Microsoft is at it again...

"Windows Mobile 7 will dramatically change the way we use mobile devices. It will emphasize the use of touch on the device, as well as motion gestures created by using the device. It is, absolutely, Microsoft’s effort to beat back the iPhone, and the iPhone is referenced several times in the document."

Though I have serious doubts that they will overcome the iPhone. What Redmond never seems to figure out is that it is not the functionality that sells. Cause lets face it, out of the box, the iPhone is the prettiest crippled smart phone I have ever seen... OUT of the BOX.... But then most of us don't use it like.... OUT OF THE BOX!

Most people who buy an apple device do so as much for the COOL factor, as they do for functionality. Oh sure, the Mac's usability is Legendary, and the iPod was ahead of its time, but the bottom line is, its about style. I own a Blackberry Curve, a Treo 680 and a Motorola z Series. All good phones. The Treo 680 is my sentimental favorite. I have been part of the Palm world for a long, long time, and my investment in Palm Software is more than the value of the phone. When I am traveling, the Blackberry, (Where it is supported), is the MONSTER. I left my Treo at home when in Nicaragua for example, and the Blackberry MORE than filled the gap.

Nevertheless, I got an iPhone. WHY? Because it was just too damned cool to NOT have. When I returned to Costa Rica for Christmas break, I started using the iPhone, and a few weeks ago I hacked it. Its still not a Treo, but it is now infinitely more usable.Its a portable OSX Mac in the palm of my hand. Yeah it still lacks a lot. No document editing is probably my biggest complaint. And it does not make sending attachments, even those you manage to shoehorn onto the phone, easy. But I trade all that for the looks of envy I get from people when I whip it out.

Now if Microsoft can manage to shrink VISTA down (Without the bugs and headaches), and put it on a smart phone that looks as good as the iPhone, they may have a shot, otherwise, Apple will continue to lead, especially if the rumors about 16gb versions with full support for OSX prove to be true.

Originally posted to Business Blog

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