"The iPhone signifies a new strategy for Apple. They released a glut of information about the device six months before launch, obviously a smart play that built a fever pitch, but diametrically opposed to the way Apple traditionally handles product launches."

Apple did not choose to do it this way. Word got out about the iPhone so early because Apple had to publicly ask for approval from the FCC about six months ahead of time before releasing the iPhone onto the market. They made the best of the situation by starting up the hype machine much earlier than usual, but they probably wouldn't have done it that way if they didn't have to.

Nevertheless, I do agree with you about Apple's high ambitions. That's why I bought a few shares of Apple stock a few weeks ago. :)

Someone needs to tell a company called Global Resource Company about this. They recently invented an industrial microwave that will turn plastic back into something very close to crude oil, and I'm sure they would be glad to know of all that "free" readily-available raw material. It's a win-win scenario: cleaner oceans and reclaimed energy.