One million. That's a lot of anything, but it is certainly a lot of people who have signed up with AT&T/Cingular asking to be notified when the iPhone becomes available.

One million people who want a product that is not yet available. One million people who trust Apple to do something different and to execute it well. One million people subscribing to the idea that this device is exactly what they have been waiting for.

Steve Jobs had set a target of a 1% market share in 2008 which is ten million units. If a product that is not even released can garner the enthusiasm of a million people I cannot imagine how this is going to take off when people actually see the device in the hands of their families, coworkers and friends.

One million people have asked to be contacted about this device. One million people who want this device enough to go out in search of more information.

One million. Anyone still doubt Apple can pull off a 1% market share? I think the biggest problem they will face is meeting demand.

Labels: Apple, Cingular, iPhone, Subscribers

According to the AP News Cingular has reported fourth quarter profits nearly quadrupled over the previous quarter.

When combined with the recent discovery of a potential 50% profit margin for Apple on sales of the iPhone one has to ask at what point these giants will begin discounting the iPhone and contract service to attract more users after the initial adapters have snatched up theirs.

Stan Sigman, the company's president and CEO, predicted sales of iPhones would drive wireless company subscriber additions in the second half of the year which would contribute to still higher revenues. Cingular has an exclusive multiyear deal to offer the digital convergence device, which will be sold in both Apple and Cingular retail stores. Cingular has not disclosed how service activation will be done.

"The only word to describe the iPhone is 'wow,'" Sigman said. "I have no doubt the iPhone will be a big seller."

Labels: Cingular, iPhone

I live in Vermont which is not yet covered by Cingular and it is unlikely they will do so by the time the iPhone rolls out. So I started to think about how many folks out there might be in the same predicament: wanting an iPhone but unable to get service?

If you are unsure it might be a good idea to check for service availability.

Labels: Availability, Cingular

I find it curious that the iPhone is not being rolled out as a 3G phone and will not offer connection to Cingular's BroadbandConnect service whichoffers connection speeds of 400 to 700Kbps. Why when the new Palm Treo 750 does?

There is still time for additions to the iPhone specs (afterall we only know what we are told) and I certainly hope the folks at both Apple and Cingular are paying attention. It may be that the target market is not in fact the business traveler, but rather the audience that owns both a phone and iPod currently. It may be they are more concerned with getting the devices into as many hands of these people as possible and less concerned with addressing the network connectivity issues of those on the road.

For the most part the Wi-Fi connection will allow for high speed data access, but the point of a cell phone with broadband capability is to have it available at high speeds at all times.

With EDGE network speeds similiar to those of a dial-up connection one has to wonder if Apple plans a later 3G version.

Of all the shortcomings of the iPhone this has got to be the one that concerns those of us who hope to see Apple gain strong acceptance in this market.

Labels: Apple, Cingular, iPhone, Palm, Wi-Fi