Apple's iPhone was the talk of the town after its January 9 launch. Industry observers were by and large impressed with the new device, praising its user interface, innovation, and seamless integration. But two senior ABI Research analysts - wireless research director Stuart Carlaw, and principal mobile broadband analyst Philip Solis - point out that while the iPhone is undoubtedly clever and capable, it is not correct to call it a smartphone, as much of the media has done.

Each Apple iPhone sold will generate nearly a 50 percent gross margin for Apple Inc. and partner Cingular Wireless, giving the companies a hefty profit, as well as plenty of room for future price cuts, according to a preliminary functional Bill of Materials (BoM) estimate created by iSuppli Corp. "With a 50 percent gross margin, Apple is setting itself up for aggressive price declines going forward," said Jagdish Rebello, PhD, director and principal analyst with iSuppli.

At the MacWorld 2007 Apple introduced something unique, at least that's how we think about it; the Apple iPhone. iPhone combines three products; a revolutionary mobile phone, a widescreen iPod with touch controls, and a breakthrough Internet communications device with desktop-class email, web browsing, maps, and searching, into one small and lightweight handheld device. Apple iPhone also introduces an entirely new user interface based on a large multi-touch display and pioneering new software, letting you control everything with just your fingers. So it ushers in an era of software power and sophistication never before seen in a mobile device, completely redefining what you can do on a mobile phone.

They're primo on holiday wish lists; they're pricey; and they're precious to their owners. So after unwrapping an iPod or MP3 player that may cost upwards of $450, it's important to safeguard these surprisingly delicate devices from being dropped, banged, or stepped on. Dozens of companies offer protective and stylish covers and cases for iPods - and the majority rely on the toughness, scratch resistance, and light weight of GE's Lexan polycarbonate. There's the SwitchEasy Capsule for iPod Nano, a protective case made from Lexan resin and available in a wide variety of colors. Or you could select the Xtremity Protective iPod case, also molded from Lexan resin.

Apple introduced iPhone, combining three products; a revolutionary mobile phone, a widescreen iPod with touch controls, and a breakthrough Internet communications device with desktop-class email, web browsing, searching and maps, into one small and lightweight handheld device. iPhone introduces an entirely new user interface based on a large multi-touch display and pioneering new software, letting users control iPhone with just their fingers. iPhone also ushers in an era of software power and sophistication never before seen in a mobile device, which completely redefines what users can do on their mobile phones. iPhone will be available in the US in June 2007, Europe in late 2007, and Asia in 2008.