I had expected an announcement at some time for a Video iPod, and a separate announcement for an iPhone which would resemble something more like an iPhone Nano - much more basic in function than the iPhone which Apple introduced at the 2007 MacWorld Expo.

In a few words, the iPhone completely blew me away. It is an amazing unit that in many respects makes the current competing units look pretty barbaric by comparison. But I don't think that the iPhone is the end all either. Outlined below are some of my Pro's and Con's on the upcoming device.

PRO's:

* The iPhone is an amazing unit.
* Fluid design and integration of functions
* Beautiful design and display.
* Very well thought out features.
* Spectacular execution of features.
* Volume slider on the side is a great idea, I wish my Nano had one.
* Answer/disconnect switch built into the headphones is a great idea, I wish my Nano had this for Play/Pause.


CON's

* This unit is aimed at the very high end consumer market which has a limited audience. I think they may come out with an 'iPhone Nano' type device at a later time which would be smaller, with less features at a lower price point which would make it more accessible to a larger market. The iPhone can wow them and then the iPod Nano can close the deal for those of use who cringe at the thought of paying $600 for a phone, even if it is an iPhone.
* The lack of support for Exchange and Notes serves, a la Blackberry, pretty much excludes the iPhone from serious consideration by Corporate America.
* The lack of support for a Word and Excel viewer also pretty much excludes the iPhone from serious consideration by Corporate America.
* No voice recognition! I can't believe nobody else seems to be talking about this. While the implementation of the virtual keyboard looks pretty good to me, I would much rather talk to an iPhone if in a situation where that wouldn't be disruptive. Rather than scrolling down a list of music just say "Stone Temple Pilots", or say "Call John Smith" instead of poking around to find that contact. Similarly, for emails, SMS's, etc. Wouldn't it be much easier and faster to say your message rather than hunt and peck it out on a non-tactile keyboard? Who knows, maybe this will happen and it just wasn't ready for the demo but I would consider it essential for this device if it were to win me as a buyer.
* No user replaceble battery. Boo, this just isn't good.
* No user installed applications, ouch. This slams not only the users, but the Mac Developer community. Bad move and I hope Apple gives serious consideration to opening it up.



It is going to be interesting to see how the iPhone plays out in hands on reviews in the months to come, and whether or not Apple releases other phones to accompany the iPhone.

-MacSeven


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