At first I asked my self if people are really going to show up at 6am, then I think back to what I would have done for a smart phone from VZW, and if there was any danger I would miss out on available stock...I might just bite. I hope you all get what you are looking for, because if you are still with VZW, you are clearly a loyal customer, and deserve a little VZW love thrown your way.

Also, I hope that it rocks because Apple might benefit from some competition in the smart phone department going forward.

Bill,

I agree with everything you said, but I still have to ask, whats the point of this phone if there is no content behind it. I have owned the Treo and Blackberry, and while they were both good phones, getting pics and video (especially video) onto the phone always seems to involve pulling teeth. iTunes removes all this, making it easy to download video content that can utilize the larger screen. Without a content resource like iTunes that streamlines the content component I don't see how this phone can compete against the iPhone.

Also, it would all be so simple if AT&T didn't get slammed by consumer reports, and they had better international data roaming packages. Its $60 for 50Mb -- with all the fuss over Rodgers, you would think Apple would take issues with that even stingier data bundle.

Cell phone life always seems to be about compromise...

My 2 Cents

I am not going to touch the innovative part of this string, just ask a simple question.

Can anyone name another smart-phone that can easily
-- play music (especially from iTunes)
-- play video (that does not need to be converted)
-- has a readily available source of music and video that can be downloaded
-- has GPS
-- has a bevy of third party peripherals
-- has a decent interface
-- has a decent web browser

Will be interested in the responses.

BTW my 2 cents: If Verizon had the iPhone with their network quality, they would have cleaned up. I think AT&T is now on or near par, but the in-network calling is still a strong draw as most of my friends / family have VZW.

I agree. I have an older 360, and it works just fine. Even did the update on it just in time. Sure VR would be great to have but I can wait a few years for them to sell at $350 with rebate.

I would not say never.

Apple rose from the ashes, and they were in pretty bad shape, though it can be argued that always retained a loyal fan base - mostly artsy graphics types. Palm on the other hand has succeeded in alienating even their most loyal of customers - including me. The Treo 650 was a nightmare until they offered an update. After my 650 experience you could not have paid me to own a 700.

Honestly I would not want to be tasked with getting Palm back on its feet with Blackberry beating Palm from one side and Apple the other. I hope Palm can pull it off, but they will need to come out with one heck of a phone - without iTunes (I say this b/c palm is sort of a business / pleasure x-over), better exchange / email support, and updated software they are DOA in my books.

Good Luck Palm.

International Roaming

We have not learned much about the iPhone's use over seas. Will Apple be offering the same options as found on iPhone 1.0

Amen. I switched from Canon to Nikon when I when digital, and don't have any regrets. About the only complaint I have is that I wish Nikon would provide a decent lens to compete with the Canon 100-400 - the 80-400 just doesn't cut it. My 70-200 f/2.8 with a 1.7x TC (119 - 340)is not a bad option but something with a bit more range would be nice

Don't get me wrong, I love Garmin's products, but I just checked out their website, and I count 32 Nuvi type looking GPS devices. I know that some are geographic specific, but that seems excessive. I guess they have something for everyone....

@ Anton,

Its an OS article expect comparisons.

@ John Doe,

Why them do I have to reformat the HD and load a fresh copy of windows every time I buy a new PC?

This might actually be a good thing. As companies chug along doing what they want to, instead of listening to what the consumer desires, innovators come up with solutions.

Perhaps this is why Apple's market share is projected to be 20% by 2012. Personally, having just bought my first Mac, after 10 or 15 PC's (in a row) I think the 20% number is short of the mark.... No bloat wear, 3 minute setup time, and bundled software that works - what a concept!