iPhone to cost

[Scirwode]

Come on people, lets get REAL. Real serious. The iFone will most definitely play your existing MP3 collection. It will not play ANY DRM restricted content EXCEPT iTunes bought Fairplay files (aac).

I very much doubt whether the iFone will cost so much in Sunny England either.

Third, whats the freaking problem with this device? It is quite literally AT LEAST 5 years more advanced than any other comparable device on the market and the person who said it's more like a handheld Mac is probably right. Because of this, it's going to be expensive. But at least wait to hate it if that's what you're intent on doing based on it's sky high price when it's price in Europe has been CONFIRMED.

I personally almost passed out with excitement and joy when I saw this device unveiled at Macwhateverthingyworld. Steve Jobs and Apple seem the ONLY company in the tech world who both believe in doing things PROPERLY and creating the BEST POSSIBLE products with current technologies AND who understand how to market their products professionally. You only have to look at Zune's marketing to realise that Micromoneysoft simply hasn't got the marketing talent to pull of successful product launches.

I, for one, will get one of these iFones as soon as possible. I abolutely LOVE it and I LOVE Applemacintosh computers Inc.

By the way, iFone? Think it will work? :shiftyninja:

I doubt the iPhone is 5 years ahead of its nearest competition. Like ljames28 said, they only have two really good features whereas the rest are readily available in Symbian or WM5 mobiles. The mobile phone industry isn't like the music industry, where the user experience is the most important factor. In the mobile phone industry, it is call quality and ease of use that counts. Sure, their interface looks nice and the virtual keyboard may be a winner. But to me, it looks quite hard typing on the screen. And I doubt any business user would be able to use it on the go considering you need two hands to operate it.

Another thing that really gets me is that the OS operates in a closed environment, with no chance of home brew applications used on the phone itself. For me, that could really have helped the iPhone pick up customers but in true Apple fashion, they decided not to. Also you say that Apple is the only company who understands in doing things properly, though I doubt others would agree considering the many flaws of the first generation iPod Nano and the heating issues in the Macbook Pro. Apple's main strength is that they know the meaning of design, which is evident in their products. As to creating the best possible products, that is up for debate as many would agree and disagree with that statement.

One thing Apple is really good at is the really know how to market a product. Spread a few words and it's like poetry to the masses - that is how good their marketing team is and I envy them, considering I'm in the advertising industry. But that said, it's just creative marketing, not professional marketing. Microsoft's marketing is also good despite how the Zune is performing. It is a good player and given time, could gain ground on market leaders such as Sandisk, Creative, Samsung and of course, Apple.

Selling the phone for ?660 pounds is the wrong way to go, especially considering that you're the underdog, facing companies such as Motorola, Sony Ericsson, Blackberry and Dopod. They should have lowered the price to a point where it could have been competitive against other companies. It is somehow reminiscent of the Apple Newton, considering the device is ahead of its time yet it failed in the real world.

For me, I won't buy it considering it has no appeal to me. That said, if Apple could improve on it in subtle ways and provide many features that it obviously needs to go against the industry leaders, then maybe, just maybe, I'll be interested.

Scirwode

[Koolslacker]

I say whoever spends that much money for a phone has to be an idiot. There are other phones in the market that can do everything iphone can. It might not perform the task in same way as iphone. Wake me up when I can use my mp3 p;layer to play any music I purchased rather than from itunes or just one player.

[Chicane-UK Veteran]

The thing that always gets me most angry is that when they sit there (like in the case of Job's keynote) and bang on about how they were not sure how to price it, and how they saw how much the competition charge, etc then they actually announce pricing that isn't actually that good!

I mean why not use this as an opportunity to sell it at a price that makes it irresistable? I know Apple like to sell products on which they do not comprimise on quality but why put SO MUCH into it when it makes it that expensive? Why did they not just make a really good phone, and make a seperate wide screen video iPod and keep em both affordable.

Sigh. I dunno. I'm just peeved because I wanted iPhone, but to see it launched etc I know its just 'too much' to justify. I don't need that kind of gadgetry. I don't have that kind of money. Thanks Apple.

[shadowmatt]

That price is probably the unlocked, network free price of the phone. Most of the phones I have owned have had an network free price of ?400+

What people need to understand is that which ever network gets to distribute the phone in the Uk will offer a 'DEAL' as in 18month - 2 year contract and the phone will be ?300, 1 year contract and the phone will be ?400+. Unlocked ?650ish.

Thats how the mobile phone business works.

The business model I believe will be applied will be something like this.

The mobile company, say 02 will discount the phone part as they do will all mobile phones. The line rental & call charges pay in part to the cheep/free phone prices people are used to. What they wont do, and what Apple will not want companies to do is to discount the ipod part. They would be giving away Apples profit.

So the costings would look something like this to the consumer

Phone - ?100+ (a average amount for a good phone) discounted by mobile carrier

iPod - ?200+ Cost on a Nano 8GB, goes straight to Apple

Extra costs for services, touchscreen, size, extras

iPhone total cost ?300+ with a contract that is seen as valuable to the mobile carrier, say ?35 a month

[alsheron]

The thing that always gets me most angry is that when they sit there (like in the case of Job's keynote) and bang on about how they were not sure how to price it, and how they saw how much the competition charge, etc then they actually announce pricing that isn't actually that good!

I mean why not use this as an opportunity to sell it at a price that makes it irresistable? I know Apple like to sell products on which they do not comprimise on quality but why put SO MUCH into it when it makes it that expensive? Why did they not just make a really good phone, and make a seperate wide screen video iPod and keep em both affordable.

Sigh. I dunno. I'm just peeved because I wanted iPhone, but to see it launched etc I know its just 'too much' to justify. I don't need that kind of gadgetry. I don't have that kind of money. Thanks Apple.

I agree, they have thrown a lot of effort and finesse into this product. I also agree with others here who argue that UI interface and interaction isn't all THAT important in the Mobile device market. But i think now Apple has done it so well, they will have caused it to matter. Honestly, while i was watching Steve (we're on first name terms) introduce the iPhone, i immediately thought "what the hell? That name is like, SO trademarked! And then, faintly, in the distance, i could hear heads rolling to the floor from Nokia and Motorola HQ. Nokia and Motorola etc definitely have a capability to create a device like this, but i'm under no illusion that they CHOSE NOT TO. Apple is very much marketing the iPhone as a "leap ahead" product that defies direct comparison to other similar devices. They didn't refer to this as a "Smartphone" once I don't think and even if they did, they definitely want to differentiate themselves from that branding.

I used to live in Coventry once. I liked it. I remember a babysitter there who used to give me shandy to send me to sleep so she could watch telly. Otherwise it was quite nice.

[Scirwode]

You're right, gestire based touchscreens aren't far fetched and especially futuristic, but compared to WM5 pocket PC's the iPhone squats over them, pulls down it's pants and does a big poo all over them after which weeing though Microsofts letterbox for good measure. Yes, the iPhone quite literally ridicules what Microsoft and it's partners have done with current technology by creating something MUCH more advanced with, yep, current technology. Apple pushes the boat out, others have lost their paddles....

by the way..... for some others...... the iPhone WILL PLAY NORMAL UNPROTECTED MP3's LIKE ANY OTHER iPOD DEVICE. Just incase there's still any doubt.

I really doubt the iPhone is better than Windows Mobile 5 or vice versa, considering that it's not even on the market yet. Let's not judge a book but its cover, shall we? Besides, I doubt you have ever experience Windows Mobile 5 with that kind of statement. For the record, they are quite good though I do prefer Symbian powered mobiles.

LOL

My phone has a mp3 player too And i got it as a free upgrade , over ?600 for a phone? Mad!

:rofl::

I say whoever spends that much money for a phone has to be an idiot. There are other phones in the market that can do everything iphone can. It might not perform the task in same way as iphone. Wake me up when I can use my mp3 p;layer to play any music I purchased rather than from itunes or just one player.

In more ways than one, I guess you could say that person is an idiot. But then again, that phone might appeal to him/her though whether or not it's better than the competition is still up for debate. As for me, I'm more interested in the Sony Ericsson W850i, now there's a phone with good looks :woot:: !

The thing that always gets me most angry is that when they sit there (like in the case of Job's keynote) and bang on about how they were not sure how to price it, and how they saw how much the competition charge, etc then they actually announce pricing that isn't actually that good!

I mean why not use this as an opportunity to sell it at a price that makes it irresistable? I know Apple like to sell products on which they do not comprimise on quality but why put SO MUCH into it when it makes it that expensive? Why did they not just make a really good phone, and make a seperate wide screen video iPod and keep em both affordable.

Sigh. I dunno. I'm just peeved because I wanted iPhone, but to see it launched etc I know its just 'too much' to justify. I don't need that kind of gadgetry. I don't have that kind of money. Thanks Apple.

Well, it is to be expected of them. If they wish to be healthy in the mobile market, they've got to release new models every few months considering that manufacturers don't exactly wait around a year before releasing a product. Look at Nokia, churning out new and better models every month! Plus, Sony Ericsson phones are really good, with the Cybershot and Walkman brand, as there is also a rumor of a PSP branded phone. Apple really got their work cut out at the moment.

Scirwode

[.Ark]

First off... amazing reply, Scirwode!

I agree, they have thrown a lot of effort and finesse into this product. I also agree with others here who argue that UI interface and interaction isn't all THAT important in the Mobile device market. But i think now Apple has done it so well, they will have caused it to matter. Honestly, while i was watching Steve (we're on first name terms) introduce the iPhone, i immediately thought "what the hell? That name is like, SO trademarked! And then, faintly, in the distance, i could hear heads rolling to the floor from Nokia and Motorola HQ. Nokia and Motorola etc definitely have a capability to create a device like this, but i'm under no illusion that they CHOSE NOT TO. Apple is very much marketing the iPhone as a "leap ahead" product that defies direct comparison to other similar devices. They didn't refer to this as a "Smartphone" once I don't think and even if they did, they definitely want to differentiate themselves from that branding.

I used to live in Coventry once. I liked it. I remember a babysitter there who used to give me shandy to send me to sleep so she could watch telly. Otherwise it was quite nice.

Dude... Yes Apple made something that the cell phone industry has never seen and yes they always come up with expensive **** that looks absolutely amazing! But price wise, I would have to say that the iPod is the only thing I like from Apple... Their notebooks... for the same price, you can get a laptop thats a lot better... The only crap that Apple knows to do is design, market. They have all these "revolutionary" products that are very tempting but only in your dreams... Most of the people out there CANNOT afford these things with these sorts of prices. A company WOULDNT want to spend 700 bucks on a phone for one executive! They would rather get a "Smartphone" with NO music player for 200 bucks! It is a complete waste for a company to release a good looking product with a feature or two more compared to the others out there for a hell of a lot money that most of the people arent willing to spend.... First off they act like the dumbest fools in the world by using a trademarked name and now they have their pricing out... As much as I love Apple, I whole heartedly wish that this iPhone crumbles Apple's stock... Months and months of speculation and Apple presents us with this piece of sh it

[PiracyX]

Wow are apple mad? Surely they would have priced it more competitive than ?660 but the fact that they say its 5 years ahead to justify it huge price....No thanks Apple.(N))

[dwarm]

Wow, ?600. That is crazy!

This is what I want to see Apple produce:

A nano and cell phone combined:woot::!!

[.Ark]

^ and a mini computer :p

[Joshie]

There'll be fewer idiots spending that much money than idiots spending that much of mommy and daddy's money. This phone will be placed way down in the PDA area where it can only be effectively marketed to businesses, who...won't...really...care about it? The only people you'll see with this are spoiled 13 year olds who'll get it stolen at school.

[Chicane-UK Veteran]

I used to live in Coventry once.

lol - I hate it here. This city sucks. Would love to move away but I work here, my family is here, and you can't beat the convenience of a big city!

[theyarecomingforyou]

If the phone was open to third party software, without requiring signing or approval from Apple, then it would have been serious competition to the PDA / Windows Mobile 5 market. As it is it costs more than most PDAs and doesn't offer even close to what they do, short of a nice design. It would be like releasing a TV that will only run Apple approved channels - people wouldn't tolerate that so I don't know why people are excited about this. *shrugs*

[Scirwode]

First off... amazing reply, Scirwode!

Thank you :whistle: :shifty: :D !

Wow, ?600. That is crazy!

This is what I want to see Apple produce:Snipped>

A nano and cell phone combined:woot::!!

:rofl:: . I doubt we see that in action anytime soon :laugh:: !

There'll be fewer idiots spending that much money than idiots spending that much of mommy and daddy's money. This phone will be placed way down in the PDA area where it can only be effectively marketed to businesses, who...won't...really...care about it? The only people you'll see with this are spoiled 13 year olds who'll get it stolen at school.

Now that's where you put your finger at a very good point. I can't understand how parents can buy such extravagant items for their children. When I was at their age, I was proud just to own a simple Lego set, and that was only about RM50! At least my parents did not shower me with extravagant items, and I thank them from the bottom of my heart for that. Nowadays, you can see children as young as 10 years old with phones much more advance than they really need, and much more advanced than what I have! I've seen children with 17" notebooks and wondering what do they use it for, considering that 17" notebooks costs at the very least RM6999 and all they really learn in school is mathematics and language skills :blink:: .

Sometimes I wonder what's happening to this world...

Scirwode

[Vice]

It's going to be a huge flop at those prices.

[bobbba]

Reality Check:

It is almost certainly going to be able to play MP3 and not just iTunes DRM

?600 is a lot but most high end phones without a contract are.

The cost with a contract will much lower.

[acies]

I want to like the iPhone, it looks like a nice device, but Apple have to realise most people aren't going to be able to afford that much on a phone, even if they wanted to.

[Koolslacker]

Wow, ?600. That is crazy!

This is what I want to see Apple produce:

A nano and cell phone combined:woot::!!

I think you need to change the capacity from 1GB to 60GB.

[.Ark]

Reality Check:

It is almost certainly going to be able to play MP3 and not just iTunes DRM

?600 is a lot but most high end phones without a contract are.

The cost with a contract will much lower.

Are you kidding me? Are unlocked smartphones really 1169.76 USD?

[HistoricalNeowin]

Right, lets get this bull**** about unlocked smartphones sorted out now!

Most expensive unlocked smartphone on the market ?430!

Thats still ?230 shy of the iphone...and the iphone wont be out for a damn year!

Nokia N93

Edited January 15, 2007 by ljames28

[Lee G. Veteran]

No thanks.

[Punio4]

http://uk.insight.com/apps/productpresenta...3DHTC%26PS%3D50

Actually it's the HTC tytn for ?458.24:))

[hekkyUK]

Well, all 'smartphones' are really expensive when they're first releaased but that price doesn't seem too bad for me - Especially after the HTC Universal I had which was about that much when it first came out... Some of the newer HTC hardware, the nokia N93 and the Nokia 8800s are still pretty expensive...

Besides, the rumours I hear are that the new Nokia N95 will be somewhere between ?750-?1000 (I work in a mobile phone shop but that figure is ONLY a rumour!)

If only they had put a 3mb camera in the damn thing lol

[.Ark]

Well if thats the case with N95.. that can go down the drain too

[ToneKnee]

LOL

Flop

iFlop