iPhone. Amazing.

[Ramses II CP]

Every iPhone case you can buy will come with a little static held screen protector which doesn't interfere with the touch screen in the slightest. I got a soft Marware case, but I wanted to try out one of the Speck ones in green. Alas the local shop was out of 'em and I didn't feel like worrying about my phone for ten days until they got more in.

The screen is a different material than a classic iPod screen, but I still wouldn't trust it to much use without a protector.

[Ramses II CP]

Oh, I suppose I should answer Tristan's question too; the most amazing thing is the App store. Of course it could be more amazing, I frequently contemplate 'jailbreaking' my phone to get some of the sweet apps that Apple has barred or refused to consider for the app store. Still the variety of things available to do with the little computer in your hand is quite exceptional.

Unfortunately AT&T's voice quality and network are second to everyone (Poor IMHO) and their charges for unlimited data and text messaging are, for the US market, unacceptable. I pay the data rate, but I use AIM for free texting. As a phone the iPhone is merely adequate. I find the lack of a replaceable battery to be especially irritating, and in fact it would have been a phone killer for me if there had been a viable Android or RIM based competitor on the market when I made my purchase (At the end of my previous contract).

As it is I am satisfied with the device. Performance has substantially improved with each update as well, and the App store has some truly exceptional software available. There is a sad trend towards putting advertisements in apps (I refuse to have ads on my phone. Flatly refuse.) rather than asking people to pay, and an even worse trend of lying about it in the app description, but I'm trusting Apple to add an 'ad supported' tag to the current 'free' and 'price' ones in the near future.

G3 coverage is excellent in my area, and there is plenty of free wifi as well; if those are not true in your area your experience will be significantly degraded from mine. Buyer beware.

[Fragony]

Only four hours battery??? What good is pocket-glory if you have to bring your own powerplant. Was thinking of being one but I tend to buy things because I want to use them.

[Ramses II CP]

Four more I said! I charge it once a day, and for common useage it'll last me about 14-16 hours. That's fine if I'm going to try to sleep a typical eight hour a day schedule, but I just don't usually sleep that much and it's annoying to have my phone plugged in late at night.

[Caius]

My father uses Blackberry. Can you compare it with this iPhone?

[Husar]

Well, it has some nice features, I considered it, but it costs a whole lot, especially the monthly tariffs if you don't feel like buying it without one for 600EUR or so.
I mean I already have a notebook.

Of course it must be nice to stand outside in the rain and take your iPhone out to see what the weather is like...

[Ramses II CP]

What model Blackberry? RIM's touch screen competitor for the iPhone, the 'Storm,' just came out in the US with what they're calling a click touch screen. Reviews for it are mixed, but it also doesn't have wifi which would be an absolute deal breaker for me. I love my iPhone, but I think I'd consider some Android competitors if I was buying right now. You won't miss many features (Unless you have a lot of DRM music from iTunes) and you'll pay lower rates and have more options for your voice carrier (AT&T does not make me happy).

If you're used to the 'TouchType' system on a RIM device like a 7100 or Pearl that's probably going to make you want the Storm, but otherwise I'd give the nod to the iPhone. RIM's currently available software options are considerably more limited and converting even old java apps for other phones is a laborious process. No wifi means deathly slow transfer speeds on large files, even over a stable G3 connection.

Essentially unless you have a business reason to go RIM, are used to their proprietary typing system, or have a major investment in RIM software IMHO you'll be happier with the iPhone or an Android touchscreen phone. A non-swappable battery is a significant consideration for me too, which leans away from the iPhone, but I know a lot of people don't care. If you're already with AT&T that's a balancing vote in favor of the iPhone despite the battery.