Thats a fair comment to someone who is relatively tech literate, the majority of people arent, thats where the iPhone trounces the Blackberry. It makes that sort of functionality accessible to bobby basic the technophobe.
But only if that basic technophobe knows how to use it. My mother got an iPhone recently. She liked her original iPod touch, needed a new phone, and was already with ATT, so it was a no brainer. She knew there were apps and games to get for the thing, but I had many a long phone call with her to explain how to get them, sync them with her computer, and so on. Having an App Store available on the handset is one thing. The people using the thing need the know-how to make that work to be worth it. She is fairly tech savy, but just didn't understand it at first.
The way I see it, its a wash with apps with these phones. There are a ton available for both platforms. Yes, it might be a slight bit harder to find them for the BB, but the people that KNOW they want apps almost certainly know where to get them. My mom, for example had no NEED for apps. And now, even after understanding how to use the App Store on her iPhone, all she has are Sudoku and Mah-Jong games basically.
And, you can count me in as someone who is very seriously considering this phone. I really like the iPhone, but where I live, and for what I need a phone to do, I just think the Storm might fit the bill better. For example....
3G - Here in Omaha, we have EVDO Rev-A, and it is VERY fast. We do NOT have ATT 3G. They say its coming soon. They've also been saying that since late 2007.
Tethering - I would use this all the time. I'm sure it will be coming to the iPhone. But, as noted above, without 3G, that is all but useless. Out of the box, I would have tethering available on a fast 3G network here.
BES - We use BES at my company, so this phone will just drop right in. I like that. I'm sure I could get Exchange on an iPhone working, but I like the peace of mind that my IT department WILL help me if there are issues. My IT department is very Apple friendly, but with phones, its BB or your out of luck for support. Sucks, but that's their thing.
Battery - A removable battery is basically a MUST for me. The way I travel and use my phones and devices, I'm not always near a place where I can charge. I HAVE to be able to swap to a fresh battery if the need arises.
No Wifi - Don't care. I think I can count on one hand the times in the last year that I have been outside of the 3G coverage here with VZW. Sure, having wifi would be a nice addition, I'm not saying I wouldn't like having it. But, its a non-issue for me that it isn't there.
Media - I'm would be able to consolidate my iPod Classic and phone into one device with this. During the course of a normal day, 95% of my iPod use is with podcasts. They will play just fine on this. I can keep my Classic loaded up with its Apple Lossless music for road trips and what not, but won't need it daily.
I have a couple friends with iPhones/Touch. I really like the device, and will easily concede that it's one of the best mobile phones ever. But, that doesn't mean that it is the best option for EVERYONE. I would love one. But those examples I just gave are kind of deal breakers for me.
