I like this move: Apple remaking iPods in Macs. The definition of a Mac is any hardware that runs OS X, in whatever version, yes? I never thought much of the iPod OS.
The move hints at terrific interaction between products, a greatly competitive upgrade to the iPod line, a nobrain path for iPod users to iPhone (when voip and vidoip arrive). And it suggests the emergence of other marvelous mobility products, such as tablet and game macs.
Now if Apple would only let us build stacks with a Hypercard or Filemaker app that ports to iPods.
Businesses offer love to get money; consumers offer money to get love.
If the iPhone is really not subsidized by the carrier is true, and it's a big not-yet-confirmed IF, then Apple has not just reinvented the phone but they've reinvented the cellular service plan (in North America).
What becomes more complex, however is comparing plans, even plans from Cingular itself. For the Cingular plan with the iPhone will be cheaper (or have more incentives or services) than the Cingular (or another carrier's) plan with the Moto/RIM/Samsung/Nokia/LG/SE/Palm phone. In other words, there are iPhone-only service plans. If this has really happened, then the other phone mfrs will be faced with a tough choice between sticking with low phone prices (compared to the iPhone) as is the norm now, or following this new path and consequently subject their phone (at full price) to direct comparisons to the iPhone.
If this strategem by Apple works, Jobs will further grow his reputation as a genius.
6 or 7 years ago my wife sat in a focus group related to cell phone plans and was asked what features she wanted to have in a calling plan. She said she wanted a plan that was easy to understand and easy to compare to other plans. She's still waiting. Maybe now, things will start to change.
Commenting by HaloScan
