The iPhone backlash has already started here in America,
which just goes to show you that no matter how slick your interface or how cool
looking your minimalist handset just might be, there’s no way to please
everyone with a proprietary business model, oppressive DRM system, and a locked
$600 phone tied into AT&T’s cell phone service. I’m not an Apple basher. Far from it, in fact; I just would like the
freedom to use my insanely expensive phone on whatever network I choose without
hacking it.

You’ve heard the horror story about the $3000 AT&T bill
from a guy using his iPhone as a laptop replacement, I’m sure. That’s pretty bad, all things considered, but
one time I ran up a $250 bill on a Verizon calling card by making a ton of long
distance calls in the olden days before everyone had a cell phone.  Unlike Dave Stolte, I just paid the bill I ran
up and watched my usage from then on rather than crying until the company threw
out (or reduced) the charges I ran up.

Now the first batch of iPhone-related AT&T bills are
coming in, and guess what? People are
getting 300 page invoices! Trees
throughout the nation are weeping at this tremendous loss of plant life.

Phone owners getting their first AT&T wireless bills
have been posting videos and complaining on message forums about bills as thick
as Moby Dick that detail every call, every text message, every moment spent on
the EDGE network.

AT&T Inc. acknowledged that by default, customers
receive these detailed paper bills, but said users can switch to a much shorter
summary, or do away with paper entirely, at any time.

So here’s how it boils down: one guy ran up a ginormous bill because he was basically too dumb to
read the paperwork and figure out how his new cell phone plan worked for
international roaming, and other people are complaining that they’re getting
TOO MUCH INFORMATION about the plans they have, the charges they’re incurring,
and the stuff they use on their phones? Is there no pleasing people?

I think I’d rather know what I’m doing on my phone and know
what I’m being charged for rather than being surprised by a $3000 bill, wouldn’t
you? I mean, I’m paying for it either
way, so a cardboard box full of calls made and text message logs just means I’m
getting my money’s worth. Plus, if your
power goes out like mine did this afternoon, you can cook your meals over a
bonfire of AT&T paperwork.