OK, I'm a cheap bastard (I should say I have a 1y/o that's eating/******** me out of money and is going into daycare next month $$$) but I'd love an iPhone. (my Dad has one, loves it, and has offered to pay the first $200 towards the hardware) I'm wondering if I were to buy an iPhone outright, and use an AT&T sim card in it, but w/o any data plan, what would work when out of range of a WiFi network?
I don't see myself using a lot of data when away from WiFi EXCEPT for the GPS/Maps, but how much of that needs data? Is that DLing the maps using data on the fly, or are some of the maps built into the system? If I didn't have a data plan are there any other map/gps options that would work w/o data? My situation is I really don't want to (or can afford to) spend the $30/month on data. I don't see myself using it tons (it would be nice, but not $30 nice) beyond the gps, so if I could have that while in the car, then WiFi elsewhere I'd be fine.
I'm looking for the best combo of in car GPS, MP3 player (we already have 3 ipods in the house), palm type device and phone. The iPhone seems to be one tempting option if I can get around the $30 data plan and only use those features on a WiFi connection. But will I also lose the ability to use it as a GPS?
IBsearchn00b,Itried...
It sounds like, from what dccorona says you could get that app, download the info and not need data.
there is an app in the appstore that keeps its maps on the flash memory and doesn't have to download (it's $20) but you must purchase both a US east and US west if you want the entire country (so that's $40)
IF that is true, I can tell you that a 2G iPhone could very well be the answer to your question. IF you dont have that much music or can sync and add/delete songs to your needs, as it is only available in the 8GB size.
I have been using a jailbroken 2G phone for over a year with no data plan. I use NO DATA!! I have it blocked from my account so I dont have to worry about the phone doing its thing and getting crazy charges. I have never received any warnings or notices about needing or having to have a data plan. I have never informed them that I changed to a iPhone, but they can tell from my IME number that I have one. I can tell because on my account page it shows up in my devices that I am using that phone.
Thats not a guarantee, but as long as you are not using ANY data, I dont think they are going to try to add it to you. BUT thats just my idea, based on my 14 months of service with my personal iPhone without data and receiving NO warnings or ANY questions at all. I believe their system looks for accounts with a lot of data usage that could be coming from an iPhone that has a regular/cheap data plan and then try to make them change. Again, thats only a guess.
Good luck
the only way to avoid the data plan is to buy an original iPhone (no 3g no GPS) on ebay (for a ridiculous price most likely)
then you will not be required to have a data plan
(this may also work for 3g iPhones purchased on ebay, but I'm not sure)
I can confirm this as I have used a 2G for over a year with no data plan However, I am trying to find out if I can do the same thing with a 3G one, since I have filled up my 8GB one.
getting an iPhone without a data plan is nearly impossible, and requires a LOT of hassle and luck (and even then they can add it back on whenever they want to once they realize you cheated them out of the terms of your contract)
not really impossible, difficult perhaps. Just depends on what youre willing to pay. Craigslist and eBay are best places to find one.
You need to have a data plan on AT&T. Things like Voicemail, etc use data.
I dont know how different a 2g phone is from a 3G phone, but Voicemail does not HAVE to use data. At least on a 2G phone. I have done exactly what he is wanting to do on a 2G for over a year. Now the "Virtual Voicemail" or whatever it is called, does need to use data, but regular voicemail does not. If functions as any other cell phone does, if there is no network/internet access available.
Honestly, if you cannot afford the data plan, I would skip on the iPhone and maybe just use an iPod Touch.
Why would he want to carry a phone AND a touch if he can just carry one?....
As far as GPS goes you will need data or maybe the that app that was mentioned before would allow you to download/access data when you are on Wi-Fi and not require data when you are away from it. IDK, as I have never used it.
so if I were to be using an iPhone on AT&T, but w/o the data plan, basically anytime the iPhone tries to use anything data like, it'll use the dumb phones plan (pay for data I assume?) so the charges will eventually add up to way more than $30 in a month? Am I understanding that right?
Yes, that is correct.
But I could possibly setup that cheap phone's SIM card/account to BLOCK all data, then it might work? If that's the case, would it still work over WiFi when that's available? If I understand this right, and I can DL the maps as mentioned, this might be the option for me...
You can do exactly that. It will work. I have been doing the same thing for more than a year. However, I cannot comment on the map aspect, as I have not used it.
Doesn't matter what phone you buy or what SIM card you use, when you take the SIM card and put it into a 3G iPhone, you'll get billed as a 3G iPhone $30 a month data plan. There's no getting around that.
THIS is what I am trying to get confirmation on myself. I want to upgrade to a 3G but want to know if I can use it the same as my current 2g without a data plan. Blocking and NOT USING any data whatsoever. Can anyone confirm this?
I realize if it is not unlocked or jailbroken and you try to activate over the phone or online you cannot get around it.
BUT if it is jailbroken/unlocked can anyone confirm if the 3G can be used like I am currently using my 2G??...... I simply need more storage, that is the only reason moving to a 3G
ANYONE????.....
Please?....
