iPhone Launch a Success
After much anticipation the iPhone was released on Friday. Most reports indicate that the devices are running smoothly, although roughly 2% of subscribers reported problems with activation. The activation delays -- which rest squarely on the shoulders of AT&T -- led those effected to refer to the iPhone as the iBrick. All told however Apple moved between 500-550K of the devices over the first weekend with many of the stores selling out on Friday. Apple's stock seemed to take the busy weekend in stride. Though down in mid-day trading the stock is only off 0.25% at 121.74 and has stabilized after briefly nearing $120.
Four journalists got to preview the iPhone for 4 weeks prior to its release. If there experiences mirror that of the 500,000 new users then things bode well for Apple. In addition many now expect Apple to mimic its iPod success by releasing new versions of the iPhone in the coming years that both fix current glitches and offer more attractive price points:
The Chosen Four: The Wall Street Journal's Walt Mossberg, David Pogue of the New York Times, USA Today's Edward Baig and Newsweek's Mr. Levy. Their initial reviews came out Wednesday and, for the most part, the four were pleased with the job that Mr. Jobs had done.David Pogue had to learn to "use the force" while tapping out letters on the iPhone's virtual keyboard, but overall gives Apple its due: "As the ball player Dizzy Dean once said, 'It ain't bragging if you done it.'"
Walt Mossberg and Katherine Boehret said concerns about the lack of a physical keyboard "turned out in our tests to be a nonissue." After taking the iPhone to Starbucks, airports, and Fenway Park, the verdict: "Despite some flaws and feature omissions, the iPhone is, on balance, a beautiful and breakthrough handheld computer."
Edward Baig pointed out that the iPhone may not be for everyone: "It's pricey. It lacks certain features found on some rival devices… Your employer may prevent you from receiving corporate e-mail on the device." But he still reveres it as a "prodigy," and likes the idea of not having to schlep around with an iPod and a cellphone in your pocket.
Steven Levy was pleased he didn't have to crack a manual to use any of the iPhone features, and got a satisfying run of baseball scores, Neil Young concerts, YouTube videos and weather conditions before his battery ran out.
