I really wanted to like the Apple iPhone and if I was an AT&T customer already I probably would have held on to it with the hope that Apple would be issuing updates to fix the issues with the device. It is very fun to use and is a great iPod, but it is a poor phone as I detailed in my latest ZDNet blog post. It is just way too expensive for a crippled mobile phone when there are so many other better alternatives out there, but I will definitely be keeping my eye on future Apple devices and do hope it forces Microsoft and Symbian/Nokia to take a look at their future operating system plans.

UPDATE: So I had the iPhone all packed up and was on the way to the store when I had to pull over and admire the device again. I just can’t return it after all the memories of camping out with my girls, fun posts at ZDNet, and the awesome UI. I discovered I can forward 500 minutes from T-Mobile to the AT&T number for free so the impact the my family plan should be minimal. I am going to give it a couple more days and hold off my final decision until minutes before the 14 day period, but I am leaning towards keeping it now.

UPDATE 2: OK, so the iPhone is all packed up and will be returned in about 1.5 hours to my local AT&T store. The extremely poor speaker volume, very weak email program, and monthly cost of adding AT&T to my T-Mobile service just pushed me back to a return state. I have to say it is a relief to finally make a final, final decision. I will definitely take another look at the iPhone after Apple updates it, but now I am much more educated on its limitations, and strengths, so I know when I will be willing to jump back into the iPhone game. Thanks for the 2 weeks Apple and good luck with the iPhone.