Hype-steria!! iPhone Arrives!!
Back on January 9, 2007, shortly after the debut of the iPhone by Steve Jobs at Macworld, I made the bold and prophetic prediction that the iPhone would turn out to be a phenomenal success. It would appear that we are now on track for those predicitions to ring true (pardon the pun). As I stated then, and continue to say now, it is really a no-brainer once you take the time to look closely at the device and it's features. I find it somewhat amusing that much of the hype surrounding the iPhone is generated by the nay sayers, those who seem to think that iPhone is destined to fail. I will concede one point, even though the iPhone will be a phenomenal success in terms of launch and initial sales, it is possible that the first version device could suffer from a few problems, namely issues associated with the partnership with AT&T.
It would appear from everything that I have read that both Apple and AT&T have faithfully performed extensive testing of this product before launch. It has been reported that AT&T has spent millions of dollars upgrading their EDGE network for the sole purpose of greater performance for the iPhone launch. Apple has conducted in-the-field testing and based on those results have redesigned the ear piece for greater audio clarity and have changed the face of the phone from a clear plastic screen to optical glass to resist scratching. However, the chief criticism of the iPhone that has the most merit in my opinion is the fact that it is connected to the older EDGE network which is slower than the newer 3G networks or the EV-DO networks offered by Verizon. iPhone makes up for this by offering WiFi support which means it will work great at home, but probably not as good on the road.
We shall soon know just how successful iPhone turns out to be. The reports, articles, and blogs will start rolling in like a river after just a few days of actual use by consumers. I predict much of the ballyhoo about the soft keyboard and battery life issues will in fact turn out to be non-issues. A lot of folks are afraid to jump into the "first-version-waters" of this device and feel that the price is too high. It is expensive from the perspective of initial cash outlay. But, it is actually cheaper than if you were buying a cell phone, an iPod Nano, and a 2 mega pixel digital camera individually; and I think that is the way you have to ultimately look at it. You are buying one device that does three distinct things. Being a Mac user I have full confidence and respect for just about all of Apple's incredible products, but I admit I am a bit concerned about AT&T's involvement and how well they will live up to their end of the partnership - their track record isn't as stellar in my opinion, but I am encouraged by some of the things they have done so far. The ultimate question is, "are you going to get one now or wait? Or just keep your old standby phone that you've grown accustomed to over the years? One thing is for sure, the second version will surely be better and maybe even less expensive; as is the trend with all tech gadgets. As for me....I am definitely going to buy. Sure it makes sense to wait, but being the geek loving gadget freak that I am, I just don't know if I have that kind of willpower.
The Ultimate Version
Magical Maestro Now A Corny Concerto
Note: The original cartoon, Magical Maestro, has been deleted from the You Tube servers - so here is another classic to enjoy in it's place.