Wait! Do you REALLY wanna buy that iPhone?

Sure the Apple iPhone is a slick convergence device, and probably the most anticipated consumer electronics product in history... but are you sure you REALLY want that iPhone? And even if you REALLY WANT it, can you afford it?

Looking at things with some real numbers is what most people won't do because the iPhone frenzy has hit and no one's reeally thinking about the actual cost of this product.

Let's take a look at what it's gonna cost to purchase a 4 gig iPhone and a 2 year "low end" plan:

Apple iPhone - $499.99
AT&T voice and data plan - 450 minutes monthly for 24 months: $1,439.76
Activation Fee: $36.00
Accessories: none
Tax: varies
Total: $1974.76

So to put it in tangible terms, for about $24.24 more you can get the low-end 15" MacBook Pro for what it will actually cost you to get the 4 gig iPhone.

Also take into account a few other things: taxes, accessories and the fact that if you ever go over 450 minutes you will get clobbered when your phone bill shows up. Also take note that this is a version 1.0 product and Apple probably won't let iPhone sit too long with out an update. In fact, we would COUNT ON an update 6 months from now to the iPhone. iPhone version 1.5 and 2.0 is already being worked on. It has to be.

If you're a gadget freak like we are and just have to have the latest and greatest and have the bank account to afford it, the iPhone may be for you. Just remember that in the tech world, what's new today is old news next week. Be prepared to be jealous with envy when iPhone v. 1.5 comes out. Hopefully Apple and AT&T make it as easy as upgrading to a new iPod. We can hope right?