So….the biggest news of late regarding the iPhone is probably the release of the Motorola Droid mobile blower, which utilizes Google’s Android operating system (OS).

The press has been very, very favorable with some making the bold claim that Android (at least as it is presented in the Motorola phone) is actually a bit better than the iPhone as evidenced by this quote from a CNET article written by Kent German, who states, “…but it bests Apple’s device in overall performance. And really, the iPhone won that Prizefight by the thinnest of margins.” *

Of course the article rightfully places this impression (it is their impression after all) within the context of telling the reader that the iPhone is a great phone.  And so is this new one from Motorola.  Ultimately it is the end user who will determine which phone is better for them personally.  The author makes, and with some humour I think, a comment about how many positive postings in comments and such can be found around the web that are by folks who as yet do not own the Motorola Droid.  It would seem a tad premature to sing its praises without having actually owned and used one for some period of time.

After all, look at this blog.  I started posting only after I made the purchase and began to use the phone.  And I certainly haven’t been completely swayed by the idea that the iPhone is the end-all, be-all of mobile phones.  Is it great?  Yes, I believe so.  Is it perfect?  No.  Is it perfect for me?  Probably.  The jury is still out on this issue.

But there are plenty of other mobile blowers on the market, each with strengths and weaknesses that lend it to be the right (or wrong) phone for any given individual.  And this is where I have such difficulty with the fanboy syndrome, whereby some folks become completely obsessed by brand loyalty.  Granted, a given product can be, by general and/or specific measures, a truly great device, but it may not be the right device for everyone under all conditions.

For example, my daughter desperately wants an iPhone.  I find this rather amusing considering she has made it quite clear she does not like Apple computers, which she used previously in school.  She hasn’t been able to articulate why exactly it is she doesn’t like Apple computers, but she is resolute in her dislike for them.  Yet she wants an iPhone.  From Apple.  Which uses a re-tooled version of the Leopard OS.

Whatever.

However, I do not think it to be the right mobile for her.  I don’t think she really needs a well-developed MP3/video player.  I don’t believe she really needs Internet access.  What I think she really wants and/or needs is a phone that provides great texting capabilities as well as solid social networking site integration (for sites like Facebook, etc.).  That is what I believe she needs and while the iPhone can do all these things very nicely, there are other less expensive phones that could also satisfy these needs.

Another point the above-referenced article makes is this, “Last June, I complained about the overused phrase “iPhone killer.” I argued that it elevates the iPhone to a place that it doesn’t deserve. Yes, it’s a great device in many ways, but it’s not the pinnacle of cell phone achievement.”  I’ve heard this very same argument made elsewhere by other authors, but I have to wonder: what has been the pinnacle of cell phone achievement up until the release of Android-based phones?

I personally cannot think of one other mobile phone that has made the impact, rightfully or not, that has the iPhone.  No, it’s not perfect.  But what cell phone is?  I suppose some could make an argument for some of the various RIM Blackberry products as being really great mobile phones, but ask yourself this question:  how many folks own a Blackberry cell phone that isn’t related to their job?  I can only think of one person.  One.  One person has a Blackberry and opted for the Blackberry even though it wasn’t for work.

I suppose some folks in the consumer electronics media do not want to say what is, I think, obvious to the rest of us; the iPhone is “THE” phone.  Not perfect, but highly desirable and well-executed on the whole.  I think some may simply be afraid of the backlash such a pronouncement would likely create, but isn’t part of their job to say it how it is?

As much as I like my iPhone I’m not convinced I need be tied to it forever.   This is a device and if a better device comes along at the right time for the right price then why wouldn’t I make the jump?  Well, I could remind myself of one of the things I said early on in this blog…the notion I want to find a system that will allow me to do what I want well into the future without having to completely change paradigms.  Our mobile phones are far more than mobile phones.  They are PDAs as well and it is this side of the cell phone that leads me to want consistency, year after year.

But I’m quite happy to watch and see what becomes of Android.  It looks like an incredible operating system and the open source community could likely lead to some phenomenal products.  But we’ll have to see.  Nothing is etched in stone.  Nothing should be taken for granted.  That is, I hope, a lesson Apple takes to heart as well.

* http://www.cnet.com/8301-19736_1-10397095-251.html?tag=TOCmoreStories.0