davesmall

Is AT&T the iPhone's Weakest Link?

Obviously we consumers would much rather have a phone that uses VOIP over WiFi (at Skype like rates) as the first option with the cell phone network used only as a second option when WiFi isn't available. Getting an unlocked phone would be even better. So would the availability of prepaid phones with no requirement for a contract of any kind with AT&T or any other provider.

That's what I'd really like but I think it's unrealistic. Apple needed a strong committment from a major cell phone network provider to get the kind of product launch we're seeing. That would have been impossible if the cell phone was just a secondary service.

WiMax is only a couple of years away from wide availability. When that happens it would be possible to offer one of these without an AT&T in the mix. A couple of years also happens to be the length of thei exclusivity.

I'd bet that Steve Jobs is already becoming unhappy with AT&T. They didn't buy enough phones for the launch (most stores sold out in the first hour). They didn't get it right on authorization and startup of phone service. Their ads aren't very good.

Will he like them even less two years from now? I think that's likely to be the case.

Apple's iPhone Buzz: YouTube Accessible, Should Businesses Reject It?

Very familiar scenario Carl.

First they tried to protect their IBM Mainframe turf against the Mini Computer invasion by DEC, HP, Prime, Wang, etc.

When they lost that one they then embraced mini-computers and tried to fight off the PC invasion.

Since they lost that battle they've been trying their best to control every aspect of the user's desktop -- what apps he can run, what internet sites he can access, what type of computer and OS he can have, etc. etc. Of course, they're also losing that battle.

Now they've embraced the Blackberry as the IT Department approved Smartphone. They're circling the wagons once again to fight off the iPhone. Predictable results.

Big IT Departments have never been about nurturing or enabling the best technology. It's all about turf and who's in control with them.

Verizon Delusional On iPhone Impact

Remember that Apple firs offered the iPhone to Verizon on an exclusive basis. They only approached AT&T after being turned down by Verizon because Verizon was unwilling to meet Apple's terms.

That decision by Verizon probably goes down in the history books right alongside Ford's decision to build the Edsel.

iPhone Earnings Could Push Apple Above $200/Share

sjofi76 wrote: "For Apple to sell 33m iPhones, the price must come down from $500-$600. That sort of volume needs a phone in $250 price range, as well as having multiple operators in each market to sell it. Also, the subscription fee can't be at $100/month."

I really think you're wrong. You're thinking that this device is only a phone.

I certainly would not pay $500-$600 for a cell phone.

But I would pay $200 to $300 for a cell phone that was easy to use. All the cell phones I've ever owned were impossible to use unless you kept a copy of the owner's manual in your hip pocket. That's especially true for internet features.

And I would pay another $200 or so if the phone was also an iPod. That would enable me to carry one less device.

And I would pay another $300 or $400 if the device could also surf the web and send/receive emails. Keeping up with stock quotes and staying on top of business would be worth at least that much.

So I don't the price of the device is a show stopper.

The other shoe has yet to drop and that will be AT&T's pricing monthly usage. That's what could kill the iPhone (or boost if they don't get greedy.

iPhone: Apple Making All the Wrong Moves

Saying that folks will be able to get an iPhone equivalent from other suppliers is like saying that you don't need to buy a BMW because you can get the same thing from KIA for less money. That dog won't hunt Todd. That dog can't even sniff.