Why would you want to buy this just as a media device?

The same reason you would want to buy it as a phone. Slick interface, huge touchscreen and works with iTunes. As a phone alone it isn't any better than what's available, but those features certainly give it an edge. But if those features aren't important to you, it looks to be a pretty lackluster handset.

Ok Leopard looks good.

iPhone web development = Lame
Safari for Windows = Lame
A bunch of stuff we've already seen = Lame
No new hardware = Lame

What was under the cloaked banners?
Why is the Apple Online Store down if there's nothing new?

First, this story is old news. Second, anything the government here says is pure BS, they just say it to sound like tough guys and to appease the old commie diehards. Internet cafes will keep opening either illegally or legally thanks to some "donations" to the local party bosses.

good job engadget you temporarily sent apple's shares down 1.2%!

Is it a weblogs inc. corporate policy to make sure every post has atleast one link that points uselessly back to a category instead of an actual article???

I think the biggest thing holding back it's potential for growth is having to make the provider switch. Sure there's number portability and all, but if you're already locked into a multi-year plan with a provider that isn't ATT/Cingular, then your costs are going to be what you mentioned PLUS what it takes to buy out of the contract. Not to mention the pain of switching carriers. It definitely isn't like owning a Zune and going to the store and buying a Nano to replace it.

"It's gotta be trivial at this point to buy an iTunes card from a US store when you're down loading up on beer, eh?"

Hahaha...yes indeed it is, however for us to go the the States to buy beer would be like you crossing into Mexico for the tapwater.

If this is true (until June it's anyone's guess), do any other power users out there feel pretty left out. There were zero announcements today for us. The ATV isn't very special, as all the wifi makers will have a similar device in no time, and the iPhone is aimed squarely at the consumer. Obviously Apple wants to make money, but it seems they're going to be doing so by making mainstream products meant for everyone, and getting out of niche products. Anyone else want to see whats going on with Leopard? How about some new computers?? I hate the fact that instead of having 2 different sizes of consumer notebook they only have the one 13.3 because it's more of a one size fits all option. Still no ultra portable. How about a desktop people can afford and is expandable for once? A large screen consumer laptop? Anyone else feel this way?

care to summarize it for those of us who can't do video?

so basically a leopard preview and that's it? better start shortin' them shares