I appreciate the information you’ve provided in your argument. I’ve always been a bit distraught that the iPhone wasn’t available for my carrier, but now that you’ve shown me how comparable (and in some cases better) an Android phone can be to the iPhone, I’m not nearly as upset. In fact, if you could write something up about how the HTC Hero is as good or better than the iPhone, I would really appreciate it.

I have to only partially agree with you. I have been an Apple fan for some time (as opposed to Fanboy), but I do take issue with some of your points. I hope you’re open to a little feedback.

Apple didn’t invent the smartphone. They simply made a better mousetrap. I will grant you that the iPhone is a sleek interface, nicely implemented in some aspects and lacking in others. I completely take issue with your comment that those that don’t buy into your line of thinking are simply jealous they don’t own one. It’s comments like that which completely discredit your arguments to come and bias your entire article. I grant you that the statement is an opinion, but it’s one that is better left omitted – since it paints Mac geeks like me in a general light to all PC users – that we’re an elitist bunch of snobs. That’s simply not true and as an Apple user, I resent it.

Tight integration of the iPhone and iPod interfaces is a nice feature. However, Apple only recently integrated applications onto the device. (Recently in the sense of history of the iPod). This is something that they could have implemented with the first generation of iPod without it’s users having to wait. The line wouldn’t have sold nearly as well as the iPod Touch without this important feature. As far as I am aware, turn-by-turn directions isn’t a feature without applications purchased from the App Store. Since these applications have various costs associated with them, this negates your implied claim that its a free feature. The best GPS applications I’ve found are for Android (that’s my opinion and YMMV).

I agree with you that other phones have fallen short, but this is because cell phone manufacturers compete in the wrong area. Their focus is hardware first, then the fill in the blanks with the software. Companies are only just starting to get the clue and realize what I’ve been saying for some time – compete on software, UI and user experience FIRST, and worry about the hardware later. After all, a phone that looks pretty but that doesn’t offer expandable storage or an open platform for software developers to write for isn’t very consumer-friendly, IMHO. And don’t get me started on Apple’s draconian app approval policies.

It’s my contention that Apple would have done better selling it’s hardware in a more open setting – two versions of phones (CDMA and GSM). If Apple truly wanted to revolutionize the market, they would have sold the iPhone as they sell ever other piece of hardware – as is. Make it compatible to use with any carrier and let the consumer choose what network they want to have.

Most sensible smartphone users will agree with me that you should really charge your smartphone EVERY night, regardless of the manufacturers requirements or advertising. Anyone who knows anything about this can tell you that battery life claims on any portable device are greatly skewed (especially Apple’s claims on their notebook line of computers, but I digress). Unless you’re camping out for weeks on end, you really have no excuse to not charge it every night.

I hope I’ve made an intelligent, fact-based (and yes, some opinion-based) points to make your article fair and balanced. I’m open to constructive criticism based on the points I’ve mentioned above.