The new iPhones, 3GS,  have arrived sans Steve Jobs and the bring with them underwhelming capabilities.  Video Capture, MMS, Cut and Paste, and voice dialing should have been there since 1.0, but they finally made it in 3.0.  Other stuff like a compass (who cares) and push notification (still not background applications) are welcome along with better battery life and a few othrer goodies.

But here is the really bad news.  If you are an existing AT&T customer, whether an iPhone user or using another phone, your new iPhone 3GS 16g will cost you $599 not the announced $199.  Don’t believe me?  Here’s your link to the appropriate Apple web site.  Just scroll down until you see this:

For non-qualified customers, including existing AT&T customers who want to upgrade from another phone or replace an iPhone 3G, the price with a new two-year agreement is $499 (8GB), $599 (16GB), or $699 (32GB).

How’s that working for you?  How’s that for hosing your loyal installed base?  Apple and AT&T were evil enough by themselves, but this is beyond the pale.

Do I still really like my iPhone and think its the best smart phone I’ve ever owned?  Yep.  Will I be upgrading to 3GS any time soon?  Nope.  Is it possible that in the interim I will find the Pre or Android appealing?  Could be.