Computerworld: iPhone to suffer Newton's fate
David Haskin of Computerworld is convinced that the iPhone will be the same disappointing failure that was the Newton:
"
Apple seems to be repeating the [Newton] cycle again with iPhone, developing what is undoubtedly an advanced product with a remarkable interface and overcharging for it...Besides overcharging for iPhone, Apple faces significant competition, something it didn't face in 1993 when it launched Newton."
Actually, David points out the crucial difference without even trying: People know what a mobile phone is. When the Newton was initially released, the concept of a "PDA" didn't really exist. For a large part of the population, the Newton seemed like some sort of Star Trek device that couldn't possibly have a place in their lives. It was foreign and seemed complicated.
On the contrary, everyone knows what a mobile phone is, those who don't own one have at least used one and I would bet that a great number of people would love to have a phone that does its job simply, beautifully and efficiently.
[Via MacDailyNews]
