[Phillip Dyson]

I have to say that when I first saw the device I was quite impressed. It looks great, and probably will have a great iTunes experience. I was even tempted ... briefly. I just can't see myself giving up the flexibility and robustness of the Windows Mobile platform for eye candy. Plus I've been an iPod user and I'm no longer interested in the iTunes ecosystem.

I think the jury is out on how usable this will be with no hardware buttons or stylus. Don't get me wrong, I'm a friend of the touch screen, but sometimes I need the precision of the stylus.

Apple is always great at coming out the gate on a high note. As opposed to MS who always seems to accept releasing a lackluster version 1.0 of their products.

The iPhone is an indictment against all of the PPC Phone manufacturers who are satisfied to let MS spoon feed them the user's experience. Its like companies like to let MS labotimize them rather than try and utilize a creative bone and produce a great user's experience.

At least Palm did a little with their treo, but it didn't go nearly far enough. Its always, lets spend some money on the hardware and use MS as an excuse for what the software will use or look like.

There is potential that this may trigger some fierce competition on the two fronts, but its more likely that MS will put more of their focus on the Zune platform to compete with iPhone.

That being said, I'll probably stick with the WM platform. Its served me well so far. But I'll definitely keep my eye on this one.