Why iPhone Wannabes Don't Cut It, iPhone 3G $50 Cheaper to Build, Charger Danger, and More

Low End Mac is taking a long weekend, so we're posting this week's news roundups on Thursday morning. We'll be back on Monday.

Mac notebook and other portable computing is covered in The 'Book Review, and general Mac news is in Mac News Review.

All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.

News, Reviews, & Opinion

• Why iPhone Wannabes Don't Cut It
• iPhone 3G Has $50 Less Component Cost
• Apple Getting $325-$425 from AT&T for Every iPhone 3G Sold
• Want an Unlocked iPhone 3G? Grab $600, Head to Europe
• 7 iPhone Disappointments
• iPhone 3G Firmware Has FM Radio Support, FOTA
• O2 iPhone's Shocking Cost of Downloads Outside UK
• Keep Away from Chargers Not Approved for iPhone Use
• Smartphone Operating Systems: A User's Guide
• Apple Needs New iPod touch 'by September'

For iPods and iPhones

• iPhoneApps.org Innovative All-In-One Application Suite for the iPhone
• USB Fever iPhone/iPod AV Cables
• Marware CEO Flip Vue for iPhone 3G
• PixelSkin: Colorful New Cases for iPhone 3G
• USB Fever iPhone Chocolate Style Silicone Case
• Marware CEO Glide for iPhone 3G
• JAVOedge Leather Wrapped Back Cover for the iPhone

iPod and iPhone Deals

These price trackers are updated regularly.

• Best iPhone deals
• Best classic iPod deals
• Best iPod touch deals
• Best iPod nano deals
• Best iPod shuffle deals

News, Reviews, & Opinion

Why iPhone Wannabes Don't Cut It

BusinessWeek's Stephen H. Wildstrom says:

"Apple's influence on high-tech markets has long exceeded the company's relatively small market share, and nowhere is that more obvious than in the wireless phone market. Barely a year after it introduced the original iPhone, Apple has redefined the wireless handset.

"And with the impending shipment of a new version that should put the iPhone in the mainstream of consumer and business markets worldwide, Apple is extending its sway over much larger players such as Nokia and Samsung."

Link: Why iPhone Wannabes Don't Cut It

iPhone 3G Has $50 Less Component Cost

BusinessWeek's Arik Hesseldahl reports:

"Apple packed a lot of features into the latest version of the iPhone but managed to keep a tight lid on the cost of components that go into it. Manufacturing and components for the 8-gigabyte iPhone 3G set Apple back about $173 per unit, according to an estimate by Silicon Valley-based research firm iSuppli, due to be released June 24. Comparable expenses for the earlier iteration of the iPhone were about $226, iSuppli says."

Link: Inside the Latest iPhone - $50 Less Component Cost

Apple Getting $325-$425 from AT&T for Every iPhone 3G Sold

VentureBeat's MG Siegler reports:

"When word started to trickle in that the iPhone 3G would sell for a mere $199, many people simply could not believe it. It seemed too good to be true. Many questioned why Apple would make such a move when the device was already going to sell like crazy at the $399 price point.

"Well now we may know. AT&T is reportedly paying Apple $325 for every single iPhone 3G sold.

"Perhaps even crazier is that it is paying Apple $425 for each iPhone 3G sold to a new AT&T customer. There are likely to be a lot of those."

Link: Report: For Every iPhone 3G Sold, Apple Is Getting $325-$425 from AT&T

Want an Unlocked iPhone 3G? Grab $600, Head to Europe

The Industry Standard's MG Siegler reports:

"A lot of people bought and unlocked the first generation iPhone to use all around the world. Apple chief executive Steve Jobs even made a joke about it during his WWDC keynote address.

"Knowing this, Apple and AT&T are reportedly finalizing a way in which every iPhone sold in the United States would have to be activated with AT&T....

"The rest of the world could be luckier however. Because Apple has deals with a different carrier in almost every country, it has had to agree to a wide range of prices and options for selling its iPhone 3G. It's likely that in quite a few countries outside of the US, you'll be able to buy an iPhone without a contractual agreement.

"This non-subsidized iPhone would likely cost around $600, according to Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster."

Link: Want an Unlocked iPhone 3G? Grab $600, Head to Europe

7 iPhone Disappointments

Forbes' Brian Caulfield says:

"Apple's new iPhone promises to be 4.7 ounces of awesome.

"It will do everything the iPhone does well - surfing the Web, serving up music and movies, and letting you flick through your voicemail messages with a fingertip - only faster and cheaper.

"Yet imperfections still lurk, in spite of Chairman Steve Jobs' maniacal attention to detail. Even before its release, there are some niggling issues - some minor, others major - that make the iPhone a mere gadget, just like any other. Just ask those pesky bloggers...."

Link: Seven iPhone Disappointments

iPhone 3G Firmware Has FM Radio Support, FOTA

iPhone Atlas says:

"Reports from users in possession of the latest iPhone 3G firmware indicate that the device will have support for both FM radio and FOTA (firmware over the air)."

Link: iPhone 3G Firmware Has FM Radio Support, FOTA

O2 iPhone's Shocking Cost of Downloads Outside UK

The Times' Jessica Bown reports:

"The thousands of consumers planning to snap up a 3G iPhone when they go on sale next month could be hit with bills of thousands of pounds if they download music or programmes overseas, industry insiders warned last week.

"Apple and its partner O2 have used the unlimited download facility in much of its marketing for both the first iPhone that hit the shops last November, and the new 3G model, which will be available free on some O2 tariffs.

"However, the unlimited data and WiFi allowances only apply in the UK. Once you start using the device abroad, charges shoot up to £3 for each megabyte (Mb) of data downloaded in the EU and £6 elsewhere in the world.

"That means watching the average BBC iPlayer programme, which is about 300 Mb in size, would cost £900 if you were in France and £1,800 for someone visiting America."

Link: The iPhone's Shocking Cost of International Downloads

Keep Away from Chargers Not Approved for iPhone Use

iPhone Alley's Michael Johnston says:

"I recently got an email from a friend of mine with a tale of iPhone woe. My buddy Ken (not the podcaster) has a car charger which was made for use with iPods and so he assumed an iPhone would work just as well. As it turns out, not every iPod charger will play nicely with an iPhone. Frankly, I've been known to tell people that iPod chargers will work the same. After hearing Ken's story, my tip to you all is to be sure that your car chargers are made to work with the iPhone."

Link: Keep Away from Chargers Not Approved for iPhone Use

Smartphone Operating Systems: A User's Guide

TechNewsWorld's Vivian Wagner says:

"As smartphones creep ever closer to PCs in processing power and functionality, the importance of their operating systems grows. Drawing a distinction, however, between the different operating systems can be difficult. From the user's perspective, one major factor is most important: Functionality.

"With Apple's recent announcement of its new lower-priced and more richly featured 3G iPhone, smartphones are once again in the news. Now the iPhone will be competing with other prominent smartphone systems, particularly Research In Motion's popular BlackBerry.

"Many consumers might not have ever thought, however, about the fact that their smartphones have operating systems. Like a computer, a smartphone has a system that shapes the workings of the phone, the applications it can support, and the interactivity it has. Unlike PCs, however, which are dominated by one operating system - Microsoft's - smartphones are part of an entirely different realm of competition and innovation regarding both operating systems and applications."

Link: Smartphone Operating Systems, Part 1: A User's Guide

Apple Needs New iPod touch 'by September'

CrunchGear's Doug Aamoth says:

"Is it the end of the road for the first-generation iPod touch? An analyst from Lehman Brothers seems to think so, according to Apple Insider. Speculation began as both Apple.com and Best Buy seem to be scaling back on their respective supplies of the device. Apple's shortage is somewhat easy to explain away, as the company is offering a free 8 GB iPod Touch with the purchase of certain Mac computers as part of a back to school promotion (Back to school?? School just ended!) but Best Buy has no such promotion, yet 'has seen reduced supplies of 16 GB models at its own locations.'"

Link: Analyst: Apple Needs New iPod touch by September

For iPods and iPhones

iPhoneApps.org Innovative All-In-One Application Suite for the iPhone

PR: With this application, Apple's iPhone can literally be transformed into a minicomputer that doubles as a phone

iPhoneApps.org marks the launch of a groundbreaking, unique new software application product for the ever popular iPhone. With a generous choice of 10 of the most popular and commonly used PC applications, you'll have everything you need all available on your very fingertips with your iPhone at hand. If you're on the move, why carry a laptop when your iPhone can have it all! It truly is a remarkable and innovative product perfect for every iPhone owner who desires to make the most out of it.

iPhone Apps Bundle

It's difficult to dislike the iPhone. Its sleek and compact design and superior technology make it rather irresistible. Now, combined with savvy and popular applications, it quite simply demands attention. "With our groovy applications, Apple's iPhone can literally be transformed into a minicomputer that doubles as a phone," said Mark Scott, chief executive of iPhoneApps.org. "Our iPhone apps bundle covers a huge spectrum of the most popular activities carried out by the general public on their home computer, making this the greatest collection of iPhone applications ever!"

Powerful and attractive applications as such give the iPhone a lot more to do, keeping the everyday iPhone user busy with all the functions commonly carried out on the PC. There is a tremendous uniqueness of the company product, "We are the first and only company of our kind, offering this exclusive package," says a sales page spokesperson, "and with a price tag of only $24.95, it's a steal."

People today are always on the move, and require access to some of the great facilities that the internet brings. The problem is, how can we carry out our day-to-day online needs whilst on the go? The answer - turn your iPhone into a handheld computer! It truly is amazing what one can now do with just an iPhone.

The iPhone has been released worldwide for over a year. Owners are now in the need to get the most out of their intelligent, handheld equipment, which is why iPhone customizations are just perfect for the users that want to make the most of it. It's nerve-racking trying to install individual applications from obscure websites online, which lead to faulty iPhone applications, broken links and sometimes no-updates. That's why, it's always recommended to save yourself all the hassle, have it done from one reputable source in no-time, with excellent customer support and frequent updates all inclusive.

Some of iPhoneApps.org highlights include the VNC application, a truly extraordinary feature that will actually allow one to access a home computer without having to be in front of it. So, all your files and folders can be accessed within moments, should you urgently require. Isn't that something! It's almost equivalent to carrying your home computer in your pocket. Other remarkable applications include; Internet Messenger . . . from AOL to MSN, MMS for sending all your latest photos to friends and family with incredible ease, YouTube video downloader, SNES application to access and play all the legendary games from the past and more.

In all essence, iPhone applications are at the very heart of customizing your iPhone to the fullest. iPhoneApps are the only online company offering such an outstanding all-in-one applications product with excellent customer support on-call and reliable updates when available. If you've ever wanted to get the most out of your iPhone, iPhoneApps are the one-stop solution for you!

Link: iPhoneApps.org

USB Fever iPhone/iPod AV Cables

PR: If you consider your iPod screen is not big enough, will you consider to have this cable and output your audio file/video files from your iPod (check compatibility list) / iPhone to your AV devices, e.g. TV?

If so, this cable may be able to help you.

Features:

• Direct Plug, no need to go thru any other media
• Stereo
• Plug and play

Compatibility:

• iPhone
• iPod classic (6G)
• iPod touch
• iPod nano 3rd (Video)

Video Output to television is supported by:

• 480p or 576p

Specifications:

• one end is iPod / iPhone Dock connector
• Another end is RCA
• Total length: 170cm (66 inches or 5.5 feet) approximately

US$14.99

Link: USB Fever iPhone/iPod AV Cables

Marware CEO Flip Vue for iPhone 3G

PR: Marware Inc., designer and manufacturer of products for the Apple market, announces the CEO Flip Vue for iPhone 3G. In addition to the front flap protection, the iPhone is cradled securely in place by formfitting leather that doesn't block access to any iPhone functionality, and elastic siding that provides a snug fit. Enjoy your music or receive calls while your CEO Flip Vue is open or closed.

The headphone minijack, camera, volume buttons, speaker, microphone, and dock connector are all accessible whether the flip top is open or closed. The CEO Flip Vue includes the Multidapt clip system with a low-profile belt clip that is comfortable, convenient, interchangeable, and removable.

Features:

• Soft leather protection with microfiber interior
• Stylish perforated leather design accents with contrast stitching
• Interchangeable Multidapt low-profile belt clip
• Elastic siding for snug fit
• Secure Velcro closure
• Easy in-case access to all iPhone functionality and buttons
• BONUS: Clear protective film and microfiber cleaning cloth included
• Marware's Lifetime Guarantee

The CEO Flip Vue for the iPhone 3G is available in black Nappa leather. It retails for $29.99 and is available now for pre-order online (shipping prior to July 1, 2008). Please visit the Marware website for updated shipping dates. Marware is a leading provider of software and accessory solutions for Apple iPhones, iPods, and Notebooks.

Marware Website:

Link: CEO Flip Vue for iPhone 3G

PixelSkin: Colorful New Cases for iPhone 3G

PR: Speck has unveiled the newest addition to their fashionable and functional line of cases specifically designed for the iPhone 3G: PixelSkin. Shipping in six colors, PixelSkin is a lightweight, rubberized case with a textured matte finish that provides an extra-secure grip around your new iPhone.

"The introduction of the elegant iPhone 3G has caused an explosion of creativity from our design team" said Irene Baran, CEO of Speck Products. "We took inspiration from historical trends, social catalysts and color forecasts and crafted a product that encompasses the key qualities this case design needed to offer: protection, personality and comfort."

PixelSkin's lightweight, form-fit design with slightly thicker corners helps protect your iPhone from bumps and scrapes, while the textured tile pattern provides a comfortable, tactile sensation in your hand and a no-slip grip. The case offers access to all ports, controls and sensors for convenience, while the front raised ridge detail recesses the iPhone screen to protect it while faced down. The PixelSkin will be available in 6 different single-pack colors, with more to come: Licorice Black, Marshmallow White, Huckleberry Purple, Sherbet Pink, Corncob Yellow and Spearmint Green. PixelSkin will be available in July for $24.95.

Link: PixelSkin

USB Fever iPhone Chocolate Style Silicone Case

PR: Wanna a special Case? Like Chocolate very much? Love iPhone so much?

If yes, you can combine them together.

Features:

• As a chocolate
• Soft and comfortable
• Packed as a chocolate on the shelf in the supermarket
• Perfect as a gift!

Compatibility List:

• iPhone

US$26.99 - Accepting PRE-ORDERING, to be shipped on 2 July 2008

Link: USB Fever iPhone Chocolate Style Silicone Case

Marware CEO Glide for iPhone 3G

PR: Marware Inc., designer and manufacturer of products for the Apple market, announces the CEO Glide for Apple iPhone 3G. The CEO Glide is constructed of firm-textured Nappa leather. This snug sleeve exposes virtually none of the iPhone, providing total all-around protection. Best of all, the CEO Glide uses an innovative dual-purpose strap system that both secures your iPhone and helps remove it from the case.

Simply pull on the strap, and the iPhone slides partially out for easy retrieval. Push the iPhone in the case, and the strap recesses and folds over the top of the iPhone, with a secure Velcro closure system that locks it in place. The CEO Glide adds virtually no thickness to your iPhone, and the microfiber interior helps keeps your iPhone clean and pristine every time you use it.

Features:

• 

  Textured leather iPhone protection with microfiber interior
• Secure premium Velcro closure system
• Built-in, recessed pull-tab for easy iPhone retrieval
• Ultra-slim profile - great for carrying in pocket, purse, or bag
• BONUS: Clear protective film and microfiber cleaning cloth included
• Marware's Lifetime Guarantee

The CEO Glide for the Apple iPhone 3G is available in black, white and red textured Nappa leather. It retails for $24.99 and is available now for pre-order online (shipping prior to July 1, 2008). Please visit the Marware website for updated shipping dates. Marware is a leading provider of software and accessory solutions for Apple iPhones, iPods, and Notebooks.

Link: CEO Glide for iPhone 3G

JAVOedge Leather Wrapped Back Cover for the iPhone

PR: JAVOEdge's Leather Wrapped Back Cover for the Apple iPhone is an ergonomically designed case that is comfortable and form fitting. Cutouts for all functions with the elegance of leather.

Made specifically for the iPhone with quality Polycarbonate

• Cutouts allow full function usage while inside the case
• Ergonomically designed with high grade leather
• Easily snaps on and off your iPhone
• Wrapped with hand stitched quality leather

The iPhone Leather Wrapped Back Cover is an ergonomically designed case that is comfortable, form fitting and stylish. It features openings for all functions such as camera, volume control and audio jack. This allows full usability with the iPhone protected inside the case. This is the ultimate solution for elegant scratch and slip protection without the bulkiness. A must have for both haute couture and business minded individuals.

Link: Leather Wrapped Back Cover for iPhone