F. J. Taylor

Does RIM See The Gap in iPhone’s Defenses?

Don't know what this author has been smoking - maybe too much Crackberry weed...

I loved Verizon too, and had been with them since the Airtouch days. I would have stayed with them if they had the iPhone. However, I recently switched to AT&T to get my iPhone, and guess what? The service is fine - and I live in a remote coastal / rural area, where my Verizon service is spotty. I also bought my daughter one (she is in Arcata, CA, an area even more notorious for poor reception!), and it works just fine. My son was the first to get one in our family, so no need to get him one! And both switched to Macs after years as Windows users, as has my brother [who also has just switched from Verizon and gotten an iPhone], so we are just one big happy Mac family now! When my wife's contract runs out, I am getting her one - she can't wait!

As to the Storm - even my Crackberry addict pals think they sucked, and still do. In fact, some switched to iPhone in frustration - and are glad they did!

As to enterprise - iPhones (and Macs) are gaining by leaps and bounds, because the people in the firms - from office boys to CEOs - are getting them, and the big boys are pushing their tech to support them. My brother is an executive in one such firm, Carhartt industrial clothing, an old and respected national brand still in the same family - and their tech now supports iPhones. He is very happy with his iPhone and service.

The idea that BB's rather weak launch of the aptly named Storm (an obvious iPhone clone attempt) and an equally lame apps store (ditto), are, like most copy-cat ideas (such as the other iPhone and earlier iPod "killers"), just poor imitations of the real thing - and will likely go about as far as the Zune and other junk.

While BB was a great phone in its day, that day is over. I don't think they (or Palm) have what it takes to catch up, let alone supplant, the iPhone - and even if they do catch up, by then Apple will have released another wonder.

I am not sure where the author is getting these ideas, or coming from (unless deliberately trying to manipulate the stocks in question), but she is obviously not in touch with the real world.

(For the record, I am not only a very happy Apple product user, but am long on Apple - because I like, use and believe in their products and company, and think they have one of the best marketing programs and brand recognition in the entire industry.)

Trade Apple Like a Fool

Mr. Bass is right about the state of the market in general, and the deteriorating economy being unfavorable for any non-essentials.

I also wouldn't be surprised if Apple continues to slide during this market - but not because it is over-valued or any of the other usual reasons.

However, if it slides, it will mainly be because "the market" seems to be composed of manic-depressives who practice voodoo instead of looking at fundamentals, and because of articles slighting Apple stock, not because of any weakness in the company or products.

Obviously the market is down, and we are in a depression IMO (which, BTW, I saw coming over two years ago and cashed out of a lot of my holdings while they were high - except for half my Apple, which I kept -and so I am now playing with "house money")

However, Mikey is incorrect to state that the iPhone is a "trinket" of "jewelry" - while its usual superb Apple styling may give it that appearance, it is actually one of the most remarkable electronic devices in modern times - far from being a mere "smart-phone" or glorified MP3 player (which it is), it is the first true MID (Mobile Internet Device) - and a hell of a lot more besides. With the native apps, and the burgeoning third-party apps, it has an enormous amount of potential to become one of the greatest mind-tools ever developed.

It is truly astonishing - so much so, that even I, a long-time Apple user and booster, was amazed when I finally got my 3G recently - I knew of some of its capabilities, but was blown away when I finally got into the workings!! I don't have time to detail the device and all its capabilities here, but go to the Apple site and take the tour - or better yet, walk into an Apple or AT&T store (or your local Walmart or Best Buy) and get a demo.

I have also purchased one for my step-daughter (my step-son got one of the first ones), and am planning to get one for my wife shortly as well. I will be switching our lines to AT&T from my long-time favorite Verizon (albeit reluctantly, as I have been with them for over 12 years), and that means AT&T (and Apple) will be getting monthly income of about $125 for two years. I am not the only one I know who is doing this.

Apple has enormous potential to revolutionize the entire phone AND computer industry (they are already inspiring iPhone wannabees from all the major and many minor players) - and I believe they will.

While I agree not everyone will be able to afford one, especially now, that has always been the case with Apple products - though I personally wish everyone could have them - they are such a pleasure to use!!

And of course, these are only one product - there also are the iPods (especially the brilliant Touch, which was my "gateway drug" into iPhones), Air, the MacBook line, the iTunes music and video business, and all the marvelous hardware and software they are so justly famed for - far easier to use, superbly styled, and with killer customer service and support - and a lot more besides!

My own intention is to hold my remaining Apple stock - and buy more when I think it has hit bottom. Of course, this is only my take and strategy - everyone should think for themselves and do what you need to for your individual circumstances.

As to the economy and society in general - I hope we will all be around to see a better time and place than that which is currently shaping - but knowing people and history, I am always a bit dubious. Good luck to you all.

Crop of New Smartphones Will Compete With iPhone

Ho-hum! Yet another crop of would-be / wannabee iPhone "killers" and a writer who obviously doesn't know the field or what these devices actually are.

First, as I have said many times on these threads: iPhone is NOT a "smartphone" - it is a MID (Mobile Internet Device) - and it is the best - and so far the ONLY - one out there that is a true MID.

Second, regular wireless phones, even "smartphones" are passe for true mobile wireless internet device users, though there will doubtless always be a market, at least for the near to intermediate term. However, that market will never shop an iPhone or anything like it - because they can't afford it and generally aren't tech-savvy.

Third, my income is well below 100K, as is most of the people I personally know who already have or are planning on getting the iPhone. I don't know about you but I NEVER give my personal info to those wretches in marketing. If you do, you are just plain silly.

Fourth, Apple has the best OS and mobile OS available (OS X), and they interface beautifully - but will still work with those poor Windows users still mired in that drecky platform. As for the other abysmal "mobile platforms" being offered... the less said the better!

Fifth, I have used the touch screen. There are NO problems for the average user - even one with thick fingers who is a poor typist (like me). In fact, the intuitive nature of the app makes it even easier to type using this system - and there is nobody among the younger generation who feels the need for a physical keyboard, which just make the whole thing bigger and bulkier than it needs to be.

Sixth, I have spoken with AT&T sales personnel at our local store - which is in a small rural town in OR. They said the iPhone outsells all their other "smartphone" models by 25% - with the next closest model being their Blackberry. If that is indicative of actual sales nation-wide (which, judging by the fact that the iPhone is still flying out of stores everywhere, it is), I assume that means Main Street has already spoken.

As to the touted G1 - it is a clunky ugly duckling (though the Open Source model is one I support). However, like the Voyager and all the other "competitors", whatever their good features, they all lack the main item - Apple OS as their platform. I will not settle for less.

Channel Checks Show Blackberry Sales Not Pressured by iPhone

Help me here... iPhone has been sold out since May in all stores, and the 3G sold out in all AT&T stores and most Apple stores on Saturday...

Our nearest AT&T dealer (in a small town in Oregon) has been out since mid-day Saturday, and is now only taking special orders, as they don't expect regular stocking for 4 - 6 weeks.

I heard the same story all over the US. Neither RIMM nor any other device I know of has ever come close to a million sales in two days...

I like Blackberry - but I love iPhone. BTW, I have been with Verizon since they were Airtouch, have a family plan with four lines, and love their service - but I am going to have to switch to AT&T - because Verizon made the unbelievably stupid move of refusing Apple when they offered them the iPhone first...

As to RIMM - this article is more whistling in the dark past the graveyard at midnight. The hard-core crackberries will never give them up - but then, there is still an "Apple II Forever" programming cult - and one for Newton...

The questions raised above by posters are all good ones - and I think we shall see the results shortly.

UBS Analyst: Survey Shows 3G iPhone Poses Little Threat to BlackBerry

So many of the folks here and elsewhere on this site just don't seem to get it - listen carefully: iPhone is NOT a "smartphone" - it is the world's first mass-production hand-held mobile wireless computer, capiche?

As for the "survey" - I personally KNOW more people who are going iPhone from Blackberry, or just not buying it because of iPhone (In fact, I am one of the latter) than they even surveyed. So much for that fatally flawed survey...

A few people here made some points that would be valid in other contexts, but which seemingly don't apply to Apple - they appear to be more "Teflon" than Reagan, and as one poster pointed out, even the flaws in iPhone appear to be ignored by its large and growing fan base.
(I consider them fairly minor, but then, I am one of those guys who can change the batteries not only in their computers, but in their watches -
and I am not even the best techie in my crowd...)

As to usage of Mac vs. Windows - User 226830 - wake up and smell the coffee, man. I am a recovering DOS and Windows user, and I cans see Windows is hemorrhaging customer base at a large rate - mainly due to their self-inflicted wound of Vista, which is the best thing they ever put out - from a Mac POV, because it is driving people our way like crazy! I had an engineer buddy, an old-time bread-board days guy (even older than me!) and he told me he was switching the other day. As he said; "I waited six years for THIS????!!!!") Aren't you reading the stories from around the country and around the world about people, governments, and businesses switching from Windows to Mac or Linux? Some entire COUNTRIES in Europe are switching! A major German publisher just gave Mac an order for 12,000 computers - it is scrapping its Windows systems.

Just as iPod and iTunes took over the digital download market, and also led people to Apple and Mac, iPhone is doing the same and bound to do more. I can easily visualize a time when Apple
regains its old place - as big dog in the field. It once held 55% or more of the market.

Windows day is over, as is RIMM's. (At least RIMM produced a quality product, which is more than DOS or Windows ever was...) MS better go back to creating decent software, and forget the OS field - it is DONE!

As to Toni - you seem to be twitting some people here with your odd posts. (?) While Apple's figures are indeed not what they SHOULD be, this is due to several factors external to their worth, including the fact that some investors don't know their arse from left field about electronics, programming, etc.

There is also the fact that as you may have noticed, there has been extreme volatility in the market of late (as well there should be!), and that included tech - even profitable, well-run, and well-capitalized firms such as Apple are getting hammered along with those who deserve it. (I also think there are some people and / or groups out there who are deliberately striving to drive the price down for their own agendas...)

However, you will notice that they were above 202 not so long ago. Unless this present economic situation descends into the maelstrom (all too likely!), Apple should rise again. Of course, if things get so bad they don't - we are all in deep kimchi... except for those of us smart enough to cover our tushes with a gold disaster fund...

For those smart and lucky enough to get in at 76 as I did, and who sold part of their holdings when they were way up there (ditto) - well I made enough to more than cover my original investment, and a modest profit. I am now playing with "house money" - something I advise everyone who is investing (or gambling - same-same) to do. But I am betting that short or long term, Apple will survive and thrive. If they don't - well, I imagine some of you have seen Soylent Green - coming to a neighborhood near you soon...

And BTW, Hammertime - I understand and deeply sympathize with your position re: AT&T - thank Verizon for thumbing their nose at it - they were offered first go. I have been holding out, but am now going to hold my nose instead. (BTW, in preliminary soundings I made recently, AT&T has gotten WAY better at customer service, and extended their holdings and area coverage extensively.)

Apple Ups The Ante With 3G iPhone - But RIM's Almost Ready to Counter

Once again, with feeling; iPhone is NOT just a "smartphone" - it is the first mass-market mobile, hand-held computer - which also can be used as a phone...

But most of the people who write these things don't seem to get that - which is why Apple always leaves them (like the "competition") in the dust.

mollytjm, PK D'Cville, and some of the rest are quite right on all counts. Apple is and always has been an innovator of the best products and OS - and now the rest of the world is catching on.

Palm Girds for a Smartphone Comeback

Palm is passé. They lost me when they bought Handspring and immediately dropped Apple development, and they have gone downhill ever since. They also use Windows Mobile OS now (oy!) and have no redeeming features that I am aware of. They will be lucky to remain in business within a few years, let alone stage a come-back that could match, let alone beat, iPhone. They have as much chance of doing that as Zune did of killing iPod. (You DO remember Zune... ?)

(Writer has Apple stocks and is long on Apple - for a good reason - they are the superior OS and product!)

Smooth Sailing Ahead for Research In Motion

Mr. "dicki obviously hasn't seen or used an iPhone - and / or possibly has stock in RIMM, MS.

Both he and Mr. kandola are missing a major point (which, to be fair, many others have been missing) - iPhone is not just another "smartphone" - it is a true hand-held mobile computer - as well as a phone.

The Apple products, once people experience the ease of use and overall quality of the user experience, are far superior to any of the other products out there. Blackberry was a good unit in its time - and will remain so for a while - but it is not what the iPhone is. As for Palm, it is all but defunct - partly due to poor management decisions.

As to people looking for "technical aspects" not buying iPhone - I can only conclude from this that dicki has been living under a barrel. All the engineering and programming wonks I know are enthralled with it, and the fact that it is selling off the shelves in some very sophisticated markets (incl. Europe and Asia, before it was even officially released there) is evidence in itself of its appeal and strength. It is already No. 3 in the world (and no. 2 in the US), and that figure can only grow with its official roll-out in the European and Asian markets.

My advice to all of you (except dicki, who is obviously oblivious to reality) is buy Apple and wait for the roll.

(Disclosure: writer holds Apple shares and is long on Apple.)

Wanted, Dead or Alive: The iPhone Killer

I would like to order some of Mr. Yag is smoking. It is clearly of great potency. The notion that Windows ANYTHING is equal to, let alone superior to, Apple is such an absurd notion that it is difficult to know whether to laugh or cry. FYI, I was a DOS and later Windows user for over 15 years - and I only wish I had transitioned sooner! Even before OS X, Macs were clearly the superior machine and experience. I know many former Windows sufferers who feel the same way.

As to Voyager being an "iPhone killer" - Right! Like Zune killed the iPod, eh? I love Verizon, and dislike AT&T for a number of reasons - but I am switching as soon as iPhone 2.0 is out...

Handset OS Fragmentation is Here to Stay

While Dean has a number of good points as usual, he misses several facts - here in Europe, iPhones are flying out the door - they cannot stock enough to keep up with demand. Even in countries where it hasn't been "officially" released yet, it is selling like hotcakes. I understand from friends in Asia that the same applies there - there are even iPhone knock-offs and look-alikes appearing. (Be careful of where you purchase them!)

The iPhone already number 2 or 3 (depending on whose figures you use) among smartphones - this is only 6 months after its release, and before the release of SDK, the 3G and MS Exchange-capable, increased capacity versions, etc.

All of this indicates by any reasonable standard that the iPhone is indeed rapidly changing the face of the entire industry.

As to the overall theme of platform wars, etc, I imagine that they will continue for some time, although it is my hope that the Unix-based platforms (esp. those who have embraced Open Source) will prevail, as they are quite simply the smoothest, most stable, most secure, and best.

For me personally, Apple will remain the platform of choice for all those reasons and more. I am just waiting to get my iPhone till they intro those items I mentioned above (probably later this year) and (hopefully!) drop the locked provider deal so I can deal with a provider of my choice.

Under The Radar News - Friday

Eli, you always have things of interest, are a compendium of information and (mostly!) good ideas, and I love your columns. That said, you are way off the mark on iPhone vs. Google.

First, as Miner himself said; "That's for a device that doesn't even exist yet." He's right - it doesn't - and it may never exist. (Though I tend to think it will emerge eventually.)

I am a big believer in the Open Source movement - it has some remarkable people doing remarkable things that need to be done.

However, I don't see Android (if and when it emerges) as being even a match for iPhone, let alone a killer. The iPhone already has generated some self-proclaimed "iPhone killers" a la the iPod - but we see how far they went. (What's a "Zune" again...?)

Put simply, a hodge-podge of Open Source software for a mobile device is simply no match for the smooth, slick, well-integrated iPhone. This is all the more relevant because the Apple OS and Mac is once more a growing market share, thanks to iPod, iTunes - and especially thanks to Microsoft's Vista, which is driving even die-hard MS users away in droves - and into the arms of Apple. (I just helped yet another life-long Windows tech convert the other day!)

It's like the difference between Linux and OS X - both are Unix based, and have safer, faster, and more secure operation than Windows ever did or ever will. Both have nice GUIs (now that the interfaces on Linux have been substantially improved). But if you want to run a Unix based machine with the best GUI out there - you want a Mac!

Likewise, if you want a great mobile device designed for web-based work, and that also has a lot of terrific native software supported by the best support team out there, and that will seamlessly interface with the growing number of Macs - you get iPhone - this a no-brainer.

That said, I believe there will be a market for Android, and that it fills a much-needed gap. I also hope it spurs Apple into some much-needed reforms of the iPhone and their business model (such as being locked to one provider).

However, when I buy, it will be iPhone. (BTW, my stepson [another die-hard Windows convert!] just did - and he loves it!!!)

Apple's AT&T Deal Is Costly

I am as big an Apple fan and user as exists on the planet - even in the years they were in Coventry, I was a Mac booster. I have sold hundreds of people on them, and watched with pleasure as sales and shares eventually grew.

That said, I am not a Kool-Aid drinking Mac-aholic. Apple and Mr. Jobs have ALWAYS had a snooty attitude, control issues, and hubris that would make a Greek tragic hero blanch.

They are unapproachable as a firm, their attitude is "We know best." (even though nobody has a corner on the marketplace of ideas).

I have waited and asked for a product like the iPhone for 10 years or more, and now that they deliver it, they try to force me to join a network that I'd sooner stick pencils in my eyes than join again. (AT&T in the US, and other equally unacceptable non-choices overseas).

I posted words to this effect on the Apple website users forum, only to have it removed by the Apple equivalent of Big Brother.

I understand the above posters' points, but think the author had a few valid points as well - I am living proof, as I have sat on my hands to resist buying the product I have waited for so long until Apple either opens it up or signs on with a network I choose to do business with. (My choice is Verizon.)

Until then, there will be one iPhone unsold, no matter how many others they sell, locked or unlocked. And no, I refuse to buy a crippled unit that might well become a brick!

I also refuse to buy Leopard till they de-bug it. Even Rush Limbaugh (a long time Mac user, fan, and booster, who I have minus zero else in common with) has stated publicly his dissatisfaction with Leopard - but he will probably get more attention than I will!

I hope the other Apple users who posted here read this and think about what I am saying - I don't think even the long arm of Jobs can reach Alpha and take this post down!