I had a Sony Ericsson P910. SE announced coming soon on their website for the replacement P990 (P910 donated to ex cause she loved the games).

I waited 18 months before I relented and bought a Nokia E61. SE had 'coming soon' on their web site for so long that it became a case of sour grapes. I don't want one. I have no curiosity as to how it works and I have moved on.

Now like you, I hope like you Apple can at least make it in less time otherwise they risk the same. Alienating the folk that watch their every new release with relish. I think they know they cant do it with the iPhone.