Laura Ries doesn't like the iPhone idea (in general, she doesn't think much of converged devices) - and quotes a "Daily Show" segment on the idea:

John Hodgman refutes Jon’s statement with “So why combine a cellphone and a camera then?” Jon comes back with “Why? That’s my question. You just end up with a crappy phone and a crappy camera.” It receives big cheers from the audience and at this point Hodgman concedes that Jon wins the round.

Except... people like having Camera Phones. I use mine all the time, even though a digital camera will take a much better picture. Why? Two things:

• I don't need a cable for the camera phone - I just email the pictures to myself
• I'm far more likely to be carrying my phone than the camera

The camera phone takes pictures that are "good enough", so it's found widespread use. The iPhone may fail, but it won't necessarily be for reasons of "needless convergence". Even if single purpose devices are better, the barrier to reach is "good enough" - not "as good as".

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