too bad too a matte case would have been sweet... would have eliminated my complaint of the device being too slippery feeling to hold properly
Perhaps thats just what the case looks like at some point in the process?
Maybe before this new coating on it?
I don't think it was a real case.
If you do a search on the FCC website for Apple, you will see their most recent application before these were released were in March 2009 for a product with FCC ID A1301 and A1302. I think it WAS a lucky guess.
The image was leaked in February.
arn
Or, more likely, given the way the Apple logo and text were applied to the iPhone 3G, this is the case, but lacking the clear coat.
I wonder if Apple did have something better, but one of two things happened:
a) Apple deemed the Palm Pre not a threat.
B) ATT has pissed Apple off and Apple will be releasing a new phone at the end of their obligation with ATT.
I tend to think it maybe a little of both. I think ATT is not taking to Apple's ideas for pricing too. Only time will tell.
Maybe the launch of the Pre on the 6th forced them to use the same casing so they could pump out more inventory fast. Maybe we'll see a matte case later this year, kind of like the premium choice, like the White iPhone 3G 16 GB was.
Thoughts?
It really seems like Apple held back from what was originally planned due to rushing releases because of fear of competition . As I mentioned in another thread, I believe Apple was going to announce BR (8.2 w/ Blu-ray references released week before, would have coincided with new Pro lineup, etc.) but didn't, perhaps because it wouldn't have been ready in time. I also believe Apple was going to use the matte case, but didn't, perhaps because it wouldn't have been ready as soon. Also, the $99 3G seems like a rushed decision to quickly eliminate Palm from the game immediately. SL is shipping without Marble and BR support, perhaps so it could be out before Windows 7. At the $29 price point it will seem like a bargain compared to Windows 7 upgrade and full prices.
Apple slashed prices across the board.
Apple was scared, but now that it's far more competitive in terms of notebook pricing and phone features, I expect Mac marketshare to increase and iPhone marketshare to sharply increase. In the Fall when the 64GB iPod Touch is released, Apple was maintain its already huge PMP marketshare and ward of Zune HD.