[PCWorld]

Post your comments for How the iPhone Is Killing the Net here

[chipbennett]

I must be one of the rare people who still use their cell phones to make phone calls.

For internet connection, I use my computer.

The iPhone will have no impact on my computing/internet experience.

[mattharms]

This is an infinitely regressive argument. End PC's aren't "free" and "open" like the author advocates. Rather, our ability to interact with and access the internet is restricted by the lenses with which we use. Windows is a limitation, given its normal 2D screen and keyboard/mouse combination. Same with Linux and OS X.

Instead of forcing us to visualize and access the internet through a single desktop computer environment, I would argue that device manufacturers are exploding the universe of endpoints to access the internet. Could a refrigerator or stove run Windows XP and an 8800GT in order to download recipes and upload shopping lists? Doubtful, but device manufacturers have that ability.

Until "the net" is something tangible that can be held in our hands, we will always be slaves to the limitations of the hardware and operating systems we use, no matter if that is a desktop computer, your stove, or your cell phone.

[redisant]

The author nor the esteemed professor have heard of jailbreaking or modchips? Most users don't want to tinker, they want their devices to work properly. Those who do want to tinker simply do and have been extremely successful at it of late. For a self proclaimed "digiterati", someone clearly needs to read the internets more thoroughly.

[FireBrand]

In the end the consumer, us, define what comes into the market. If we love the iPhone and a closed device then that will win, if we don't and push back for an open device then that will win. The market responds correctly to things like this. The author would do better educating people on the difference rather than making broad statements that may or may not come true. The one fact that you can not change is that the market/consumers define what is successful and what isn't. Not government policy or corporate policy. If nothing else the internet should have taught everyone that.
Look at Apple, under pressure from their consumers/market they released an open platform for folks to write applications for the iPhone. They continue to try to control, via their widget store, but in the end the market will decide if it likes that or not. Apple made a HUGE mistake when they let their PR people basically say "that's what you get when you go against us" statement when they broke phones

[qbit9]

That's so stupid. Most people don't care to or want to mod. Those who do will find a way.