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My reasons for skipping the iPhone 4
- Thread starter elephunkman
- Start date
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utwarreng
macrumors 6502
I'm right there with the OP. The hardware upgrades on IP4 are great and all (love the battery, alleged improved GPS reception, and new form for the case), but overall I don't have any problems with reading things on my 3GS screen, and don't take enough pictures/video to warrant the better camera.
Yes, I will admit that if I were eligible for the fully discounted price, I would likely be singing a different tune. But that's not the case, and if Apple's goal were to separate my dollars from my wallet, no matter the cost to me, I'm not swayed. Really, OS4 wasn't even all that thrilling, with the exception of backgrounding, and since I'll have that on my 32GB JB 3GS, I feel perfectly fine with what I'll have. I like the upgrades and all, but am not swayed to the point of feeling a need to drop the extra money early, and sell my current 3GS.
Counterpoint to this argument: It seems most people seem to think AT&T's exclusivity contract ends at the end of 2012...upgrading now would allow me to leave my AT&T contract at that point, but if I upgrade next year then I won't be able to until 2013.
It's hard to believe all of the people flaming the OP for bringing up a logical argument, with good points. Quite sad, actually. Get a life. Congratulations in advance on your new phone, now get over yourselves.
Yes, I will admit that if I were eligible for the fully discounted price, I would likely be singing a different tune. But that's not the case, and if Apple's goal were to separate my dollars from my wallet, no matter the cost to me, I'm not swayed. Really, OS4 wasn't even all that thrilling, with the exception of backgrounding, and since I'll have that on my 32GB JB 3GS, I feel perfectly fine with what I'll have. I like the upgrades and all, but am not swayed to the point of feeling a need to drop the extra money early, and sell my current 3GS.
Counterpoint to this argument: It seems most people seem to think AT&T's exclusivity contract ends at the end of 2012...upgrading now would allow me to leave my AT&T contract at that point, but if I upgrade next year then I won't be able to until 2013.
It's hard to believe all of the people flaming the OP for bringing up a logical argument, with good points. Quite sad, actually. Get a life. Congratulations in advance on your new phone, now get over yourselves.
kas23
macrumors 603
I agree. It won't be around forever. But, I don't think all carriers will end this practice. So, when AT&T does this, i'll just switch (even I don't switch even earlier for another pissy thing they do).
fabian9
macrumors 65816
exactly my thinking.
but then people who are on the "other" release cycle will tell you exactly the same (2G to 3G minor, 3G to 3Gs major, 3Gs to 4 minor, etc.)
I think both camps are right, there just isn't that much of an improvement between any two subsequent generations to make it worth the money.
treyjustice
macrumors 65816
well to me it just seems like you are trying to convince yourself not to upgrade and you want someone to tell you it is okay not to upgrade. LOL. UPGRADE! It'll be worth it
As long as you don't sign a new contract you shall be grandfathered in for a long time. Most people will not buy the iPhone at full price to avoid a new contact so ATT is not worried about the few that do just to keep unlimited.
I sold a unlimited data ATT Pick your plan Gophone sim to a coworker last year and he still gets unlimited even tho they didn't offer it for the longest.
Oh no ... Can't let the honeys see me with last years iPhone. I guess I'll get a case that makes my 3GS look like the iPhone 4. 🙂
You're not making any sense. The 3GS was substantially faster than the 3G (see the other thread how users comment on how painfully slow their 3G is) and had better battery life over its predecessor. The iPhone 4 doesn't offer anything new other than a front camera and everything else is just an evolutionary upgrade (better screen, battery, processor, camera, etc.).
I'd say the 3GS and iPhone 4 are equally substantial over its predecessor in terms of upgrade.
I went out and bought the 3g when release and loved it never again will I own something other than an iphone or smartphone of the same caliber. I upgraded to the 3gs last summer by converting our land line to a cell phone and using the new line to get the upgrade price on the 3gs. Wow what a difference, I never even wanted to touch someone elses 3g it was that big of a difference in speed. Now my line is due for an upgrade and I will be getting the iphone4. Heck even talked my wife into upgrading to a iphone4 and since she will get the early upgrade to it instead of waiting to september. I will sell my old 32 gb 3gs for nearly the cost of her and my new upgraded phone price. Although I will keep the unlimited data that I have she won't use more than the minimum.
applegeek25
macrumors regular
I agree with the OP. I am a) eligible for an early upgrade, and b) grandfathered into the unlimited data plan.
My reasons for NOT getting the new iPhone are simple: a) i don't want to resign with AT&T and be forced to the new ETF policy, b) I'm satisfied with my 3GS 16gb jailbroken and using MyWi.
Another reason is I'm currently a student in the U.S., and will probably be returning to Canada or moving to the UK after I graduate (thus i wouldn't want to pay the ETF anyways).
I DID however see value in the iPad and a HUGE factor for me was the carrier unlock and no-contract data plans. No doubt Apple is probably losing a significant amount of potential business by locking these iPhones to AT&T and allowing AT&T to force plans that are unrealistic for today's iPhone users.
My reasons for NOT getting the new iPhone are simple: a) i don't want to resign with AT&T and be forced to the new ETF policy, b) I'm satisfied with my 3GS 16gb jailbroken and using MyWi.
Another reason is I'm currently a student in the U.S., and will probably be returning to Canada or moving to the UK after I graduate (thus i wouldn't want to pay the ETF anyways).
I DID however see value in the iPad and a HUGE factor for me was the carrier unlock and no-contract data plans. No doubt Apple is probably losing a significant amount of potential business by locking these iPhones to AT&T and allowing AT&T to force plans that are unrealistic for today's iPhone users.
gceo
macrumors 6502a
I'm hoping that the new gyro can find new applications other than games. The old accelerometer was used in Automobile apps, and mountain peak apps, etc with limited success. I'm hoping the increased accuracy will allow much better quality apps to take advantage of the hardware in apps other than games.
caligurl
macrumors 68040
caligurl
macrumors 68040
agreed..... agreed... and agreed...
there are a LOT of RUDE people on this forum.... but it's a good source of info so i just shake my head and read on....
caligurl
macrumors 68040
sorry, dude but you're wrong.... as long as you stay with at$t and don't leave them... no break in service... your new contract will keep your same minutes, data, text, etc.... you don't lose your unlimited when you buy the new ip4
CooKieMoNs7eR
macrumors 68020
antster94
macrumors 6502a
Right just wanted to put forward my case, what could you realistically improve on the iPhone 4? The only thing that I think can be improved within the next 2 years is haptic feedback, no 4G or wifi hotspots (at&t). However, I wont be getting the 4G anytime soon as I simply cannot afford it. 🙁
applegeek25
macrumors regular
He wouldn't lose the Unlimited Data if he did an early upgrade. He's grandfathered in no matter if he does an early upgrade or a full upgrade. The only stipulation is that you NOT change to one of the new data plans (if you do you WILL lose the unlimited data)
utwarreng
macrumors 6502
Not to derail the thread, but applegeek25, I'm pretty sure that if you are moving somewhere that AT&T does not provide service, or out of the country, you are not subject to the ETF as long as you provide valid proof of residence. You may want to look into this through your contract. I'm sure there are caveats to the whole thing, but that was how it was a few years ago when I worked for Sprint.
Simgar988
macrumors 65816
I am in the same boat as you with minor differences. I, too, have the 3GS and can upgrade to the iPhone 4 if I want. I really do not care about the better screen resolution. It is nice but it's not going to be the factor of upgrading. I do like the new camera software but if I am going to get an Ultra Flip HD camera from Lockerz, then there really is no need to get it on the iPhone. Video calling isn't as integrated yet for this year and the fact it's iPhone 4 to iPhone 4 over wifi is really limited. If I am on wifi, 9 times out of 10 I will be at home where I can have video chatting using oovoo or skype. As much as I would love to have it, I may pass as my 3GS is in great condition and not giving problems.
JediZenMaster
Suspended
People on this board have become nasty and rude. While you may not agree with the OP's POV you should still be respectful. And it's very ignorant to say that he is saying this because he doesnt have an early or full upgrade.
I don't have an upgrade coming up and im still going to buy it at full price. But anyways i wish people were alot more respectful on this board. You dont have to act like a wayward monkey.
I don't have an upgrade coming up and im still going to buy it at full price. But anyways i wish people were alot more respectful on this board. You dont have to act like a wayward monkey.
ldkaplan
macrumors regular
For those on first gen or 3g, it's a very nice upgrade at a relatively low cost. 3gs might not be so great if it's going to cost so much for the upgrade.
I have 3g, as does my wife. We'll both get the iPhone 4 and likely be content for 2 years. I use my phone enough to justify the $12.5/month.
When the 3gs came out, I couldn't justify it (x2 phones). A compass, a slight speed boost and native video recording. I can imagine for many current 3gs owners feel the same.
I've been through many Apple releases and have done my share of gotta-have-it. I can appreciate wanting to have the latest Apple product. But I have better uses for money now. Unless I can find a strong benefit, I'm not going to waste money just to be cool. Been there, done that.
And -1 for the flamers and haters. Likely a result of not being held as a baby.
I have 3g, as does my wife. We'll both get the iPhone 4 and likely be content for 2 years. I use my phone enough to justify the $12.5/month.
When the 3gs came out, I couldn't justify it (x2 phones). A compass, a slight speed boost and native video recording. I can imagine for many current 3gs owners feel the same.
I've been through many Apple releases and have done my share of gotta-have-it. I can appreciate wanting to have the latest Apple product. But I have better uses for money now. Unless I can find a strong benefit, I'm not going to waste money just to be cool. Been there, done that.
And -1 for the flamers and haters. Likely a result of not being held as a baby.
Thanks guys, but haters will always be around. Life is too short to care. 😛