iWant
In a previous post, I noted how cool the new iPhone looked but that I'd wait for a later version. Remarkably, I find myself seriously weighing the possibility of buying one now. This is new territory for me because I'm generally a late-adopter for new devices and technologies, a strategy that has generally worked well. However, the reviews of the iPhone have been largely positive and the price isn't bad if you consider it includes the price of a new iPod. See, the rationalization is even creeping into this blog entry.
Then I made startling discovery yesterday afternoon. I'm out-of-contract with Verizon wireless right now! No penalty for early dissolution. And, unlike some other bloggers out there, my account isn't tied to my wife's. Surprisingly enough, the plan rates from AT&T are actually reasonable for my usage pattern (i.e., I don't use a lot of minutes).
Here are the pros and cons:
+ I'm an Apple apologist
+ My current cellular contract is expired
+ My iPod is old (it's 3G--monochrome with a click-wheel)
+ I just earned a bunch of extra cash by teaching this summer
- I'm notoriously incapable of pulling the trigger on big purchases
- My wife is against it (that's a minor negative point)
- I need most of that extra cash for our new house
Look for an announcement in the future, but don't get your hopes up (as if you would).
Have you played with it? I fussed around with it at the Apple Store on Saturday. Really nice -- clear visuals, intuitive to use. Once the crowds have died down, go play with one.
Notwithstanding the fact that the device is amazingly great, this is one I'll wait on. I'm currently in the middle of my Verizon contract, for one thing. Eventually, I have to believe that Apple will allow the AT&T exclusivity to pass away. I also have to believe that Apple will move up to a speedier data system. Plus, as with all Apple products, succeeding generations will add content (i.e., greater storage capacity). The trick is finding the sweet spot on the content-vs-product-age curve.
I think that I will eventually end up with one of these, though. The thought of how well it would work with my Mac is enough to keep the idea on high boil.