Did Apple Strike the Right Cord with the iPhone 5?

Last week the tech world was on fire as Apple unveiled the iPhone 5. This product represents yet another leap forward in design and function for Apple, and if this weekend’s sales are any indication this new device is sure to be a hit with the masses.

While the new iPhone represents a host of improvements over the iPhone 4S, with faster processors, 4G LTE, improved battery life, and a great new display – there is one aspect of this new device has left me and many other consumers rather disappointed.

With the iPhone 5, Apple decided to replace the iconic dock connector with Lightning – a new micro USB connector. Apple made the switch after 9 years of using the same 30 pin dock connector because they needed more room inside the device to pack in all the new technology – which I understand. While micro USB’s are very common, especially in gadgets of this size, the switch does pose a big issue for anyone who plans to use accessories from previous iPhones.

As a result of the switch to Lightning, some 350 million iPhone accessories will now be essentially obsolete unless you buy an adapter! To me this is absolutely ridiculous!

I understand Apple’s need to evolve the design and technology of this incredible device, but I think that this switch is going to ultimately cost consumers millions – when you have to consider all the additional cords and adaptors you’ll need to get the iPhone 5 to work with all the previous accessories.

I think in some regards Apple left many consumers out in the cold with the switch to the Lightning connector, but I want to hear your opinion on the matter. Are the new advances in design and technology in the iPhone 5 worth making some 350 million accessories obsolete?

What say you?