What's next, iPhone "Desire Ratios?" Maybe "Euphoria Gradations?" It goes without saying that there are literally thousands of ways to pseudo analyze a CE product--especially if that product has yet to hit the market. And if you haven't noticed lately, "intelligence" firms are having a field day with this thing called the iPhone. As we get closer and closer to launch, what's measured seems to be of less and less importance so long as some sort of data is gathered and parsed for all the voracious consumers out there ready to plunk down the equivalent of Pakistan's national per capita income on Apple's new device.

Take, for instance, a new smartphone report issued Wednesday by online market intelligence firm, BrandIntel. The firms finds that the iPhone has what it astutely labels a "significant discussion share"--i.e., how often consumers discuss the products--of 25 percent when compared to other devices in the market.

So you're saying the iPhone is generating buzz...tell me more BrandIntel. Thankfully, they did. To wit: Overall consumer intent to purchase (a.k.a. "sentiment scores") the phone was rather neutral, according to the firm--some of the lowest noted in the report, actually. Okay, so Americans are still somewhat hesitant to spend 5 or $600 on a phone. This is getting good.

But the best is how the firm actually came to these conclusions. These findings were arrived at by "analyzing online consumer published content regarding various smartphone devices found in blogs, chatrooms, discussion boards, etc." That's right, blogs, chatrooms, and discussion boards. Wait, it gets better. Then, by using their award-winning technology combined with its unique human analysis component, presto-chango, BrandIntel spits out the obvious coupled with the somewhat logical.

If you're floored by those findings, here are a few others from the smartphone survey:

1). The Blackberry devices (Curve 8300 and 8800) have strong consumer sentiment for overall appeal and style; these devices will do well if the iPhone does not resonate with consumers.

[That pop you just heard was my mind being blown]

2). Although the Motorola Q generated 11 percent discussion share, overall consumer perception regarding the phone and Motorola as a company was below average.

3). While consumers are highly engaged in discussions about the LG Chocolate and the Nokia N95, consumers have criticized their poor interfaces and short battery life.

[I engaged in five discussions today regarding the LG Chocolate. No, wait, that was my love of chocolate]

4). Despite receiving only half the discussion share compared to the iPhone, overall sentiment and anticipation was extremely high for the Helio Ocean.

[Hmmm, anticipating what has already arrived. I like it!]

Me, I think I'll wait for the next weeks' cold, hard numbers...at which point I will engage you folks in multiple news discussions on PCmag.com. Until then...