iPhone Subtleties: Feature Lock, Capacity

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)

Some fine print regarding the iPhone is being brought to light today regarding the iPhone's storage capacity and features.

Many users continue to extol Apple's apparent editing mistake in its activation video (http://www.macrumors.com/2007/06/26/iphone-activation-and-syncing-video/) where the iPhone is shown to have an 74.40 GB capacity. While we firmly believe this was simply an editing mistake on Apple's part, Apple shows during other parts of the video the capacity of an apparently empty 8 GB iPhone as 7.24 GB. It is standard industry practice to advertise a device's physical capacity rather than usable, formatted capacity, and it seems the iPhone is no exception. Potential purchasers should keep this in mind when deciding on which model to choose.

In addition, TUAW (http://www.tuaw.com/2007/06/26/the-small-print-stinks-no-ipod-features-without-service-plan/) has noted that Apple and AT&T are serious when they indicate that a 2-year service plan (http://www.macrumors.com/2007/06/26/apple-announces-iphone-service-plans/) is required when purchasing an iPhone. According to fine-print on Apple's rate-plan webpage (http://www.apple.com/iphone/easysetup/rateplans.html), even iPod features of the iPhone will be locked until the phone is activated after purchase of a service plan through iTunes.

[AidenShaw]

It is standard industry practice to advertise a device's physical capacity rather than usable, formatted capacity, and it seems the iPhone is no exception.

The numbers are the same - 8 GB is about 7.45 GiB.

Subtract a couple of hundred MiB or MB for the software, and it looks right.

http://physics.nist.gov/cuu/Units/binary.html

[Macmaniac]

Looks like no unlocked iPhones, until someone hacks it.

[clevin]

its reasonable, and Im interested to hear more details when ppl get a hand on the real thing.

[Yankees 4 Life]

:apple: :apple: I am not surprised by this at all. ATT is a stickler when it comes to details. Can't wait to sign up as an existing customer and pay the 20 dollar media max upgrade fee :)

[ro2nie]

Looks like no unlocked iPhones, until someone hacks it.

I think hacking the iPhone could be a bad idea specially for when you need to install any software updates :(

[Taylor C]

I doubt it'll be long before iPhone hacks start to surface, this includes one that would allow it to be used as a sleek video playing, cover flowing iPod, for those that want to dish out $500 or $600 to use it as such.

[longofest]

The numbers are the same - 8 GB is about 7.45 GiB. Subtract a couple of hundred MiB or MB for the software, and it looks right.

http://physics.nist.gov/cuu/Units/binary.html

Apple claims that the iPhone has 8 GB, not 8 GiB, so no, they aren't the same.

http://www.apple.com/iphone/specs.html

[daveschroeder]

Yes but this doesn't mean there won't be a workaround that is relatively easy (or "easy-for-the-savvy", a la something like a .AppleSetupDone file). And no, I'm not saying it would necessarily be that easy; just that it could be.

This also presumes that the iPod would still remain functional after the contract expires; assuming, of course, that Apple and AT&T wouldn't want to brick the phone after your two-year contract period is up (or, even if you cancel for $175). So assuming it's true, that implies there must be some way or workaround, even if unsupported, to get the iPhone into a state of working with iTunes WITHOUT activation.

Again, I'm not saying this is certain, just that it's likely.

[PDE]

I have to say that with all the restrictions, you'd expect the iphone to be free. I won't buy one until there are unlocked ones so that I can use local sim cards while travelling. In Europe, that's way things work and I don't intend to pay the ATT premium to use my phone there.

They're pushing things too far this time, especially given the price.

[AidenShaw]

Apple claims that the iPhone has 8 GB, not 8 GiB, so no, they aren't the same.

http://www.apple.com/iphone/specs.html

From that page:

Storage 4GB or 8GB¹

¹ 1GB = 1 billion bytes; actual formatted capacity less.

OSX and Windows display storage use in KiB, MiB and GiB - therefore the numbers are the same.

If make a file that 8 billion bytes in size (8*10^9), OSX or Windows will say that it's 7.45 GB [sic] in size.

You didn't lose .55 GB, it's just a numbering error (and Apple is wrong for using the "GB" in their display texts rather than GiB).

[Yankees 4 Life]

I have to say that with all the restrictions, you'd expect the iphone to be free. I won't buy one until there are unlocked ones so that I can use local sim cards while travelling. In Europe, that's way things work and I don't intend to pay the ATT premium to use my phone there.

They're pushing things too far this time, especially given the price.

um you might be waiting for a long, long time. I'll tell you how much fun the iphone is while i'm using it... hahahaha gooo :apple:

[MSU05]

Does anyone know who is going to be servicing the phone, right now I pay $5 per month for insurance for my phone, but since this is an Apple product are you going to get the 1 free year of apple care for it like on their computers, and then pay for additional time after the first year is up?

[darwen]

In addition, TUAW (http://www.tuaw.com/2007/06/26/the-small-print-stinks-no-ipod-features-without-service-plan/) has noted that Apple and AT&T are serious when they indicate that a 2-year service plan (http://www.macrumors.com/2007/06/26/apple-announces-iphone-service-plans/) is required when purchasing an iPhone. According to fine-print on Apple's rate-plan webpage (http://www.apple.com/iphone/easysetup/rateplans.html), even iPod features of the iPhone will be locked until the phone is activated after purchase of a service plan through iTunes.

Good for them! That is the right thing to do. It is a phone with the best iPod ever. Not the best iPod ever with a phone.

[gkarris]

Did the video say "all my music and videos" at one point then later change it to "your music and favorite videos"? I'm running about 56 Gigs right now as far as music and videos... they need a hard drive based model...

[twoodcc]

i'm not surprised by this. doesn't hurt me though

[anubis]

Apple claims that the iPhone has 8 GB, not 8 GiB, so no, they aren't the same.

http://www.apple.com/iphone/specs.html

Direct from that web site:

"Storage 4GB or 8GB(1)"

"(1) 1GB=1 billion bytes, actual formatted capacity less."

Apple, like EVERY OTHER storage/hard drive manufacturer on the PLANET, advertises size on the internet and even on the box in "GB" with a subnote that "1GB = 1 billion bytes" as opposed to some power of 2 like it should be.

[JamesMcCain]

pfft, if they dont like the idea, go get a Zune, then maybe they'll stop complaining. (until it BSOD's)

[Yankees 4 Life]

Did the video say "all my music and videos" at one point then later change it to "your music and favorite videos"? I'm running about 56 Gigs right now as far as music and videos... they need a hard drive based model...

hard drive based models would be foolish because if you were to repeatedly drop it, you would eventually have to repair the HD which costs lots of :apple: $$$... just wait 2 years when 40GiB flash becomes cheap, then you can salivate all you want. 16GB flash just came out, so hold your horses

[daveschroeder]

Does anyone know who is going to be servicing the phone, right now I pay $5 per month for insurance for my phone, but since this is an Apple product are you going to get the 1 free year of apple care for it like on their computers, and then pay for additional time after the first year is up?

The one year warranty isn't "free AppleCare"; it's just a one year warranty. And yes, based on everything we know to date, it seems reasonable that iPhone will have a one year warranty, since all iPods do. All Apple hardware products, including iPods, also have AppleCare available which extends the warranty and phone support from one year and 90 days, respectively, to two years. AppleCare for iPod is $59. It also seems reasonable to believe this will be an option for iPhone.

However, neither Apple's warranty nor AppleCare cover dropping, theft, accidental damage, etc. It remains to be seen whether AT&T will provide any insurance for it (it appears the answer is no). There will very likely be third parties that will spring up happy to provide full-coverage insurance for iPhone.

[nw_mike]

"the iPhone is shown to have an 74.40 GB capacity. While we firmly believe this was <u>simply an editing mistake</u> on Apple's part"

If you look at the video at the 6:15 mark you will see the following
Audio 25.64GB
Video 13.09GB
Other 12.55GB
Free Space 23.13GB

It's almost like they have the phone hooked up to a regular size hard drive. Interesting...

[travishill]

The capacity mistake has now been corrected on Apple's website.

[rockstarjoe]

Engadget says that Exchange Push is being announced (http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/26/apple-and-microsoft-to-push-exchange-direct-push-to-iphone/) for the iphone tomorrow, too! Sweet!

[SirOmega]

Hmmm I wonder if there is some secret attachment to hook up 1.8" HDs up to the iphone. Not that its convienent to carry around two devices, or good for battery life, but if you're debugging it at your desk, neither of it are an issue.

[jimbot]

imo it is not the right thing to do. supposedly this is not just a phone and shouldn't be treated as such.

Good for them! That is the right thing to do. It is a phone with the best iPod ever. Not the best iPod ever with a phone.

[earnjam]

They corrected the video. The numbers are the same now.

[mikeyrogers]

I have to say that with all the restrictions, you'd expect the iphone to be free. I won't buy one until there are unlocked ones so that I can use local sim cards while travelling. In Europe, that's way things work and I don't intend to pay the ATT premium to use my phone there.

They're pushing things too far this time, especially given the price.

And exactly how do you plan on opening up the iPhone to insert a SIM? It's locked as tight as an iPod (read: you can't open it.)

[iLunar]

Engadget says that Exchange Push is being announced (http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/26/apple-and-microsoft-to-push-exchange-direct-push-to-iphone/) for the iphone tomorrow, too! Sweet!

Is this for real, or is it just Engadget making big claims with no evidence, then only to get pissed off when those big claims don't materialize?

[epicwelshman]

imo it is not the right thing to do. supposedly this is not just a phone and shouldn't be treated as such.

Frankly, if the iPhone will be primarily an iPod for you, there's not really much point in getting one. It's an all-in-one device, so the phone features are given just as much priority as the iPod features... perhaps even more. This move shouldn't affect anyone. If you buy the iphone you're gonna want a phone plan, so it's a moot point.

[TheSlush]

There was no chance that iPhones would ever be usable without a cellular contract. The far-fetched speculation about "iPod-only" or "Internet WiFi-only" iPhones was just wishful thinking. AT&T is a full partner in this venture, so they would never allow iPhone customers to side-step AT&T's piece of the pie like that.

[A Pittarelli]

corrected already...im sure there ssomeone at apple that just scours forums all day lol

[OnlyMarcusCannn]

The one year warranty isn't "free AppleCare"; it's just a one year warranty. And yes, based on everything we know to date, it seems reasonable that iPhone will have a one year warranty, since all iPods do. All Apple hardware products, including iPods, also have AppleCare available which extends the warranty and phone support from one year and 90 days, respectively, to two years. AppleCare for iPod is $59. It also seems reasonable to believe this will be an option for iPhone.

However, neither Apple's warranty nor AppleCare cover dropping, theft, accidental damage, etc. It remains to be seen whether AT&T will provide any insurance for it (it appears the answer is no). There will very likely be third parties that will spring up happy to provide full-coverage insurance for iPhone.


You're probably right, but I just can't (stand to) see Jobs not at least forcing Cingular to assess some sort of insurance that covers the phone, seeing as how it's not even subsidized. Apple might have special insurance for it--probably something the same as AppleCare, but more customized for the iPhone (theft, dropping, damage, etc..). We can only hope.

Still, though, we know nothing official until what seems like Friday, so I'm still holding my breath. :apple:

[rockstarjoe]

Is this for real, or is it just Engadget making big claims with no evidence, then only to get pissed off when those big claims don't materialize?

Eh, I couldn't say for sure. Engadget is quick to post any Apple rumor, however far fetched (see Iphone delay rumor from a few months back). But Exchange sync would be killer. And I swear that Jobs mentioned Exchange support (although not necessarily PUSH email) as a feature when first unveiling the iPhone. It would certainly be attractive to BlackBerry addicts out there. Anyway, I guess we'll find out soon enough.

[Stella]

Eh, I couldn't say for sure. Engadget is quick to post any Apple rumor, however far fetched (see Iphone delay rumor from a few months back). But Exchange sync would be killer. And I swear that Jobs mentioned Exchange support (although not necessarily PUSH email) as a feature when first unveiling the iPhone. It would certainly be attractive to BlackBerry addicts out there. Anyway, I guess we'll find out soon enough.

Yep, SJ did announce Exchange support.

Anyway, push still isn't going to encourage businesses to dump their blackberries for iPhones.

[bluebomberman]

Engadget says that Exchange Push is being announced (http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/26/apple-and-microsoft-to-push-exchange-direct-push-to-iphone/) for the iphone tomorrow, too! Sweet!

No, Engadget says that:

Rumor has it that Apple has licensed Exchange Active Sync after all, so let the Direct Pushing begin.

Rumors. As in maybe true, maybe false.

My take: There's no way Apple's going to pay Microsoft for anything.

EDIT: People need to make the distinction between true Exchange support and Exchange support via IMAP. *Not* the same.

Personally, I think Exchange is a bunch of hooey. But them suits want it.

[Yankees 4 Life]

Yep, SJ did announce Exchange support.

Anyway, push still isn't going to encourage businesses to dump their blackberries for iPhones.

It swayed my ass on jan. 9th.....:apple: :apple: :apple: :apple:

[mdizzle]

new iPhone videos, as well as leopard videos...

http://www.brightcove.com/takeout/?favorites&channel=987348479

[martijn.s]

Apple claims that the iPhone has 8 GB, not 8 GiB, so no, they aren't the same.

http://www.apple.com/iphone/specs.html

+ they have to put the OS somewhere.

[PDE]

um you might be waiting for a long, long time. I'll tell you how much fun the iphone is while i'm using it... hahahaha gooo :apple:

I'll happily wait or, if they never decide to sell an unlocked version, never buy one. Ultimately it's their loss too since many people want/need an unlocked phone. Restricting it like this, AND charging the full price, is not a good way to make friends and promote your product. People might go for it here in the US, but I doubt very much that it will work as well in Europe.

Time will tell. In the meantime, my lovely and very unlocked sony ericsson W810i will provide what I need seamlessly all over the world.

Enjoy your enslavement.

[foidulus]

I thought the rule was that if you sign a contract with a cell phone company, you are allowed to cancel it in the first 14 days without paying a penalty. Will that be true with the iPhone? Could you get away with buying a month of service(though you might get some of that back if you cancel), paying the $36 activation fee, and canceling your contract as soon as you get it?

When I wanted to switch cell phone providers, I remember I had to cancel my new service because my phone was stolen before I even laid hands on it(long story). Anyway, I cancelled without having to give my phone back

[crkfc]

I just went to the ATT store in my local mall. I had a question about upgrading my device to the iPhone. I'm not due for an upgrade until october, when my contract is up for renewal. He said I might have to wait until that time to get an iPhone and sign the required 2 year deal. I came home disappointed and went to the ATT tech support chat and asked, since the store guy didn't know much. They said you can extend your contract early and get the iPhone.

So, to those of you who are not due for an upgrade or contract renewal, you can still get an iPhone by extending your current contract 2 more years and adjusting your plan accordingly.

[abrooks]

And exactly how do you plan on opening up the iPhone to insert a SIM? It's locked as tight as an iPod (read: you can't open it.)

Check your facts my friend.

The SIM card is perfectly accessible, SIM card tray can be seen in this image. (http://images.apple.com/iphone/gallery/images/gallery1_hires20070621.jpg)

[bluebomberman]

I'll happily wait or, if they never decide to sell an unlocked version, never buy one. Ultimately it's their loss too since many people want/need an unlocked phone. Restricting it like this, AND charging the full price, is not a good way to make friends and promote your product. People might go for it here in the US, but I doubt very much that it will work as well in Europe.

Time will tell. In the meantime, my lovely and very unlocked sony ericsson W810i will provide what I need.

Enjoy your enslavement.

People will go for it in the US because that's how it works here. Most of us are slaves to our contracts. (I'm stuck with Verizon until Sept. 2008 and I refuse to cave in and pay the early termination fee.)

It's useless to speculate right now how Apple will (or will not) adjust strategies for very different markets for mobile handsets in Europe, Asia, and elsewhere.

[longofest]

"the iPhone is shown to have an 74.40 GB capacity. While we firmly believe this was <u>simply an editing mistake</u> on Apple's part"

If you look at the video at the 6:15 mark you will see the following
Audio 25.64GB
Video 13.09GB
Other 12.55GB
Free Space 23.13GB

It's almost like they have the phone hooked up to a regular size hard drive. Interesting...

Yes. What most likely happened is they hooked i up to an 80 GB iPod, and photoshopped the images together.

[PDE]

People will go for it in the US because that's how it works here. Most of us are slaves to our contracts. (I'm stuck with Verizon until Sept. 2008 and I refuse to cave in and pay the early termination fee.)

It's useless to speculate right now how Apple will (or will not) adjust strategies for very different markets for mobile handsets in Europe, Asia, and elsewhere.

I know. It's just unfortunate that Apple has chosen this path given how people are moving around these days and how flexibility is and becoming increasingly sought after. The early termination fee for the iphone is even worse than the regular ones given that the customer is paying in full for the phone.

It will be interesting to see how they deal with other markets though...

[dogtanian]

Yes. What most likely happened is they hooked i up to an 80 GB iPod, and photoshopped the images together.

I'm surprised they didn't have a working unit to use as late as this...a schoolboy error me-thinks.

[longofest]

Is this for real, or is it just Engadget making big claims with no evidence, then only to get pissed off when those big claims don't materialize?

Eh, I couldn't say for sure. Engadget is quick to post any Apple rumor, however far fetched (see Iphone delay rumor from a few months back). But Exchange sync would be killer. And I swear that Jobs mentioned Exchange support (although not necessarily PUSH email) as a feature when first unveiling the iPhone. It would certainly be attractive to BlackBerry addicts out there. Anyway, I guess we'll find out soon enough.

Yep, SJ did announce Exchange support.

Anyway, push still isn't going to encourage businesses to dump their blackberries for iPhones.

I'm holding off on reporting on Engadget's story. Apple has already announced some support for Outlook and Entourage, and knowing Engadget's history, I'm concerned that they are getting themselves confused, or worse, they are simply reporting on another wrong rumor.

[Le Big Mac]

I thought the rule was that if you sign a contract with a cell phone company, you are allowed to cancel it in the first 14 days without paying a penalty. Will that be true with the iPhone? Could you get away with buying a month of service(though you might get some of that back if you cancel), paying the $36 activation fee, and canceling your contract as soon as you get it?


And then returning the phone . . . The no-penalty cancellation requires return of the phone as well. Keep the phone, pay $175 ETF.

[Le Big Mac]

And exactly how do you plan on opening up the iPhone to insert a SIM? It's locked as tight as an iPod (read: you can't open it.)

So you can't replace the SIM or the battery?

[aswitcher]

Yes. What most likely happened is they hooked i up to an 80 GB iPod, and photoshopped the images together.

Or they plan(ned) a HDD model...

[EricNau]

So you can't replace the SIM or the battery?
The SIM card is accessible through a slot in the top of the iPhone, but the battery is not user replaceable.

[mterlouw]

I thought the rule was that if you sign a contract with a cell phone company, you are allowed to cancel it in the first 14 days without paying a penalty. Will that be true with the iPhone? Could you get away with buying a month of service(though you might get some of that back if you cancel), paying the $36 activation fee, and canceling your contract as soon as you get it?

That's what I was thinking as well. They can't just disable the whole phone when you're not receiving a signal from AT&T, so iPod, Safari, et. al should work as long as you at least have a AT&T sim card inserted (and the phone was previously activated).

[rockstarjoe]

No, Engadget says that:



Rumors. As in maybe true, maybe false.

My take: There's no way Apple's going to pay Microsoft for anything.

EDIT: People need to make the distinction between true Exchange support and Exchange support via IMAP. *Not* the same.

Personally, I think Exchange is a bunch of hooey. But them suits want it.

I stand corrected.

[Maccus Aurelius]

I don't see why people would have a problem with their phone's media player portion being crippled without service. What good is a $600 iPod with only 4-8GB and no wireless plan? Really big waste of money. For less you can get an 80GB and play with it all you like. Want a big screen? Get an Archos, and still not pay iPhone prices.

[MrCrowbar]

Check your facts my friend.

The SIM card is perfectly accessible, SIM card tray can be seen in this image. (http://images.apple.com/iphone/gallery/images/gallery1_hires20070621.jpg)

Yup. I guess you open it like the battery compartment of the apple remote: insert a needle in the small hole and you pull out the sim card tray.

[jonatron]

No surprise here. It's what I expected all along.

And do I care.....?

No.

Why? because I have no intention of buying 10 and putting them on ebay.

[Random Ping]

Hmmm I wonder if there is some secret attachment to hook up 1.8" HDs up to the iphone. Not that its convienent to carry around two devices, or good for battery life

I am still looking out for the iPhone Backpack (or maybe iBackpack), a combination of iPod hardrive and battery that cradles your iPhone and connects via the dock port.

It would double the thickness of your iPhone (or make it similar in thickness to a Zune) and wouldn't be expected for normal use (i.e., running around town), but it would be an excellent solution for people going on a long plane trip and want to take along and watch several movies.

A variant could be a battery-only iBackpack so you can carry a spare battery for those long trips (I would hate to arrive at the airport only to find my cellphone battery dead). Next to the lack of Microsoft Exchange server support, the lack of replacement battery for the iPhone is the biggest iPhone complaint by pundits.

If such a device become available, and Engadget is right about Apple licensing Exchange Active Sync, then Apple will have crushed the biggest complainers about the iPhone.

[Peace]

I'm wondering if it would be possible to connect a USB 16GIG stick for storage.

[Flowbee]

I'm holding off on reporting on Engadget's story. Apple has already announced some support for Outlook and Entourage, and knowing Engadget's history, I'm concerned that they are getting themselves confused, or worse, they are simply reporting on another wrong rumor.

Isn't that what Page 2 is for?

[Random Ping]

I don't see why people would have a problem with their phone's media player portion being crippled without service. What good is a $600 iPod with only 4-8GB and no wireless plan?

A wide-screen iPod with Internet access via WiFi :)

Now, if Apple could add iChat and Skype... then it would really be cool.

[bluebomberman]

I know. It's just unfortunate that Apple has chosen this path given how people are moving around these days and how flexibility is and becoming increasingly sought after. The early termination fee for the iphone is even worse than the regular ones given that the customer is paying in full for the phone.

You have to keep in mind that AT&T's doing a lot of kowtowing to accommodate the iPhone as it is. My guess is that giving up the 2-year contract was the one thing they refused to budge on.

[Object-X]

There was no chance that iPhones would ever be usable without a cellular contract. The far-fetched speculation about "iPod-only" or "Internet WiFi-only" iPhones was just wishful thinking. AT&T is a full partner in this venture, so they would never allow iPhone customers to side-step AT&T's piece of the pie like that.

Right, but then there is the new video iPod to consider. It's almost a given that it will include the same multi-touch technology, interface, wide screen format, the accelerometer, and CoverFlow. Might it also have WiFi? I think it will. Basically everything but the phone and mobile broadband.

Of course they won't release that until the iPhone mania settles down in a few months from now.

[pale9]

Originally Posted by Macrumors
In addition, TUAW has noted that Apple and AT&T are serious when they indicate that a 2-year service plan is required when purchasing an iPhone. According to fine-print on Apple's rate-plan webpage, even iPod features of the iPhone will be locked until the phone is activated after purchase of a service plan through iTunes.

Good for them! That is the right thing to do. It is a phone with the best iPod ever. Not the best iPod ever with a phone.

give me a break! if apple told you to walk off a cliff i am sure you would do that too! (and utter idiotic reasons why this is good as you fall to you death).

[rob@robburns.co]

Right, but then there is the new video iPod to consider. It's almost a given that it will include the same multi-touch technology, interface, wide screen format, the accelerometer, and CoverFlow. Might it also have WiFi? I think it will. Basically everything but the phone and mobile broadband.

Of course they won't release that until the iPhone mania settles down in a few months from now.

And as Random Ping suggested above, imagine if that also had a Skype (or Skype-like) IP Phone client and iChat in stead of SMS. Imagine also with 80gb HDD. So we might still need to carry two devices, but we could just get the worst cell phone out there and count on using the iPod as a phone an internet device in any available Wifi hotspot.

[Stella]

So you can't replace the SIM or the battery?

No *user* removal battery.

Sooo... you'll have to send you iPhone in somewhere, or read instructions and risk scratching your phone as is the case with iPods.

No user replaceable battery is retarded.

[Digitalclips]

From that page:

Storage 4GB or 8GB¹

¹ 1GB = 1 billion bytes; actual formatted capacity less.

OSX and Windows display storage use in KiB, MiB and GiB - therefore the numbers are the same.

If make a file that 8 billion bytes in size (8*10^9), OSX or Windows will say that it's 7.45 GB [sic] in size.

You didn't lose .55 GB, it's just a numbering error (and Apple is wrong for using the "GB" in their display texts rather than GiB).

I think the point of the article was to say the 80 GB shown in as a graphic was an editing error in the graphics department as they used something else not an iPhone to obtain that image as iPhones are 8 not 80 whatever you want to use as a measuring method.

[KingofAwesome]

And as Random Ping suggested above, imagine if that also had a Skype (or Skype-like) IP Phone client and iChat in stead of SMS. Imagine also with 80gb HDD. So we might still need to carry two devices, but we could just get the worst cell phone out there and count on using the iPod as a phone an internet device in any available Wifi hotspot.

If that iPhone battery life is anywhere close to accurate, then even without the wifi it would be a worthy upgrade. But I'd like the wifi anyway, and maybe some :apple:TV-style streaming.

[bluebomberman]

I'm holding off on reporting on Engadget's story. Apple has already announced some support for Outlook and Entourage, and knowing Engadget's history, I'm concerned that they are getting themselves confused, or worse, they are simply reporting on another wrong rumor.

Looks like arn thought otherwise.

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=320034

give me a break! if apple told you to walk off a cliff i am sure you would do that too! (and utter idiotic reasons why this is good as you fall to you death).

Dude, chill out. Overreactions put you on the road to Ballmerization.

[Brihomajax]

Check your facts my friend.

The SIM card is perfectly accessible, SIM card tray can be seen in this image. (http://images.apple.com/iphone/gallery/images/gallery1_hires20070621.jpg)

This should get everybody going....

What if the slot on top is not for a SIM, but instead holds Compact Flash Cards! More storage and makes the iPhone semi upgradable.....Flash prices are rediculously cheap now......

[roland.g]

Awesome.

That thwarts all the people wanting to buy it and just use it as a video iPod with WiFi internet.

[athanacius]

I have a question, which a lot of non-US residents might have as well.

I travel frequently outside the country. If I am in UK for New Year's does that mean I will not have a cell phone to make a call with???

Does Cingular/ATnT unlock phones after the 2 year period?? It cant be that after 2 years they will keep people locked in as well. That will breach the agreement.. correct?

Any insights?

[CJD2112]

A wide-screen iPod with Internet access via WiFi :)

Now, if Apple could add iChat and Skype... then it would really be cool.

Bump on the iChat. I'm disappointed, especially as Leopard 9A466 has ditched the "Answering Machine" in iChat 4.0 from previous beta versions. Seems Apple may have planned on using video conferencing on the iPhone through iChat but may have decided on pulling it. Hmmmm. :(

[AidenShaw]

I think the point of the article was to say the 80 GB shown in as a graphic was an editing error in the graphics department as they used something else not an iPhone to obtain that image as iPhones are 8 not 80 whatever you want to use as a measuring method.

Actually, in the original post it says "Apple shows during other parts of the video the capacity of an apparently empty 8 GB iPhone as 7.24 GB", and then goes on to repeat the nonsense that the "missing" .76 GB is due to "formatting".

Very, very little space is used by formatting. A huge amount appears to be lost, however, because the disk manufacturers use the correct definition of GB (i.e. 10^9) and the operating system manufacturers usually use an incorrect definition of GB (i.e. 2^30).

The IEEE, SI, NIST and other international standards bodies are trying to eliminate the confusion by promoting prefixes which make it obvious that a binary multiple is being used, and reclaiming KB/MB/GB et al. as unambiguous decimal multiples.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gibibyte

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Binary_prefix

On March 19, 2005 the IEEE standard IEEE 1541-2002 (Prefixes for Binary Multiples) has been elevated to a full-use standard by the IEEE Standards Association after a two-year trial period.[17]

[mac 2005]

And exactly how do you plan on opening up the iPhone to insert a SIM? It's locked as tight as an iPod (read: you can't open it.)

Wait! You can open an iPod. I've replaced the battery in my iPod--something I understand you cannot do in an iPhone.

[killmoms]

Actually, in the original post it says "Apple shows during other parts of the video the capacity of an apparently empty 8 GB iPhone as 7.24 GB", and then goes on to repeat the nonsense that the "missing" .76 GB is due to "formatting".

Very, very little data is lost due to formatting. A huge amount appears to be lost because the disk manufacturers use the correct definition of GB (i.e. 10^9) and the operating system manufacturers use an incorrect definition of GB (i.e. 2^30).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gibibyte

Sorry, the word "gibibyte" is ****ing stupid-sounding, and hard drive manufacturers using decimal for "gigabyte" is just a way to extract money out of people. I will never say the word "gibibyte" out loud.

[atzeX]

People, the guys who did the videos and the docs and all the other stuff

JUST HAD NO iPHONE!

They had to gain it all from the material that all of us could get a hand on.
So they had to use an iPod to make that darn video.

[AidenShaw]

hard drive manufacturers using decimal for "gigabyte" is just a way to extract money out of people.

Does your NIC manufacturer sell you a 1,000,000,000 bit-per-second interface as a scam?

Does Apple put 3,000,000,000 Hz processors in the octo-mac as a fraud?

Is there a conspiracy to put only 1000 grams in a kilogram?


I will never say the word "gibibyte" out loud.

Well, go halfway then and at least use GiB when you type... ;)

[mac-er]

The most interesting thing with this is that it is becoming more and more obvious how this business plan is so radically different than the normal cell phone business. Apple is trying to minimize AT&T's role as much as possible.

I mean, who ever heard of a the cell phone carrier not handling the activation on at all levels? Usually phone manufacturers have nothing to do with the phone once it is shipped out. The only part AT&T is having in this is that they are selling it in their stores, activating it on the back end (and handling billing questions), and providing the network.

I have a feeling that Apple would not even let AT&T sell this in their stores if they could have gotten AT&T to agree to that.

[veneficuss]

I wonder if anyone has actually seen a 4GB iPhone. Do they really exist?

[nemaslov]

The most interesting thing with this is that it is becoming more and more obvious how this business plan is so radically different than the normal cell phone business. Apple is trying to minimize AT&T's role as much as possible.

I mean, who ever heard of a the cell phone carrier not handling the activation on at all levels? Usually phone manufacturers have nothing to do with the phone once it is shipped out. The only part AT&T is having in this is that they are selling it in their stores, activating it on the back end (and handling billing questions), and providing the network.

I have a feeling that Apple would not even let AT&T sell this in their stores if they could have gotten AT&T to agree to that.

I was always such a pain to go wait in a store. Takes too much time. It looks like even this aspect will be a seamless as possible. Just like using a Mac or an iPod.

[bigmc6000]

But what about the ring tones? I made a bunch on my current phone and they are very important to a good phone experience for me (everyone that calls me has their own ring tone). I know we saw before there's a ringtone tab but there is still no mention of it from Apple. Any insight/thoughts?

Thanks!

[minstryoffunk]

I have a question, which a lot of non-US residents might have as well.

I travel frequently outside the country. If I am in UK for New Year's does that mean I will not have a cell phone to make a call with???

Does Cingular/ATnT unlock phones after the 2 year period?? It cant be that after 2 years they will keep people locked in as well. That will breach the agreement.. correct?

Any insights?


My understanding is that the phone companies are loath to unlock you at any stage, however, T Mobile sent me an unlock code when I was spending an extended amount of time in Europe (even though it took them a few tries to send the right one). Short term, they may try to pressure you into just using international roaming (and I don't know how they'd define short or long term).

I don't believe there is any automatic unlock after your contract and they will probably hassle you if you try and get the code, but it should be doable.

[loudestnoise]

But what about the ring tones? I made a bunch on my current phone and they are very important to a good phone experience for me (everyone that calls me has their own ring tone). I know we saw before there's a ringtone tab but there is still no mention of it from Apple. Any insight/thoughts?

Thanks!

Well from the guided tour video we know you can assign different ringtones for each contact, but we still do not know if these can be anything besides the ringtones provided w iPhone.

[bigmc6000]

Well from the guided tour video we know you can assign different ringtones for each contact, but we still do not know if these can be anything besides the ringtones provided w iPhone.

But if I can't make my own or anything that's gonna kinda stink - at least for me personally :-/

I'm just hoping I don't have to line up before 1 on friday! haha

[TPALTony]

I have a question, which a lot of non-US residents might have as well.

I travel frequently outside the country. If I am in UK for New Year's does that mean I will not have a cell phone to make a call with???

Does Cingular/ATnT unlock phones after the 2 year period?? It cant be that after 2 years they will keep people locked in as well. That will breach the agreement.. correct?

Any insights?

Are you saying you live in the US (using the US governments term of non-US resident!) and you go to the UK occasionally? If so then you need roaming, not unlocking, which obviously you can get.

On the other hand, if you want to get an iPhone in the US you are going to need a US address and associated SSN to activate it with AT&T. So if you don't live in the US it's really not an issue anyway coz you have to wait till later in the year!

Not sure entirely what your situation is, but if you are here most of the time, can get a cell phone over here, and go to the UK from time to time then you're fine. That's just international roaming (and very large phone bills!)

be well

t

[Gators Fan]

The SIM card is accessible through a slot in the top of the iPhone, but the battery is not user replaceable.

The "slot" you refer to is the ON/OFF switch. Sorry, not an access to any SIM card.

[RyanF2009]

The "slot" you refer to is the ON/OFF switch. Sorry, no access to any SIM card.

Oh really? :rolleyes: I beg to differ...

[Peace]

The "slot" you refer to is the ON/OFF switch. Sorry, no access to any SIM card.

http://images.apple.com/iphone/gallery/images/gallery1_20070621.png


There's the SIM slot next to the sleep button.

[Gators Fan]

There's the SIM slot next to the sleep button.

Here's a view I captured of four of the five "feature access points" (for want of a better term) available. (The fifth is the power and data connection slot on the iPhone's bottom edge.)

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1260/634892744_d867a47d1b.jpg?v=0

The two adjustments on the side of the iPhone control RINGER SILENCE (top) and VOLUME ADJUSTMENT (bottom). The round opening at the top of the iPhone is for the headset. The one at the other end of the top is the ON/OFF switch. Feel free to look for yourself by clicking here (http://www.apple.com/iphone/gallery/360/index.html).

[Peace]

Maybe you didn't watch the video closely, but...

The round opening at the top of the iPhone is for the headset. The one at the other end of the top is the ON/OFF switch. Feel free to look for yourself by clicking .

I'd offer an image, but it's part of a Flash presentation, a 360&ordm; view.

I'm referring to the rectangular portion in the middle between the headphone and on/off switch..


That's the SIM slot.

[Gators Fan]

I'm referring to the rectangular portion in the middle between the headphone and on/off switch. That's the SIM slot.

You could be right. Never noticed it. Did a search of the Apple site, however, and the word SIM produced nothing, nada, zip, nebbish.

Ah, well. . . we'll see, right?

[Peace]

You could be right. Never noticed it. Did a search of the Apple site, however, and the word SIM produced nothing, nada, zip, nebbish.

Ah, well. . . we'll see, right?

I believe it's a law in the US for smartphones.

[Lailoken]

Did the video say "all my music and videos" at one point then later change it to "your music and favorite videos"? I'm running about 56 Gigs right now as far as music and videos... they need a hard drive based model...

*Actually*, given that this is an internet capable device, I'll be mounting my webdav enabled server with all my music on via the internet and since it's supposedly OSX underneath will be able to somehow mount it and symbolically link my music folder to it... will have to evaluate how stable this is going to be though... but consider the possibilities of storing all your bulk online... youtube, MS Live, Google Apps, Inernet Radio, etc.

[jamesarm97]

You could be right. Never noticed it. Did a search of the Apple site, however, and the word SIM produced nothing, nada, zip, nebbish.

Ah, well. . . we'll see, right?

I purchased a cheap phone last week to get setup and they told me I would just be able to move my existing AT&T sim card to the iPhone.

[gessie]

[QUOTE=Macrumors;3819226]http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)

Many users continue to extol Apple's apparent editing mistake in its activation video (http://www.macrumors.com/2007/06/26/iphone-activation-and-syncing-video/) where the iPhone is shown to have an 74.40 GB capacity.

So that's many users are praising Apple for this mistake? - OR just whatever you happen to think that extol means? Extol - to praise, enthusiastically - any other meanings of it - don't get a mention in the real world....
:( :eek:

[mccldwll]

Stop thinking of this as a phone, smart phone, ipod, etc.. That's missing the point. Think about OSX. iPhone is a first generation, baby wireless computer. Think about what you could hook up to this thing right now--like maybe docking it to a "dumb" display/keyboard/pad/memory. Or just as a modem. Or a future 9" x 12" x 1/2" model w/ full size touchpad KB.

[PCMacUser]

Stop thinking of this as a phone, smart phone, ipod, etc.. That's missing the point.

Ummm, no, I think that is exactly the point.