I was one of perhaps millions disappointed this year when the Apple 3G S was introduced. Why? Because I so happen to use Verizon, and I so happen to not like Apple well enough to change to AT&T.

I like my Verizon plan. I like my 450 any-time minutes and free calling for in-network numbers (the majority of my contact list also happens to utilize Verizon). Now, granted, I’d like a new cell phone – I’ve been looking in the market – and I really wish that I could say that the phone I plan on purchasing within the next year will be an iPhone. However, instead, I will most likely purchase an LG Dare or something similar when the time comes.

In addition, Apple has stated that they will not be introducing netbooks and that their lineup will remain as it is – that is, very high-price computers that most normal people perhaps would not purchase because of the tag on the machine. This slices out the sector of the market which cannot possibly afford this type of computer.

So my question is, is Apple genius in choosing to cut out parts of their market, or are they making a big mistake?

Netbooks are essentially laptops manufactured for use of the Internet. They aren’t quite computers like you or I might use; they tend to be very sub-standard, and very low-cost, but the market has been growing tremendously. As this Ars Technica post concerning the netbook market illustrates, most people purchase netbooks because of their portability and cheaper tag. Now, granted, the Macbook Air does reach portability, but it has a very hefty price tag in comparison to, say, the Macbook.

Some are saying that the iPhone or iPod Touch are Apple’s answer to the netbook. I say no, they most certainly are not.

For one thing, as I stated in the beginning of this post, the iPhone has cut off the entire Verizon market, and believe me, most of us are not going to be changing over anytime soon. This network is reliable, in addition to the costly expense of negating a cell phone contract. One might say to get an iPod Touch, but on this I say no as well; why should I need yet one more thing to carry in my bag? I have a cell phone, an external hard drive, a Nintendo DS, and now an iPod Touch? I hardly have room for it. In addition, were I to purchase a netbook, I would want to be able to connect my external to it, like in this ad for an Acer Aspire.

So, is this a mistake or marketing genius that we can’t quite figure out? Frankly, I think it is a major mistake for Apple. They are soliciting to only one sector of the market, when a business must open themselves as much as possible in order to receive what profits they can – especially in an economy such as this. I myself have been contemplating a new laptop computer to replace my G4 iBook, but it looks like instead I’ll just upgrade its OS and memory – I’d much rather save my money this way rather than waste it on a notebook I don’t need, or canceling a cell plan that I’ve been happy with since I signed up for it.