The iPhone Loses Apple Another Customer or Object Lessons in Betrayal

Today Apple Computer released new iPods: A Nano that Does Video, the Shuffle in new fashion colors, and a new iPod Touch that does everything the iPhone does except for make phone calls, send text messages, and take pictures -- all for $100 less. This news made me feel a little blue, making me wish I had waited on buying the iPhone. Then I thought about the joy I got from only needing one gadget in my pocket and felt okay again.

The announcements ended and I went to a meeting. When it finished I checked my phone for text alerts from MacRumors and I learned Apple dropped the price of the iPhone $200. As an early adopter, I'm used to a second generation product coming out that's faster, better, and cheaper. HOWEVER, that product and price drop usually do not come out for at least 6 months. This time getting a product 2 months early cost me TWO HUNDRED dollars.

I'm so angry I can barely think straight. I've been meaning to write a glowing review about how this product lets you live in a magical bubble of silence but now my head is filled with unspoken screams. I know this is nothing compared to HT's recent apartment betrayal but it is completely maddening. Today is AH's birthday and I was considering getting him a new iPod a a gift. Now he'll have to console me as I fight my urge to throw the iPhone against a wall.

Hey! On the bright side, now if I break my phone out of rage and frustration it will be a whole lot cheaper to replace!

[MD: Added my letter to Apple below.]

Hello--

I just read about the $200 price drop on the 8GB iPhone. As an early adopter, I know that I will be paying more the privilege of having new technology sooner. However, these price drops usually wait six months to a year as the manufacturing process improves and the cost of production decreases. As a loyal Apple customer, technology blogger, and IT professional involved in purchasing decisions this feels like a slap in the face for my loyalty to and advocacy of Apple products. Early adopters helped created the buzz and impressive sales numbers for the iPhone launch, and now we're learning that with Apple products we should always, always wait.

I will no longer be evangelizing, advertising, or recommending your products. Thank you for Thinking Different about the best way to retain loyal customers.

Sincerely,
MD

Comments

[Oswaldo]

"Ha Ha!"