It must be the season or a slow news week. According to Businessweek, Apple has filed for a patent that appears to combine an iPod with a cellphone. I guess we could expect a cool looking cellphone that plays music. I don’t know that that is a startling new invention, but given the track record of the US Patent & Trademark office, Apple will probably be awarded a patient (USPTO is fodder for another posting some other time).
What is odd is that Businessweek seems to think that this iPhone is going to be some sort of Blackberry / Treo killer. I don’t see how, or even why, Businessweek would decide to compare this upcoming iPhone with a Blackberry or treo. The Blackberry and Treo are favored by business and professional users primarily because they can neatly bring their office and communications (cell phone and E-Mail) with them when they are out at meetings or traveling.
Now this iPhone seems geared toward combining a cellphone with entertainment, say music, movies, photos etc.
I seriously doubt that someone, looking for a mobile business productivity device is going to be persuaded to opt for an entertainment aimed device.
I have a Blackberry that you will only be able to pry out of my cold dead fingers, but only on week days(mostly), I also have a cell phone (slim with a camera, nice) I use mostly on weekends. Then I have a Nano for my music (I like the size).
I guess what I am really holding out for is the “imbedded chip” behind my right ear that will combine all these devices plus a GPS so my pets can find me