Tyme Said

Scrivs sent me a link to some of the iPhone coverage yesterday. I wasn’t paying attention initially but I’m glad he sent it. Very nice looking phone. Of course, the reviews started pouring in and reading them, I realized how few of them have business experience - like business strategy.

The first thing they did was compare the iPhone to the iPod, trying to figure if the iPhone will be as popular. If one were to think about this a moment, how could that happen when it is exclusively being offered through Cingular where in comparison the iPod is available to anyone, anytime, anywhere? They completely missed the point. Having an iPod integrated in the phone gives people like me who do not have an iPod (never had the need) access to iTunes. Not unlikely that, while standing in line, I might want to listen to some music. If the price is cheap enough, instead of syncing the phone the convenience might appeal to me. Everything to gain, nothing to lose by having an iPod in the phone.

The second thing people criticized was the cost, it’s a lot for a phone. Well, yes, it’s a lot for a phone but not for a mini-computer and that is what the iPhone is, specifically targeted toward their niche market - Mac users. Mac users expect to pay a little more for quality and they trust Apple to provide them with quality products. If the Mac user is going to pay more for quality then they are using their computers more so than the person that only checks email every blue moon. For example, designers, programmers, bloggers - people who have a vested interest being online. The iPhone’s enhanced features can make life much easier and allow them more time away from the computer. Much easier to answer text messages, respond to email, etc.

Third thing that shouldn’t be forgotten: the cool factor. Apple users are extremely loyal and Apple knows if they release something cool their users will jump at it, regardless of cost. An example of someone in their target audience: JPhill is a 9rules member, cute as can be. Pictures first hit the internet, JPhill said “Hell yes I’m going to buy one. That thing looks amazing, and runs OSX! Enough said. Where do I swipe the credit card?!”. Then the news was released that it was exclusive to Cingular, JPhill said: I think I might be switching carriers. Any word on a release date?”. Then the cost was released, JPhill said: “There really is no deciding factor for me. $500 is well worth a mobile computing device, especially running OSX, and a real browser. I’d pre-order now if I could.” For JPhill the phone is cool, does everything he wants it to do plus more and is within his price range. I have no doubt he would have bought the phone on the spot if he could. Most Mac users felt the same way. I’m not a Mac user but I do have a vested interest being online so the phone appeals to me. The features are for people who use SmartPhones,

Apple did an excellent job of releasing a product that compliments their current product line, their ethics, vision, and mission statements. Of course, if the phone works well (running OSX) perhaps the user will be inclined to purchase a Mac if they do not already own one.

Wonder how long it will be before this company has to give up their domain?

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