On Zittrain's The Future of the Internet(1)

The End of the generative PC Age?

Why cell phone should be designed as appliances?

Why should not cell phone be designed as a PC-like computer so that people can "tinker"?

It is because cell phone is a multi-million business. To secure Apple's profit, Steve Jobs designed its iPhone 3G as a closed system and as an appliance.

However iPhone 3G has a competitor. It is the Linux OpenMoko(www.openmoko.org). It is a cell phone that allow users to "tinker".

But it depends on consumer's choice. People may prefer a closed appliance network (iPhone3G) rather that a generative platform (Linux Openmoko). Free to choose to be fettered.