iPhone iPhone iPhone.... Some might be glad, some might be meh.

So my obsession with the iPhone might slowly start coming to an end. I've wanted one since they were released but with the packages the networks offer (and i just got into a 2 year contract. one is enough, i actually have 2 :[ shit!) are a little bit on the pricey side. And for an unlocked device on ebay, you're looking at about 600 euros (some are a little less but that comes off in my books as sketchy. whats wrong with it?)

HOWEVER! iPhone beware because on December 2nd, nokia brought out its N97 with 32GB Storage capacity. Top that iPhone. The device looks pretty flashy, but doesnt really have all the flair the iPhone has...somehow. From what i've seen, the GUI is somewhat cluttered and not as clean as that of the iPhone. Price is about $700 and for now the phone looks to be SIM free (you can use it on any network. no packages, no hidden costs, no contract!). Pretty much, its a 32GB multimedia phone with 5mp camera, 3.5" touchscreen, kick out QWERTY keyoard (makes life a lot easier), supports up to 16GB microSD cards (a whopping 48GB altogether if you have one), and the usual HSDPA, 3G and WiFi. Oh and a GPS. Operating system is Symbian S60 now in its 5th Edition.
A second iPhone killer from Nokia (no news on that yet.) will be the 5800 XpressMusic. This one will be in black with a more iPhone-ish look and running on the same OS as the N97. I don't have specs on it now, but i'm sure i will have them by the end of tonight as i'm running short on time right now.

Back to the iPhone, modders have managed to get the Linux 2.6 kernal to load on it. But thats about as far as it goes. No GUI, no GNOME, no KDE, just the simple command prompt. Hey, its a start. The guy working also demostrated a BootCamp like utility that allows you to choose what you want to do when you turn on the phone. You can either load the normal iPhone interface, or choose a more advanced interface that allows you to get into the hardware and boot the linux kernal. Links will be posted later.


iPhone Linux Demonstration Video from planetbeing on Vimeo.

And last but not least, for the people in America. A $99 iPhone? Yes, apparently WalMart is set to start selling iPhones for $99. Whats the catch? Well, a 4GB capacity and....oh yeah....a 2 year contract (didn't see that one coming huh *sarcasm*).

Still want one? I think i might slowly change my mind. More iPhone competitors and updates coming soon.