iPhone 3G Hands On, Notes, and Questions

[arn]

Although, iPhone's baseband chipset appears to be capable of 3.6Mbps or 7.2Mbps, from the claim that it is only 3x(about 1.4Mbps which is the AT&T 3G speed) it seems like the speed is limited to 1.4Mbps.

Does this mean even the other 3G carriers capable of 3.6Mbps(say Optus Aus) will limit iPhone 3G speed to 1.4Mbps only?

https://www.macrumors.com/2008/05/21/atandt-to-complete-3g-rollout-by-june/

Well, AT&T's 3G was advertised as at 1.4Mbps, though they recently increased it a bit. While 3G can do 3.6-7.2Mbps, remember that it's probably not going to do better than Wifi. Wifi downloads are probably limited by the hardware/software of the iPhone itself, not because of avail bandwidth. The 3g downloads were approaching Wifi speeds, so you may get a boost, but not much. And remember that this is also webpage content, which tends to be in small pieces. You would do better if you were streaming video or downloading a large file.

arn

 

[neondiet]

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....

I totally disagree. The plastic back will improve signal strength and reception. Plus it allows them to offer more consumer choice in the form of colours. Expect Apple to eventually offer the full range of iPod colours.

 

[Di9it8]

....so that I can pop a Telecom SIM card in it when the time comes.

I think you will find that the iPhone will not work with any other carriers SIM unless it is unlocked

 

[28monkeys]

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....

Feed good to say that the new iPhone 3G plastic back feels like the blackbook.
My current iPhone doesn't fit with my blackbook !


utterly right approach Apple...!

 

[phantomsd]

I totally disagree. The plastic back will improve signal strength and reception. Plus it allows them to offer more consumer choice in the form of colours. Expect Apple to eventually offer the full range of iPod colours.

If this is the case... then Apple has gone from having the iPhone as a luxury/exclusive item to a mass/mainstream RAZR-esque device.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/industry/4267969.html

This can only mean one thing: MARKETSHARE people!

Anyone else waiting for the announcement of the "PRO" version of the iPhone?

 

[winterspan]

Haven't heard anything about this. If the 8GB iPhone is going to be $199 and the 8GB Touch is currently $299 will the Touch price go down or is the AT&T requirement even everything out?

I'm sure the price stays the same. The iPod Touch doesn't require a $75+/month contract.

I believe that's incorrect - the iPhone supports the 2100mhz band which t-mobile uses

That's incorrect. T-mobile uses UMTS "band IV", also known as UMTS 1700mhz. It does use 2100mhz for the uplink, but the important frequency, e.g., the one they use to name it is 1700mhz. That's probably because 1700mhz is not used in any of the other bands, for either uplink or downlink.

Although, iPhone's baseband chipset appears to be capable of 3.6Mbps or 7.2Mbps, from the claim that it is only 3x(about 1.4Mbps which is the AT&T 3G speed) it seems like the speed is limited to 1.4Mbps. Does this mean even the other 3G carriers capable of 3.6Mbps(say Optus Aus) will limit iPhone 3G speed to 1.4Mbps only?

There's been a lot of confusion lately over 3G speeds. The problem is that most carriers talk about speeds in terms of the absolute maximum that the hardware is capable of, instead of the average throughput that you can expect in the REAL WORLD. The claim of 3X faster is from Apple's comparison of EDGE and 3G web page load times in seconds. First of all, you introduce more variables with web page loading because of how many HTTP transactions have to happen to load a large, media and script rich web page. If they had used a file download for example, or anything else that is a sustained data transfer, I'm sure the rate would have been higher. Also, this was just one test, in one specific location. There is no doubt that HSDPA can get an order of magnitude faster than EDGE in many places.

 

[kasei]

As much as I'd like to get a 3G phone. I am hoping the 2.0 software update takes care of the bugs I currently have on my phone. I was told at the genius bar I should wait for the 3G model and swap mine out for one. However I think I will hang onto my version 1 iPhone for now

 

[Alith]

As far as the UK is concerned.....O2 have texted UK iPhone owners and asked them to fill in a webform regarding upgrading to the new phone. £100 upgrade if you are on the lower tariff and free upgrade on the medium and high use tariffs. They also mention a system where you will be able to set up a friend with your old phone, on a calling plan.

 

[Tosser]

Anyone else waiting for the announcement of the "PRO" version of the iPhone?

You're kidding, right? Apple has all but given up on the Pros and have moved on to less discerning customers. I'm waiting for them to simply EOL the ACD-line and make the Mac Pro into a gamer's machine. Of course, they'll keep the monickers Mac Pro and MacBook Pro, as it means they can keep higher margins on them, but the thing is, it feels like the whole thing is dying, from a Pro-point of view. It feels like they really don't care about anything but Mr. and Mrs. Average's son and daughter.
Hell, they even tried nixing FW on the MBP, then they began using crappy FW-chips. It just shows the amount of commitment, or lack thereof. Not to mention all the bugs still present in the OS and most of their bloated "pro" apps (I speak audio-software here). I don't need to mention the quality of the hardware, now, do I?

Anyway, the reality is, I just bought into Soundbooth CS4 (I already bought the CS3-version, hoping it'd improve). I know it's not the best out there, but it's damn near close to perfect in the CS4-version for my use. Oh, and what's better: I can get SB for both OS X and Windows, reopening my options, in expectance of the MBP's demise in 6-18 months (going Thinkpad X - preferably with OS X/XP Dual boot, and a USB-stik with linux.


/rant.

 

[jdayes]

o2 UK Customers

I'm surprised AT&T aren't offering more for existing customers?!? As an o2 customer in the UK currently using an iPhone (edge) on their middle level plan, I'll get a free upgrade to the 8GB iPhone in July if I resign my contract to extend for another 18months.

http://www.o2.co.uk/iphone/existingiphonecustomers

My only issue is I currently have 16GB model and wouldn't want to downgrade to 8GB so i'd be interested to see what the prices for the 16GB are based on upgrade.

 

[Sweetbike40]

Mmm. I was pissed about the $10 more for 3G at first, but I'm over it realizing it's the same price the other phones are paying.

Still disappointed about no 32GB model though!! But is it worth waiting for?

Yes, i was pretty pissed too not having any clue about 3G prices for other phones. Still wish text was at least included in that. It's not like 3G is available everywhere. Someone called the office here on his current iPhone, and couldn't understand what he was saying it was so chopped up. He was only around the corner! Signal should have been fine around here. I'm really having a change of heart on buying the iPhone.

 

[G8AMB]

Camera Update?

Anyone know if the new iphone will have a better camera - i.e. high resolution and video capable?

 

[Sweetbike40]

Anyone know if the new iphone will have a better camera - i.e. high resolution and video capable?

Nope. Same camera. No Video.

 

[OS X Dude]

Apple say plastic aids reception, but have the seen the ALL METAL sony w890i that has HSDPA, bluetooth and is only a few mm thick?

granted there's no sat-nav in it but i can't believe if that phone can be made of all metal and not have a dodgy signal then the iPhone has to have a plastic back.

£10 says it's to cut costs down.

 

[JMP]

I'm hoping nobody around the world will buy those new iPhones until they stop being sold with a 2-year plan and tied to a single carrier.
Apple sucks big time with this policy.

DON'T BUY IT!!!

 

[JMP]

£10 says it's to cut costs down.

Of course it is.

 

[Jowl]

I'm surprised AT&T aren't offering more for existing customers?!? As an o2 customer in the UK currently using an iPhone (edge) on their middle level plan, I'll get a free upgrade to the 8GB iPhone in July if I resign my contract to extend for another 18months.

http://www.o2.co.uk/iphone/existingiphonecustomers

My only issue is I currently have 16GB model and wouldn't want to downgrade to 8GB so i'd be interested to see what the prices for the 16GB are based on upgrade.

I thought it was free 8gb or £59 for a 16gb on the £45 plan? I'm pretty sure it's on the O2 site or a press release somwhere.

 

[Tosser]

Apple say plastic aids reception, but have the seen the ALL METAL sony w890i that has HSDPA, bluetooth and is only a few mm thick?

granted there's no sat-nav in it but i can't believe if that phone can be made of all metal and not have a dodgy signal then the iPhone has to have a plastic back.

£10 says it's to cut costs down.

Same deal with samsung's ultra phones. But, hey, their idea seem to be "just make up some idiotic story, and the sons and daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Average will convince their parent's this is a great deal, and that it's a great product".

And apparently it works for them.

 

[OS X Dude]

Same deal with samsung's ultra phones. But, hey, their idea seem to be "just make up some idiotic story, and the sons and daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Average will convince their parent's this is a great deal, and that it's a great product.

It's crazy. Apple has always been conveyed as a luxury/lifestyle brand and that is going down the pan recently. It's naive to think that they believe they are at the beck and call of their hardcore fans - they're a business and must apply to the masses to make profit - but it's sad to see more and more Macs + iPhones in the hands of everyone else and Apple lose interest in the people who paid top whack for their products (like the £269 + contract iPhone) and got them where they are today, instead now appeasing those who paid a few hundred quid on a Mac Mini.

As you say, Mr and Mrs Average have the balls of the company in a vice, while the rest of us buy the most and have to see the products get watered down for the masses.

End of rant.... for now

PS - They'd best put aluminium back on the next new iPhone!

 

[apope8]

Its going to be €299 in ireland. What a rip off! Thats $462!! I taught steve jobs said that it would not excede $199 worldwide in his speech. Can anyone clear this up for me?? Did i take him up wrong?? Or are o2 ireland just planning to rip all of us paddys off?

Nearly 2 and a half times dearer than america!!!!

 

[Veri]

what I want

The iPhone is now targetting, kicking and screaming, the market that I'm probably sitting in. I'm still waiting for:

1. Official tethering support. If carriers stopped the "unlimited usage (***obscure fair usage policy applies)" contradiction, and just stated what max usage was, they wouldn't have to worry so much about letting me use my phone as a modem. My $40-on-eBay phone supports it, my 1999 phone supported it, and I'm not going to pay for a separate plan and hardware because of this artificial restriction.

(I know, "use TinyProxy", but I don't want to waste my time getting involved in the Apple vs Reasonable war every time there's a firmware upgrade.)

2. Free development. This includes:
(a) Not requiring me to "I Agree" some huge document restricting what I do, and pay $99, just for the privilege of being able to upload binaries to the phone, let alone give them away or sell them. I don't want Apple arbitrarily deciding to ban anyone writing software that harms their business model, and every iPhone developer runs the risk that they can completely cut them off at a whim.

(b) Not introducing daft, unscalable, inefficient measures like forcing all background notifications to go through Apple's servers rather than simply having software that needs to listen in the background idle until it receives an interesting event. While waiting, such an app takes no CPU time; requiring it to stop and start up again is resource-intensive. Again, I'm at the mercy of having Apple decide whether it approves of whatever data I'm sending to my app. And all because of the "excuse" that Apple's OS is too inefficient to support multitasking without being able to correctly schedule so that the foreground app doesn't stutter.

The risks of either in-house or commercial software development work on the iPhone are still too great for any firm with insufficient clout to change Apple's rules. 2(b) introduces significant security and availability risks.

 

[PabloGS]

The iPhone is now targetting, kicking and screaming, the market that I'm probably sitting in. I'm still waiting for:

1. Official tethering support. If carriers stopped the "unlimited usage (***obscure fair usage policy applies)" contradiction, and just stated what max usage was, they wouldn't have to worry so much about letting me use my phone as a modem. My $40-on-eBay phone supports it, my 1999 phone supported it, and I'm not going to pay for a separate plan and hardware because of this artificial restriction.

Yehaaawww... I'm not alone! I completely agree!

Possibly that AT&T would like you to buy a 3G card for your notebook? Could it be that they don't wont people abusing (in there eyes) the unlimited data plan?

Yet they charge you $30 extra for the data-plan like for every other smartphone out there and... AFAIK you can use those with your putter

Maybe because that would result in it being thicker, and Apple likes things thin. Also, most people probably don't ever use backup batteries. If it is absolutely required for you, go for the N95. It's a good phone.

It's not having to swap batteries all the time, but if the battery dies on you, you're pretty much out of luck and will have to pay a hefty service charge.

To download the maps, perhaps? If you want to take up a GB with maps, I'm sure the TomTom software that was just announced will be great for you. Or if you want serious GPS, get a Garmin or something. The iPhone can't be all things to all people.

Currently I use the TomTom software available for the Symbian OS based smartphones. I use an N73 at the moment. Having to carry around an external bluetooth GPS mouse however isn't ideal.

I agree that it could be better, but it is a phone. Bring a camera if you need it.

Yeah, well duh... But my N73 has a 3.0mp camera with flash. N95 has a 5mp camera... And so do most of Sony-Ericsson phones...

And there are apps that are on Windows that probably never will be on Mac OS X. Learn Objective-C if it is that important.

I am very well capable of Java, C/C++, obj-c and cocoa, but that isn't an option for everyone and... There are many complex programs that take time to port and others... Well... They're closed source...

I bet they'll get right on that.

They better...

Get a N95. I'm sure that fits you best.

Even tho I live in OC, CA the news about the Nokia fab in Germany closing down made me think twice about Nokia... Nokia is evil... Looking at Sony-Ericsson phones at the moment...

That, we can agree on.

Yippeeee!!!

ll88rrr... I need some rest and sleep...

 

[nja247]

I like the old one better so far due to the colour scheme and it being smaller. I know it's only mm's, but it makes a difference in my pocket since I wear tight clothes usually. 3G and GPS are nice, but not that important since all the other features will come to me anyhow via 2.0 update. I'll wait for the next release with 32 GB.

 

[TonyHoyle]

I'm surprised AT&T aren't offering more for existing customers?!? As an o2 customer in the UK currently using an iPhone (edge) on their middle level plan, I'll get a free upgrade to the 8GB iPhone in July if I resign my contract to extend for another 18months.

http://www.o2.co.uk/iphone/existingiphonecustomers

My only issue is I currently have 16GB model and wouldn't want to downgrade to 8GB so i'd be interested to see what the prices for the 16GB are based on upgrade.

I believe that would be £59.

The 'deal' you get is to end your previous 18 month contract early without penalty provided you take out a new one. It's not that the phone is cheaper - new customers get that too.

 

[xbjllb]

Anyone know of a cutting-edge desktop computer company?

You know, one that can handle pro apps, like out of the box reliable music and video editing and production including blu-ray authoring, burning, and full blu-ray support?

You know, kind of like Apple USED to be before all this millennial transistor radio iCrap?

One that has decent font support for desktop publishing, where even tens of thousands of postscript fonts/full postscript support don't slow the system down? Like Amiga OS 3.1 in 1998? (You could change system-wide fonts at will.)

Money is no object, and I'm serious and not trolling. Open to all suggestions BUT Apple since they've moved on to lesser and lesser portable iGadgets I have no interest in whatsoever being the rich dinosaur I am. I have an office and nice home; I don't edit videos on park benches or surf the web on buses or play video games on city streets. I don't even use cell phones because I'm not fond of brain cancer tumors; you know; a real actual dinosaur.