My problem with this development is two-fold:
1. Apple has built a reputation for giving free updates, not free OSs. I have no problem paying to get Leopard, don't get me wrong. However, if I now have to pay for this, I have to wonder if I will turn on my computer tomorrow and have to pay for the security update like McCafee.
2. The timing of this is impecable. I do not believe it is a coincidence that Apple decided to do this directly after the Christmas holidays, when they knew there would be lots of buyers. To release something like this, and then charge for it is dirty tactics. I did not have to pay to upgrade my calendar application because they knew the update should have been included to begin with. This is nothing other than Apple trying to make a cheap buck.
I have been thinking about getting an iPhone, too, but if this is how it is going to be in the future, I may reconsider.
Lastly, if these programs really took extra money to include, why did they not increase the price of the iPod? Apprently they did factor in these programs, just as they did with the iPhone.
1. have you complained about not getting iLife '08 for free since all new Macs come with it? Security updates are a necessity to keep your computer running as it should. Applications are not a necessity, so it's like comparing apples and oranges.
2. you may be right, but what is the goal of Apple? To make money. Apple is a business like any other. A business could make everyone happy by giving away their product, but they'll go out of business fast. When it comes down to it, it's all about how far you can go to get money from people without the perception of being unfair, in short, perception of value for your money. All people have to do is not buy the product. The problem here though, is perception. The two products are so similar that people are not seeing them as separate products. If this were something added to the iPod Classic, I bet there wouldn't be as much of an outcry.
Lastly, Apple isn't offering the Touch with the apps for free as many people think. All Touches being sold now that don't include these apps are being sold for $20 less. If I went to the Apple store and bought a Touch right now, it would be $279. (obviously not on the online store since it's not selling the Touch without the apps.) Basically, Apple lowered the price on current Touches, offered up the apps for $20, and bundled the apps on all new Touches for $20 more all at once. Now it's pretty clear that this is mostly thinly-veiled accounting trickery, but again, it's perception. If Apple lowered the price of Touch to $279 and included the optional $20 apps 2-3 months down the road, it would be the same thing, but without the negative perception.
I understand how you feel, I was totally against it too at first. But I've kind of seen the light of the situation.
Oh, and if you expect Apple to just give away newly-developed applications for the iPhone in the future, you probably do need to reconsider. Nobody profit-seeking developer is going to give away applications for free.
