We took the lens to a local English high-end camera shop. By the time we walked out, not only was the camera lens still stuck, but now there was something loose inside and you could hear it rattling around. Huh. Went to a second camera shop and bought an exact replacement lens, the Nikon 18-55mm standard. Sure enough, camera worked, life and more importantly, vacation photos move on.

Until last week. We’ve been back from England for the better part of a month and I went to use the camera for something or other. Picked it up, turned it on, and attempted to zoom into something I’m going to sell on eBay. Lens won’t work…Yup, the very same lens I purchased to replace the original one now won’t work at all. I just hear a delicate squeaking sound from the lens motor but nothing more. F-ing great.

However, on the bright side, I contact Costco, they tell me the camera is beyond return but they have a service which interfaces with name brand manufacturers on behalf of customers. I call the 1-800 number and chat to a very nice gal who calls up Nikon while I’m on the phone with her. Around 15 minutes later, the Nikon guy (also a nice chap) has taken down all the particulars, has given me the address of the service center in California, and told me it would be around a 10-day turn-around.

Crappy start, optomistic middle, we’ll see how the end works out.

I didn’t take that move lightly. I have been with Verizon for the better part of eight years and have few, if any, complaints. I’ve enjoyed a wide selection of phones, most recently the Palm Treo 700p. A solid, utilitarian phone but nothing to write home about. Additionally, Verizon is considered one of the most powerful networks, both locally and nationally. Again, the decision to leave wasn’t easy but the allure of the iPhone was too great.

I had saved some pennies and went over to the Apple store a couple of Sunday’s ago. I stood in a meager line, purchased two iPhones (as planned and budgeted for) and headed home. It took me a couple of days to work out the best screen protector, the most convenient method of carry, and which contacts were worth sync’ing with my Mac. That done, I’ve been putting the phone through it’s paces since. Thumbnail comment? What the hell was I waiting for.

The iPhone makes my Treo, my beloved Treo, look like a “cave-phone.” It is just rediculous how much more this phone can do with seemingly very little effort. From tne intuitive interface, to the downloadable applications, the iPhone 3G has set the standard. No wonder all other phone companies continue to work on iPhone killers… but I don’t see the death of the this extremely impressive gadget coming anytime soon. Conversely, the iPhone will grow in popularity and usability more and more, probably shredding the mobil phone market and grabbing a significant market share, much like the iPod.

After dipping my toe into the iPhone pond, I’m not coming out anytime soon. No chance.