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Don't forget the NeoNode, which has been out since July 2004 (or at least version 1 has).

As for the ripping off argument. It's usually absurd. Vague similarities become emotional touch points. Yes, it's true that a lot of people say everyone rips things off from Apple but that's just utter nonsense. Can you imagine if the idea of the icon on a desktop computer or other electronic devices with GUI interfaces was under the stewardship of one company. Many companies use ideas that have already been used by others, and often improve on them (i.e. the iPhone is, at least in my judgment, an improvement on many of things the NeoNode is), or add their own flair to it. I always say, "This will only be cool and great once Apple invents it."

You only have to look at the history of automobiles to see how cross creativity and innovation in action. You don't see many people going on about how Renault invented the dual overhead cam shaft so every other car company that uses DOHC engines RIPPED OFF RENAULT!

The iPhone reminded me of a newer and improved (in certain areas and specs) NeoNode, which was launched in July of 2004. Of course it's dated now, but it had what many consider to be "innovative" features then. Such considerations are, of course, relative. Of course, this system is open rather than closed.

Your Treo has accelerometers and a proximity sensor? It has a Dock Connector? It has a full web browser (not some shrunken down "baby browser")? It has a touchscreen interface? It has a virtual keyboard so you don't have to press 7 four times to get an S? It syncs with iTunes?

This product, the Neonode has a lot of these features. Some features it doesn't of course, and the importance of features varies from individual to individual, hence we have people who say that for what the iPhone (from Apple) offers that's important to them, is already provided by other devices, and for quite some time in some cases. Syncing with iTunes is a definite minus in my book, as an example of different perspectives. I refuse to buy an iPod because of that reason alone. I'll stick to my iRiver, with it's superior sound and, to me, simple interface.

Hey, nice link, brainiac.

My ultimate portable device would have the following features:

- GSM
- GPS
- MP3 player
- Upgradable OS and software
- Bluetooth
- J2ME
- Small and light
- Big color display
- Upgradable storage, ie MMC

The Neonode N1 comes pretty close.

OR you could just go to their press-page

http://www.neonode.com/business/press.html

btw this isn't news it was reported about two weeks on aftonbladet.se, a swedish newspaper and the pictures have been up for almost two weeks as well