The announcement and unveiling of the iPhone is all over the internet and of particular interest to PalmAddicts, since many see it as a Treo-Killer. I will admit, Apple has been spectacularly successful in introducing ergonomic, functional and elegant products. Despite Palm CEO Ed Colligan's glib assurances that Apple cannot simply waltz in and win smartphone customers, Apple's track record should not to be easily dismissed.
I've owned Palm products for over five years, and an iPod for only one. I have to say, I prefer the ergonomics and abilities of my Palms over the iPod. I consider iTunes to be sheer torture, and all the current buzz over the iPhone has me rather underwhelmed. I'm sure this will be an unpopular opinion, since the loyalty of AppleAddicts easily rivals Palm adherents.
What I am excited about is the effects that the introduction of the iPhone will have. When an innovative company like Apple enters the market, the competition will raise the bar for existing players. As much as I love Palm, it would be nice to have someone like Apple prodding them to develop the Treo a little quicker. Apple is also a big enough company to play hardball with Cingular. If Apple can get carriers to lay-off on the cell-phone manufacturers, then yay! Let manufacturers innovate! Finally, maybe Apple can bring mainstream attention to the smartphone they way it did to mobile music players. More interest means more customers for everyone. I am confident that the Treo can stand up to the iPhone and will continue to appeal to existing and new smartphone users.