Usually I am annoyed by the insistence that free and freedom when confused. Usually I defend companies and their right to offer whatever hare brained and insulting restrictions they think they can get away with , which in a fair market , e.g one that isn't regulated by the state, don't last too long. What I do like to do though is point out some fun holes in the arguments of both fan boy and detractors alike.

The 5 real reasons to avoid iPhone 3G:

* iPhone completely blocks free software. Developers must pay a tax to Apple, who becomes the sole authority over what can and can't be on everyone's phones.

No more annoying than most phone companies. While I can see were the principle comes from I am hard pressed to see how anyone could dev/ create an Iphone app and not have access to the cheapest part of the puzzle. You may as well bitch them out for not making free hardware while you are at it.

* iPhone endorses and supports Digital Restrictions Management (DRM) technology.

Despite what that nice Mr Turtleneck said? I'm shocked really I'mm zzzzzzzzzzzz

* iPhone exposes your whereabouts and provides ways for others to track you without your knowledge.

Same with any modern phone, inherently built into the system thanks to your masters and not an Apple exclusive.

* iPhone won't play patent- and DRM-free formats like Ogg Vorbis and Theora.

Most phones , hell most media players wont play OGG or Theora for the same reasons most vcrs were vhs. Heck apple won't even do flash so it's not a slight at free apps more a we have QT, our store is QT based and we want you to carry a mobile sales kiosk with you , and if you're really good we'll letyou make phone calls with it.

* iPhone is not the only option. There are better alternatives on the horizon that respect your freedom, don't spy on you, play free media formats, and let you use free software -- like the FreeRunner.

Oh yes, don't whine if you are not going to offer alternatives.. Oh come on how many people want terminal access on their phone? It's time to get a fricking grip with this idea that consumers , I do hate that term but in this case I need to conjure up the grazing accepting masses and humbly suggest that a phone that's 2x the cost of the iPhone won't work on the mass level. Now a phone co ( MVNO) that makes up a better platform, a company that creates and integrates a phone into their structure I totally get why this phone is cool but I can't for the life of me see where the non hacker is even remotely served by this.


While MR Ford's model T is a breakthrough in functionality and reliability for the common man we find that our oxy acetylene, bar stock and DIY bearing factory while be far more useful to the new driver.