NO GREAT SHAKES

Well, Apple and AT&T announced the pricing plans today for the iPhone launch this Friday. And there are no major surprises.

But one does need to get mentally ready for the financial commitment involved here.

Here's the low-down:

"Pricing & Availability
iPhone goes on sale at 6:00 p.m. (local time) on Friday, June 29 and will be sold in the US through Apple?s retail and online stores and AT&T retail stores.

iPhone will be available in a 4GB model for $499 (US) and an 8GB model for $599 (US), and will work with either a PC or Mac®.

All iPhone monthly service plans are available for individuals and families and are based on a new two-year service agreement with AT&T. Individual plans are priced at $59.99 for 450 minutes, $79.99 for 900 minutes and $99.99 for 1,350 minutes.

All plans include unlimited data (email and web), Visual Voicemail, 200 SMS text messages, roll over minutes and unlimited mobile-to-mobile and a one-time activation fee of $36. Family plans are also available."

Key takeaways:

1. Apple is emphasizing unlimited data on all three plans, highlighting the web browsing functionality of the iPhone. That despite the slower EDGE data network on AT&T/Cingular vs. the EVDO networks of Verizon and Sprint.

2. A one-year AT&T contract doesn't seem to be an option. It's two-years or nothing. So above the $500 or $600 the user pays for a 4Gb or an 8GB model, s/he is committing anything $1440, $1920, or $2400 for the two years.

That's before any accessories and doo-dads one gets for the new gadget.

3. Can't use the new gadget as just a new version of the video iPod. The jkOnTheRun puts it:

"...you'll need to re-up for a new two-year contract to "activate iPhone features, including iPod functions".

And for the top-tier $100 plan? You don't get unlimited voice or SMS text messages. What a deal.
The only saving grace of the whole thing?

You don't need to deal with a human being to activate the thing. The gadget can be activated entirely through one's Mac or PC, via iTunes.

But if you absolutely MUST have the thing in your hands on Friday, you'd better get in line. Gizmodo reports the lines are already starting to form at the Apple stores.

Wonder how long Apple will wait before unveiling new video iPod models with the screen and touch features of the iPhone sans the phone features.

I'll start the pool with a guess of three months, with a new line-up in time for the holiday season. Any other takers?