@FallenArms3

The question wasn't "what is the value of having a case?". We all know the answer to that. The question is why cover up such a beautiful device? I agree with FallenArms3 - never see an iPhone without a case. By the time you add the case you lose the design and you make the phone freaking huge. Which, BTW, is totally fine. It's just that when you go around spouting off how gorgeous and thin your phone is the message is a little inconsistent.

Everything comes down to price. I can see this phone as being a huge hit in the $50-100 price range. Most people don't want to add apps and do crazy things. They just want a simple to use phone.

With that in mind, I think they missed the boat by not including a physical keypad for dialing. That is really a must for most dumbphones.

@mrqs

Agreed - does not seem practical in any sense.

@garydahlsoldyouarockfor395

It was supposed to run an OS that wasn't even in existence at the time of it's release?

@Sarig

They should have had a follow-up question asking those that liked the capacitive screen to explain the differences between that and resistive. My guess - 10% of the folks actually know what capacitive has to offer vs resistive.

I use both on a regular basis. Each has it strengths and weaknesses. A post like this serves no purpose other than to start folks arguing back and forth about Apple vs WinMo.

B&N really flubbed this. All that positive press and good will is shot when people don't get these in time for Christmas gifts.

Good news. Just delayed. They really need to get these out to the market at a reasonable price.

I guess at the end of the day I'm stuck with "why"? Was there some clamoring behind the scenes with how names were treated on the blog? I come to this blog several times a day, read virtually every comment, and I can't recall a single person complaining about what names you capitalize and what names you don't. Sure - it may have happened but that seriously should be pretty far down the list of things to improve.

The fact that you are applying this style guide can be construed as favoritism, even if that isn't your intent. Despite my snarky comments about Apple from time to time, I do believe that you try to report things in a fair and balanced way. But when you introduce guidelines like this you open yourself up to criticism. This is especially true when you carve out special rules for iPods and iPhones and don't offer the same courtesy to other manufacturers.

Just use the names that are provided by the manufacturer. If there is inconsistency then go ahead and revert back to your style guide. Doing this will keep DROID fans happy!

@Chris Ziegler

If I understand the DROID correctly, the manufacturer is Motorola and the seller is Verizon. The fact that Google calls it Droid shouldn't carry any weight. Google is free to weigh in how people write "Android" but they don't have free reign over any device with their software on it.

I could totally be wrong but I have yet to see where Verizon or Motorola have used Droid. It's always DROID. Of course, you guys see much more than I do so maybe that exists.

@Chris Ziegler

Not sure I understand. My opinion is not valid because I like WinMo 6.5 or you can't take me seriously because I did not follow Engadget's style guide recommendations for Windows Mobile?

In any event, my comment was in agreement with byanelli. The third rule seems very odd. Why can an iPhone be called an iPhone but a ASUSTek is now Asustek? Why not use the name provided by the manufacturer? If there is ambiguity on the part of the manufacturer then sure, revert to your new style rules. Otherwise let companies brand their products as they see fit.

I can't even imagine the crap storm that would fly if you did to the iPhone (iphone or Iphone or IPHONE) what you are doing to ASUS. Point 3 is all about your subjective opinion about what "looks" right. Why is ASUSTek any funkier than iPhone? I'll grant you that noobs may not be familiar with ASUS but that hardly seems like a justification for diluting their brand.