Apple's iPhone - Book Report/Review Example

There is the additional cost to the consumer, the integrated service problems, and the quality compromises that the gadget employs. The initial cost of the iPhone is to the consumer with its substantial price tag. Though it may be argued that Apple is merely giving consumers what they want, it may also be said that the item was oversold. Though consumers got the latest and greatest in technology features, Apple cut corners on nearly every facet of the iPhone. The AT&T network may not be able to handle the increased load of massive amounts of digital data.

In fact, the article raised concerns over AT&T's ability to download web pages at a reasonable rate. This effect will only degrade as more and more users get on the system. With other faster networks and technologies available, it may be that the initial phase of the iPhone will become obsolete with the introduction of a newer device that is made to operate on a faster system. The initial consumers, the early adopters, will take a substantial economic loss when they are forced to upgrade in the future.

There is also the problem with the integrated devices and services available in one small package. To Apples credit, they have made a rugged device that will withstand being dropped and is scratch resistant. However, when many devices are integrated into one package, it means that a failure of any one system results in a failure of all the devices. A failure in the network will leave the user without Internet access or a telephone. In the unit develops a service problem, the user will lose their MP3 player and camera.

This leaves the user with all their eggs in one technical basket. If the phone breaks when it is out of warranty, is it repairable With a price tag of several hundred dollars, consumers should expect it not to be expendable. When a consumer loses all their wireless devices at once, they will need to be replaced. This marketing strategy also opens the door for failures in integrating the systems to work together as designed. It can be fraught with problems of compatibility and interfacing with existing technologies.

This has already shown up in the limited service browser that is not compatible with Java, Macromedia, and other multi-media platforms. Though the cost and system problems are a matter of consumer choice, there is also the cutting of technology to incorporate all those features into one wireless device. The article points out many areas of weakness in this area. The camera is a mere 2 megapixels. While this may be sufficient for this application, it is well below any standard for a true digital camera.

The phone was reported as average in quality and clear though the author did report some lost calls. This may be the first signs of the weak AT&T network that it works on. As a web surfing device or Internet browser, the text entry convenience is naturally lacking due to its small size. In addition, screen size makes readability and display of large amounts of text impractical. Manufacturers need to overcome the size limitations of wireless devices if there is to be further integration of technology systems.

In conclusion, the article's authors did a thorough job of explaining the main features on the iPhone. They also took the time to point out its limitations. It is these limitations that put the iPhone at the greatest marketing risk. The slower AT&T network may result in the initial models becoming obsolete before the service