As promised, here is the repost of my long comment on Tim’s iPhone post from yesterday…

OK, so anyone that a) knows me or b) has been reading my sites for some time will know where I am with the iPhone.

1. I own an iPhone. In fact I have purchased 4 of them. 1 for me, 2 for contests, and 1 for a friend.
2. I am a Windows Mobile Device MVP. Actually I am a Digital Media MVP as of April 1, 2008, but I am sort of a dual MVP now. Title is Dig Media, but I am still a part of Windows Mobile. At the MVP Summit, I was able to pick and choose between the sessions across both platforms.
3. I have documented the good and bad in my eyes about the iPhone. I think the iPhone is a superb device for consumers and soon it will be a good device for mild business users too. When Exchange server support and 3rd party apps are in the loops, it will be even better. I don’t deny that Apple hit a homerun here. Anyone would be hard pressed to find somewhere where (other than in jest and probably on on here) I have “slammed” the iPhone personally.

Now, about traffic and mobilitysite. The contributors to Mobilitysite are not compensated financially. They have nothing to gain other than their desire to help others, report their opinion on products, or share tips. The site is heavy on Windows Mobile for many reasons.

1. I, as well as others are Microsoft MVPs.
2. The site basicly started as Aximsite, spun into iPaqHQ, then became Mobilitysite. The Pocket PC roots are quite obvious.

We are individually owned so we can cover whatever we like and the focus changes from week to week. The only real constant is the love for Windows Mobile by myself and others that help out here. There are no real editorial guidelines given out. I don’t assign topics, require any allegiances, etc. Our contributors are free to talk about whatever they wish as long it’s within the scope of Mobility. Sometimes they stray off a tad, in fact I will be myself this weekend as I share some photos and opinions on the Microsoft Surface I was able to play with this week. The long and short is that we will always be heavy on Windows Mobile here. Tim’s recent articles on the iPhone are his own thoughts and Ideas. As a long time journalist, he is more than welcome to post what he likes here. If some of his facts are flat out wrong, I apologize, but knowing Tim, he’s done a bit of homework too.

@Brandon, thanks for dropping out of RSS to chime in.

Everyone here has some really good points. It may seem that I am defensive here, but for 1st time readers of the site that might pick up on this article as their 1st experience here, I want them to know what the site is about. The general name Mobilitysite could get the impression that we cover all platforms with the same bias, but I disclose that this is not the case. We respect other platforms, but my platform of choice is WinMo. No, I am not bought off. I see the good and bad. I just choose to work through the bad and focus on the good. I honestly only see a fraction of the issues that plaque so many that get frustrated with Windows Mobile. I am pleased with the platform. I am not pleased with the time it takes Microsoft to roll out change though.

So, since everyone wants to point their little “you get free stuff” fingers at me, let me address some things.

1. I am a Microsoft MVP Mobile Devices. This does not get me “free devices”. This past week, I have incurred over $800 in travel and additional lodging expenses to attend the Microsoft MVP Summit in Seattle. We do get info early under NDA, we do get some credit from vendors for being MVPs, but MVP does not = Free Stuff for the most part.
2. I am a Mobius Member as well. This is also put on by Microsoft and all travel and expenses are paid when I attend Mobius. Yes, there are normally some goodies and often a device given at the events. I don’t get to go to every Mobius though. Only 25 persons go to each event. The freebies I speak of go to those 25, not all of us that are members of Mobius. That said, no… I did not get a Touch Dual for free.
3. I do receive phones from Manufacturers and Carriers to review. 99% of the time, these are returned within 30 days.
4. Out of pocket expenses. I spent over $4000 in 2007 on MP3 Players and phones for reviews and contests.

Anyhow, I think I have put it all out there huh? Let me 2x check, plane is taking off soon.

Oh, my thoughts on the iPhone. Simple. It’s great for many, not for me. The innovations that the iPhone has put on the table is good for everyone. They hit a homerun for the average user for sure. The hardware and software are nice. There are limits, but many of these are going to be added soon. Right now, it’s not usable for me. That is my opinion and has always been.

Read around on the site. There are plenty of instances where we have touted the iPhone as well.

@DavidK - Don’t worry. Microsoft sees this type feedback. They are getting it from us directly too. I am sure they will see this article as well.

@doogald - I still love you We need some “other views” here to keep us in check. Thanks dude. When is your trip?

I am going to repost this particular comment on my personal blog, chris.leckness.com just in case anyone wants to discuss specific issues I memtioned in this wall of text that are not on topic with Tim’s article here.

Random Posts

• March 9, 2007 -- Mobility Site Minute #21 (0)
• March 14, 2007 -- ESPN - You SUCK (0)
• April 30, 2007 -- Yuk. Garlic Ice Cream? (1)
• February 12, 2007 -- Mobility Site Minute #14 (1)
• February 7, 2007 -- Mobility Site Minute #12 (1)