that functionality.

I can see it's usefulness in some areas and I'll admit very limited exposure myself.

For instance I like the idea of sending text to phone from my computer but actually typing it in on a silly little phone? Yea, not so much.

Are "texts" searchable? Can I track-back an exchange?

To further prove I am stone age, I don't IM either but I have lamented a stand alone in-house application for such. I just don't like the idea of everyone having an excuse to IM their friends on Yahoo or whatever all day. But having an electronic "Post-it" on their desk without having to check e-mail is nice.

Texting and IM-ing allow attendees to make snide side comments in business meetings.

Couldn't live without it. I text my sales guys several times a week, and some personal contacts who are in jobs where there are periods they can't be interrupted/and or have noisy environments.

I know some folks who claim they won't get an iPhone because it doesn't have a QWERTY keyboard. We'll see. The apps Google is planning to add and the games Nintendo is promising to add will change some folks' minds.

like I said, some of you guys are dinosaurs. Not that there's anything wrong with that. :) But you have a very narrow view of technology applications. Don't worry though...you're not alone.

Each medium has its ideal applications, but one of the things that never fails is the users ability to use a technology for something that it was never intended to do.

My question was sincere, can you track back cell phone text messages? Can I look up what someone told me three days ago?

At the races, when it is too loud to talk, I have text, also at PCA board meetings, I have been known to sent text to have someone bring me beer http://www.pelicanparts.com/support/smileys/wat6.gif

depends on your phone, but generally yes. I have texts stored from months ago. You can't search, but they are short and not like email. But look for next generation devices to have global search of various content stores.

Yes. Texts are archived.

It includes a 2.0 megapixel camera per the tech specs on the Apple web site.

Im waiting. I travel 100% of the time with my work and I've been waiting for a single device to replace my personal non-work laptop, phone, and iPod with a single device. I really think the iPhone is the right device, but I want to talk to someone that has actually used one for several months in and out of airports, rental cars, and hotels or at least to someone thats dropped one on the ground a couple of times before I buy in.

I will absolutely fear the driving public a lot more after 6/29. The first time I see a guy driving with an iPhone in his hand Im pulling off the road. I know computer savvy people that just cant handle simple navigation tasks from within the Mac OS. I don't know a single person that I trust to be able to shuffle through itunes, read text or email messages, and talk on the phone while driving.

-no swappable battery. (no user access)

Out of juice? --start looking for an electrical socket. ...did you remember to tote your cords and adaptors?

If it needs a new battery, you have to send it in. ~$150

I like having a spare (swappable) battery ... especially when traveling.
I suppose this is more "Apple, changing the way we do things." :rolleyes:

Out of juice? Did you remember to bring your spare battery?

Just don't buy it. And you won't. So there ya go...

I have never carried a spare battery for any phone or device (or laptop for that matter). I use either a car or wall charger if I travel. I realize that is heresey or might even be apocolyptic, but hey, I'm into living dangerously.

The only thing I carry spare batteries for are cameras or audio recorders on location.

Interesting, no testers have said that the battery life is more than 5 hours. But every news outlets proclaims: "Apple is reporting that the battery life of the iPhone is 8 hours".

Yep, you'll need one of these:

http://www.socketmobile.com/images/4...AC4009-614.gif

Why carry spare batteries for the cameras or audio recorders on location. . .but not for the phone? Don't they have car or wall chargers avialble? ...or do you not use the phone on location? :p

I'm just saying, using the iPod battery model for a phone is stupid. (unless leveraging Mac zealots with planned obsolecence is the goal ..then it's a smart business move... in a Mr Burns sort of way.)

because I can live without getting a call from some ranting engineer, but I can't afford to miss a shot on location ;)

It should charge off of the USB port or off of whatever it plugs into the computer with, no? FWIW, I've never carried spare batteries and I don't know anyone that does either.

:D aahhh ... what about a TM from a ranting engineer? You know you want those.

only if she's hot

+1 on the usb port. I charge my phone off my laptop.