My daughter offers her first product review for this Weblog—a teen’s perspective on the Nokia E71, with some criticism of the iPhone. Timing is perhaps appropriate, or not. Today, Nokia formally announced the E72, which packs a 5-megapixel camera; the E71 has a 3.2MP digicam. The iPhone 3GS goes on sale June 19. Yeah, on Friday.
Late Friday, I started using Nokia’s hot new smartphone, the highly-anticipated N97. My first impression is “WOW.” This is the cell phone—eh, smartphone—I always wanted.
Analysis. I believe rumors that Apple is preparing to launch not one, not two but four new iPhone models. If not, something is seriously wrong down One Infinite Loop. Such a move would lower the entry price to $99 and to free, if AT&T has any sense about rebates. Apple could unveil new iPhones as early as Monday, during its Worldwide Developer Conference.
For once, competitors’ roaring success may silence the cacophony registered by the Apple hype meter. For two years, iPhone has run alone and unchallenged. Its real competitive test starts next month, with launch of the Nokia N97, Palm Pre and new handsets expected this summer from HTC and Samsung, among other mobile manufacturers. Apple’s smartphone isn’t smart enough, I say. Only App Store can save iPhone now.
