So, yeah, I didn't get an iPhone. What? You were so sure! Who else has been going on endlessly about it? About its perfection, its... it's from the future-ness!
And, truly, it is. I've played with one on two occasions now, and have read exhaustively about it (it's impossible to avoid, anyway, at least in my literary circles). It's the most impressive device I've seen in a long, long time. Someday most phones - if not most computers - will work this way (so get used to it!). I'm already on AT&T, I'm a known hardcore Mac geek, what's the holdup here?
It came down to a few things. The first is price: $600 is a lot of money for any device, much less a cellphone. While I have no compunction dropping a few $K on a new laptop every few years, that's where I live. It's where my work gets done (though less now than before - now I'm tied to a newer, larger beast).
Can my netbeing exist in a pocket-sized space? While there's no nicer digs at that size, I just couldn't justify paying that. Unless it's one of my close friends, I don't even like talking on the phone that much. I'd much rather chat, and there's much cheaper devices for that. (Side note: I do like the keyboard on the iPhone. I could get used to that.) The pricing plans, under scrutiny, aren't that bad for what you get (one of the better values for a data plan, methinks).
I'm also naturally cautious when it comes to buying tech for myself. There's a few things I'd like to see added before I get one. Apple should update the software soon via iTunes, and then we'll be able to see the trajectory of where they're headed with it. Waiting for the price to drop might be an exercise in frustration; Mac prices in dollar amounts have stayed constant through the years (psychological price-points).
I also didn't want to just be... a lemming. I acted out a skit the other day during church that was all about Being Contented With What We Have. Do I really need this much phone? I think if I was still freelancing - networking, keeping up with clients, etc. - it would be a no-brainer. But now? Well, I could post to my blog on the train, I guess, but I'm pretty much surrounded by wi-fi and a laptop the rest of the time. On trips it would be awesome, but I don't travel quite that much yet.
I'm not saying Christians can't have an iPhone without the stain of guilt, or anything, I just think it's beyond what I need (Kristi needs one more than me!). I suppose if it was $200, it wouldn't feel so ostentatious.
I'm not done with this, though. Things can change rapidly in this space, and in my life - but for now, I'm content to find a cheaper device. Any suggestions for AT&T?
Posted in Faith, Tools, Toys, and Geekery
