Redux:iPhone was fun. ATnT needs improvement. Better Title?

[dpaanlka]

Seriously, for anyone who lives in an AT&T dead zone (and there are A LOT of us if you're reading the posts) you can't have a functional iPhone where AT&T isn't providing adequate coverage.

If AT&T claims to have service in that "dead zone" area, i can understand their frustration.

Neither of you are explaining how this makes the iPhone itself suck, or why this should mean that everyone, including people who live in strong AT&T service areas, should "avoid" the iPhone as is "suggested" in the title of this thread. Should I avoid the iPhone out of sympathy for the original poster? Because there is no other clear rationale as to why this thread is in any way reasonable.

Instead, we should remind people who may live in AT&T dead areas that the iPhone probably isn't for them. If you don't know where the AT&T dead zones are (I can name one a few miles from my house and one near my school) then you should try to find out, by asking friends or relatives who have AT&T service.

 

[Sobe]

just as it is in science, the problem arises not from the empirical facts but from the extrapolation of them.

I don't doubt that there are areas where AT&T service isn't optimal or even acceptable and that would obviously not be a good place to use an iPhone (although the widescreen video iPod functionality of the iPhone might make this less of an issue than on some phones depending on your likes and needs).

The problem is when people take a pocket of information from their personal experiences and seek to make broad generalizations about the total iPhone experience.

If someone has a bad experience with a product, fine take your money elsewhere. The need to convince everyone that your experience trumps mine or someone else's is the absurd part.

If you don't think your phone is living up to your needs and wants, great take it back.

 

[EnderTW]

just as it is in science, the problem arises not from the empirical facts but from the extrapolation of them.

I don't doubt that there are areas where AT&T service isn't optimal or even acceptable and that would obviously not be a good place to use an iPhone (although the widescreen video iPod functionality of the iPhone might make this less of an issue than on some phones depending on your likes and needs).

The problem is when people take a pocket of information from there personal experiences and seek to make broad generalizations about the total iPhone experience.

If someone has a bad experience with a product, fine take your money elsewhere. The need to convince everyone that your experience trumps mine or someone else's is the absurd part.

If you don't think your phone is living up to your needs and wants, great take it back.

I totally agree. People are saying coverage is bad in part x, and acting like it is bad everywhere, but then again Sobe there are also people on the other side doing the same thing.

Also remember Sobe, this is a DISCUSSION Forum, which means you will run into threads that DISCUSS not so "pretty" things about the iPhone. It doesn't mean you need to be defensive, it just means you need to be open for the discussion.

 

[Sobe]

I totally agree. People are saying coverage is bad in part x, and acting like it is bad everywhere, but then again Sobe there are also people on the other side doing the same thing.

Also remember Sobe, this is a DISCUSSION Forum, which means you will run into threads that DISCUSS not so "pretty" things about the iPhone. It doesn't mean you need to be defensive, it just means you need to be open for the discussion.

Agreed, but discussion would be something like "hey this is going on what do you think?" I'm no newcomer to message boards. Mostly they're like what are sometimes called "Pinter plays" after the playwright Harold Pinter. Basically you get two people having a conversation with no communication taking place whatsoever.

Mostly what you see are people trying to justify their choices to themselves by slamming the product they rejected or worshipping the product they kept.

 

[swdesignr]

Neither of you are explaining how this makes the iPhone itself suck, or why this should mean that everyone, including people who live in strong AT&T service areas, should "avoid" the iPhone as is "suggested" in the title of this thread. Should I avoid the iPhone out of sympathy for the original poster? Because there is no other clear rationale as to why this thread is in any way reasonable.

Instead, we should remind people who may live in AT&T dead areas that the iPhone probably isn't for them. If you don't know where the AT&T dead zones are (I can name one a few miles from my house and one near my school) then you should try to find out, by asking friends or relatives who have AT&T service.

No one is making the blanket statement that the iPhone sucks. Or that everyone should avoid the iPhone.

It's usability as a cellphone sucks in areas that AT&T claims it covers and reception is poor -- calls are dropped, fail, or can't even be made. And it may be a software problem as other threads have pointed out, with AT&T and Apple being able to download a fix to the phone.

The thread title says -- "Suggestion: Avoid the iPhone ala ATnT" which is good advice if AT&T coverage is bad in your area.

I can't help but think that people who are so adamantly trying to quash any negative comments about the iPhone must be owners of Apple stock! Or insecure about what other people may think of them for owning an iPhone if the performance is less than stellar.

I love Apple, I love my iPhone and I couldn't wait to plop my $600 down for it. But I want Apple to keep winning -- and if there are problems with the phone or how it operates vis a vis AT&T's network, you can bet I'm going to keep talking about it till they make it work better.

The squeaky wheel gets the grease -- and AT&T had better get greasin' if they don't want to drag Apple down with poor performance issues.

 

[iRabbit]

I can't help but think that people who are so adamantly trying to quash any negative comments about the iPhone must be owners of Apple stock! Or insecure about what other people may think of them for owning an iPhone if the performance is less than stellar.

Uh no.

Some of us just did our research and were prepared before we ran out and bought the iPhone just so we could say we had the latest greatest toy. I already HAD AT&T/Cingular, so I knew exactly what to expect as far as coverage and service. Had I NOT had it, I would have switched six months ago so I could evaluate the service long before the iPhone hit the street.

And it's the same thing with MOST people's gripes. Not ALL, but a LOT of them would have been well-known had they just read a tiny little bit about their purchase before they plunked down their credit card.

Ultimately, if it doesn't fit your needs, return it. I don't understand the need to announce it. Send a letter to AT&T and tell THEM you're unhappy, because I sure can't help you.

 

[dpaanlka]

No one is making the blanket statement that the iPhone sucks. Or that everyone should avoid the iPhone.

Sure they are, right in the thread title.

It's usability as a cellphone sucks in areas that AT&T claims it covers and reception is poor -- calls are dropped, fail, or can't even be made. And it may be a software problem as other threads have pointed out, with AT&T and Apple being able to download a fix to the phone.

Right... any dead zone for any provider will have the same symptoms.

The thread title says -- Suggestion: Avoid the iPhone ala ATnT which is good advice if AT&T coverage is bad in your area.

The thread title and original post say to avoid the iPhone period. There is no other option for the iPhone except AT&T (which works great for lots of people - the people that don't say anything because it's working great). This person was not making a rational "suggestion" to the rest of the world, which would have been along the lines of "beware if you live in an AT&T dead zone." Instead, he was making a lousy generalization.

Also, to the original poster, it's not ATnT, it's AT&T - American Telephone and Telegraph.

I can't help but think that people who are so adamantly trying to quash any negative comments about the iPhone must be owners of Apple stock! Or insecure about what other people may think of them for owning an iPhone if the performance is less than stellar.

I own neither Apple stock nor an iPhone. I just have a hobby of pointing out sensational blanket statements such as I live in an AT&T dead zone so I suggest everyone avoids the iPhone.

I love Apple, I love my iPhone and I couldn't wait to plop my $600 down for it. But I want Apple to keep winning -- and if there are problems with the phone or how it operates vis a vis AT&T's network, you can bet I'm going to keep talking about it till they make it work better.

This really has nothing to do with loving Apple. It's about making rational statements. Of course, reporting bugs and flaws to Apple is the best way for Apple products to get better. Saying things like "everyone avoid the iPhone because I'm mad" is just stupid.

The squeaky wheel gets the grease -- and AT&T had better get greasin' if they don't want to drag Apple down with poor performance issues.

Ok...

 

[swdesignr]

Uh no.

Some of us just did our research and were prepared before we ran out and bought the iPhone just so we could say we had the latest greatest toy. I already HAD AT&T/Cingular, so I knew exactly what to expect as far as coverage and service. Had I NOT had it, I would have switched six months ago so I could evaluate the service long before the iPhone hit the street.

And it's the same thing with MOST people's gripes. Not ALL, but a LOT of them would have been well-known had they just read a tiny little bit about their purchase before they plunked down their credit card.

Ultimately, if it doesn't fit your needs, return it. I don't understand the need to announce it. Send a letter to AT&T and tell THEM you're unhappy, because I sure can't help you.

As a matter of fact, I did switch to AT&T a couple of months BEFORE the iPhone came out. And you know what? I NEVER had a dropped call or poor reception! Thanks for reminding me about that -- I totally spaced on that fact.

Now I KNOW it's a problem with the iPhone!

See you CAN be helpful, even when you're not trying to be...

 

[iAmLegend]

The thread title says -- Suggestion: Avoid the iPhone ala ATnT which is good advice if AT&T coverage is bad in your area.

Maybe my browser is cutting off part of the thread title, but I don't see "which is good advice if AT&T coverage is bad in your area" anywhere in there. You sure you didn't subconsciously add that part in yourself?

 

[dpaanlka]

Now I KNOW it's a problem with the iPhone!

What about all the people who report no such problems with iPhones. Are they just crazy?

 

[DiamondMac]

Actually the thread title IS accurate. If you live in an area where ATT coverage sucks, you SHOULD avoid the iPhone. Because both Apple and ATT are engaging in false advertising by selling products in areas where they don't work as advertised. Fewest dropped calls is an outright lie in my area, and the reception is SO poor or non-existent that the phone DOES NOT WORK as a basic cellphone.

Let the buyer beware -- the horrible ATT network in some areas makes the iPhone just an expensive iPod and it won't work well as a cellphone. So avoid buying one or you will face the wrath of people who are smarter than you!

If you have an ATT reception problem, there is a great thread with very helpful people and information at:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/322192/

Great post.

I love Apple so much that I am dealing with AT&T and the weekly dropped calls for the awesome cell

 

[marksman]

This thread has taken a turn for the ludicrous. Started off with Blanket generalizations that the entire AT&T network sucks.

Now it is being caveatted left and right in certain areas, and this is false advertising for people who live in areas where service sucks.

We all know that ALL cell phone providers have areas where service sucks. This is not some kind of revelation. One of the main reasons most of us have the providers we do is because other providers did not provide proper service where we needed it.

Some how blaming AT&T solely for something that is a symptom of the entire cell phone market is stupid. This thread started off dumb and has gotten just incredibly stupid.

I get that some people are upset that they don't get got AT&T service. I don't get good T-Mobile, Sprint, or Verizon service. Somehow I have to suck it up and get on with my life.

 

[DiamondMac]

I don't get good T-Mobile, Sprint, or Verizon service. Somehow I have to suck it up and get on with my life.

Probably because the iPhone isn't on those services

 

[Moral Orel]

Probably because the iPhone isn't on those services

That would be a terrific counterpoint if that was in fact the point he is trying to make, he is simply saying that every carrier will have network problems in different geographic locations, and he lives with. (Unlike some other people who are crying to internet strangers how AT&T has ruined their life, kicked their dog, and then punched grandma in the mouth on the way out)

 

[DiamondMac]

Nobody is remotely crying about AT&T that way.

People are just stating how bad their AT&T service is and since this is a cell-phone...service is arguably the most important part of the product.

People are probably like me and LOVE the iPhone and LOVE Apple so it hurts to see such a great product be ruined by terrible service.

Now, my iPhone is not ruined at all...I can live with the AT&T service and I do enjoy Edge some days....

But for those that live in areas where AT&T claims to have service yet in reality...it doesn't exist....it's a bummer.

I understand them wanting to vent their frustration.

As easy as it is to tell them to "shut up" and "stop complaining"...everyone who would say such would also be complaining like holy hell if their AT&T service was just as bad.

 

[accinfo]

I couldn't agree more with this post.

Let me say that I LOVE the Iphone. It is the best cell phone that I have owned and I have owned many.

However the AT&T service is terrible compared to Verizon where I live in the Balt/Wash area. I didn't expect this and that is why I switched my whole family.

However my 2 weeks is coming up and I need a functional cell service. So I am going to swiitch back to Verizon.

I hate to give up this phone but I am hoping for a similar device from Verizon soon.

Kurt

Nobody is remotely crying about AT&T that way.

People are just stating how bad their AT&T service is and since this is a cell-phone...service is arguably the most important part of the product.

People are probably like me and LOVE the iPhone and LOVE Apple so it hurts to see such a great product be ruined by terrible service.

Now, my iPhone is not ruined at all...I can live with the AT&T service and I do enjoy Edge some days....

But for those that live in areas where AT&T claims to have service yet in reality...it doesn't exist....it's a bummer.

I understand them wanting to vent their frustration.

As easy as it is to tell them to "shut up" and "stop complaining"...everyone who would say such would also be complaining like holy hell if their AT&T service was just as bad.

 

[swdesignr]

Maybe my browser is cutting off part of the thread title, but I don't see "which is good advice if AT&T coverage is bad in your area" anywhere in there. You sure you didn't subconsciously add that part in yourself?

Thanks for pointing that out -- I forgot the quotation marks around the original thread title. Fixed it.

 

[Arcus]

The deed is done. Im back to Verizon and in my area which is the better service for me.

Not sure why you all thought I was bashing Apple. My original thread title said 'ala Atnt'. Meh. Whatever. Im sure you had fun with me.

Maybe I deserved it a bit , but realize I was mad. It wasent about the money really. It was and still is about the fact that I couldnt use a product I loved from a company I loved, and it broke my heart a bit.

 

[DiamondMac]

The deed is done. Im back to Verizon and in my area which is the better service for me.

Not sure why you all thought I was bashing Apple. My original thread title said 'ala Atnt'. Meh. Whatever. Im sure you had fun with me.

Maybe I deserved it a bit , but realize I was mad. It wasent about the money really. It was and still is about the fact that I couldnt use a product I loved from a company I loved, and it broke my heart a bit.

Don't worry. Some are just a bit too anal about any not praising Apple.

Stick around and continue posting your thoughts. They will get over it eventually.

 

[daytripper]

Exactly, you certainly do! But the problem is that your title reads "Suggestion: Avoid the iPhone ala ATnT" which really makes no sense whatsoever unless we live and commute where you do. Or unless you have been all over the country testing the network for us.

I moved from Verizon for the iPhone and really find NO DIFFERENCE in coverage in MY AREA. Your issue is the service, NOT the iPhone.

Back to the iPhone: I was skeptical. After Treos 600, 650 and 700p, I bought the iPhone more out of curiosity. I was sure I would miss my Palm apps (Documents to Go, Intelligolf, MyBible, etc.) and the 14 day return policy gave me the option to try the iPhone without be stuck with it.

But now the 700p is in a drawer while I'm enjoying using a phone like never before. (Bought my wife an iPhone too and she LOVES it!)

Kudos, Apple! This is FUN!

Indydenny

Have you found anything at all like intelligolf Indydenny?

 

[Indydenny]

Have you found anything at all like intelligolf Indydenny?

Short answer, NO. Intelligolf is the best scoring/gaming software I've used.

Longer answer: I've tried four scoring programs for the iPhone and am using Fore! It is not nearly as powerful as intelligolf but it works nicely with Oobgolf and uploads my scores and stats even from the course. GolfCard is more powerful but not as easy to enter scores. However, I may move to it as it also works with Oobgolf.

Hoping Intelligolf moves to the iPhone!