Is the iPhone for Real This Time?

The iPhone rumor mill is in full swing again. Rumors are intensifying regarding a mysterious announcement of a much-anticipated iPhone. Almost two weeks ago, Kevin Rose of Digg fame, shared too much iPhone information on his video podcast Diggnation. He "basically confirmed" that a version of the iPhone will be available in both CDMA and GSM, and it will have a slide-out keyboard, a touch screen, and flash memory. This version would retail for $249 (4GB) and $449 (8GB).

In contrast, a rumor from a Morgan Stanley analyst gets very specific on details too. Rebecca F. Runkle said she has a "high conviction" that the iPhone will launch in the first half of 2007. Sources tell her the phone will have a large 3.5-inch LCD screen and a metal enclosure, and it will be available in multiple colors, including black, white, and silver. She predicts a 4GB version will retail for $599, while an 8GB iPhone will set you back $649. OUCH! Cingular Wireless may be the lucky carrier in the United States, according to the same report.

And Gizmodo's editor, Brian Lam, posted a teaser that claims the iPhone will be announced on Monday. Guess we'll find out then if this rumor will finally be put to rest. Cross your fingers.

I'm not convinced that any of these sources has the correct inside scoop. Apple guards its information better than most companies, so I find it hard to believe that even a Morgan Stanley analyst could be so specific. I sure hope it's available in a colorful metal enclosure, but I won't get my hopes up regarding a touch screen. It's a good thing I've been holding out on the Red iPod, because if the phone hits Cingular, I'm so getting one.

What about you? Have you been waiting on the so-called iPhone?

Update: iPhone Announced... And It's Not What You Think
It was too good to be true, although I was curious about this iPhone announcement, which turned out to be quite a dissapointment again.