I think this may be an appropriate item for discussion. I know it's downright superfluous, but how can you watch an iPhone ad and not want one? It's insane. I feel this is going to be the invention of the decade, that will embellish, if not entirely spawn, what may be termed "iCulture". For $500, and $100 a month in services, your entire digital world is seamlessly integrated into your pocket. Is there anyone else who's afraid it's going to be absurd not to have one of these in about 10 years?

I agree that the ads for the iphones are very good at making viewers want one. Every time I see the ad I'm amazed at the capabilities of the phone and the fun and convenience provided. However, soon afterwards, I think how dependent society has become on technology and the "next best thing." I actually find it kind of annoying at times. We used to get along fine without cell phones. There was a time when people actually had to wait to tell a friend about their latest shopping spree. How can anyone be expected to prioritize any aspect of their lives, such as family over work (on the weekends or evenings) or work over social calls (during business meetings or work hours) when work, family and friends have 24 hour access to an individual's attention. I sometimes think we would be better off if we just shut the phones off and went about our business and personal lives, as we see fit.
Now, back to the iphone, I think that the technology is amazing and that these things are going to take off. The price is outrageous, the monthly fee is outrageous and I'm sure once monthly taxes and other fees are added in, the actual monthly fee will be about $130 or $150. I think that phone itself is great and the technology is groundbreaking. I only hope that this does not become another crutch that will be used by the american people as a permanent replacement for more traditional forms of entertainment and communication.