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[xpgeek]

Thought this was interesting.

From TechSpot :

According to an article on InfoWorld, Apple has a bit of a surprise in for iPhone adopters. It seems in order to use the phone, you will need an iTunes account. Need? Force? It seems that on top of your contract with AT&T, the sole distributor of the iPhone at first, you'll need a contract with Apple as well. While Apple isn't commenting directly on the situation, they are clearly are making it obvious that it will be required on their site.

Apple will require customers to establish a separate account with its online media service in addition to one with AT&T Wireless Services Inc., which has signed an exclusive U.S. distribution deal for the iPhone.
The move will allow Apple to create its own billing relationship with iPhone customers, rather than collecting payments for any iTunes purchases they make via the mobile operator.

Yep, is right there at the bottom on http://www.apple.com/iphone/easysetup/getready.html

[MetaMan]

I see this as a good thing.  iTunes accounts don't cost anything, and I'd rather pay directly for my music than go through a third party.  Besides, iTunes is almost universal.

[Richard]

That's settled am never buying iPhone because of that - why should i be forced to install iTunes and quicktime on my computer for a device that's meant to be separate. That's worse then Microsoft or Google.

[Nogg3r5]

You do have to hand over card details to get one though

[Richard]

You do have to hand over card details to get one though

If they only expect credit cards one more reason can't buy (don't own one and will not)
Also June launch is US Only

3 reasons why don't need or will not buy the iPhone

[MetaMan]

...why should i be forced to install iTunes and quicktime on my computer for a device that's meant to be separate?

Because it's not meant to be separate.  The iPhone is not just a phone; if that's all you want, go look somewhere else.  The iPhone is also many other things, including an iPod.  And like an iPod, you are supposed to install iTunes to use it.  iTunes will play an integral role in managing the media content on the iPhone; if you don't want to install it, don't buy one.

You do have to hand over card details to get one though.

If they only expect credit cards one more reason I can't buy (don't own one and will not).

I think it is safe to say Apple can be trusted with your credit card info, after all, millions of other people do.  Also, you will probably have to give AT&T credit card information to pay for the service, and so if you don't have a credit card, you wouldn't have been able to get one anyway.

[spock1982 (Ernie)]

I feel like this is one more reason I would not want a iPhone. I have said for years that Apple is more monopolistic than Microsoft. Perhaps others will begin to see this as well.

[Ryan Wagner]

When I setup my iTunes account it was just because I wanted to view a certain page, and they wouldn't let me without getting an account. I thought it was pretty stupid that I had to give them credit card information when all I wanted to do was pull up a page, but I guess that's how they get you in.

As far as iTunes being required...I figured that would happen. What I'm wondering now is whether the unlocked phones that get sold will still require you to activate the service through iTunes? I would imagine not otherwise they could check the details of the phone, so I'm sure the unlocked versions are going to be quite popular.

I feel like this is one more reason I would not want a iPhone. I have said for years that Apple is more monopolistic than Microsoft. Perhaps others will begin to see this as well.

I never really thought about it, but I can definitely see what you're talking about. After all, Apple makes you buy almost all of their hardware, whether it be an accessory for the computer or the computer itself. They claim it is to ensure that the devices work properly with the computer, but I'm not so sure that's the only reason.

[Nogg3r5]

That paragraph doesnt actually say that you must have an account ot use the phone. There could be a built in iTunes integrator-thingy that is more complicated than we know which requires an iTunes account?

[OldManDeath]

That paragraph doesnt actually say that you must have an account ot use the phone. There could be a built in iTunes integrator-thingy that is more complicated than we know which requires an iTunes account?

I doubt it.  I am sure it is Apple's way of trying to monopolize a market.

[MetaMan]

I am sure it is Apple's way of trying to monopolize a market.

How?  Look at it from Apple's perspective.  They're not hiding the fact that you need to use iTunes to manage your iPhone, nor the fact that you need an iTunes account.  They assume you know this when buying the device.  They aren't saying that you need an iPhone, and if you will not accept the terms, then you just won't buy one.  There will be plenty of other people who do accept the terms.  Millions of people have bought iPods even though you need to install iTunes to make it work.  If you don't want to install iTunes, then don't buy an iPod.  Apple doesn't care.

In short, this is just part of the terms of service.  If you don't accept them, then just don't use the product.

[xpgeek]

Yea, I kind of feel the same about Apple really. ... prepares for Apple lovers to beat me ... I get kinda tired of seeing Apple do things Microsoft would get sued for in a second.

[MetaMan]

Oh yeah, there are plenty of discrepancies between what Apple and what Microsoft are allowed to do.  Take Windows Media Player for example.  In Europe, Microsoft is not allowed to ship WMP with all copies of Windows.  However, no one has ever stopped Apple from shipping iTunes with its computers.  The US tried to stop Microsoft from shipping IE with copies of Windows, but never questioned Apple's right to distribute Safari.  I feel that everyone should just lighten up, but if they can't do that, at least hold everyone to the same standard.

I guess it's true: everyone loves an underdog.

[OldManDeath]

at least hold everyone to the same standard.

Exactly!!!

[Pieter]

You do have to hand over card details to get one though

I don't have a credit card, but I was able to create an iTunes account by buying a gift card and redeeming it myself. You have to do either that, or hand over your credit card details as you said.

In Europe, Microsoft is not allowed to ship WMP with all copies of Windows.

I believe that they have to offer a version without WMP, but you can't get these versions everywhere.

The US tried to stop Microsoft from shipping IE with copies of Windows, but never questioned Apple's right to distribute Safari.

I found that strange too. You need to put this into perspective though: Windows dominates the market, Mac OS X is not as popular as Windows. Therefore, other rules may apply.