Apple Inc. plays damage control

THE WALL STREET JOURNAL:

Apple Inc. warned users that they can permanently damage their iPhones by modifying the cellular phones to work on unauthorized wireless networks, a move that could diminish a potential threat to Apple's iPhone partnerships with carriers like AT&T Inc.

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I'm sure. Who else thinks that this is just a "scare tactic" to keep iphone owners from using other carriers? Just the latest example of corporate greed.

[edit on 24-9-2007 by XFoxMulderX]

[edit on 9/24/07 by FredT]

just another reason to get the meizu M8, instead of the apple iPhone.

that, and the fact that meizu's m6 was far superior (audio quality, supported formats) to apple's iPod series.

Another solid option comming soon is the Open Source, OpenMoko Neo1978

OpenMoko is a GNU / Linux based open software development platform. Developers have full access to OpenMoko source and they can tailor their implementations to underlying hardware platforms.

With an open source code, developing new options is simple and encouraged.

The iPhone, while cool indeed, is locked down and you are stuck the a crappy AT+T network in the US. With the Neo1978, you can choose any network you wish, and access WiFi nodes at will. Their second generation phone will also have GPS capability, unlike the iPhone, so mapping software will be in the palm of your hand.

There has also been much talk of a possible Google brand, Open source phone in the works.

I like how this is such a big issue because it is the "Apple iPhone" and that demand for it has caused the "hacking" of its service off the ATT grid to become big news. Anyone who has shelled out anywhere between 50-1000 bucks for the 'hip' new cell phone in the United States has often had problems if they wanted to use their phone with a different cellphone provider. The Motorola Razr didn't have the quite the same demand, but when it first launched some provider had the contract to be the only one selling it. All in all the cell phone industry in the United States is set up to screw the consumer from the get go. Your subscription rates and 'contracts' are subsidising your fellow subscribers 'free' cell phones with purchase. But congrats to Apple Inc. on their new device, and it is a shame that we cannot buy electronics in the United States without having to stuff everyone's pockets along the way.

DocMoreau