Considering Apple expect to flog 10 million of these iPhones, I wouldn't call it a niche product!

I don't get it, why did you guys go gaga about the Apple iphone, just because it made by Apple? A lock down phone. Common, FIC Neo 1973 look even better in spec. http://linuxdevices.com/news/NS2986976174.html
For $350, it will be more like a 770 w/ smaller screen, but bigger than iPhone a.k.a. VGA resolution
linux kernel 2.6.17
64MB Flash, 128MB RAM
GPS and Quad GSM
Although no BT/Wifi, but the upgrade model will be.
when plug into the USB, it have network emu.
It has OpenMoKo project similar to Maemo project.

What makes the iPhone stand out is the UI. Neither OpenMoKo/FIC or Maemo/N800 come anywhere near the level of thought that has gone into the iPhone's UI.

It's just a shame it's a locked down, overly expensive, restrictive piece of kit.

And that make it impossible for somebody to make a skin/shell on the OpenMoKo?
What worse is, that most people haven't even touch neither the FIC Neo phone or Apple iPhone yet, and they already made their conclusion that the Apple is better. I'll give a benefit of the doubt that Apple OSX is slick, but that doesn't neccessary mean it will be the same experience on the iPhone, nor there could be a better UI made by other phone company.

freeman,

It's not just a skin or shell, it's the level of thought that's gone into producing an easy to use, visually appealing, consistent, integrated interface (from the videos, anyway).

If/when someone produces videos showing the same or higher level of eye candy, integrated interface and powerful UI on the OpenMoKo, people will get excited over that too[1].

Apple have raised the bar, to say otherwise is disingenuous.

Cheers,

Andrew

[1] Although less so: FIC's a smaller company than Apple - but Apple have worked hard to get the reputation and hype they now get. FIC can't expect the same level of media exposure having just started.

That's Steve Jobs' sales persuasion for ya. IMHO Apple's dreaming right now, given the price and competition. Though it certainly might follow the iPod path and become big later.

The clincher's gonna be the UI. It *has* to be good. If it sucks, folks are going to stick to the Sidekicks and Blackberries. I don't think its a good idea to comment on a UI, personally, before it is released. The Blackberry UI is pretty good from what I know, but really optimized for business. OTOH what I've heard of the Sidekick UI suggests it kind of lacks.

The NYTimes tech editor has some hands-on information:

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/0...th-the-iphone/

Attack? Not in my post. Just an observation, shrimp, and the bulk of it left untyped. I was actually fishing for a paranoid response, and it looks like I had the right bait.

Well, the internet IS Serious Business.

Guys, personal attacks have no place here in iTT. The forum has a private messaging system. Take them offline.

Thanks.