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I'm in. I'll pay the $599 (again), and maybe I'll get lucky and get a $100 credit (again). :)

Now that the iPhone can have all sorts of great 3rd party apps, high-speed data will make it even more wonderful.
 
Wasn't there some blip in the news a while back when the iPhone was first released that the chip inside has built-in 3G capability? Was this true? If so, might it be a relatively easy firmware/software update to enable it for existing customers? It wouldn't solve the battery concerns unless there was some sort of battery management software added on, I suppose.

Then again, if I know Apple, they'll force everyone to buy a new iPhone to upgrade to 3G.

Anyhow, it wouldn't surprise me if the 3G iPhone was formally announced at MWSF, even if it won't ship for a while. If battery technology really is the limiting factor, surely it will have evolved another generation in the past year.

I'm imagining that the current iPhone's hardware configuration has been fairly static since January of 2007, or even late 2006. 3G might happen faster now that the basic form-factor exists and it's just a matter of select hardware upgradeson the inside, but this is just a guess.

This would be great if it were close to possible. But I just don't see the plausibility of it =/ I could dream :eek:
 
I realize that the majority of the US population lives near or in our 50-100 or so major metropolitan areas, but for those of us in more rural areas, this is a non-issue. Look at the coverage maps for your area... can you use 3G?

http://www.wireless.att.com/coverageviewer/

But honestly, if you're in one of those areas that doesn't show up on that coverage map, shouldn't your first priority be getting—I don't know—running water and indoor toilets?
 
But honestly, if you're in one of those areas that doesn't show up on that coverage map, shouldn't your first priority be getting—I don't know—running water and indoor toilets?

I'm at Virginia Tech and there's no 3G within about 60 miles. Winston-Salem, NC is the closest. Last I checked, we still had running water and indoor toilets.
 
I never noticed, but I couldn't find one Blackberry that is 3G. I don't know what percentage Blackberries are compared to other "internet phones", but I'd say that a Blackberry is extremely popular. I don't see many articles or people saying they suck or their holding off until a 3G version.


Blackberry's claim to fame is email. And EDGE for email is sufficient. One of iPhone's selling points is Safari. But IMHO, Safari is almost useless on a EDGE connection. Waiting 30 to 60+ seconds to download a web page is too slow for me. Anyone who says EDGE is fine is in denial. But then again, I guess some people are perfectly fine with dial-up on their computer.
 
Blackberry rules by 'push' corporate e-mail, I have my work lotus notes coming through to my blackberry constantly. It sucks frankly, this age of 24-hr contact and responsibility.

I never noticed, but I couldn't find one Blackberry that is 3G. I don't know what percentage Blackberries are compared to other "internet phones", but I'd say that a Blackberry is extremely popular. I don't see many articles or people saying they suck or their holding off until a 3G version.

And to the people saying "blah blah blah - winge winge winge - there isn'tany 3g for 100 miles from my house - yada yada yada" it may have slipped your radar but asia/australia does not have the iphone yet, nor do a great many european countries. Finland may be familiar to some for their mobile phone fame. 3G GSM may be for the rest of the world...

What you should be hoping for is a 3G CDMA version of the iPhone. Fat chance.
 
I never noticed, but I couldn't find one Blackberry that is 3G. I don't know what percentage Blackberries are compared to other "internet phones", but I'd say that a Blackberry is extremely popular. I don't see many articles or people saying they suck or their holding off until a 3G version.

You must not have looked hard. There are 3G (EVDO) Blackberries available at Verizon and Sprint.
 
Yes for its main and first market (the US) no 3g is fine as 3g coverage doesn't sound extensive.

However for the rest of the world where 3g is de rigeur 3g IS A MUST.

I can see why the US users are saying we are whinging but facts are facts. 3g is a minimum requirement, like having 4 wheels on a car
 
AT&T doesn't have extensive 3G coverage, but they do have 3G coverage in most major metropolitan areas.

Plus they are constantly working to build up this footprint. Randall didn't say when in 2008. My guess it'll be November/Fall 2008, just before Christmas shopping season. Maybe Randall knows about this iPhone release because they've committed to making 3G more attractive with a larger footprint.

And I love all you people wishing for a CDMA iPhone when Verizon is dumping CDMA in the next few years. Gee, could this perhaps be the reason Verizon lost out on the contract?
 
I am a fan of Apple products, and as a professional musician I would not dream of considering any other operating system for computer-based recording and sequencing. My smartphone that I currently use is a Palm Treo with Sprint service. I've liked Sprint for the (superior?) 3G data speeds and for the United States coverage (though I now understand that it's GSM, not CDMA, which is widely used around the world). I'm happy to hear about Apple's intentions for making the iPhone operate at higher data speeds, and now there's only one thing keeping me from buying a cool new iPhone...

The thing keeping me from an iPhone is the interference that GSM phones produce. From what I've read, I understand that GSM technology transmits voice and media data on short, intense radio frequency pulses. Unfortunately these pulses transfer into equipment such as musical instrument amplifiers and recording equipment circuitry where they become audible. I've heard that recognizable little buzz time and time again in the studio and on stage. In an industry where one needs to be accessible at all times, "just turn your phone off or put it in the next room when you're working" really isn't a suitable answer, but it may be the only answer if I switch to an iPhone.

Does anyone have any helpful insight?

Long time reader, first time poster,
-neil

we deal with this in the studio day in and day out - long story short, it doesnt affect the final product (nothing gets recorded to tape) - just shield the cable to the mains and you'll be fine.
 
we deal with this in the studio day in and day out - long story short, it doesnt affect the final product (nothing gets recorded to tape) - just shield the cable to the mains and you'll be fine.
That's a risky scenario. How many times have you found phantom noise in a printmaster only to trace it back to a low level issue that leaked in via returns.
If the GSM burst gets into the effects units its printed no matter how you shield your busses. It also gets regularly transmitted on live tv when reporters have their GSM phone on them.
 
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I guess - I think that the minimalist look of the iPhone beats all the phones that are covered with buttons and keyboards, but that's my opinion.

And why is smaller better? The tinier the screen, the fewer pixels you can view at any time, unless the display resolution increases to compensate, making the screen unreadable.

The smaller and slimmer, the better it fits into my pocket. It's a mobile, you know?

But You're absolutely right, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Btw the LG Viewty looks cool. Alas after using a Chocolate I have major problems with Touchscreen keys and LG as a whole. Chocolate plain sux!
 
That's a risky scenario. How many times have you found phantom noise in a printmaster only to trace it back to a low level issue that leaked in via returns.
If the GSM burst gets into the effects units its printed no matter how you shield your busses. It also gets regularly transmitted on live tv when reporters have their GSM phone on them.

Shhhhhhhhhh - just trying to be positive :) GSM noise is one of the most annoying things and the truth is, no, we dont just deal with it. No phones allowed anywhere near the capture equipment, lives rooms, or iso booths. ;)
 
Why is ATT so behind the curve with 3G when Sprint is going to roll out 4G with WiMAX next year. Maybe the iPhone should skip a generation and work Towards 4G.
 
This post is a bit off topic, but I had to throw this out there. I keep hearing people cite the reasons for Apple choosing not to work with Verizon as Verizon's outdated network, poor image, ect. My dad has a very high position at Verizon Wireless and was somewhat involved in the discussions with Apple about 3 years ago. Here were some of the terms of the contract:

-Verizon was not allowed to see the phone until 8 months before its release

-Verizon had to drop its V-Cast video and music services and software entirely (on ALL handsets in its line)

-Verizon was not allowed to sell the phone through any retailer except Apple or Verizon stores (thus forcing Verizon to breech its contracts with Best Buy, Walmart, its Independent Resellers, ect.)

-Apple demanded 20% of the customers monthy contract fees.

-Verizon was not allowed to release any other "music-centric" phones onto its network without Apple's permission

In short, Apple wanted to rape Verizon and Verizon said no. I'm not trying to slam on Apple; I love their products and I'm considering a switch to ATT when the 3G iteration of the iPhone is released. (I had the Voyager for a week...doesn't even compare) However, when it comes to collaborating with other companies, Apple is arrogant and outrageously greedy. Verizon really really wanted to carry the phone, but Apple's extensive terms simply made the deal unprofitable. Period. Just thought you should know...
 
-Verizon was not allowed to see the phone until 8 months before its release

-Verizon had to drop its V-Cast video and music services and software entirely (on ALL handsets in its line)

-Verizon was not allowed to sell the phone through any retailer except Apple or Verizon stores (thus forcing Verizon to breech its contracts with Best Buy, Walmart, its Independent Resellers, ect.)

-Apple demanded 20% of the customers monthy contract fees.

-Verizon was not allowed to release any other "music-centric" phones onto its network without Apple's permission

So how come AT&T didn't have to do most of these? AT&T probably didn't see it until 6-8 months before it came out, they didn't have to drop their video and music services on their other handsets, and they still have other music-centric phones. They still obviously share revenue with Apple (though I don't know exactly what %), but what's with the other stuff?
 
So how come AT&T didn't have to do most of these? AT&T probably didn't see it until 6-8 months before it came out, they didn't have to drop their video and music services on their other handsets, and they still have other music-centric phones. They still obviously share revenue with Apple (though I don't know exactly what %), but what's with the other stuff?
Apple may have had to make concessions to get ATT to agree, we don't know what the original offer was.
 
And so the fools willing to sell their souls for an iPhone get screwed over yet again. If the iPhone is to upgraded yearly, a la iPods, then why are people being straight-jacketed into horrible value "iPhone" contracts for 18 months? The phone you've paid through the nose for will be obsolete while you're still paying for it.

The more this iPhone malarkey goes on the more it seems like Apple ripping off their customers. Why oh why can't they just have sold a freaking phone and left it at that instead of getting greedy and screwing customers? Horrible contracts or pay four times what the phone costs to make to get an unlocked one (in France). I guess there's a reason I don't know anyone who's willing to buy one. Note, I didn't say nobody wanted one, just that I don't know anyone foolish enough to spend the crazy amount of money that one costs in the long run. Buy an iPod Touch and get a GOOD contract with a FREE phone and be happy people, that is my advice. You get a better phone (MMS, 3G, better camera), a better iPod (16Gb rather than 8Gb) and a better contract.
 
I have no clue why ATT doesn't have to follow some of those, I only know that those conditions were presented to Verizon 3 years ago. I just feel a little for Verizon when they take most of the heat for not carrying the iPhone. People that were hoping for an iPhone on Verizon shouldn't solely be upset at Verizon; Verizon wanted VERY much to get the deal through. Apple's demands were simply unheard of. In fact, I can't think of any other phone-maker that has placed such looney demands on its carrier. Whenever Apple had a meeting with Verizon that he was a part of, he said that in EACH meeting Apple would start out by saying, "So, we're Apple, and". You get the drift. Again, I LOVE LOVE LOVE Apple's products, but a far as my respect for their business practices, there's absolutely none there. I'm not trying to be an a--, but I sort of think that anyone who can't possibly picture Steve Jobs as a controlling dick is drinking a little too much of that delicious iKool-Aid.
 
I'll buy one if:

- it has full thirdparty apps support (it doesn't even have an IM client right now, which is not excusable, and you can't update the built-in apps to new ones, I'm looking at you Google Maps, the iphone's google maps is out of date and missing a major feature)

- it has landscape-mode keyboard (even with my tiny fingers I make too many mistakes when typing)

- it has full bluetooth profile support (that caller alert on-screen in bluephoneelite is vital for hard of hearing people like me who may not notice that the phone is ringing when sitting on the charger)

In this day and age why can't the iphone do all those things already?

Oh, and 8GB isn't enough storage space. Double it. At minimum.

I'm using a crappy AT&T tilt (yes, I am using windows mobile) because bluetooth works, the keyboard works, I can install what I want when I want, and oh yes, it has real GPS.
 
So how come AT&T didn't have to do most of these? AT&T probably didn't see it until 6-8 months before it came out, they didn't have to drop their video and music services on their other handsets, and they still have other music-centric phones. They still obviously share revenue with Apple (though I don't know exactly what %), but what's with the other stuff?


Not sure about this but, AT&T might have had an edge, considering they carried the RAZR V3i. And as we can all remember this phone was the first with iTunes integration.

I don't think that Verizon had an issue with most of these demands, though i'm sure they didn't want to lose their stupid ringtone service or the crappy VCast services due to the iPhone.


Here is a great read from the CEO of AT&T Mobility, he gives alot of good info on this same issue/s.
Link: Engadget
 
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