First impressions of iPhone

The iPhone was announced at the Macworld Developers’ Conference in January 2007. When it was first announced, it created a media frenzy. The next great gadget from Apple is now just around the corner, being released in six days on June 29th. Here are my opinions about the iPhone.

First off, the thing is amazing. Just about everyone agrees that the phone is gorgeous, innovative, and one of the coolest things to come around in some time. However, I’m worried that the frenzy surrounding the iPhone when it’s released at 6 PM on June 29 will lead to bad things for customers. Millions of people are going to crowd into Apple Stores and AT&T Stores on the day of the release, hoping to catch a glimpse of the holy object for themselves. Thousands will purchase it, but, while that means good things for Apple, I worry that iPhone orders will be backed up for some time due to the craziness of the release.

The addition of YouTube browsing to the iPhone only adds to its usability and wealth of cool features. But, I fear that it narrows the market the iPhone caters to. Priced as it is, it currently caters to those in the business world and those with money to burn. Business execs have no use for the iPod and YouTube features, and therefore might disregard the iPhone as a meaningless plaything. Younger consumers like myself, who the iPhone really appeals to, are going to be unable to purchase one because of the extravagant price. So who will buy the iPhone?

I believe there are enough tech-savvy businessmen out there who would love to have their music, email, internet, maps, stocks, and phone in their pocket to keep the iPhone afloat. Also, I believe there are enough spoiled teenagers out there who love shiny new things to make the iPhone a hit. Finally, I believe there are plenty of adults who would love to keep up with the latest tech trend to make the iPhone a phenomenon. Or so I hope.