Technology in the US (Score 1)

While its true that there are some things that are available in other countries that aren't in the US (the VW Beetle was still made to early 70's spec in Mexico for decades after it went away elsewhere - to provide affordable vehicles) there are other factors to consider. The main one being that the average US consumer has more $$ to spend than the average consumer elsewhere in the world (there are, of course, small exceptions, but the total disposable income in such places is still tiny in comparison). Despite the moaning and groaning that goes on in regards to the US economy, we are head and shoulders above the rest of the world insofar as our economic might. Part of that is businesses taking a long look at what will be profitable and what won't, because despite some poster's comments that its all about the $$... it is. The whole point of being in business is not to make cool toys, but to stay in business by making money. Sure companies like Verizon and Tmobile leave a bad taste in your mouth when they sell you a locked phone, but the best way to make your objection known is to vote with your feet. Don't use their service, and convince others not to as well and make sure they give the right reason when they tell the provider why they are leaving. I also must say that I can't agree with one of the poster's coments about people using cell phones till they croak. Everyone I know has at least 3 or 4 old phones piling up in drawers because new plans with new providers typically come with new phones. In response to the fact that many other places have much cooler phones and seem to stay on the bleeding edge of technology: In places like Japan for example they simply don't have the room for all the technology we have. The multiple PCs per household, everyone and their dog having a laptop, etc. For many people elsewhere in the world their phones have to do double or triple duty as home pc, laptop and phone.