It'd be cheaper to import unlocked ones from Italy or Australia.
Quote:
Originally Posted by sapporobabyrtrns
Maybe I did not explain correctly. They cancel the contract, but it stays active for the length of the contract. Once 2 years is over the phone is unlocked. There is no cancellation fee, or penalties. Here people flip contracts left and right. No fees, etc... Some people even go so far as to purchase a phone on contract, pay a few months at the lower subsidized fee and then pay it out to get the phone. We did this with the last ambassador that was here. We ordered 10 3G USB modems under the stipulation that we cancel when we need to. It was not a problem.
Wow. Reading the first 3 pages of this thread is like watching a skipping DVD. So many repsonses to posts that were then deleted... Heh.
Back on topic, I think Apple has a plan for their "Smartphone" and something that can be sustainable over the next few years, along with Macs. I am starting to think Apple can go reasonably alright into the next 5 years. Beyond that, I'm not sure.
Many feel we're hitting the "bottom" of this recession and 2010 will be the slow but gradual recovery year. Luckily Steve is around at least in an advisory capacity during this recession. When the next down cycle hits, he very likely won't be (not to say that he'll have passed away, just beyond 5 years Steve will have to be much, much less involved, if at all, in Apple, IMO...)
I think Apple has a plan for their "Smartphone" and something that can be sustainable over the next few years, along with Macs. I am starting to think Apple can go reasonably alright into the next 5 years. Beyond that, I'm not sure.
I agree. More specifically, Apple has a strategy for the iPhone/iPod touch as a platform. All other companies are planning what kind of phones (in terms of hardware features) they need to develop now (based on the technology trends and what kind of components they expect for the future), which price points to target and stuff like that. Apple is trying to figure out what could differentiate them in terms of software / user experience and then look what components they have on their disposal to accomplish this. The rest is tactics: is the flash essential? how many megapixels? which processor? These are less essential things for Apple and they prefer the minimalist approach. For example, a slower processor but perfectly usable software wins against max performance [for the sake of the geek crowd alone] but reduced battery life or larger size. Apple is really good at making compromises IMO.
I agree. More specifically, Apple has a strategy for the iPhone/iPod touch as a platform. All other companies are planning what kind of phones (in terms of hardware features) they need to develop now (based on the technology trends and what kind of components they expect for the future), which price points to target and stuff like that. Apple is trying to figure out what could differentiate them in terms of software / user experience and then look what components they have on their disposal to accomplish this. The rest is tactics: is the flash essential? how many megapixels? which processor? These are less essential things for Apple and they prefer the minimalist approach. For example, a slower processor but perfectly usable software wins against max performance [for the sake of the geek crowd alone] but reduced battery life or larger size. Apple is really good at making compromises IMO.
Good post. This is exactly what I think Nokia did with their N97. The geeks are screaming that it is underpowered, does not have 8 megapixels, no 3D acceleration. However, after playing with one for about 40 mins or so, I can say the phone is fast, snappy, stable, and will sell quite well. Nokia went back and tweaked the hell out of the code. They will sell the phone and realize where they can tweak it some more and do so, all the while providing great battery life and a stable user experience.
This is exactly what I think Nokia did with their N97. The geeks are screaming that it is underpowered, does not have 8 megapixels, no 3D acceleration. However, after playing with one for about 40 mins or so, I can say the phone is fast, snappy, stable, and will sell quite well. Nokia went back and tweaked the hell out of the code. They will sell the phone and realize where they can tweak it some more and do so, all the while providing great battery life and a stable user experience.
The problem for Nokia et al. is that they were heavily marketing the phone hardware. There were zillion of adds pointing out the better sound, the bigger and more colorful screen, more megapixels. Even the 3G was marketed more like a hardware feature than a usability feature. None of the Apple's adds say anything about the hardware. Some of the specs (e.g. processor type and clock speed, RAM) are difficult to find. But if/when other vendors switch their focus to the software they may have a new problem: at least initially, they will pale in comparison to the iPhone.
RIM seems the most notable exception. Palm made a great mistake stressing on performance. Their performance lead may last 2 days only The other Palm focus - multitasking - is usability related, but Apple may kill it the day they feel a real pressure for this and/or the hardware progress will make the current compromise unnecessary*. If the rumors that Apple is doubling the RAM with the next iPhone are true, Apple can introduce or announce a "background apps" feature and kill the Pre out of the gate**. They may decide that Palm is not worth the effort, though.
* for those who still don't get it: iPhone OS CAN and DOES use multitasking. I just checked my iPhone: With only one app launched there are 29 processes running in the background. I am not using the iPod feature or making a call BTW.
** Out of 128 MB ram, 40+ are free after a cold restart and this drops to 2-4 MB pretty soon. Adding another 128 MB leaves room for more apps running in the background.
The problem for Nokia et al. is that they were heavily marketing the phone hardware. There were zillion of adds pointing out the better sound, the bigger and more colorful screen, more megapixels. Even the 3G was marketed more like a hardware feature than a usability feature. None of the Apple's adds say anything about the hardware. Some of the specs (e.g. processor type and clock speed, RAM) are difficult to find. But if/when other vendors switch their focus to the software they may have a new problem: at least initially, they will pale in comparison to the iPhone.
RIM seems the most notable exception. Palm made a great mistake stressing on performance. Their performance lead may last 2 days only The other Palm focus - multitasking - is usability related, but Apple may kill it the day they feel a real pressure for this and/or the hardware progress will make the current compromise unnecessary*. If the rumors that Apple is doubling the RAM with the next iPhone are true, Apple can introduce or announce a "background apps" feature and kill the Pre out of the gate**. They may decide that Palm is not worth the effort, though.
* for those who still don't get it: iPhone OS CAN and DOES use multitasking. I just checked my iPhone: With only one app launched there are 29 processes running in the background. I am not using the iPod feature or making a call BTW.
** Out of 128 MB ram, 40+ are free after a cold restart and this drops to 2-4 MB pretty soon. Adding another 128 MB leaves room for more apps running in the background.
Right-i-o.
Also mail and iPod functions are multi-tasking right on the iPod/iPhone?
I agree. More specifically, Apple has a strategy for the iPhone/iPod touch as a platform. All other companies are planning what kind of phones (in terms of hardware features) they need to develop now (based on the technology trends and what kind of components they expect for the future), which price points to target and stuff like that. Apple is trying to figure out what could differentiate them in terms of software / user experience and then look what components they have on their disposal to accomplish this. The rest is tactics: is the flash essential? how many megapixels? which processor? These are less essential things for Apple and they prefer the minimalist approach. For example, a slower processor but perfectly usable software wins against max performance [for the sake of the geek crowd alone] but reduced battery life or larger size. Apple is really good at making compromises IMO.
This is it exactly, excellent post. I have no idea if it will insure them market dominance in the mobile space in the years to come, but so far Apple is playing a different game than anyone else.
They decide on what they want the user experience to be first, and everything else derives from that.
Palm looks to be doing something similar, but with their WebOS have decided to go for lightweight and fast now at the expense of being able to do any heavy lifting later.
Comments
Maybe I did not explain correctly. They cancel the contract, but it stays active for the length of the contract. Once 2 years is over the phone is unlocked. There is no cancellation fee, or penalties. Here people flip contracts left and right. No fees, etc... Some people even go so far as to purchase a phone on contract, pay a few months at the lower subsidized fee and then pay it out to get the phone. We did this with the last ambassador that was here. We ordered 10 3G USB modems under the stipulation that we cancel when we need to. It was not a problem.
Back on topic, I think Apple has a plan for their "Smartphone" and something that can be sustainable over the next few years, along with Macs. I am starting to think Apple can go reasonably alright into the next 5 years. Beyond that, I'm not sure.
Many feel we're hitting the "bottom" of this recession and 2010 will be the slow but gradual recovery year. Luckily Steve is around at least in an advisory capacity during this recession. When the next down cycle hits, he very likely won't be (not to say that he'll have passed away, just beyond 5 years Steve will have to be much, much less involved, if at all, in Apple, IMO...)
I think Apple has a plan for their "Smartphone" and something that can be sustainable over the next few years, along with Macs. I am starting to think Apple can go reasonably alright into the next 5 years. Beyond that, I'm not sure.
I agree. More specifically, Apple has a strategy for the iPhone/iPod touch as a platform. All other companies are planning what kind of phones (in terms of hardware features) they need to develop now (based on the technology trends and what kind of components they expect for the future), which price points to target and stuff like that. Apple is trying to figure out what could differentiate them in terms of software / user experience and then look what components they have on their disposal to accomplish this. The rest is tactics: is the flash essential? how many megapixels? which processor? These are less essential things for Apple and they prefer the minimalist approach. For example, a slower processor but perfectly usable software wins against max performance [for the sake of the geek crowd alone] but reduced battery life or larger size. Apple is really good at making compromises IMO.
It'd be cheaper to import unlocked ones from Italy or Australia.
For whom? Sonera?
I agree. More specifically, Apple has a strategy for the iPhone/iPod touch as a platform. All other companies are planning what kind of phones (in terms of hardware features) they need to develop now (based on the technology trends and what kind of components they expect for the future), which price points to target and stuff like that. Apple is trying to figure out what could differentiate them in terms of software / user experience and then look what components they have on their disposal to accomplish this. The rest is tactics: is the flash essential? how many megapixels? which processor? These are less essential things for Apple and they prefer the minimalist approach. For example, a slower processor but perfectly usable software wins against max performance [for the sake of the geek crowd alone] but reduced battery life or larger size. Apple is really good at making compromises IMO.
Good post. This is exactly what I think Nokia did with their N97. The geeks are screaming that it is underpowered, does not have 8 megapixels, no 3D acceleration. However, after playing with one for about 40 mins or so, I can say the phone is fast, snappy, stable, and will sell quite well. Nokia went back and tweaked the hell out of the code. They will sell the phone and realize where they can tweak it some more and do so, all the while providing great battery life and a stable user experience.
This is exactly what I think Nokia did with their N97. The geeks are screaming that it is underpowered, does not have 8 megapixels, no 3D acceleration. However, after playing with one for about 40 mins or so, I can say the phone is fast, snappy, stable, and will sell quite well. Nokia went back and tweaked the hell out of the code. They will sell the phone and realize where they can tweak it some more and do so, all the while providing great battery life and a stable user experience.
The problem for Nokia et al. is that they were heavily marketing the phone hardware. There were zillion of adds pointing out the better sound, the bigger and more colorful screen, more megapixels. Even the 3G was marketed more like a hardware feature than a usability feature. None of the Apple's adds say anything about the hardware. Some of the specs (e.g. processor type and clock speed, RAM) are difficult to find. But if/when other vendors switch their focus to the software they may have a new problem: at least initially, they will pale in comparison to the iPhone.
RIM seems the most notable exception. Palm made a great mistake stressing on performance. Their performance lead may last 2 days only
* for those who still don't get it: iPhone OS CAN and DOES use multitasking. I just checked my iPhone: With only one app launched there are 29 processes running in the background. I am not using the iPod feature or making a call BTW.
** Out of 128 MB ram, 40+ are free after a cold restart and this drops to 2-4 MB pretty soon. Adding another 128 MB leaves room for more apps running in the background.
The problem for Nokia et al. is that they were heavily marketing the phone hardware. There were zillion of adds pointing out the better sound, the bigger and more colorful screen, more megapixels. Even the 3G was marketed more like a hardware feature than a usability feature. None of the Apple's adds say anything about the hardware. Some of the specs (e.g. processor type and clock speed, RAM) are difficult to find. But if/when other vendors switch their focus to the software they may have a new problem: at least initially, they will pale in comparison to the iPhone.
RIM seems the most notable exception. Palm made a great mistake stressing on performance. Their performance lead may last 2 days only
* for those who still don't get it: iPhone OS CAN and DOES use multitasking. I just checked my iPhone: With only one app launched there are 29 processes running in the background. I am not using the iPod feature or making a call BTW.
** Out of 128 MB ram, 40+ are free after a cold restart and this drops to 2-4 MB pretty soon. Adding another 128 MB leaves room for more apps running in the background.
Right-i-o.
Also mail and iPod functions are multi-tasking right on the iPod/iPhone?
I agree. More specifically, Apple has a strategy for the iPhone/iPod touch as a platform. All other companies are planning what kind of phones (in terms of hardware features) they need to develop now (based on the technology trends and what kind of components they expect for the future), which price points to target and stuff like that. Apple is trying to figure out what could differentiate them in terms of software / user experience and then look what components they have on their disposal to accomplish this. The rest is tactics: is the flash essential? how many megapixels? which processor? These are less essential things for Apple and they prefer the minimalist approach. For example, a slower processor but perfectly usable software wins against max performance [for the sake of the geek crowd alone] but reduced battery life or larger size. Apple is really good at making compromises IMO.
This is it exactly, excellent post. I have no idea if it will insure them market dominance in the mobile space in the years to come, but so far Apple is playing a different game than anyone else.
They decide on what they want the user experience to be first, and everything else derives from that.
Palm looks to be doing something similar, but with their WebOS have decided to go for lightweight and fast now at the expense of being able to do any heavy lifting later.