My major complaint with the current wireless ecosystem is the subsidy in respect to contracts. I'm fine with paying less for a phone if signing a cotnract for service, it's a trade off, you lock in to get better rate on the phone. However, try walking into a wireless company store and activating service *without* service commitment. You can't. So If i buy a phone off ebay and walk into a TMO store, I am still locked into a 12mo or more contract with no benifit to me. Kind of sucks. I understand the business behind it, revenue commmitment to satisfy stockholders, etc. And activation fees? Where do they get off charging an activation fee, if they are going to charge you to terminate? If they *need* that $35-$40 why not build it in to the rate plans or reduce the subsidy? I dont get the nickel and dime stuff.

You forgot "frickin" lasers..........Love the post, btw

Dinger,
I agree. Thanks for the info on the EU regulations.
I was just pointing out that things are cyclical. People are always wanting to add to and make their vehicle look like other vehicles.

I knew the fender markers had something to do with EU, regulations or something. I wish we'd adopt something similar here in the US. I have been saved both ways from lane changes that would have been bad had the fender blinker not been there and noticed by me, or the other driver.

Port holes and side markers/blinkers.
Same thing happened about six years ago with fender blinkers. VW was putting a lot of cars in the road and they had updated all the designs with fender mounted blinkers/indicators. All the german cars were putting fender blinkers on their cars and so the ricers were installing them, then the blingers had to do it too. Altezza taillights come to mind too. All the want-to-be car-heads try and make their cars what they aren't.
It's cyclical.

elgee02,
In response to the churn statement.

Also look at the flip side to churn. The companies with the steapest contracts will typically carry lower churn numbers becuase the subs can't afford to switch due to penalty costs or equipment charges.
I personally love my carrier because they do not *require* a 24 month contract and still offer services at the best rates in the marketplace.
I have churned many times in the last 8 years but still end up where I am now. I have had every national carrier at some point and none stack up in customer service, products, flexibilty, and plan value as this carrier.
I hope for my own selfishness they keep on trucking and do not acquire or be acquired. They are in a great place for me. As far as Alltel, they do not operate where I am located but if they did, I'd give a shot at earning and keeping my business.

To stay on topic, Alltel's best bet is merging with a *like* carrier someone like Cricket or Metro PCS.

It always amazes me how people can find things to waste time, money, and effort on in their vehicles.
I agree with a previous poster, not my cup of tea. To each his/her own I guess.

As #19 states, insurance is underwritten based on cost to repair(and replace -depending on the policy),frequency statistics, safety features(how likely are passengers to get hurt, and how can it minimize damage to property). Cars are assigned a point rating that will be calculated with your data. Your data includes coverages, driving history, claim history, and statitical data of drivers in your household.
It typically has little to do with how many SRT4's were wrapped around poles or wrecked due to smoke in the cockpit.
However, if the vehicle is known to have a brake failure issue or not be rated well well it can affect your premium.
As I am learning, insurance is as sticky as income taxes!

Remember, insurance companies are in the business to make money, not be charitable. Always read your policy and understand what is covered and it not...This will help you understand what coverages to buy and deny.

To the "Audiblog" people:
Stop your b####ing.
When I look to the right at the column with all the manufactorers and I see Audi with 146 posts, BMW with 178, VW with 152, Toyota with 227, and Chevy with 169, dont give me that crap about Autoblog being over-biased towards Audi. Go wank.

As for me, I liked the video, but to agree with Anthem, I wish they had shown more car....

T-mo by far has the best BIS pricing at $19.99 add on to your voice plan. Last time I checked, Cingy's was $45 add on,

My contract is up on 8/31, maybe I'll hold out for this to drop...

Woohoo

Could it be "....present platform". As in "The present platform", inferring there is a new platform? This is the WWDC, do it's supposed to be about developement..?