Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

What If Apple Made A Cell Phone And No One Cared?

Posted by Zonk on from the ilike-the-idea dept.

PreacherTom writes "Prudential Equity Group analyst Jesse Tortora penned a note saying that Apple is readying a music phone — and a separate, combination video and music phone. He expects Apple to introduce the devices in January at Macworld, a conference for Mac enthusiasts where the company typically debuts new products. At least one of the phones will offer Wi-Fi connectivity and both will become available in the March quarter of 2007 ... but will anyone care?"

6 of 352 comments (clear)

  1. Yes. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Yes. People will care.

    Next?

  2. No Bias by shidarin'ou · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I detect no bias in the above submission, none.

    --
    www.GrenadeHop.com
    1. Re:No Bias by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

      It's not that it's biased. It's that it is such non-news, it's absurd. We have: "What if Apple made a cell phone?" Which already is non-news. But it doesn't stop there, it goes: "OK, say that happened. What if, then... what if nobody cared? Hmm? What then?" Man, this is not "News for Nerds". It's not even "Stuff that Matters". There is no matter to it. Come on Slashdot, this is crap. Get with the program.

  3. If history is any indication by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Microsoft might. I think a smart strategy for Apple would be to rumor technology they know is a bad idea then watch Microsoft spend billions to play catch up with nonexistent products. It's kind of how Reagan collapsed the Soviet Union.

  4. Once again... by Francisco_G · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Analysts fail to realize the Apple puts a tremendous amount of thought into their designs. The author cites a statistic that most people with MP3 players also have music-capable phones, but doesn't mention that none of those music phones have the Scroll Wheel. That is what makes the iPod, not the iTMS, iTunes or the stylish design...the scroll wheel is the reason why the iPod is a success. The iPhone will have one as well. "Limited appeal" my ass; The author obviously doesn't understand the appeal of current Apple products, otherwise he wouldn't be questioning their move into the handset market. This is going to be an exciting year if Apple realizes the iPhone; the average iPod owner recognizes Apple's ingenious user interface and mobile phones' general lack of one.

  5. Re:Why pay the Apple premium? by dan828 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Apple products do not appeal to the masses because Apple sells its products at a premium.

    Last I checked, the iPod was an Apple product-- if their is any other DAP on the market with such broad appeal, I'm pretty much unaware of it. Not that I'm a fanboy, but come on, they own that market.

    Along the same lines, why buy an Apple cell phone when you can buy a Nokia phone for less money?

    Why would anyone buy an iPod when the can get better and cheaper DAPs from Creative and Sandisk? Marketing, mass appeal, and a loyal fan base. To suggest that an Apple cell phone wouldn't sell is pretty short sighted.