Most European 3G phones have these and they work, here in the U.S. they are always removed for the American version. I am not saying that Apple won't include it, but to assume it will be there if it's 3G would be pre-mature IMHO.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
The Evidence for a 3G iPhone... June 2008
- Thread starter MacRumors
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Most European 3G phones have these and they work, here in the U.S. they are always removed for the American version. I am not saying that Apple won't include it, but to assume it will be there if it's 3G would be pre-mature IMHO.
I am not sure where you are getting your population distribution information. Most Americans do not live in cities that have 3G networks.
So?
Just cancel or return your order.
If you haven't received them yet, or if you have but haven't opened them, or if they are still within the companies return window just give them back for a refund.
argghhhhh... just ordered 5 ****ing 16GB iPhones, and now 3G comes out in June!!!! that's just great...
Just cancel or return your order.
If you haven't received them yet, or if you have but haven't opened them, or if they are still within the companies return window just give them back for a refund.
The next iteration of devices for OSX touch will be amazing. More hardware features, a bunch more software features, all with modest but still high power consumption. You you know what the next iPhone needs?
A double battery size option. I would definitely buy that.
Rocketman
A double battery size option. I would definitely buy that.
Rocketman
doesnt mean it cant change. what im trying to say is that every generation had something different.
Actually, not necessarily. UMTS (3G) and GSM are handled by different chips, and the GSM chip doesn't have to do EDGE. Most 3G Sony Ericsson phones do not support EDGE, just GPRS. So if you're not in a 3G area, you'll only get GPRS speeds even if EDGE is available.
That is fine, there are two schools of thought here. I'm pretty confident that the iPhone design will not change because It costs millions of dollars to change the hardware of the phone and test it thoroughly. And the iPhone is still in its infancy.
I think a lot of what change the iPod designs is wanting to add new features that require new hardware, just has photos, album art, etc. These changes needed a redesign anyway.
Unless the 3G module just won't fit in the iphone, and I'm sure it was designed to fit it, i'm putting my money on it will look the same.
Look at the computers designs and how long apple uses them. The latest "powerbook" design even overlaps the powerpc hardware for the most part. The "powermac" also looks very similar. These designs are good, and have not needed to be changed to incorporate major hardware changes.
which brings up the tacit (naive?) point: what options are there for all of our present iPhones when the 3G becomes available? Any thoughts on buybacks (ATT or
or 3rd parties) ....or does ebay get flooded?
A few comments:
As someone who worked for Apple for several years - retail and otherwise - I can assure you this person has no idea when it will be released. You're right, it was a sales pitch.
Your comparison is significantly out of context. For the first 3-4 years, yes, the iPod looked very much the same. In fact, the only change from the standard iPod (not including storage capacity) during that time was the controls... from a scrolling wheel to a touch wheel, then a push wheel to replace the buttons. To suggest a different form factor would almost certainly be to suggest a new user control mechanism. Considering the the control is handled by one button and a touch screen - both huge selling points for the iPhone and amazingly efficient and innovative - I can't imagine a change.
I seriously doubt there will be any aesthetic changes beyond a second camera, or a change of its location, and (silly) color options.
And given the same logic, I'd also venture a strong guess that the price point will not change. Likely all new options will be 3G with two options, the only difference being the storage capacity.
You simply... run with a different crowd. I've logged hours on the iPhone and heard dozens of my friends and colleagues (owners of the iPhone) complain about EDGE. It is painful for the way some of us use smart phones and have for years. It is horrifically outdated and slow for the way some of use smart phones and have for years. Your description of a "lame use for an iPhone" is actually a way some of us use smart phones and have for years. You're welcome to your opinion - that EDGE is great for you - but you're really very, very wrong that it won't be a significant upgrade for many of us.
And if you do a little searching, you'll actually find some people already complaining about 4G not being added.
Thank you, good research and find.
Lastly, while I respect the rationale for holding off on 3G, primarily power consumption, for someone like me it will be worth the wait if I see 3G in June.
For the average user, power consumption is more important (read, something they are more likely to complain about) than EDGE vs. 3G. Couple that with the fact that many of the users such as myself, who would be significantly frustrated in Wi-Fi-less areas with the horrific EDGE connection, are looking to use more professional based applications, Microsoft Exchange networks (a necessary evil!), etc. So here we have, most likely, software capabilities brought up to speed at the same time the web connection is. A well executed development curve.
As someone who worked for Apple for several years - retail and otherwise - I can assure you this person has no idea when it will be released. You're right, it was a sales pitch.
Your comparison is significantly out of context. For the first 3-4 years, yes, the iPod looked very much the same. In fact, the only change from the standard iPod (not including storage capacity) during that time was the controls... from a scrolling wheel to a touch wheel, then a push wheel to replace the buttons. To suggest a different form factor would almost certainly be to suggest a new user control mechanism. Considering the the control is handled by one button and a touch screen - both huge selling points for the iPhone and amazingly efficient and innovative - I can't imagine a change.
I seriously doubt there will be any aesthetic changes beyond a second camera, or a change of its location, and (silly) color options.
And given the same logic, I'd also venture a strong guess that the price point will not change. Likely all new options will be 3G with two options, the only difference being the storage capacity.
You simply... run with a different crowd.
I've logged hours on the iPhone and heard dozens of my friends and colleagues (owners of the iPhone) complain about EDGE. It is painful for the way some of us use smart phones and have for years. It is horrifically outdated and slow for the way some of use smart phones and have for years. Your description of a "lame use for an iPhone" is actually a way some of us use smart phones and have for years. You're welcome to your opinion - that EDGE is great for you - but you're really very, very wrong that it won't be a significant upgrade for many of us.And if you do a little searching, you'll actually find some people already complaining about 4G not being added.
Thank you, good research and find.
Lastly, while I respect the rationale for holding off on 3G, primarily power consumption, for someone like me it will be worth the wait if I see 3G in June.
For the average user, power consumption is more important (read, something they are more likely to complain about) than EDGE vs. 3G. Couple that with the fact that many of the users such as myself, who would be significantly frustrated in Wi-Fi-less areas with the horrific EDGE connection, are looking to use more professional based applications, Microsoft Exchange networks (a necessary evil!), etc. So here we have, most likely, software capabilities brought up to speed at the same time the web connection is. A well executed development curve.
Why people dont look at this as traditional apple product refresh.....this is going to be same thing like with iMac, MacBook and many other refreshes. They are going to sell new 3G models at the same 8GB and 16GB price and they may introduce 32GB. Current 2.5G phones are going to go down $50 and thats it.....
Or Stve may decided to kill 8GB (dont think but lets put it out) and have 16GB as base......
I would say this is same think like initial release.....Get the new phone out early, so that people start talking about NEW iPhone and then just before the holidays but the price for $50 - $100 or introduce 32GB model.
I purposely haven't renewed my committment with Tmobile. I'm using an imported HTC TyTN2 phone. Once the iphone has 3g and Exchange, I'm in.... UNLESS.... ATT screws it all up and just screws everyone over with some bizarro data plan or outrageous pricing.
Yup, my contract with T-Mobile ends April 24th ... and then I'm free! FREE!!! ... until I have to sign another contract with AT&T for two years to use my then new 3G iPhone.
Remember when the cell phone carriers' rational for having the consumer sign a long term contract was because they discounted the price of the handset? What is the rational when paying premium for a handset? ... besides the obvious answer.
yes, thank you. that is exactly what I meant.
Also, if you're able to afford the unit itself, you have to admit its a little odd for people to hear the injustice of high rate plans because you're in high school. But glad you're able to enjoy this great gadget, I have no issues with high schoolers buying anything. To each pocket its own indulgences.
a recommendation to wait [at least] three months seems a pretty bold recommendation to me. if someone is looking at an iphone now, my recommendation would be to get one. it's a great device, edge isn't as bad as everyone is making it out to be, and you'll have at least 3 months right now to enjoy the latest and greatest. plus, i'd have to believe these things will hold their resale fairly well, so after [at least] 3 months you want to upgrade to 3G, you'll get a fairly good return on either craigs list or ebay to go toward your upgraded phone. there will be plenty of people who don't live in a 3G coverage area who would be willing to snap up an iphone for a discounted price . . .
Finally...someone that I agree with and have been predicting all along!!! As I have stated before...if Apple has released the current version of the iPhone "ANYWHERE" in the world, then they are NOT going to step on those customers with the release of a new iPhone until a reasonable amount of time (3-4 months) has elapsed. Also, as stated before...Apple will feed off of the sales generated for the activated App Store in June, allow that update to generate sales until it becomes everyday and then the frenzy starts again with the release of iPhone 2 in October. Just my opinion and my believed marketing strategy that will be used. I can't wait to see these forums on the 1st of July...lol
which brings up the tacit (naive?) point: what options are there for all of our present iPhones when the 3G becomes available? Any thoughts on buybacks (ATT or
In the eBay world, just a peek at most of the previous Apple products (within reason, i.e. smaller Apple TV, older iPods, 3rd and 4th gen iMacs, even the iBooks...) would show there is still a demand. That's the beauty of this company - their products hold their value very well for a prolonged amount of time compared to others.
What I see happening with the iPhone on eBay, is exactly what's happening with the iPods. The latest model will be just above it's retail price due to high demand and all the loonies out there willing to pay that extra bit. The previous model(s) will be in a similar but slightly lower demand because everyone thinks that they're out to get a deal - however when everyone is out for the same deal, that auction price is still driven up to near, at or still above retail price.
Catch my drift? As long as the American economy is willing to pay, whatever retail is, second hand will always be a go-to, and with so many eBayers nowadays, there is a disadvantage to those online auctions.
Those prices aren't set. Apple's are. In turn, Apple essentially sets what the median price will be for those auctions, which always end up going for more anyway. If Apple sells the 3G iPhone for say $499, and the Edge one stays at $399, people will be fine with paying (for instance) $530 and $430, respectively. In the American consumer mindset; "I want this. What's a few more bucks, eh?"
I could see eBay getting flooded. I could also see some sort of upgrade feature from Apple - say a nominal fee for upgrading to a 3G phone if you already own the Edge one. Possibly $100 to maybe even $200 to switch, and will most likely still keep your contract in the place you are now - 14 months in or whatever.
thanks skippy...we are going to hold you to this now it is in 'print'
Looks like my internet days are over. -- Kidding - I can't say that's for sure, but judging on how this oh so brilliant economy goes, that's my take on the outcome. Oh, and I added a line if anyone is to put me under law abiding contract...
People are starting to clamp down in the wake of what's happening in the economy. So, I am not sure that a lot of people will spend the "few more bucks" to buy something that is used. Taking a quick look at your blog (posted in your sig.) makes it clear where you get this line of thinking.
P.S. In reference to your blog (http://skippythorson.blogspot.com/) -- As someone who grew up in a lower-middle class home, worked while in HS, worked for scholarship to go to college, worked for 100+ hours/week for 5 years in grad school to get a PhD for less than 25k/yr, and is now going to law school and working at the same time (for way more than 60k/yr), I find your blog insulting and ignorant. Nice quote "When they've turned mommy and daddy's birthday gift into a smear on the NYS Thruway, I'm going to drive right on by, on my way to work."
Well, the rollout of a national WiMax network has pretty much fallen apart. Sprint was the telecom pushing this through and whether or not Sprint is even around in the next two years is questionable.WiMax is being installed in a lot of major cities including Baltimore and DC. Right now my phone can only use EVDO, and that kicks the sh*t out of EDGE. My HTC Touch torched my colleagues iPhone and another's Blackberry that were using EDGE on simple things like mobile website viewing, and non mobile website viewing (yes it beat the iPhone albeit it didn't look as good
:
Now the major Cable companies, Comcast, Time Warner and a third one, has stepped in, but their goal is to fight the telecoms. Which appears to mean that the telecoms will left out of WiMax network, leaving just VOIP.
WiMax if it really gets off the ground is a good two to three years away from being a national network.
I disagree that people would stop buying the iPhone. There are many that couldn't care less about 3G, myself included. The intro of the 3G model should mean the phasing out of the current model and that means a price cut can happen. If the 3G iPhone was announced a few months ahead of time, Apple could announce a price and also announce a price cut for the current model. Don't forget that there is still a very large amount of cities that do not have 3G and those customer are not going to purchase an iPhone that will likely see a price jump from the current 8GB model, in order to get a technology that they can't use in their home town and can only use in a percentage of cities in the U.S. I think the best plan would be to announce the 3G iPhone to build hype and anticipation, while simultaneously cutting the current iPhone price an extra $100 or so to keep sales steady.
Although 3G is available in Boise, ID i am one of those customers who would care less about 3G. Although I surf internet daily its mostly for news and my e-mails are not that big...probably one of the reasons why I am not doing this much more is battery life.