With only 4 days left until iPhone Day (formerly June 29th), the moment of truth has come. Will I be getting an iPhone, or not? I’ve certainly wanted a new phone for a while. But now that it comes to it, do I really want one?

To be sure, the iPhone looks incredibly sexy. The user interface is, as most things Apple are, superb. But since the announcement of the iPhone I’ve been taking note of how I actually use my phone and I’ve noticed a few things:

  • I throw it
  • I put it in my pocket along with other things
  • I drop it
  • I spin it around in my hand

In short, I abuse it. Not quite like my sister, who would do better with a phone encased in titanium and rubber, but enough to wonder whether something easily scratch-able is really a good idea. The next thing to consider is the cost: I am already with AT&T (the new Cingular), but I don’t owe them anything - I can leave whenever I like. The idea of paying $500-$600 for the privilege of being forced to stick with them for another two years is not something I relish.

While I believe that I could adjust my habits to be more careful with my phone (after all, I treat my laptop like a baby), I just don’t know whether I can stomach the extra cost. Fortunately I have several friends who are going to buy one, so I’ll have ample opportunity to decide whether or not to buy one later. As for June 29th - have fun folks, but I’ll be elsewhere.