Check out the comments on this short entry from my local paper regarding the iPhone line this morning. What's with all of the hate?
I don't know anyone who bought an iPhone because they wanted to look cool or feel important. I'd say half of them or more already had some kind of "smart phone" to begin with. I think the motivation for me, and the people I know, was that they wanted to carry one device that was a phone, iPod and Web thingy, and this was the first such device to really do it right. I've had mine for a year now, and it's the only phone I've ever had that I liked, and now just take it for granted as the standard.
And yeah, the guy with the ponytail and the book, that's George, one of the guys I used to work with. He recently bought a MacBook as well. I have assimilated him.
Maybe because the false sense of urgency that causes people to want to camp outside a store for hours to be "among the first" to get their hands on something they probably do not need "immediately" is pathetic and ridiculous? Especially since it is safe to say that all those people already have some form of phone, iPod, or web thingy already. It's not like they are waiting in line for fresh water rations after a hurricane.
I don't understand the hate towards the iPhone. I'm not going to judge someone else who decides to shell out the $$ to get it. This is America. People can buy whatever they desire.
I personally don't have an iPhone. I can't justify shelling out that much money to replace my phone and MP3 player because I'm already happy with what they do for me. It doesn't mean I'm hating on those who have one nor am I hating those who camp out for one, yet there are those who do the hating and judging and I find it funny. Is it class envy? Ingorance? Who knows?
I don't mind the enthusiasm either. I'm a big roller coaster and park person. My older brother is a big gamer. He doesn't understand the wife and I paying $84 to go to Morey's Piers (1500 ft walking distance from where he lives) and I don't understand why he wants to pay $60 for the Call of Duty 4 on his 360. But hey, we're happy with what we do. To each their own.
The new iPhone is very nice, but the apps are what really seem to be making the difference. For some weird reason, George can get his to pick up Exchange email and I can't. Odd. Oh well.
It's certainly a mixed blessing, you're right :)
Also, MobileMe still isn't working. From what I read, this is very un-Apple like.