iPhone Debut...Will It Change the World?

So much has already been written about the retail release of the Apple iPhone, it seemed superfluous for us to add our observations. And for those consumers interested in purchasing the product, most have decided to do so for emotional reasons, rather than utilitarian ones.

Granted, the iPhone is a slick device...exactly what one should expect from Apple. The early adopters have a brotherhood of sorts with Apple, and price is rarely an issue. The features list is more than adequate, and more should be added in time. But, understand that this is a device for individuals, not corporate users. Blackberrys and Treos still rule that area, and with other manufacturers touting models with similar features and at lower prices, the cellphone/MP3 player/camera/Wi-Fi/push-mail device is becoming widely available.

Since we review smartphones on a regular basis, one of the criteria we use for evaluation is the carrier network. In the case of the iPhone, its carrier is AT&T. And as a data network, it lags far behind Verizon and Sprint in speed. With a two-year agreement required for the iPhone purchase and activation, the user experience for an iPhone user who travels frequently will most likely be a negative one. And with the announcement of the rate plans beginning at $60 (USD) per month for 450 minutes with unlimited data, most subscribers will end up paying more for overage.

Budget buyers will opt for the 4GB version at $499; the 8GB lists for $599. Perhaps a 32-inch HDTV would be a better choice for an entertainment device at that price, but harder to carry around.

One announcement that may truly change the world is the iPlayer being released on the same day as the iPhone. The iPlayer is brought to you by none other than the BBC. This is a video on demand (VOD) device for your PC, and will allow BBC programs to be downloaded within seven days of their original broadcast, and viewed for 30 days before expiring.