Why I Haven’t Switched to the Apple iPhone

It’s been tough to sit back and watch others have fun with the Apple iPhone, while I drool on the sidelines. Here’s my rationale:

• I’m not an early adopter — I like to let new technology get a shake down cruise by other users while I drool on the sidelines waiting for the right time to jump in.
• Allow time for developers to come out with third-party apps — In particular, I want apps that can be installed on the device, not served wirelessly. It’s important to me because manufacturers tend to satisfy extreme basic needs, not diverse user needs. Apple is supposed to release a Software Developer Kit (SDK) this month, but it will take some time to see what developers come up with and determine the best efforts.
• No removable battery — Important to me because somewhere down the road this will frustrate me, as it has on many other devices.
• No choice of alternate wireless carrier — This is huge:
  The current data plan (in the U.S.) is far from best for a premium device.
  I’ve been with my current carrier over ten years and I get discounts for bundled services.
  I’d have to port several lines.
• I’m comfortable with a tactile keypad. It’s more reassuring so I can type faster with less errors.
• Cost — It’s pricey (USD $399 low-end), especially since I know my wife wants one too. :p
  Also, that’s the type of device that warrants spending extra for the Apple Extended Care (USD $69)
• Can’t watch Flash apps in the Web browser — That hinders the user experience on some Websites.

Putting all the above aside, I need software to adequately solve what I currently depend on. For example:

• Task management — Oddly, the iPhone still doesn’t come with a basic to do functionality. I have been looking at third-party alternatives for task management, but I want my data stored on the device for offline browsing, not dependent on connecting wirelessly or via wi-fi.
• Password utility — I depend on a program that the developer stopped supporting several years ago. I’ll need a comparable solution that I can access in my handheld and sync to a desktop. Passwords are not something I want to sync wirelessly with a Web app. I’d prefer an installed application.

So as itchy as I’ve been lately to buy an iPhone, I’m going to stick with my Treo. The LG Voyager VX10000 is an interesting alternative available on my carrier, but I hesitate to get locked into another two-year commitment. (Of course the next day, Apple would probably announce something amazing and I’d be kicking myself in frustration.)

What about you? Drooling for an iPhone? Happy with what you have? Please share your thoughts?
-Roland