I watched the part of the Keynote last night with my brother, and...it isn't the features, because most analysts agree there are few NEW features. But the same thing is most definitely NOT available elsewhere for less money.
It is HOW they have implemented those features that is stunning.
To compare the implementation of technology in the iPhone to less expensive existing alternatives is like saying you would rather have a 1975 Ford Mustang than a 2007 Lexus because it still has four wheels and gets from point A to point B. It isn't that some people would buy the Lexus because it IS cooler, it is because it is clearly and without question a better, more capable, easier and elegant solution than an underpowered, plastic interior 1975 Ford Mustang. Sure, they both have heating and four on the floor, but you have to rack your hand trying to move the sometimes inoperable heating levers in the Mustang (after leaning to the other side of the car to do it) and grind the gears. In the 2007 Lexus, you get in, it adjusts the seats to you, you verbally tell it what temperature you want the interior at, and the the four on the floor rests easily under your hand. Grinding of gears is physically impossible the way they designed it. You get the idea. (Although I would be the first to admit-for some people, simply getting from point A to point B is the primary purpose in a car...they simply do not care, are not interested and don't want to spend money on something like a Lexus, or cannot spend it. They see NO problem with ripping up the side of their hand trying to slide frozen temperature control levers, or driving with one shoulder below the other so they can reach the stickshift. Not to mention the injection molded plastic interior!)
He has done what Apple does best...look at the way something is being used, and find a better way implement it.
It is darned expensive, though.
Excellent analogy.
It was the same thing with an iPod. There were other solutions out there (I have a 20 Gig Archos Jukebox whose battery lasted through 5 generations of iPod - and are replaceable) - it was the cool factor.
But cool isn't just perception - it's slick controls, intuitive user interface and tight programming. These are all things that WinCE devices lack and Palm had to a less extent.
This thing really is iPod + Cell Phone + Mac mini. Most folks are ignoring the Bluetooth and WiFi and Edge capabilities of this - or the touchscreen UI.
Definitely a slick machine. Would that they were working with Verizon instead (the only one whose reception I really get.)
As always, it's not that it's new, it's the integration and presentation.
Watch the videos on the site and try not to be impressed. Go ahead.
You said -- "To compare the implementation of technology in the iPhone to less expensive existing alternatives is like saying you would rather have a 1975 Ford Mustang than a 2007 Lexus because it still has four wheels and gets from point A to point B. It isn't that some people would buy the Lexus because it IS cooler, it is because it is clearly and without question a better, more capable, easier and elegant solution than an underpowered, plastic interior 1975 Ford Mustang. Sure, they both have heating and four on the floor, but you have to rack your hand trying to move the sometimes inoperable heating levers in the Mustang (after leaning to the other side of the car to do it) and grind the gears. In the 2007 Lexus, you get in, it adjusts the seats to you, you verbally tell it what temperature you want the interior at, and the the four on the floor rests easily under your hand. Grinding of gears is physically impossible the way they designed it. You get the idea. (Although I would be the first to admit-for some people, simply getting from point A to point B is the primary purpose in a car...they simply do not care, are not interested and don't want to spend money on something like a Lexus, or cannot spend it. They see NO problem with ripping up the side of their hand trying to slide frozen temperature control levers, or driving with one shoulder below the other so they can reach the stickshift. Not to mention the injection molded plastic interior!) "
Well, allow me to paraphrase...
There was a time when I drove ratty cars. I got tired of driving ratty cars, even though they did have four wheels and a steering wheel and radio and a heaters, etc., etc.
Then I got better cars. Now, I'm happy driving better cars (and they still get me from point A to point B and have four wheels and a steering wheel and a radio and heaters, etc., etc.). There's just something better about a "better car".
And if you don't know the difference -- there's no use explaining it (keep driving the ratty cars...).
Regards,
Star Traveler