Over the past year with the help of Digg, I was able to see the speculation behind Apple’s highly-anticipated “iPhone,” including the much pleasing thought that it just might be sold unlocked (i.e. you are able to use any carrier). However, that is not the case. This, in addition to the lack of support for 3G wireless and inability to add 3rd-party programs, makes this phone an unattractive buy.

Per an exclusive deal with Cingular, the iPhone is available for $599 with a two-year contract from Cingular. Naturally, the phone will come locked to Cingular’s service. Setting aside the fact that Cingular’s service could be craptacular in certain areas, the price point already brings this phone to the point of being unpractical. Indeed, there are products that are able to do everything the iPhone can (and then some) for significantly less.

Two phones I can readily point out that are capable of doing everything the iPhone can (and then some) are the Palm Treo 680 and the T-Mobile Dash. While it is possible to get an unlocked version of the former for $399, the latter can be obtained with a two-year contract for $199. Both feature not only 3G support, but unfettered ability to add any program you wish to do whatever you want with the phone. Can the iPhone offer that kind of freedom? I don’t think so. Now, if some “bad guys” unlock the phone, you can actually use it with other services.

With everything said, I believe that the iPhone is defective by design. I was particularly offended when Lurie from Cingular called unlockers “bad guys.” I believe in reciprocity, so here’s my statement: The iPhone is yet another pair of iCuffs for the iSheep. A fool and his money are soon parted. I will tell you more about these “bad guys” later.

Finally, I was not paid to mention any of the brands. I know that T-Mobile has a very liberal policy with respect to their phones and do not cripple them much (if at all).
Written with contributions from natmaster and Spencer.