Replies to post #70327 on Apple Inc (AAPL)

[dilleet]

I am starting to want one of these things, if only as an ultra portable email and browser to use in WiFi environments. I don't know if I can bring myself to pay ATT's tax for data and phone service. But, the idea of being able to whip this out in hotels and espresso bars for a quick web surf or to check email is enticing.
I think some of you are right, they ought to sell a version that is cellphone free just for the WiFi web features and maybe even a special Skype version, whos' only limitations would be access to a WiFi network

[Tex]

feel-good

I'm not taking as much solace as others from ATT getting bad reviews on its service. If it winds up losing a lot of iPhone sales, I won't feel a whole lot better if the lion's share of blame goes to ATT.

I think there's a big difference. If the device is thought to have been throttled in sales because the device sucks, confidence in AAPL will drop and with it the shares, long-term. If the device's sales are thought to have been throttled by a poor-performing carrier, then AAPL has a better negotiating position going forward, AAPL still has the early-adopter money, and if T doesn't shape up in time, news that AAPL is done dealing with T will drive the stock up and drive T's competitors to try for a crack at the phone, knowing it will drive people to their network.

If the limiting factor is AAPL, the shareholders suffer long term. If the limiting factor is T, and conspicuously not AAPL, confidence in Apple rises, making everything AAPL does more rewarding for shareholders. AAPL isn't about just sales, it's about the multiple the public applies because of its confidence in the solidity of the future earnings.

Schadenfreude on ATT ain't worth spit to me!

A grand slam is the best choice, sure. If it's a strike, though, I'd rather see T's whiff and not AAPL's pitch take the blame.

Take care,
--Tex.