Reality check, aisle 5....

It's been a little over a week since the much heralded iPhone whipped gadget freaks into a frenzy. Like nearly everything in life that is over-hyped, surprise surprise, some people are disgruntled about their purchase.

This shouldn't be news. If there was a colossal snafu with the iPhone's OS, then by all means, notify consumers.

But no.

What has thousands of iPhone owners panties in a twist? The !@#$ battery.

*blink*

Really? This should come as a shock? The iPhone lasts approximately 300-400 charges after that, the battery begins to diminish. The phone must then be sent in and the battery replaced in 3 business days. If this phone were a commoner used merely to make and receive calls, I'd understand, but it's not. It's a phone, mp3 player, capable of showing movies and a fully equipped internet browser. What would you expect?? Not to mention this is Apple we're dealing with here, they've made it their business to make battery replacement a booming side venture. This was first noticed with iPods, you HAD to send it in to Official Apple Techs who can replace the battery in what is a VERY DELICATE PROCEDURE.

Until it came to light that replacing an iPod battery isn't all that difficult. Numerous websites have step-by-step instructions, some with video. My favorite being the fine folks at I-Fix-iPods-Fast and their video tutorials. I've resurrected my 3rd Gen 15gb iPod and repaired a busted 80 GB iPod thanks to them. All for the cost of a battery ($15) and a new screen ($40). Much less than the exorbitant price Apple wanted for the same repairs.

Maybe what baffles me the most is how many people are acting indignant over this. As if dropping $600 for the phone + tax + $60/month for service isn't going to break the bank, but the $79 is going to push them over the edge? I wonder how many people, had they known this prior to buying an iPhone, would have chosen to postpone their purchase?

My guess is not many. Lots of Americans have problems suppressing their Inner Gratification Demons and if they want to spend $600 on a 1st Generation phone NOW, then they're going to do it and damn the consequences. These people should have their right to whine about something as paltry as a battery, revoked. Do not pass go, do not collect $200....