Why does it need a computer? On my N95 8GB I download loads music using MusicStation over UMTS (see earlier blog posts). That's as data intensive as iTunes. On my BlackBerry Bold, I donwload large podcasts and video casts over WiFi. I think you can even do that with the iPhone. So why tether me to a computer?

There is nothing at start up that the iPhone needs the computer for. Seriously, apart from firmware (which can be done OTA - see Android and S60) why do I need a computer to operate my phone?

Having a proxy in a country other than where you live isn't that uncommon. Geo-IP location is not very accurate at the best of times. Even a "Wrong Country" click here would have saved a lot of my frustration.

I agree that a lack of options makes things simpler but if you take the N95 8GB, it only requires desktop tethering for firmware updates - you can do absolutely everything else without going anywhere near a computer.

What's so fiddly about entering a credit card on the iPhone? With its great big gorgeous touch screen. No worse than having a to do it at a computer and just as secure.

The thing is, everything I did was a fiddle. Honestly, installing Ubuntu was quicker and less tricky and - at the end - it just worked!

....and breathe....