First impressions - http://wp.me/pZtLs-aS

Conclusion (or, “would I choose it over an iPhone?”)

There is so much that the Nokia and Microsoft have got right with this phone and platform. Its novel user interface design and excellent social network integration are far superior than Apple’s dated iOS design. In order to have demonstrable success though, Microsoft and Nokia are going to have to mature the features and ecosystem and fill in the gaps. If they did that, and the iPhone stayed the same, I’d switch anyday. They haven’t though yet, and Apple will continue to evolve their design so we’ll just have to watch this space.

The one thing I would say is that Apple’s product development methodology is inherently iterative. They slowly improve things bit by bit, thereby maintaining stability and keeping true to their core design values. However, this makes radical changes in the face of competition less likely. Microsoft already have the upper hand in terms of the fundamental interface design (in my opinion), and iterative changes are exactly what it now needs. I think they have an advantage here, and I really hope they use it.