Comment Feed for So, did anyone here get a new iPhone? (Coffeehouse on Channel 9)

Re: So, did anyone here get a new iPhone?

harumscarum — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:51:51 GMT

Putting in my order this afternoon. The nice thing is you can get everything done online. Sucks about your phone # dahat.

Re: Re: So, did anyone here get a new iPhone?

CreamFilling512 — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:28:44 GMT

I'd actually like to know why it sucks, I'm thinking of getting a Touch Pro 2.

Re: So, did anyone here get a new iPhone?

dahat — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 05:25:42 GMT

Back in December I broke down and tried to get a 3g... only ATT wouldn't have me because they do not recognize the legitimacy of the state that my # comes from (and I’ll be damned if I give up the # after all of this time)... so instead I stuck with Verizon and ended up getting an HTC Touch Pro which sucks more than I can describe in words alone.

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: So, did anyone here get a new iPhone?

JonathonW — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 05:24:44 GMT

You didn't read your terms of use very carefully, then:

http://www.t-mobile.com/Templates/Popup.aspx?PAsset=Pln_Lst_DataPlan
Your Data Plan is intended for Web browsing, messaging, and similar activities on your device and not on any other equipment. Unless explicitly permitted by your Data Plan, other uses, including for example, tethering your device to a personal computer or other hardware, are not permitted.

Otherwise, I'm done with this discussion... I still maintain that they're all pretty competitive when it comes to rates (yes, T-Mobile's voice plan is cheaper; for fewer minutes and fewer features), but what do I care? I have no intention of changing phones or carriers anytime soon (crappy old Samsung phone on AT&T for me!)... I've wasted too much time on this already.

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: So, did anyone here get a new iPhone?

CreamFilling512 — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 05:04:37 GMT

I have T-Mobile and their voice plans start at $30/month. With the $40/month plan you also get unlimited calling to your "faves", 5 numbers of your choosing. Also their unlimited data plan is $20 not $40. And I've used tetherinig on my T-mobile phone, and its not against the service plan. The app is even included on the phone.

Sprint there is some plan that is $20/month for unlimited text messages, unlimited data, and unlimited nights/weekends (and their nights start at 7 btw). You get no "anytime" minutes tho, its pay as you go. I suppose you could install Skype on your phone to mitigate that.

Re: Re: Re: Re: So, did anyone here get a new iPhone?

JonathonW — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 04:50:21 GMT

It's worth noting that the iPhone data plan (which is $30) is actually $5 cheaper than AT&T's unlimited smartphone data plan. The other $40 in the "base" $70 iPhone plan is AT&T's cheapest voice plan; the same plan you would get with any other phone on AT&T.

T-Mobile's (as an example) cheapest voice plan is also $40-- it gives you 150 fewer monthly minutes (300 vs. 450), and gives you no free mobile-to-mobile minutes, although it does allow unlimited night and weekend calling (AT&T gives 5000 night and weekend minutes, and free mobile-to-mobile minutes). T-Mobile's unlimited data plan is actually more expensive than AT&T's unlimited data plan (even the smartphone data plan) at $40. Neither of these plans (AT&T or T-Mobile) include any text messages-- this is an extra fee on both carriers.

Verizon and Sprint are somewhat better deals-- $70 there will get you unlimited mobile-to-mobile and free night and weekend calling, plus unlimited texts and data. The $5 difference from the equivalent plan from AT&T (if you don't need more than 5000 night and weekend minutes) works out to $120/month; which, when compounded with the fact that the current HTC phone (the HTC Touch Diamond) is $100 more expensive than iPhone with a contract, saves you a total of about $20 over the life of a two-year contract.

As far as I can tell, no one allows tethering with any of their cell data plans. Some people do it anyways (violating their terms of service and running the risk of losing their service altogether if detected), but all the carriers have more expensive rates if you want to use their wireless data services with a computer.

From my research, all the major US wireless carriers are competitive enough that it really comes down to a matter of taste: who has the phone you like with the best coverage in your area? If WinMo is your thing, sure, go with Verizon or Sprint-- having texting included would be nice. If not, the iPhone is competitive (as are the Palm Pre on Sprint or the Android G1 on T-Mobile).

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: So, did anyone here get a new iPhone?

ManipUni — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 04:08:03 GMT

Odd, because I hear it from everyone who has been using technology for a while. It is just common sense. I can name examples both Apple and otherwise to support why being an early adopter is not always in your best interest.

Re: Re: Re: So, did anyone here get a new iPhone?

CreamFilling512 — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 03:45:50 GMT

When you buy an iPhone or any phone for that matter you have to consider the whole plan and contract. iPhone is more than $2000 over 2 years at minimum and that doesn't even include text messages or unlimited nights/weekends like you'd expect for a $70/month plan (Edit: And now apparently not tethering either). It's also from one of the lowest ranked cellular providers in customer service and service quality according to Consumer Reports.

HTC phones with other providers are excellent alternatives and will save you a boatload of money.

Re: Re: Re: Re: So, did anyone here get a new iPhone?

rhm — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 01:19:23 GMT

Yeh, you hear a lot of that from people that don't own them oddly enough.

Re: Re: Re: So, did anyone here get a new iPhone?

ManipUni — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 23:29:53 GMT

Or just wait a few weeks and laugh at all the people crying about bugs and scratched screens (*cough* iPod Nano).

Re: Re: So, did anyone here get a new iPhone?

rhm — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 23:25:06 GMT

I did have a bit of a chuckle at people on twitter saying how long they waited in line at the big Apple stores to get their 3GS on Friday. Don't they sell them in normal cell phone shops in America? I went to Carphone Warehouse (one of the big independent cell phone retailers in the UK) in my lunch break and was seen immediately.

Re: So, did anyone here get a new iPhone?

BitFlipper — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 22:32:57 GMT

The OP describes me exactly, down to the Zune. I was really holding out for a good WiMo phone, but it seems there won't be any for quite some time. When I say this, I also mean that the "App Store" equivalent is going to be a joke until there is one good WiMo phone that gets enough market share to attract enough app developers. Or at least some good baseline so that developers know that their apps will work on a large range of devices. Having to deal with the least-common-denominator is a killer (in a bad way, not a good way) for a large range of good apps. I don't see a good non-iPhone app store, or at least any time soon. And yes, I know there are tons of WiMo apps, but seriously, those things are clunky by today's standard.

It is sad because I think people don't give WiMo credit where it is due. Remember that there was a time (before iPhone), when if you wanted a full-featured mobile phone that could do proper multitasking, and on which you could create rich applications, the only choice really was WiMo. Yes the UI was clunky but at the time the hardware was not powerful enough to do an iPhone-like UI. Still, even back then it could have been better, so I am not saying it was perfect by any stretch of the imagination. The big mistake MS made was to let the platform stagnate. There was a time when they had a lot of handset makers using it because it was cutting edge. Now MS lost that advantage. (Case in point: My pre-iPhone phone had turn-by-turn directions, with 3D perspective. Something that only became possible in the latest iPhone 3G S).

Anyway, I feel I can't hold out any longer (it doesn't help that my ancient phone is literally breaking up into smaller pieces). An iPhone purchase is an impulse buy for me. I just didn't plan to get one at all until the day it was released (and to be honest, I am still torn). Since I didn't get up at 4am on Friday to stand in line to get one, by the time I made my mind up they were all sold out. Strange that it would sell out so quick when they were expecting to sell such a large number throughout the weekend.

I refuse to buy an iPhone in an Apple store. For some reason I can't get myself to do that. If there is one thing I can't stand it is the arrogance that often go with the Apple faithful. At least at Best Buy I know the salesperson doesn't think they float a few feet off the ground.

Re: So, did anyone here get a new iPhone?

ManipUni — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 21:29:38 GMT

From the people who were rich enough to run out and buy one, most are happy with their purchases. While they do complain about the standard stuff (Battery Life, Small Keypad, 3G version is better) they do use their phone a great deal and in a way they didn't before.

I know at least a couple of people who had an old multi-media phone with mobile internet access but who rarely used it. Partly that was down to the suckfest that was the browser and another part was down to the data rates. Now they're always online.

Want to get launch? I'll google places.
Want to buy this game? Let's look at an online review.
Want to know the weather? BAM internet.
...
You get the idea. The iPhone for a lot of people who purchased it has become an entirely new mobile access experience. Forget the hype, and watch how people who own one use it.

Yes, mobile Internet isn't new. But you might say the iPhone is one of the first devices to bring it to the common man.

Re: So, did anyone here get a new iPhone?

Go Microsoft !!!!!!! — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 20:08:22 GMT

RT @chrispirillo: 20 reasons I didn't want an iPhone on the first day: http://bit.ly/StBIK [I've eaten all the crow I can stomach.]

Re: Re: Re: Re: So, did anyone here get a new iPhone?

rhm — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 15:27:31 GMT

It is ugly and bulky it has to be said. Funny thing was the bloke I spoke to at t-mobile when I phoned up to get my PAC number was saying it was better looking when he was trying to get me to stay with them. Not a good strategy - esp. as I'd already told him I already bought the iPhone. I know they're reading from a script, but they should realise when they've lost the phone contract and at least try and sell me something else like second phone for a family member or mobile broadband or whatever. Anyway...

The G1 is ugly and bulky because it has a keyboard - same thing with the Pre as far as I can tell from the videos of it. I'm not sure how manufacturers go about desgining new phones, but the thinking seems to mirror the way people talk about them on forums. Someone will buy an iPhone and say something like "I love it, it's perfectly shaped, styled, weighted, the software is simple to use." and then people who don't have one pipe up with comments like: "but it doesn't have a physical keyboard, I *need* a keyboard" or "but you can only run one application at a time" or doesn't have any number of other minor features that ultimately don't matter that much.

So the designers of competing phones see all these things perceived by non-owners of iPhones as problems with the iPhone that will win them customers if they can make a phone that rectifies them. "I mean, surely the iPhone would be better if it had a keyboard? And what about not being able to run more than one app at a time - computers have been doing that for decades - Apple must be idtiots if they can't get that working! " Of course, they all missed the point.

Most people don't need a keyboard most of the time and they certainly don't need a miniturised qwerty keybaord. HTC's many attempts at creating phones with concealed qwerty keyboards have convinced my that there's only one decent way to put a physical keyboard ona mobile phone and that's the way the backberry does it, but that's not attractive because then you have a smaller screen.

When you're designing a smart phone you have to get to pick two from: Large touchscreen, Physical keyboard, Compactness. You can have any two, but not all three.

The reason I'd advise people to get a G1 despite the flaws in the phone hardware, is the operating system. The major benefit of buying an iPhone is the software available for it. No other platform even comes close. But at least Android has picked up some momentum. It's too far behind to ever catch the iPhone, but it's a clear second best at the moment. Blackberry has it's corporate niche and will survive there. Pre has no chance.

Re: Re: Re: So, did anyone here get a new iPhone?

Lee Dale — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 14:39:37 GMT

Is no one put off by the fact that the G1 is a hideous looking thing?

Re: Re: So, did anyone here get a new iPhone?

rhm — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 14:20:05 GMT

If you don't get an iPhone, get a G1 (which is made by HTC). Don't get any of their Windows Mobile phones. You will have no friends.

Re: Re: So, did anyone here get a new iPhone?

Fredrik Forsmo — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 13:39:32 GMT

I am going to buy one it release in Sweden. :)

Re: So, did anyone here get a new iPhone?

Jaz — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 11:59:16 GMT

iphone > HTC Touch series?

Re: So, did anyone here get a new iPhone?

Lee Dale — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 11:01:23 GMT

Got a 32GB one yesterday, gave my Blackberry Bold to the wife. I really like it except I've been having trouble with the O2 data connection and calls going straight to voicemail for some strange reason, so it's been driving me mad.

I think it's because my account is in the process of switching from Blackberry to iPhone tariff (at least I hope so)

The main gain for me is not having to carry an iPod Touch and Blackberry around with me, now just one device plus there are so many more useful applications for the iPhone.

Obviously one downside is the lack of physical keyboard so writing emails and messages are a bit slower.

Question is what do I do with the Touch now!

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: So, did anyone here get a new iPhone?

Christian Liensberger — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 14:00:53 GMT

I would argue that they don't have one. The only thing that needs to be changed is the UI.

Re: Re: Re: Re: So, did anyone here get a new iPhone?

ManipUni — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 11:57:57 GMT

Microsoft needs to develop an OS to put on a phone before that can happen.

Re: Re: Re: Re: So, did anyone here get a new iPhone?

rhm — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 10:57:32 GMT

Apple could make an iPhone with twice the battery life. It'd just be twice as big. This stuff isn't magic you know?

Already you can see the difference the battery makes if you compare the iPhone with the iPod Touch. The touch is waffer thin in comparison and while the iPhone has the cellphone and camera modules the iPod doesn't, most of the difference is the battery.

Re: Re: Re: So, did anyone here get a new iPhone?

Dorian Muthig — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 06:56:10 GMT

You know what would be awesome? A Zune (HD) Phone with more battery life (at least twice) than the iPhone. Apple would get so mad. :)

Re: Re: Re: So, did anyone here get a new iPhone?

emalamisura — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 01:31:19 GMT

Chucked my old one on Gazelle.com for 202 bucks, ordered a new one that is suppose to be here next week. Woot! I am siked!