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Originally Posted by jmen24
While I agree that the Iphone is cool and compared to my BBerry is more of a play thing than a work thing. I still believe that Apple does not get it, when it comes to what customers want. Why would you partner a phone like this with a sub-par network like At&t. It is like going out and buying Porsche GT3 and only being able to drive in school zones. No matter how cool the item is, if you cannot take advantage of all its functions all the time, why bother. It kind of fits with Verizons TV ad, "Look paper weight Mode." My BB is on US cellular and while I have no 3G, I do have data and service in our entire market area, the owners same BB on verizon does not (in the dartmouth/sunapee side of the state). It is more important to me that the phone actually works were I need it, than what it can do. Hazelnut, it sounds like this was one big reason for your switch, when we looked into them for company phones the network would not even be worth the hassle.
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While I don't specifically know the details I have to assume that Apple partnered with AT&T because Verizon refused to concede certain points in the negotiating process. I am sure apple wanted to retain certain controls that Verizon would not budge on. AT&T probably conceded those point to Apple in order to gain market share. I'm thinking Apple used AT&T to establish strength in the market in order to have the upper hand with Verizon on the next go around negotiating a contract to provide the phone. Verizon should be shouldering some of the blame in all this.
Apple are and will always be control freaks. That has been their business model for as far back as I can remember. While it hasn't always worked you can't argue with their successes over the past several years. Their hardware is superior to the average box PC. While some see Apple as a fad or fashion statement the truth is that Apple does a better job with the hardware. Go pick up a Macbook and then grab the average PC notebook. No comparison, the devices running Windows are usually cheap and flimsy. The iPhone is a classic example of a piece of Hardware that is superior in design, look and feel.
Microsoft has allowed anyone and everyone to make devices for their software. Some people argue that is what makes Microsoft so great. I guess if you don't care who is slapping a box together and putting your name on the box. The average PC user with a problem has no idea where to turn. First they call the manufacturer, then they are directed to Microsoft, then back and forth etc. When I have a problem with any of my Apple devices I go to one location. I can even walk into a retail store and have it diagnosed and fixed on the spot. The overall customer satisfaction of owning an Apple device is far superior to any PC manufacturer on the planet. That is a fact. The phone is no different. It is an extension of the company and it's goal of not allowing bastardized clones of their hardware.
Note- This is not a commentary on Microsoft's business model in terms of profitability. Obviously one of the most successful companies in the history of the world. It is a question of current consumer satisfaction. There is a reason why Apple continues to gain market share. People are finally getting it and realizing that ownership of a Personal Computer does not have to be an anxiety filled nightmare.
Most consumers shy away due to the price points that are nearly double the average PC. In this case you really get what you pay for. I use and have used both platforms PC and Mac for over 20 years now. While my desktop PC has its purpose my Mac is and always be the best computer I own. It sounds cliche but it just works.
Recently my Mother in Law bought a Dell Laptop. She turned to me to help her with the setup of the laptop and network. I was blown away how confusing it would be to the average user. I was able to take care of everything for her relatively easily but as I was explaining it to her I was laughing. She was like "what is so funny?" I said well if this were a Mac I'd say turn it on and start using it. Because it is a PC we are on step 346 out of 452. ha ha ha.
Anyway I disagree with your statement "compared to my BBerry is more of a play thing than a work thing."
Shockingly I felt that same way you feel before I owned my iPhone. The email client alone is enough to disprove that statement. Now lets move on to how the iPhone integrates with my work Outlook server, calendar etc. It absolutely hands down works so much better than my Blackberry ever did for the 2+ years I owned it.
Jmen can you tell I love talking about this stuff? ha ha ha