I agree about all the bitching. I came from a WM Treo which I liked a lot, but lacked inovation. It's funny because I still look on the Treo websites and all they have to talk about is the Palm Foleo.... WHAT A JOKE THAT IS. When all you have to be excited about is a laptop comparable to the ones from the late 80's to early 90's, it's pretty sad.
I am very happy that Apple has raised the bar... Even made me consider an Apple computer for the first time, as I needed a new laptop.
That being said, there are a lot of annoyances which have all been discussed at length in these forums, and I am hoping Apple continues the momentum and continues to raise the bar. The nice thing is that most changes (with the exception of 3G) can be done by means of software updates... The form factor stays the same.
When people ask me if I like the device, I say I like it a lot... I would love it with a few easily implemented concepts:
1. I think Exchange Server ActiveSync is a must for the iPhone to have staying power in the long term. All of the platforms which have standed the test of time (Treo, Blackberry, etc.) have had some sort of Wireless syncability.
2. I don't think Web based apps will stand the test of time, at least in the short term. Right now, wireless access isn't everywhere... There are certain apps that I rely on, even when in areas that don't receive a signal, like buildings, hospitals, airlplanes, etc. Apps need to be stored inside the device, not in the air.
Battery life is on par or better than any of the competing devices.
Version 1.0 is a great start... I didn't return the phone, I kept it... I have high hopes for Versions 1.x ....
No bitching... wishful waiting.
Jon