Re:I won't buy a DRM enabled phone. (Score 2, Interesting)

This is just crazy. I'll never buy, or use a DRM enabled phone. This is part of reason I won't get a Verizon phone, they won't allow you to download any applications to the phone unless its through them, and you pay a subscription for it.

Unfortunately, in that case I believe you won't be able to buy or use a phone at all, at least not a 3G phone. Currently working for a major mobile phone vendor, I can assure you that DRM is a cruical part of the platform.

When it comes to downloading applications, there is more to it than just DRM. Restrictions is set up to not allowing users to include them, foremost for safety reasons (at least from the vendor's point of view, operators might probably include some business aspects there as well). Imagine a trojan running wild calling expensive toll numbers without your knowledge. We are not just talking major embarrassment here, we are talking major phone bills, and potential network crash. Therefore, only apps checked and approved by the operator are allowed to be downloaded. One exception is java apps, since the virtual machine can be set up to restrict hazardous safety behavior.