iPhone mania ! Really ?
This morning’s news were all over the launching of the iPhone today for the first time in Canada. Representatives from Rogers Communications, who is the official carrier of the iPhone in Canada, were grilled over the prices, while the buyers were asked if it was really necessary.
Apple thretened Rogers by pulling the iPhone last week for ripping off customers by offerring only one plan which was outrageous and overpriced: 60$ a month for 3 years, 150 minutes and only 400 MB of data. Under pressure from consumers and Apple. Rogers announced other plans as listed on their website.
It was reported by AppleInsider that Apple had already diverted shipments bound for Canada to Europe creating a shortage. Thus participating Rogers stores are officially stocked with only 20 iPhones and limiting two per customer.
CHCH News was interviewing people camping overnight and braving the rain outisde a Rogers store in nearby Burlington. I decided to check out how things were in my neighbourhood. So, at 8:30 this morning, I went to the mall near where I live. There’s a Roger’s store and also Wireless Wave, an independent retailer specializing in subsidized rates and plans.
I was running in the rain, afraid to miss out on the excitement only to find that there there was nobody waiting at the Rogers Store. Personne ! There was a family of four and some other dude waiting at Wireless Wave. Nobody else around except a bunch of elderly mall-walkers racing by.
I was very surprised because I was expecting a line up and wanted to take pictures of those loosers. But now, I would have taken my sweet-sweet time to ask all the questions and even buy me two if I wanted to. I spent around ten minutes playing with the demo and annoying the sales-persons preparing to open their kiosk.
I am not buying the iPhone because I currently own a Sony Ericcson W810i which I bought two years ago. It’s an EDGE phone, with a full support browser, text and email, a 2.0 MPx camera with auto-focus, 1GB memory expandable to 16GB, bluetooth and many features I never use ! It’s part of the Sony Walkman line of phones and plays a variety of formats.
image by Rich Niewiroski Jr.
Therefore, the iPhone does not wow me as much, when comparing to the W810i. But if you live in the Hamilton area and want your hands on one, try your luck by heading out to Eastgate Square this morning.
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There are 9 comments
I am an iPhone fan. I got mine last year. For me it’s the best mobile phone I’ve ever owned. No fiddly little buttons. A proper keyboard to type your sms, with no reason to use mobile language - which I hate. I have installed about 25 additional applications and find it fills all of my needs and then some.
I expect the new iPhones are even better.
Can you tell I love it?
I would be afraid I would call someone whilst it was in my pocket at work. My contract doesn’t expire for another 16 months so I’ll keep my moto razr for now.
After the outrageous elevation in price that Rogers tried to pull off and then backed down on, I’m wondering how many of their customers will switch to another provider when and if the opportunity arises.
I do appreciate the information that you shared here even though I do not own a cell phone. I suppose that one day I will have to succumb and purchase one. When I do I’d like to be educated enough on the subject to make an appropriate and cost effective choice. Your blog post is helpful in that regard.
Best wishes for happy blogging.
I read somewhere that the Japanese aren’t too crazy about the iPhone either. Somewhere near 90% of the populace find it unable to meet their expectations!
Babs - beetle : I know you are an Apple fan. The first iPhone was truly revolutionary. But I’m afraid the 2.0 does not live up to what I expected
Curtis - Razr is still a slick phone. With 16 months to go something revolutionary is bound to happen within the next 12. Time worth the wait.
Time Thief - Have you heard of the latest news where Telus and Bell will be charging customers 15 cents for incoming text as well - which includes spam ?! It’s time for new companies to invest in the Canadian Telecommunications industry
Firas - Curtis shares his opinion of the iPhone on his blog, and also points us to a comparative article about how deceitfully mediocre the new iPhone is.
I would have to be unconscious for ten days to be less interested in the iPhone. I am not, nor will I probably ever be, an Apple fan. In the case of the iPhone and iPod, I have a problem that you are limited in being able to acquire music for them online. Because of Apples tendency toward proprietary formats, etc., non of the subscription services work with iPod or iPhone.
In addition, I have no need to listen to music on my phone. I think we’re getting in dangerous territory when our cell phones have so many functions. If the phone breaks, not only can’t you make calls, you can’t take pictures, listen to music, access e-mail, look at your address book, etc., etc. Disaster waiting to happen.
You bring up a good point Lee. I actually dropped my cell phone on hard ground within my first week of purchase.
No physical damage on the outside but the software began acting wiered. I was lucky to have it replaced with a new set.
I don’t have an iPhone…I didn’t think it was a big deal to get one… Then I played with one that a friend of mine had and WOW am I jealous! What have I been missing? It’s so easy to use (once you get used to the typing)… I probably still won’t get it though. I spend most of my time on my mac anyway…
Good for Apple. Canadians have been ripped off by the cell carriers far too long.