I live and work on a university campus with 100% wifi coverage. Makes sense to me, but I imagine not too many others.
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Unsubscribe to iPhone Data (EDGE) to Save $20/month
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just in apple store
I just went to an apple store on Thursday and finally seen the iphone. After seeing what it does I don't see why anyone would want to do without the data plan. My contract for my cell does not end until April.
My birthday is in March,, I told my daughter to get with her brother and father because that is what I WANT FOR MY BIRTHDAY!
Geez, I haven't waited for a birthday in so long it can't get here fast enough!
It seems to have blown everything else I have ever used (besides my imac) out of the water.
I just went to an apple store on Thursday and finally seen the iphone. After seeing what it does I don't see why anyone would want to do without the data plan. My contract for my cell does not end until April.
My birthday is in March,
, I told my daughter to get with her brother and father because that is what I WANT FOR MY BIRTHDAY!Geez, I haven't waited for a birthday in so long it can't get here fast enough!
It seems to have blown everything else I have ever used (besides my imac) out of the water.
More curious is how they will handle partial months. Will I simply pay a prorated portion? If so, then turning this off while traveling would save some cash, and potential headaches. Just go to ATT, turn off EDGE, get to wherever, and never worry about roaming charges for using data.
I think people are missing the point here. For some situations the $20/month is a big deal. Now that the iPhone has dropped in cost, it is well within the range that young people get get one for a gift to replace their existing cell phone or iPod.
In return, they get the convergence of the iPod and a phone. In fact, the experience is significantly better than having two devices, and they get e-mail and other features left off the iPod Touch.
For the young people of today who relay more on unlimited SMS than anything else, this COULD BE is a good solution. Arguing that this is a bad idea for everyone, is like arguing that you can replace SMS/MMS with e-mail - different strokes for different folks.
No question that adding edge would be a good step up, but for now, it gets them an iPhone without the additional monthly cost...
If I was thinking about getting my teenagers an iPod Touch, I would definitely consider an iPhone w/o data for only $100 more, since it would eliminate the need for them to keep track of two devices...
In return, they get the convergence of the iPod and a phone. In fact, the experience is significantly better than having two devices, and they get e-mail and other features left off the iPod Touch.
For the young people of today who relay more on unlimited SMS than anything else, this COULD BE is a good solution. Arguing that this is a bad idea for everyone, is like arguing that you can replace SMS/MMS with e-mail - different strokes for different folks.
No question that adding edge would be a good step up, but for now, it gets them an iPhone without the additional monthly cost...
If I was thinking about getting my teenagers an iPod Touch, I would definitely consider an iPhone w/o data for only $100 more, since it would eliminate the need for them to keep track of two devices...
Yes but could you use the data without being signed up for it? I know that you could or used to be able to get on the internet by using a per KB price. If that is the case here could they do that and send the bill skyrocketing?
I had my iphone data plan removed a couple months ago
1) It doesn't kill visual voicemail.
2) It's not always just about saving $20. In my case it's about not waisting $20.
I mainly got an iphone to use these features
- Phone + ipod in one to save the amount of items I have to carry
- Txt
- Contacts, Email, Etc.. sync with mac without missingsync or some other program
- built in wifi I can use at home / work / airport / etc.. If I don't feel like using my macbook
If I'm driving I have a navi system. If I'm going away I'd bring my macbook and datacard which I had before iphone. If I'm out I'm rarely just sitting around, etc.. Everybody has different needs. I use terminal 99% of the time I'm on my macs. Doesn't make it a worthless purchase if somebody else buys a mac and never uses it.
1) It doesn't kill visual voicemail.
2) It's not always just about saving $20. In my case it's about not waisting $20.
I mainly got an iphone to use these features
- Phone + ipod in one to save the amount of items I have to carry
- Txt
- Contacts, Email, Etc.. sync with mac without missingsync or some other program
- built in wifi I can use at home / work / airport / etc.. If I don't feel like using my macbook
If I'm driving I have a navi system. If I'm going away I'd bring my macbook and datacard which I had before iphone. If I'm out I'm rarely just sitting around, etc.. Everybody has different needs. I use terminal 99% of the time I'm on my macs. Doesn't make it a worthless purchase if somebody else buys a mac and never uses it.
NO! Just don't do it!!!
The article is misrepresenting the ability to drop the unlimited data plan... Yes, you can drop the unlimited data from your plan, but that doesn't stop the iPhone from trying to use EDGE.
What would happen is your iPhone would continue to use EDGE any time you're using data features and you stray too far from your WiFi. Even if you are very careful, this can happen if you were reading e-mail at home and walked out the door without leaving the mail app. Lots of other ways this can happen, too.
The only way that you can top your iPhone from using EDGE is if you are ROAMING and you check the related option in network preferences. That feature was added in firmware 1.1.1. There is no general feature to disable EDGE at all times -- only when roaming.
Certainly dropping the unlimited data minutes from your plan does NOT dissallow edge -- rather it simply means you will be charged exorbitant per-MB fees for your EDGE usage.
Just don't do it!!!
The article is misrepresenting the ability to drop the unlimited data plan... Yes, you can drop the unlimited data from your plan, but that doesn't stop the iPhone from trying to use EDGE.
What would happen is your iPhone would continue to use EDGE any time you're using data features and you stray too far from your WiFi. Even if you are very careful, this can happen if you were reading e-mail at home and walked out the door without leaving the mail app. Lots of other ways this can happen, too.
The only way that you can top your iPhone from using EDGE is if you are ROAMING and you check the related option in network preferences. That feature was added in firmware 1.1.1. There is no general feature to disable EDGE at all times -- only when roaming.
Certainly dropping the unlimited data minutes from your plan does NOT dissallow edge -- rather it simply means you will be charged exorbitant per-MB fees for your EDGE usage.
Just don't do it!!!
You can turn off EDGE right in the phone.
I can understand the usefulness of this for a few people, but overall I think its kind of ridiculous. Its rare to find free, unlocked wifi (at least in NY). And when I am in areas where I have access to wifi, I probably have access to a computer. The iphone sings because I have access to the web, etc when I dont have access to anything else. The amount of time and effort having web, google maps, etc on my phone is easily worth $20 a month.
But don't you also lose the 200 included text messages if you cancel the data plan?
IMO, if faced with the choice of A) an iPhone with no data/EDGE -or- B) a "regular" cell phone AND a separate iPod, I will choose B. Reason being is that without EDGE you lose visual VM. Yes, you can still call and get your messages the "old-fashioned way", but AFAIK there is no indicator of new messages waiting which leaves you calling to check periodically.
Yes, having the WIFI apps would be cool, but anyone who has an iPhone already has a computer with internet access. If they're already home I would think they would use their computer for that stuff. If they're out and about, finding a free WIFI network is about 50/50 (excluding colleges and schools). Just seems to me that it wouldn't get much use. Maybe in a workplace environment with WIFI...but again, if you're a professional who needs the phone for accessing email why not spend the $20 so you *always* have access.
Not a good solution at all as they would lose the 200 SMS. AT&T charges 10 cents per incoming or outgoing SMS...that can add up real fast if you have a text heavy, teen user.
Again, better make sure they don't send texts, and that they tell all of their friends not to text them.
If I was 16 and buying my own cell phone...even if I could afford a $400 device...I would be pretty bummed if I got it and could only sort of use it. Anyone who would want to use SMS would be better off with a standard phone which did not require a data plan.
On a personal note, coming from a Treo where I was paying $39/month for JUST unlimited data and another $10 for unlimited texts...this was a no brainer. I am now paying $30 a month for the unlimited data and 1500 SMS, and I dropped my voice plan down a notch because I have accrued so many RO minutes.
Craig
Yeah, but you can add a text message package to the plan instead of the data.But don't you also lose the 200 included text messages if you cancel the data plan?
If you disable EDGE (over and above removing the plan), you do lose visual voicemail, though, as it absolutely relies on GPRS data.
For people who mostly travel internationally (or don't travel at all, I suppose) and live in a place with good Wi-Fi coverage, this is a great option to cut out $240 of rarely-used service every year, especially if your car has GPS built-in anyway and you have paid Wi-Fi hotspot access through your existing plan.
Of course getting 200 text messages via an AT&T text message plan is $10/month, so that alone cuts the savings in half.
http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-ph...and+MEdia(TM)+Bundles&source=IX810110300000L5
First, many of those buying the Touch aren't in a market for a cellphone due to a variety of reasons. (1) They are happy with their current cell phone service provider' (2) Hate AT&T; (3) In the Middle of a contract with current provider and don't want to incur a hefty break-up fee; (4) Fill in the Blank.So you people all think iPod Touch owners are stupid morons?
After all, if taking EDGE, voicemail, and texting out of the iPhone is dumb, those poor Touch owners must be equally stupid!
Until today I was thinking about buying an iPod Touch and a simple cell phone. If this news is true it might change my plans and I might get an iPhone after all. So sorry you can't all understand why this might be good for me.
But, in your case (and many like you), you're considering both an iPod Touch/Another phone or an iPhone...
Advantages of getting an 8GB $399 iPhone VS. 8GB $299 iPod Touch:
iPhone
01) Phone: Duh. Makes calls (up to a 4-person conference call); Visual Voicemail; Other cool stuff I'm not aware of…
02) SMS Text Messaging: Big need for the tween/teen/twenties crowd.
03) Stock Widget: Big need for the thirties and over crowd.
04) Weather Widget: Big need for those who aren't in the shut-ins crowd.
05) Built-in Camera: 2MP is better than nothing + rumor has it that with a software update, it could become a videocamera that could upload directly to YouTube very soon. Very compelling stuff.
06) Email: This built-in App is better than just using Safari for webmail.
07) Google Maps: This built-in App is better than just using Safari for Google Maps.
08) Notes: taking notes on the run is a great advantage.
09) Higher Quality Screen: I believe this is still an issue. I think Apple fixed the problem with a software update, but I think it's still widely considered that the iPhone screen displays better video.
10) Edge Internet: The ability to have net access in other areas besides WiFi spots is big.
11) 1 Device, not 2: Why would you want to carry two devices when 1 device would do the jobs better?
12) Sexier: Without a doubt, the iPhone is simply gorgeous and is superior to the Touch.
iPod Touch
01) $100 Cheaper: Yes, but if you're buying a "simple cell phone", that $100 is spent anyway.
Whatever plan you could get on another network is going to be at least the same price or higher than one from AT&T so this is a moot point. You're going to incur virtually the same costs. Again: Moot.
Bottom line, YES (in your scenario), you'd be a moron to get a Touch and a simple cell phone.
You are not aware.
I meant to remove the voice portion, and keep the data portion.
Like I can with T-Mobile and the Blackberry/Sidekick.
I am deaf, so the voice portion is useless.
Please refrain from flaunting your failure at life next time.
In my opinion, if $20 is going to "make you or break you", you have no business with an iPhone to begin with. You need a tracfone or some other prepaid cell or get a plan with a service provider who has a giveaway phone. That or "go Superman" and use a Telephone booth.
The problem with this country is that too many people are living beyond their means. A person on a modest budget has no shame in having to go for something simple.
If you're worried about the rising cost of a tank of gas (and that "the $20/month is a big deal"), ask yourself: "Do I really need Time Magazine's Invention of the 2007"?
This may be a little OT, but if I had it to do over again I would probably get a Touch and a regular cell phone. The promise of an iPod and a cell phone in one device is not very good in practice; I bought a shuffle and now use my iPhone w/o the iPod features for two reason: 1) the gsm noise makes use in a car impractical and 2) the battery life is horrible if you use the iPod features (I can get max 5-6 hours vs. the stated 24 hours). So I am now back to 2 devices anyway.
EDIT: Correction: I would probably get a Nano or 5.5G/Classic + regular cell phone. I haven't tried the Touch, but I suspect that it suffers from the same problems that cause me not to use the iPod features of my iPhone (poor battery life, lack of click wheel/buttons, etc). Regardless of what SJ says, IMHO the iPhone is NOT the best iPod ever.
EDIT: Correction: I would probably get a Nano or 5.5G/Classic + regular cell phone. I haven't tried the Touch, but I suspect that it suffers from the same problems that cause me not to use the iPod features of my iPhone (poor battery life, lack of click wheel/buttons, etc). Regardless of what SJ says, IMHO the iPhone is NOT the best iPod ever.
true
Well put. So many of us are living beyond our means and don't help our own situations. The iPhone represents a great convergence of technologies, but is far from a necessity, no matter what some people argue. I haven't made the purchase yet, but plan to within the next month or two because the convenience of the iPhone would be great for me and the device won't break my budget at this stage of life. Maybe that's been helped by keeping the same mobile handset for over three years!.
Saving $20 a month is great if you're not going to use EDGE or the 200 messages, but if this $20 is what makes the device economically viable for a potential owner, I ask them to carefully consider their purchase. Just my $.02 as it's your money and your decision.
Well put. So many of us are living beyond our means and don't help our own situations. The iPhone represents a great convergence of technologies, but is far from a necessity, no matter what some people argue. I haven't made the purchase yet, but plan to within the next month or two because the convenience of the iPhone would be great for me and the device won't break my budget at this stage of life. Maybe that's been helped by keeping the same mobile handset for over three years!.
Saving $20 a month is great if you're not going to use EDGE or the 200 messages, but if this $20 is what makes the device economically viable for a potential owner, I ask them to carefully consider their purchase. Just my $.02 as it's your money and your decision.
I would like this, not because im deaf, mainly because i already have a mobile phone (verizon) to talk on. AT&T is pretty **** where i live, 2 of my room mates have to talk outside on their AT&T phones, and one of them already got mugged.
but being able to browse the web while im on the train would be nice, i can't really do that with wifi.
I do use the EDGE network quite a bit as it is strong in my area and not really all that slow most times...but as an owner of a Touch and an iPhone I will agree with you that the iPhone even without the data plan is superior to the Touch with it's better LCD (there is really no comparison between my iPhone lcd and my Touches lcd and I have a good Touch screen without any of the negative blacks or any other defect...my iPhone LCD is CLEARLY superior)...
There are also other benefits over the Touch that you mentioned with the iPhone apps without having to "hack" such as Mail, Notes and Google maps which work very well with WiFi, the Speakers, Camera, the Mic (for recording), SMS and then there is the volume rocker which is VERY useful, mute switch, the included dock and charger and the remote iPod controller switch on the included headphones which I truly love having as not to have to remove the unit form my pocket or belt clip while working out or walking to advance, pause or restart the iPod...
So I can see where someone might do this without being called names and mocked...
Anyway, it's progress that AT&T would allow this and I for one like seeing this type of plan flexibility...
Opps...didn't see your post before making a similar point...pardon the repetition...
I am glad this was not available when I got my iPhone. I would have opted to save the $20 bucks. I always thought I would be within Wi-fi range most of the time, but find myself now using EDGE quite a bit. Sitting around the coffee shop getting some work done, playing with the internets, internets goes down like it does at the shop quite often. Everyone is crying, except the guy with the iPhone.
Really it looks sad. Me sitting there with my MBP on the table, playing on my iPhone.
Really it looks sad. Me sitting there with my MBP on the table, playing on my iPhone.
I don't have an iPhone.. i have a Cingular/ATT 8525 .. another phone designed to suck up the EDGE/3G bandwidth. To clarify your comment, removing the unlimited data plan DOES NOT prevent you from connecting to EDGE. Just as you said, it would cause all your data to be at a per KB charge.
What you *can* do, however, is tell AT&T to block all EDGE traffic from your phone. They provision it with a 'feature' that causes the network to block your EDGE/GPRS data connection. This is the only true way to prevent any cell network data usage. I did it on my 8525 for a few months because I got sick of paying $35/month without 3G. You have to call customer service to get it added.
Well first of all, that's not a 200 message plan, that's an unlimited plan with 200 off-network messages, and second of all, it's not the only set of plans that are available, especially for people with older account structures and/or family plans.
Adding 1500 messages to my account is an additional $5/month.
It's not about saving money; it's about not throwing away money on a service you don't use. It doesn't matter if you're talking about $5 a month less or $50.