iPhone 3G Hands On, Notes, and Questions

[Stately]

Ok that's true...but it's spoken like a 1st gen owner. 3g makes a huge difference. There is no question about that. Literally two times as fast....

3G Speed does make a difference, especially with the whole surf while on a call feature. I also want GPS, but to tell you the truth with the firmware package coming up, first generation iphone owners will for the most part have everything 2nd generation ones will. Patience is all that's really needed with concerns to speed. If you need to, look something up on the web b4 you place a call or call back. In my opinion, GPS is the only thing being lost out on though.

 

[dant19]

Has anyone heard if the 3G phone requires a different SIM than the original?

For those of us migrating from Original to 3G does one do a SIM swap to migrate the original phone number to the new phone or will it be different?

I'm planning on giving my Original iPhone to my daughter but would need to migrate her number from Sprint onto my old iPhone. Obviously, I want to migrate my current iPhone number to the 3G handset.

Thoughts on how this will work?

If you look at the :in the box" segment on the apple page, it says that it comes with a sim removal tool. I would say that means that you can put you old chip in a new iPHone 3G (I hope so, since thats what I want to do). Assuming that you can do this, you should be able to put the chip from the 3G in the old iphone, and then use that as an unregistered iPhone, to give/sell.

Most of that is speculation, but I can't see any reason why that wouldn't be possible, especially when they're including the tool to remove the sim.

Dan

 

[KaiMac]

The Phone is Cheaper Roundup

So here is the Roundup Steve. Maybe you should use your scientific calculator next time you tell your dedicated customers the iPhone3G is cheaper!

10$ extra for the data plan
9.99$ for the GPS
5$ for the 200 Text Mssgs

Grand Total - 24.99$ extra over the existing contract.

24.99$ x 24 Months = 599.76$ extra on the service plan

199$ + 599.76$ = 798.76$ cost of the iPhone3G to you TCO.

WOW, simply WOW!

Is it cheaper Steve? Is It?

Here is the bait, and here is the line...now bite!

 

[L3X]

So here is the Roundup Steve. Maybe you should use your scientific calculator next time you tell your dedicated customers the iPhone3G is cheaper!

10$ extra for the data plan
9.99$ for the GPS
5$ for the 200 Text Mssgs

Grand Total - 24.99$ extra over the existing contract.

24.99$ x 24 Months = 599.76$ extra on the service plan

199$ + 599.76$ = 798.76$ cost of the iPhone3G to you TCO.

WOW, simply WOW!

Is it cheaper Steve? Is It?

Here is the bait, and here is the line...now bite!

To be fair, the GPS is an added feature and the 3G is quite faster than 2.5G. Like many have said, the $30 a month is standard for 3G.

BUT, charging for txts now is crap.

I'm not saying he wasn't be deceiving but we're getting a better product in my opinion and the people that buy it will be paying for it.

 

[thaitillidie]

precisely

Exactly. So I hope the NON hardcore Apple fans have a ball, as some have stated this device was made for. As a hardcore Apple man who understood the value of the original iphone from the time it was announced until now, I have to stick with my version 1. Many of the hardcore Apple supporters will, because it isn't just as simple as owning a new gadget. There is more to it than that.

exactly!! very "stately" put, stately...couldn't have said it better myself...although I've tried lolol

 

[DN7335]

I just spoke with an AT&T rep who told me I'd have to pay an additional $10 for the unlimited data plan (old news) but also mentioned that the unlimited GPS routing plan is another $9.99 and the 200 SMS text messages I get for free with the iPhone 2.5G plan will be an additional $4.99 on the iPhone 3G plan. The total is almost $25, or $600 over the term of the contract!

I'm not sure I'm going to believe this until we get independent verification. I know that ATT does charge $10 per month for some GPS services on phones (my wife has a Blackjack II that they want this fee for) however I'm not certain this is the case with the iPhone. The gps service that they charge for is called TeleNav and is required for certain phones. With the iPhone having its own GPS hardware and the way they are integrating location services into a lot of apps, I think there would be a huge backlash if they wanted to charge additional to use this. Not saying its impossible, but I'm not going to get worked up over this right away.

 

[obliterations]

So here is the Roundup Steve. Maybe you should use your scientific calculator next time you tell your dedicated customers the iPhone3G is cheaper!

10$ extra for the data plan
9.99$ for the GPS
5$ for the 200 Text Mssgs

Thats a good point, but Im wondering if you have to buy the GPS function as a download and pay extra per month to have "The GPS service"?

Just cause it can do GPS doesn't mean its free. I haven't seen any details on that specifically. Could be hidden in the fine print?

 

[GutBomb]

To be fair, the GPS is an added feature and the 3G is quite faster than 2.5G. Like many have said, the $30 a month is standard for 3G.

BUT, charging for txts now is crap.

I'm not saying he wasn't be deceiving but we're getting a better product in my opinion and the people that buy it will be paying for it.

also as for GPS I've only heard one dude mention GPS routing fee. He said his source was a manager of an at&t store, but has this been mentioned anywhere else? Are any other smartphones on att that have GPS subject to a GPS routing fee?

Can ATT even legally charge a GPS routing fee? Surely AT&T isn't providing the infrastructure for the GPS unit (satellites out of at&t's control and google maps are)

 

[BillHarrison]

Thats a good point, but Im wondering if you have to buy the GPS function as a download and pay extra per month to have "The GPS service"?

Just cause it can do GPS doesn't mean its free. I haven't seen any details on that specifically. Could be hidden in the fine print?

I believe it depends on the implementation. Some of the phones get GPS through ATT network, and pay for that. I currently have a tilt, which has integrated GPS. It works perfectly and costs nothing, unless I install and use ATT's routing program. I can of course use any other program I purchase or download without paying ATT a fee, only if I use ATT"s mapping program do I incur a charge.

I am hoping its a similair setup with the iphone - Free to use with google maps etc, but to use ATT's routing functions or app costs 9.99 per month.

 

[smallfield]

To be fair, the GPS is an added feature and the 3G is quite faster than 2.5G. Like many have said, the $30 a month is standard for 3G.

BUT, charging for txts now is crap.

I'm not saying he wasn't be deceiving but we're getting a better product in my opinion and the people that buy it will be paying for it.

With other smart phones you can use your bluetooth to link w/ your laptop. My current Win Mobile allows this. Very useful where there isn't Wi-Fi.

Currently this bluetooth data connection w/ other devices is disabled on the iPhone, right? If this feature is not added in 2.0, you are getting screwed compared to RIM/Palm/Win Mobile platforms.

BUT, since I've waited a year for 3G, I'll pay the $800 for the double the price iPhone 3G. See you guys in line 7/11 (probably won't run out of stock given how slow it'll be to get the service activated, hell we'll be in line until 7/13 )

 

[bsharek]

iPhone actually $919

The math does not lie!

See Roy's rant at http://www.thistangent.com/2008/06/919-iphone.html

 

[gugy]

I agree that's a waste of energy getting piss off at something we don't know it's true. GPS might be included. So I will wait before start to freaking out.

I am pretty sure Apple and AT&T are listening to people and looking at the reactions until the iPhone launches to see the rate plans outcome. There is a reason why AT&T is holding off the release the plans cost.

 

[thaitillidie]

booyow!

I have to agree with you.
Underwhelming is an understatement.
These are the new kiddy/teen toys.
To be seen in every mall in America soon.

Like everything else Apple lately..it's about stupid unnecessary features aimed at the I want it now, low quality entertainment set rather than real users looking for substance over style.

Then to make the iPhone even more of a joke you have to use ATT and you have to pay for G3 even if you can't use it. Jobs and co at their most arrogant selves.

The plastic back looks like crap too.

Meanwhile we still have laptops that look the same as they did years ago and pro monitor and computer designs that are even longer in the tooth. And then we have the Mini...oh sorry, what Mini?

Apple has become an entertainment company geared towards the younger generation and using the lame old marketing ploys of selling to needy fashion conscious kids. The largest section of the buying population in the world. $9.99 per lame game....cha ching!

RIP Apple Computer

You got it, brother! Apple: the new Sony! That is, if they're not careful they will be.

Apple is not, has never been and will nev---well, I take that back..they just might turn into a generic consumer electronics company for the masses afterall unless they get back to doing what they do best: Keep things elitist or suffer the consequences!! Screw the common man!! Apple hasn't needed to court them thusfar throughout their history and they don't need to start now!!!!

 

[RebelScum]

Actually, this shows the non-existent "benefit" of plastic.

You bastard HAHAHAH XD

 

[brian4610]

I suppose I'm like most people... a little disappointed in this week's news. I give this phone upgrade a C+. I give the new rate plan an F because I'm not in a 3G location and because they'll charge more for text messages now.

Like many people, I don't like the idea of paying $15.00 more per month ($10.00 for 3G and $5.00 to retain text messages) for the next 2 years... and even longer. And, especially when I'm in a non-3G area and when I also use Wi-Fi access points much more than using EDGE. I'm many miles away from the nearest 3G city. So, I get to pay $180.00 more per year without getting 3G if I buy the new iPhone. Doesn't seem fair. Can't they just give me EDGE service limitations on my plan? I really don't think $180.00 per year is a decent price for just getting GPS (as the only other major physical upgrade feature).

Maybe I was also hoping for at least one more 'WOW' feature over and above 3G and GPS?

What I was REALLY wanting... 32gb, video camera for iChat/video, Flash, GPS and 3G. I would have paid $500.00 for it. But, I would have wanted the same monthly fee at this price.

So, we win some... and we lose some. I already sold my iPhone and so I'm wondering how long I'd have to wait to get the 32gb model. I really don't need it. But, I need some other useful feature to help me justify $180.00 more per year in extra service fees.

In the meantime... I haven't decided what I'll do.

my feelings exactly. I need a new phone, and have for a while. I waited for this announcement and was hoping to be just blown away, but wasn't. And now i'm not sure i'm going to get an iphone. I know it's a solid phone, but i don't want Apple to think that i'm going to eat up whatever they put out. I know i'm in the minority, i do, and that even though i'm not sure if i'm going to pick up a phone, there are millions of rubes who are going to be waiting in line on July 11 thinking WOW! $200 LESS FOR MORE PHONE!!!!

I'm curious to see if people will actually connect the dots and figure out that this phone is really more expensive despite the lower sticker price and maybe stay away. Throw in the fact that there isn't a dock (not needed i know) and you're paying $240 more in your plan, and if you buy a dock almost $300 more over the life of the phone.

I love apple. but this was a lazy 'update'. Nothing that isn't already out there was added to this phone. I always think apple is going to reinvent the wheel. Unfair standards i know, but this wasn't even worthy of an event. Now, i'm searching for a reason to buy, as it stands now, i'd rather keep my current phone than over pay for an iphone.

 

[radiogod69]

Just cause it can do GPS doesn't mean its free. I haven't seen any details on that specifically. Could be hidden in the fine print?

I have free GPS service via Google/MSN live maps with modaco's GPS driver hack. Obviously this wont work with iPhone's OS but there will be a hack out there eventually if AT&T decides to charge for this service.

 

[imwoblin]

This whole pricing issue is getting interesting, especially when the pricing bait and switch makes front page headlines on sites such as Fox." Think that new $199 iPhone is going to cost you less then the old $399 model? Guess again!"
All we can hope is that the backlash will make ATT take notice, especially since they are expecting everyone and their brother to purchase one of these things.

 

[sananda]

Blame it on all the dishonest people who unlocked the iPhone from AT&T.

shouldn't we blame in store activation on the subsidy model rather than unlockers?

 

[KaiMac]

my feelings exactly. I need a new phone, and have for a while. I waited for this announcement and was hoping to be just blown away, but wasn't. And now i'm not sure i'm going to get an iphone. I know it's a solid phone, but i don't want Apple to think that i'm going to eat up whatever they put out. I know i'm in the minority, i do, and that even though i'm not sure if i'm going to pick up a phone, there are millions of rubes who are going to be waiting in line on July 11 thinking WOW! $200 LESS FOR MORE PHONE!!!!

I'm curious to see if people will actually connect the dots and figure out that this phone is really more expensive despite the lower sticker price and maybe stay away. Throw in the fact that there isn't a dock (not needed i know) and you're paying $240 more in your plan, and if you buy a dock almost $300 more over the life of the phone.

I love apple. but this was a lazy 'update'. Nothing that isn't already out there was added to this phone. I always think apple is going to reinvent the wheel. Unfair standards i know, but this wasn't even worthy of an event. Now, i'm searching for a reason to buy, as it stands now, i'd rather keep my current phone than over pay for an iphone.

I think if they released the new iPhone3G on the day they announced this would not of been much of an issue, but now that the consumer has 1 month for this to all shake out...it will have an effect. Apple is usually a master at Marketing, but they really blundered here.

 

[buccsmf1]

Feel sorry to say but the new iPhone 3G plastic back feels like the macbook and blackbook.
My current iPhone perfectly match my macbook Pro

utterly wrong approach Apple....

how exactly do you claim to have any idea how it feels when YOUVE NEVER TOUCHED IT.

 

[RebelScum]

my feelings exactly. I need a new phone, and have for a while. I waited for this announcement and was hoping to be just blown away, but wasn't. And now i'm not sure i'm going to get an iphone. I know it's a solid phone, but i don't want Apple to think that i'm going to eat up whatever they put out. I know i'm in the minority, i do, and that even though i'm not sure if i'm going to pick up a phone, there are millions of rubes who are going to be waiting in line on July 11 thinking WOW! $200 LESS FOR MORE PHONE!!!!

I'm curious to see if people will actually connect the dots and figure out that this phone is really more expensive despite the lower sticker price and maybe stay away. Throw in the fact that there isn't a dock (not needed i know) and you're paying $240 more in your plan, and if you buy a dock almost $300 more over the life of the phone.

I love apple. but this was a lazy 'update'. Nothing that isn't already out there was added to this phone. I always think apple is going to reinvent the wheel. Unfair standards i know, but this wasn't even worthy of an event. Now, i'm searching for a reason to buy, as it stands now, i'd rather keep my current phone than over pay for an iphone.

As a canadian, I'm used to being assrammed re. data/wireless rates. Maybe I'm just excited because I can finally buy the damn iPhone without having to hack it or pay $800 for it at some local computer store. Regardless, the fact that it's available is great news for me, and I'm glad I held off for the 3G version.

As a quick aside, to everyone whose concerned that this is going to be the new teen toy or that you're going to see an iphone on every corner: Get the hell off your high elitist horses you smug self-righteous arrogant bastards.

That's all

 

[OS X Dude]

You bastard HAHAHAH XD

well, it does show one thing....

Be glad that isn't preloaded on iPhone!

 

[Stately]

It's funny. Even though there are true loyal Apple fans who are clearly upset, I see that some are saying things like Steve Jobs is being lazy or greedy or both. It's kind of upsetting to hear being that this is the dude who is literally taking us into the future and might I say gracefully and with some good looking stuff. He has and I think always will be 100% for the customer. We need to take into consideration the fact that while these facts have been proven time and time again, business is business to some. Because of that, even though Jobs himself is not greedy, many of his partners in business are (cough) AT&T. . (ahem) other insiders to Apple that are thinking of only money . . Get my point? Sometimes even the greatest have to bow to the pressures of the less understanding & greedy for a little while. If for no other reason to keep the peace and pacify a lack of understanding on the other parties part that they refuse to let up on, until they can shine like the sun again.

 

[mixel]

You got it, brother! Apple: the new Sony! That is, if they're not careful they will be.

Apple is not, has never been and will nev---well, I take that back..they just might turn into a generic consumer electronics company for the masses afterall unless they get back to doing what they do best: Keep things elitist or suffer the consequences!! Screw the common man!! Apple hasn't needed to court them thusfar throughout their history and they don't need to start now!!!!

Haha, you're either taking the trolling/joking to brilliant new level, or you're a very scary guy indeed.

I'm just imagining you at the unveiling of the original iMac, iPod, or pretty much every consumer oriented (read; more successful) Apple launch. Keep up the good work.

---
I'm looking forward to the 3G, and I'm glad for both the price drop and re-evaluation of what makes a good handset.

I wonder how activation and so-on will work here in the UK, I've only used PAYG until now.

 

[Digital Skunk]

Unreal. The smoke and mirrors on that stage on Monday was thick! ATTpple has owned Steve, owned him!

Amen! And from the looks of it, there are a few posters that are blind enough to be happy about the launch of the more expensive, still somewhat feature less iPhone.

Glad that is FINALLY has application, iWork support, and 3G. Now only if we can get another service provider, flash support, a reworked keyboard, video recording, MMS messaging, phone as modem, and USB drive storage options.

Oh, did I mention another service provider?