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Paul K, Alamo, CA — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 03:36:49 GMT

I think we have to remember that Apple is like Microsoft in that they learn from the 1st versions (often trial balloons) and improve. They have until June to resolve many of the obvious software flaws (Exchange support, and MS Office readers are two examples) and have longer to make it possible to download trusted apps (which will be a killer issue). They also can rely on a lot of known components (their own OS, many of their own apps), just as iPod relied on hardware and software from a 3rd party to do the tricky stuff. I am assuming iPhone is also using someone else's phone stack, so Apple can just focus on the user interface and toy apps, that they are so famous for. Apple can rely on their pool of unwashed masses who will buy anything they make, no matter how bad (remember Newton), and then have some time to fix the problems so they have something which will sell to more people. What is interesting is that they have tried to address a number of the main usability issues of phones and PDAs without the normal form factor problem. But, whether people will accept a touch screen keyboard remains to be seen - these have not done well for tablets or other device, even when finger touch. The problem is lack of tactile feedback (the feel of the button). Even Razr has that feedback. I am surprised no one raises that point.

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Howlin' Hobbit, Seattle, WA — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 03:37:02 GMT

Re: The librarian and the watchlist. Two posts later she retracted it. http://janellen.blogspot.com/2007/01/dangerous-libraries-part-ii-apology.html Interesting raves in the comments section of the first post though.

This is what iClicked

John McCormick . Largo Fl — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 06:57:09 GMT

Microsoft is still the best of all systems {hey apple how are the 10% of good PC games going} or did they finally release half-life to the apple. OR...Go xbox 360 and dominate the videogame world. where is your video game APPLE... anyway, enjoy life Will and I love your writing...

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Randall K. — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 07:51:09 GMT

Will asked: "Have you (I'm talking to Windows users now) ever gone to the Apple store and tried one of their cool-looking computers and immediately walked away when you realized everything on it was foreign?" No, anytime I go into the Apple store I feel like I've been transported to a magical land where computers are the most beautiful things in the world... then I go away depressed knowing that my dismal, boring, Windows PC is at home waiting for me.

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Jeff B. Portland, OR — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 08:34:38 GMT

Personally, I would have been impressed if Jobs introduced a phone. You know, one that could actually make clear calls, no drops, decent speaker phone, loud ringer. With as long as cell "phones" have been on the market, the call quality and aspects of a phone have not really gotten any better. I don't want it to have an MP3 player or a camera or an email client. Just a phone would be nice. A quality mobile phone.

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Craig W, Rochester, MN — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 14:37:08 GMT

I wonder if the samurai sword man was Hiro, from "Heroes". I hope we see an upcoming episode where he transports himself to England.

This is what iClicked

Charles Allen, Wilmington, DE — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 15:12:15 GMT

I would like to add to Jeff B's comments. It used to be that something, like a phone, would get cheaper as time goes on, through economy of scale. Now, the features increase and the price rises. All I want is a phone. A simple phone with a reasonable payment plan would be nice. No, I don't have a cell phone. I didn't have one growing up, and I survived. I learned to go to the super market and make selections without phoning for advise. I learned to get along without "keeping in touch" with everbody, all the time. When you hear me speak in public, it could actually be to you. When cell phones cost the same as my land line, I'll happily drop the land line and use a cell. Otherwise, I am willing to be living proof of life without a cell phone. Yes, they are handy, but No, they are not essential.

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John R., Barre, Vermont — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 21:36:33 GMT

About 6 years ago, I was ready to drop my landline and go strictly cell... At the time, I could have two cells (one for me and one for the wifey) for about $15.00 more per month that just the landline alone. They were a great deal. Alas, my only available internet access was dial-up at the time, but I swore as soon as I could get cable, the landline was gone. After about a year or so, I noticed that my cell rates kept going up. To counter the problem, I would switch providers for a new, better rate and, inevitably, a "better phone." Yes, the phones got smaller and the special features increased, but everything else about them sucked - they easily broke, they were hard to dial, you couldn't hold them between your shoulder and ear, and the sound quality kept getting worse (not to mention the plan prices kept getting higher and higher, even with the new special offers). 18 months ago, cable internet finally became available on my street in my little town of 10,000 folks. I thought, gee, I can finally ditch my landline and just go with the trusty old cell... After all, I had long distance included with my cell plan, who needs anything else? HA! Then I discovered VOIP... For less than $30 per month, I have unlimited, unlimited calling, no dropped calls, excellent sound quality and all of the other features that you normally find with any telephone provider (only better). I dumped my cell phones and my landline - net savings to me: $150 a month. Even with the cost of the cable internet ($30 more than the dial-up), I'm still saving $120 a month. The moral of the story, unless you're a high power attorney, stockbroker, etc. - who needs a damned cell phone anymore?

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Graham Oliver, Edmonton, Canada — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 02:12:18 GMT

"Otherwise, I am willing to be living proof of life without a cell phone. Yes, they are handy, but No, they are not essential." Of course they're not essential. But neither are answering machines, call display, and cordless phones. I resisted getting a mobile for years. I finally caved and never regretted it. The convenience is unbelievable. I use it 2 or 3 times a week. No more hunting for a phone booth and then having to dig for change. I'm not one for constantly blathering on the phone. My calls typically last less than a minute. You don't have to be one of these geeks that seem to have their phone "surgically attached" to their ear.

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LV — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 02:25:32 GMT

I switched from Windows to Apple last year and have had no trouble learning the system. And, in the 15 months I've had my Mac, it has crashed.....never. Not once. It's not perfect; nothing is. But I like it so much better than my old Dells.

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iowa city, ia — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 14:44:33 GMT

I always enjoy people bringing up the Newton as proof of apple's lack of vision. They were ahead of their time. Ever hear of a palm pilot? Microsoft, on the other hand, just plays catch up waiting for other people to think of things and then either steals them or buys out the company. Oh, wait. They did come up with "BOB", so I stand corrected. If a company like Apple is always out there defining cutting edge technology, then sure they are bound to miss on a few things... like the Newton. As far as the phone, I think they are really cool. But I won't be getting one any time soon. I just don't need one or I would. I could see forking out the dough on the front end, especially when a second generation comes out with more memory. But I can't very well justify the HUGE monthly expense of operating one. But there are millions of people who either need this technology, or are just willing to pay for it because it is pretty darn cool. My family has four cel phones and no land line, btw. We had a land line, but when we moved the screwed up moving our service and when we contacted them it was going to be another 2 weeks and $60 to move it. We told them that while they were screwing around we realized that we did not need their service and could keep it. I have 16 year old twins and it is worth a lot for me to be able to get hold of them anytime, and know they can call me if they need me.

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J. L. Anderson, Spokane, Wash — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 20:10:33 GMT

Just wanted to comment on your observation that building your own computer looked "easy". Although the instructions from Corsair are very explicit, many of the parts (memory sticks, case, etc.) are outdated and no longer available and being able to substitute amd maintain compatibility is definitely not for amateurs. You could end up spending well over $1,000 and not have a working PC.