Before I start off, I do have a technical background. A+, Sec+, Net+, CCNA and DCSE Certified to give you an idea.
I am an iPhone 4 owner. I've had it since Launch day. Previous to that I owned an iPod Touch. I got this with a tax return and found it the best music device I've ever used. I quickly gained many Apps for different aspects of my life, and used it for much more than just listening to music.
When my old phone (a Kyocera Lingo - that tells you how old it was) finally crapped out on me, I decided to get an iPhone becaue I was already used to the Apps, wanted to explore the Location Aware, Social Networking and Navigation Apps. It was a natural progression for me and didn't have to do so much with Apple itself, but rather what the phone's capabilites were.
I've done my research, and yes, there are faster phones. Yes, there are phones with 8MP cameras and things like that. The retna display of the iPhone 4 is by far the best I've ever seen. I honestly don't think there's a better display out there.
I do think it was stupid of apple to build the thing out of glass. Although it does have a certain asthetic feel to it, I do experience that "Death-Grip" feeling for fear of dropping the thing. The antenna issue has been exaggerated greatly by the media (Steve Jobs refusing to admit there is an issue hardly helped). I have experienced the antenna issue, but it's not nearly as bad as one is lead to believe. Plus, with my (now refunded) bumper, and my free case on the way, I don't notice it in the slightest. So at the very least, these are minor issues IMO.
For me, it's not about name, but what it can do - and will it work for me. Yes, Apple's iPhone works for me. It's the best phone I've owned. I've jailbroken it, unlocked it and installed Frash (enabling Flash to work) on the phone. So, with the free tethering, mobile wifi hotspot, carrier change, etc features available through the jailbreak, I honestly can't picture using anything else.