In that time I have upgraded to the iPhone 4G, purchased my wife a 4G,  gave my 4 year old my old 3GS (as an iPod Touch configuration), and purchased a iMac for the home. So I think it would be safe to say that I am truly drinking the apple juice. 

I am disappointed in the extra cost for iPhone tethering and that fact that I would have to give up my unlimited data plan. With that said I have yet to have a real need for it. If I need immediate access to email or data I just use the iPhone as is or go find a WiFi hot spot for my laptop. 

 

As far as Apple keeping up I would have to say yes, Apple is doing a solid job and I respect their one hardware refresh a year model. I still laugh at the press with their constant flip-flopping on who is the best Apple, Android, Blackberry etc. With development, especially hardware, everyone will take turns being ahead and behind at some point in time. So for me I never look at it from a single snapshot in time on who the leader is. I look at the long term tends.

One trend I see with Apple is how they are slowly working their way into controlling every aspect of multi-media in your home. Right now there are many high-end digital receives with built in support for AirPlay (one of which is on my to purchase list). This is where Google, BlackBerry and even Microsoft don't get it - it' s not just about the phone.

However, as I predicated, Android has taken the lead in sales volume simply because of the number of manufactures cranking out devices - and some of these devices are quite compelling. But If you were to compare one specific Android model to the iPhone there would be no comparison. 

I also predicted (like others) that Android OS versions would become fragmented and it indeed has. The latest charts (http://developer.android.com/resources/dashboard/platform-versions.html) show that most devices are running 2.1 or 2.2 not the latest 2.3 which on the surface may not be that bad. But what the chart does not show is how many of those devices can't upgrade yet and which ones will never be able to be upgraded. Let's face it the carriers really don't care if a phone can be upgraded because they always want to sell you the next best thing. AT&T is already spinning up the Android marketing machine in the wake of Verizon selling the iPhone. Android device manufactures are so busy cranking out multiple different models at a neck-breaking pace that if an older model (last month's) is not a big seller there is no incentive to keep supporting it. This, in my opinion, will be what keeps Apple on top. 

The Android store is also suffering, based on feedback from many colleagues who have Android phones. They tell me how difficult (not impossible) it is to find quality software. I guess there is something to be said for the App Store approval process . 

I also find interviews from the likes of John Carmack interesting: http://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2010/11/post-8.ars/

Android is here to stay for sure but I plan to say with my iPhone. 

Thanks everyone for the great comments and I will do my best to keep posting!

DAJ