Like me, thousands of Indians have been dreaming and drooling over the launch of the Apple iPhone.

For weeks, if not months, we were eagerly devouring every morsel of news about the iconic gadget.

And as launch date approached, the excitement touched a new high of near-hysteria.

Then, the blow fell.

News broke that the Apple iPhone would cost Rs.31,000 (for the 8 GB version) and Rs.36,500 (for the 16 GB model).

The fantasy turned out to be fickle!

In hordes, disappointed ‘fans’ started the painful process of rationalization, equating buying an iPhone with scaling exalted heights of stupidity. The focus turned to what the iPhone could NOT do - like no video, low resolution camera, no MMS forwarding, no bulk SMS, no ringtone customization - even doubtful support for installation and set up.

iPhone dreams dissolved in the harsh glare of pricing reality.

Now, a disillusioned pack turns to the next exciting new toy.

What will it be?