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Still Too Expensive
I know, I know: I'm grumpy and cheap. Apple's $100.00 discount for refurbished iPhones doesn't make my fingers twitch toward my wallet.
It's getting close, though. Show me the current iPhone at $150.00 and I'll buy it. For $400, I want a lot more: basically, I'd want something that could replace my computer 99% of the time. I think in a few years we'll be there, so I'll wait.
In the same area, I see refurnished iPod nano's as low as $99.00 and iPod Shufflers at $49.00 - that's getting down to the price points I like to see. But I don't need a nano - I thought my wife might like one, but she's not fired up by the idea so I guess we'll pass on that too.
Inexpensive and informative Apple related e-books:
Your iPhone Apps
Recording with GarageBand '09
VMware Fusion 3
What's New in Word 2004: Advanced
iPhone OS 3
My goodness, will the entire day pass with no on-line purchases? I suppose it can happen..
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Mon Aug 27 06:36:34 2007: anonymous
Especially since it has no GPS. I'd rather have the Nokia N-95.
Tue Aug 28 11:00:33 2007: anonymous
Personally I am waiting for the Neo1973. Commonly called the OpenMoko phone.
It's not spectacular except for the fact that it's as completely open as possible.
For OpenMoko vs IPhone.. The iphone is a bit slimer, has official support from AT&T, has a larger screen and is a bit more expensive and has a much more slick interface. OpenMoko allows you to install software or whatever you want, which is technically forbidden in the iPhone. The Neo1973 is also a GSM phone and should be compatable with any provider provided you get a SIM card.
OpenMoko runs Linux. Essentially it's just a Linux OS stripped down and given a phone-like interface. More details can be found at:
http://wiki.openmoko.org/wiki/Neo1973
The only closed bits on it are a proprietary daemon for the GPS that connects to gpsd (which means that it's GPS stuff is networkable!) and then the interface with the GSM bits is hidden behind a modem-like serial connection. (can use ATAT commands and such)
Highlights:
Open Linux OS, completely hackable.
266mhz CPU (could be faster)
128megs of RAM, 64megs of flash
GSM/GRPS capable
GPS via gpsd
MicroSD slot
backlight 43mm x 58mm LCD display, 480x640
Touch Screen
Bluetooth
Vibration
Both USB Host and Device support. (can plug USB devices into it, can plug into USB)
Audio stereo
2D/3D acceleration
3D accelators or whatever... 2 movement sensors.
If you add in a larger MicroSD card into it then it has better specs then my first Linux computer.
For most people it's probably not going to be very attractive alternative to their Blackberries or Iphones, but for me I like the idea of having a Linux workstation in my pocket even if I have to muck around with it.
The only major gotcha that I can see is that GSM isn't so popular in the USA so the selection of providers isn't that great compared to CDMA. The upshot of it is that since it's much more popular in other countries if you travel abroad a lot then GSM is a significant advantage.
Tue Aug 28 11:03:31 2007: TonyLawrence
Ayup - that's getting very close to what I want,, a few more years, I think, but not long..
Tue Aug 28 11:04:08 2007: drag
Oh, that previous post about the OpenMoko was from me, drag.
Otherwise... I am buying a Dell 1420n, one of those with Ubuntu pre-installed.
GMA X3100 graphics, 2.0ghz Core 2 Duo, 2gig ram, 160gig drive, 9 cell battery with 6 cell backup. With a coupon I found online I got the price knocked down to $1,113 with a foam laptop slip cover (for added protection) and shipping. Should get it by the middle of next month.
I'll be sure to post a review of it when I get it.
Thu Sep 6 15:17:31 2007: TonyLawrence
I noticed that refurbished 8GB iPhones are currently only $50.00 less than new ones since the $200 price drop.. I wonder what they'll be in a few weeks?
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