This week the Motorola Droid launched.  I made the switch from an AT&T IPhone to the Droid on Verizon.  Like when I switched from Windows to Linux on my desktop, I go into this change fully knowing that I am giving up some things in the process.  But here's why I'm doing it anyway:    

1. Apple application restrictions.  Apple chooses which apps to allow into their app store.  This means that apps a developer wants to develop that you want on your machine may be denied by Apple.  And you might think this happens for purely technical reasons (such as too much bandwidth consumption).  But that's not it alone.  They deny applications for competing with Apple functionality.  Can you imagine if Microsoft didn't allow competitive browsers to be installed on Windows?  Further, they often deny items on points that come down to pure censorship.  And I'm not just talking about porn.  For instance, you cannot make an app that criticizes Democrats or Republicans (or anyone, for that matter), even if done in an entertaining way (think JibJab).  Apple having restrictions on their app store wouldn't bother me if they offered alternative ways for non-approved software to be installed, but they do not.  Getting denied by Apple is literally the death of an application.  The worst part of this all is that developers must spend hundreds or thousands of hours developing applications just to get to the point of submitting them for approval.  Imagine doing all that work, only to get rejected by Apple.  
2. Multi-tasking.  With the Droid, I can listen to Pandora while browsing the web.  While jogging, I can run a GPS app to track my distance, and listen to streaming radio shows at the same time.  Only the IPhone could make me appreciate this seemingly simple feature.  And here is another example of Apple making an uneven playing field, as their apps can multi-task.
3. IPhone music is only accessible via ITunes, and there is no ITunes for Linux.  This means I was constantly syncing via a virtualized Windows XP.  And this is THE only reason I ever run the XP VM.  And it's just not worth it.  With the Droid, I'll be able to transfer music directly from Linux, without any work.  I purchase all my music from Amazon anyway, and have little reason to run bloated ITunes that runs like molasses on Windows, and even worse in a VM.
4. Apple apps can only be developed on an Apple computer.  No thanks.  I am a developer, and I like to develop apps for my phone.  I have long since left Microsoft, and have no intention of going even more proprietary with Apple.  With all of the dubious things Apple is doing, I have no desire to give them yet more money.
5. This absurd connector.  Can't you just use mini-usb like everyone else?  I hate that I can't charge at work without paying a fat sum (again to Apple) for another stupid cable, or carrying it back and forth.  I hate this whole market for IPod only add-on devices.  The vendor lock-in that we are walking into with open-eyes is just sad.  
6. As I've made abundantly clear in this blog, I really enjoy Linux, and having an Android Linux-based phone is a nice change for me.
7. Apple's bluetooth support is sad.  Took Apple about two years to add A2DP (stereo headphone) support.  They still don't have support for a variety of bluetooth profiles (capabilities).  How nice would it be to transfer files (mp3 and otherwise) to your IPhone without docking it?  How nice would it be to print to your bluetooth printer from your IPhone?  If my research is correct, I'll be able to do these things with Android.

That said, I am glad I experienced the IPhone for two years.  As a user experience goes, it is absolutely top notch.  It gives me something to strive for when I develop my own applications.  I truly believe it is the epitome of what usability should be.  But, I don't believe any of the Apple restrictions are necessary to achieve this level of user-experience in software.  

I know I will be giving some of this up (along with tons of apps) in the switch to Android.  I have no idea if it will be worth it in the end.  But I'd still rather spend my money on products that are attempting to be open than on products that make seemingly every attempt to be closed.

In the end, it just seems to me that Apple is all about lock-in.  Apple approved apps, ITunes, proprietary connectors....it all just makes me mad at myself for paying for it.  Limiting user choice seems to be the cornerstone of Apple, and dipping my toe in their pond was enough to show me the water is frigid.  

I fully expect to be yelled at and accused of all sorts of fanboi atrocities by people in response to this post.  But please, keep it civil.  I am completely open to criticism, but I will delete any comments that go beyond public decency (ie, don't cuss me out and expect your comment to stay).