I Want the iPhone Minus the Phone 


 


 
by Herman Blume

The iPhone is everything I have been waiting for in a portable device (email, chat, internet, photos, music, camera); however, the thing I am least excited about is the cell phone feature.
 
Since watching the keynote address at MacWorld, I was dazzled by the iPhone’s elegance and apparent ease of use.  As a Mac user, there has not yet been a portable device that mirrors OS X.  After the presentation, I thought, it is time to finally replace my 3rd Generation iPod and upgrade to the iPhone in June.  I am thrilled by the prospect of being able to have OS X in my pocket.
 
Here is what troubles me.  I find myself using a traditional phone less and less.  All I really need is an internet connection, and I can communicate just fine with the entire world.  I basically use Skype for calls, iChat for IMs, email for everything else.  Who really needs a separate “phone line” any more...just get me on the internet.
 
Finally to top things off, the last thing I want is Cingular/AT&T involved.  I would really prefer to simply pay full price for the device, and not get locked into a two year plan with any company.  Wi-Fi is becoming more and more easily accessible.  I would be happy having an iPhone without any cellular service.  I do not want to pay €100/month (who knows how much it will really cost) to use this great new device.  
 
Spare me the baggage.
  

Posted: Thu - February 22, 2007 at 10:23 AM        

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