Comment by mcantor | Hacker News Reader

Comment by mcantor | Hacker News Reader

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I think I see what you were getting at now, about the market penetration. I still don't really understand your point about hardware vs. software. The G-1 and iPhone are both pieces of hardware with pre-packaged software on them. Is there really anything the iPhone's hardware is capable of that the G-1 isn't, in some profound way? They both have wi-fi, GPS, accelerometer, calculator, touch screen, etc.

The iPhone really has become startlingly popular; I think I had a knee-jerk reaction to your article because Apple's incredible aptitude for branding always makes me a little queasy. People get so excited about Apple that and Apple this, that functional alternatives like the G-1 and Blackberry go unnoticed, and in the end, the market suffers because consumers are complacent instead of asking, "Can't it be better?"

People get so excited about Apple that and Apple this, that functional alternatives like the G-1 and Blackberry go unnoticed

They don't go unnoticed. It's only in geek-apple-loving communities like HN where they make it seem like the iPhone is the only viable choice for a joyful mobile experience.

Out there, normal people are buying other phones and are happy with them. Last time I checked Blackberry was still outselling the iPhone. http://www.phonemag.com/blackberrys-dominate-top-five-us-sma...

in the end, the market suffers because consumers are complacent

I believe you're projecting your own preferences here. Unless you have evidence to suggest that the average iPhone owner is not happy with his purchase, saying "the market suffers" is a bit much.

That's not what he's saying. He's saying that the market suffers because of a lack of competition - and I tend to agree with that.

And as a side note, this article seems to sort of be leading towards that sentiment: "there’s very little reason for start-ups to even attempt to pursue the wonky world of hardware."

He's saying that the market suffers because of a lack of competition

Huh? What lack of competition? The post is about the competition.

this article seems to sort of be leading towards that sentiment

He's referring to stand-alone devices, not other smartphones.

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