iSpeak iPhone

Over the last few weeks, I have consciously avoided writing the seemingly mandatory iPhone article, but I have been asked several times if the iPhone is worth purchasing. I think that Apple produces many innovative and quality products, but I just didn’t want to actively encourage my readers to purchase this phone. At least not this iPhone.
I can easily see a future where many of the phones on the market have the prominent features of the iPhone. So the question could be asked and has been asked why not buy an iPhone now. The answer can be found in the three unspoken rules of technology. The first is that, unless it is absolutely necessary you don’t buy the newest tech item. The rationale is that the first run of a tech item is usually laden with bugs and compatibility issues. This is regardless of how shiny the package appears. Unfortunately, many new iPhone users have experienced technical difficulties already. Some within hours of purchasing the phone.
The second rule is the price of new technology normally drops in about six months. This holds true in many cases. The third rule is that if the technology is truly innovative, it will be a short time before others in the market duplicate the innovative features. This is necessary just for other companies to remain competitive.
Based on these three rules, here are the specific reasons why not to buy an iPhone now. The first is the price. $600 is too much to pay for a phone that is unproven and is better at almost everything except making a call. Also, in keeping with rule number two there are rumors swirling that Apple is planning to release the next iPhone in September. This rumored new phone would most likely be smaller and cheaper. Think the iPhone version of the iPod Nano. The timing of it would make sense as far as having them available in stores for the holidays.
Another reason to avoid buying the iPhone is that you would be locked into a two year contract with Cingular/AT&T regardless of how your iPhone operated. However, there has been a recent development in that area. An open source or free to use program called iAsign has been released to partially unlock iPhones. What this means is that using iAsign, you can purchase an iPhone and use the sims card from a prepaid Cingular or AT&T phone to make calls. Your have the full functionality of the phone without the 24 month contract.
The final reason not to buy the iPhone now is because it is not the only game in town. There are other phones like the NEO1973 that have the same touch interface as the iPhone, but for less money. The basic phones will be comparable in price to smartphones already on the market. The programs on the phone are open source so you can download programs free of charge.