The interface is exactly what is different about the phone. If you look at it feature by feature, this phone is about 3 years behind (not counting the iPod and full HTML browser) but if you take the interface, multi touch, and the way it works, it's different than anything you've ever used. It's more like using a Star Trek interface than anything else.
What I think is sad is that people who use Microsoft products, and Motorola phones, and all of that see Apple and immediately dismiss it. I've used all the different phones so I can look at the pros and cons, but don't dismiss it out of hand just because it's an Apple product. Sit down and use it, give it an objective look, and 9 times out of 10 you'll probably like the Apple product more (whether it's iPhone, iPod, or a Mac)
I never said I didn't like it. Actually, the interface IS what I said is good, different from other PDA's I have used. Admittedly, I've only used 3 in the past 3 years, not every one ever made. The multi touch / squeeze is an interesting concept. I was comparing the features and stating it was nothing new. Apparently we agree.
As to the decision to buy one, no, I am not interested in AT&T due to the service. Just no coverage in many of the areas I need to go in my travels. Verizon / sprint are the two that seem to work. Plus, I have no complaints about the speed of EVDO. It could always be faster but with 500kbps-1Mbps it's better than any other wireless broadband.
Maybe I'll back off from my original thought that the Iphone is 90$ marketing hype, 10% engineering. to 80% marketing hype!
I can assure you that the new XV6800 will be all engineering because as usual, they won't build any false hopes through advertising. In fact, like the 6700 most people won't even know about it. Scott didn't until I had him check it out. He returned his Treo700W and got the XV6700. The Treo was full of marklet hype as well and left many users disappointed. My wife still uses one and it is good for her but I need more than the Treo, so did Scott.
Anyway good luck with your iphone and I'm happy that Apple is making a fortune on them so it will help keep their computer division funded. After all the money I spent on the Mac here and software, I'd hate for them to announce closing down due to lack of profits.
PS- What is a Star Trek interface? Did you mean Star Tac?