Good thing I'm in sales and not engineering! That whole counting thing...sheesh.

I agree that to put the software on the manufacturer is not a good idea. I was writing from more the user point of view. In today's age where "Name your provider" is branding everything theirs, etc. it does not really matter to me if Palm, Windows, Motorola, LG, Samsung, Apple, or whomever puts a product out. I want it to perform certain functions.

I agree with you that cell providers want to go the route of a new phone and extend the plan. But, the providers have to see the wisdom in what I call the "Daimler Benz Model." Back when it was Daimler/Benz, Mercedes was the top car of choice when it came to combining style, reliability, and overall value. Sure there were more stylish cars (Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini), there were cheaper cars (take your pick), but there were no cars or manufacturers that offered such a high quality and stylish vehicle (Look at resale value and longevity) as the Mercedes brand. Sure there are new kids on the block like Lexus, but they took the quality model from Benz.

When a cell phone provider/manufacturer does that, they will have the same brand loyalty that Mercedes does.

Drew