Concerned about Data Usage (multi-tasking question)

[Ogrillion]

Hi Guys,

I am completely 100% new to the iphone. I came from a windows mobile phone, so far I really love the phone.

Anyways just a couple of questions from a noob to the veterans of this site - not sure if you guys can even answer them since this is all semi new (multi-task stuff)

My concern isn't apps running on the taskbar using battery or anything like that, I have a pretty good grasp on how multi-tasking works with the iphone. My question is how do I know if an app is running in the background running up my data usage (I don't have the unlimited plan, currently on the 2gig).

I know most apps close when you click home key and won't use data. But what about a program like Meebo (it uses push I am still unsure about push, does this count as a text or is this all data usage?) Anyways having push enabled does it use a lot of data or not much? If I open googlemaps and click home key is it now disconnected from the net?

I read somewhere that it can still use the compass / gps feature, if I click the home key will the little arrow in the top corner stay if its using gps? (it always seems to close which makes me think gps is in fact off?)

Also is skype always running in the back using data??

I really like how apple did the task bar but my concern is for people on limited data plans, be nice to have some kind of a menu simular to the push one. Disable background data basically for certain apps.

 

[FelixDerKater]

It would be nice if Apple put out a process viewer which showed processor usage and data transmission stats.

 

[trainguy77]

Push does use data. But this will happen regardless of the apps background stat. It uses very little data as it only connects with apples servers. I have a 500mb plan and I keep push enabled.


There is a couple situations where data could be used in the background.

If your streaming music. In which case you will know since music is playing.
If your using a GPS application that needs data access, in which case the arrow will appear in the top right.
If an application is using task completion, in this case I wouldn't worry as it will finish whatever you started and be done after that.
VOIP can also use data in the background. This would occur if your logged into a VOIP app. So you would need to keep an eye on VOIP apps as they come out. This shouldn't be a problem with a 2GB plan though.

Other then that I don't think any application can use data in the background. So just keep an eye on those things and you will be good. A data counter also exists in settings if you need it.

 

[Ogrillion]

Push does use data. But this will happen regardless of the apps background stat. It uses very little data as it only connects with apples servers. I have a 500mb plan and I keep push enabled.
.

Awesome thank you for the response I really appreciate it. I guess I am little worried because I used like 30mb today and I didn't even use any video / music streaming. But IMO its a new phone and of course I am playing with it non stop, give it a few days and I am sure my usage will go right back down.

Oh and so I know, Push notifications IE from facebook / meebo etc etc.. they don't use Texts at all? I have a limited text plan and don't want any surprises lol.