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ZTE Peel 3G Case for iPod Touch to Launch on Sprint November 14th?
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Choosing 3G instead of a dual mode card with 3G and 4G makes this a very weird move.
I sell Clear at my store, you can get an iSpot for $25 a month with unlimited data. Just have to be in a 4G area. You could get the ClearSpot 4G+ with unlimited 4G and 5GB of 3G for $55 a month. There is even an app in the AppStore which gives you details about the device.
Why would anyone want this?
I sell Clear at my store, you can get an iSpot for $25 a month with unlimited data. Just have to be in a 4G area. You could get the ClearSpot 4G+ with unlimited 4G and 5GB of 3G for $55 a month. There is even an app in the AppStore which gives you details about the device.
Why would anyone want this?
HobeSoundDarryl
macrumors G5
The point of this device is for all those people who sometimes need a little 3G, but don't want to be married to AT&T for 24 months, and AT&T's fees whether they 3G or not. This whole cell phone contract arrangement is one of the biggest consumer ripoffs ever; why do you think there are 4 kiosks in every mall, and multiple cell phone stores in just about every strip mall? It's not because they aren't making massive profit hand over fist.
This device (and hopefully many clones soon to follow) makes the iPod a modest need 3G phone without requiring a separate mifi card; instead it's bundled into the wrapper. Yet, it's also a hotspot like a mifi.
If it turns out to have some battery, all the better.
Those of you with iPhones, congratulations. I'm sure AT&T loves you paying them lots of money even if you don't use your iPhone to make 3G calls that much. For those people who only occasionally need 3G, it would be fantastic to have a mifi that wraps around a iPod Touch, with a "use it when you need it" contract.
When iPad was first announced, I had very high hopes that that same deal would come to the iPod Touch (with a 3G option). Instead, AT&T quickly killed that deal for everyone, and grandfathered in only early adopters IF they maintained a continuous subscription. Maybe they saw this kind of thing coming?
I hope this thing is a massive success, so that all the other carriers jump on board and AT&T (and probably Verizon) feel some capitalism-at-work pressure to offer some plan options better than those available now. Instead of bashing it if you are happy with your iPhone plan, embrace it, as it could lead to better monthly pricing for you too.
This device (and hopefully many clones soon to follow) makes the iPod a modest need 3G phone without requiring a separate mifi card; instead it's bundled into the wrapper. Yet, it's also a hotspot like a mifi.
If it turns out to have some battery, all the better.
Those of you with iPhones, congratulations. I'm sure AT&T loves you paying them lots of money even if you don't use your iPhone to make 3G calls that much. For those people who only occasionally need 3G, it would be fantastic to have a mifi that wraps around a iPod Touch, with a "use it when you need it" contract.
When iPad was first announced, I had very high hopes that that same deal would come to the iPod Touch (with a 3G option). Instead, AT&T quickly killed that deal for everyone, and grandfathered in only early adopters IF they maintained a continuous subscription. Maybe they saw this kind of thing coming?
I hope this thing is a massive success, so that all the other carriers jump on board and AT&T (and probably Verizon) feel some capitalism-at-work pressure to offer some plan options better than those available now. Instead of bashing it if you are happy with your iPhone plan, embrace it, as it could lead to better monthly pricing for you too.
Its basically a mifi in a case.
I have the mifi in addition to my 3g ipad iPhone 4 so when im abroad i can use a local sim card. My mifi is unlocked.
For ipod touch/ipad wifi users its an ideal accessories for getting a connection outside of the home. Also that you can connect upto 5 devices at the same time means you can also use it for your macbook, without the hassle of finding os x compatible drivers (which at least in my market isnt easy).
if that is going to be the monthly price it seems a little steep, I would be very interested if they could get the price a little lower.
Or how about a Clear 4G USB stick with a different WiFi hotspot? Gives you WiFi access if you need it and a stick to plug into your laptop when you don't. The only thing that would give this an edge is the battery life. If it matches the touch's native then good. If it is only four hours or so, why limit yourself to Sprint 2G?
FWIW
DLM
What is the cost of the device? The $29.99 is just the data plan; surely, it can't be free if it's going to be non-contract.
I know a gentleman who uses sprint for his business and home - he pretty much can't get the deal he has now anywhere else, so sticks with sprint (plus, it would be a pain to port 8+ numbers). He's been eying both the iPhone (not too seriously since it won't work on sprint) and iPod Touch - he would be interested in this.
thats actually a pretty cool deal, after buying the ipod and the peel, you pay $40 a month for 1gb data and unlimited calling ($30 for data and $10 for the Line2 app) and you just got yourself one hell of a deal on pretty much the same thing as an iphone 4... not to bad at all... making me consider returning my just purchased iphone... nahh....
Nice idea .... but the case looks pretty ugly and bulky and as mentioned before blocks the camera. Price is ok, I guess, if you don't have an iPhone. But still too ugly - can you at least take it off and leave it (hide it) in your pocked or close by and it will still work, or does it need the iPod for power or extreme close distance ? If it needs the iPod for power, how much does it drain the battery?
Nope - wouldn't trade my iPhone for an iPod. Even the latest iPod lacks too much compared to the iPhone (even if you add this ugly case for connectivity)
The iPod touch is not an iPhone without phone, it is less than that (but depending on your needs maybe close enough - not for me)
s.w.c., I usually agree with most of what you say, but that was kind of a weird comment out of you. Who would want to use the back camera? People that want to actually use it. People who take pictures.
Sure it's not amazing, and sure, it's not a huge deal, but for people that like quick snapshots every now and then, it is a big deal. Cases are supposed to be convenient. One that blocks one of the only external hardware features on the iPod Touch is a big deal.
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I think it's very cool for all of those who want a constant connection with their iPod, but i don't think Sprint is pricing it right. It needs to be cheaper for 1gb, or offer more data at $30. The bonus of having a mobile hotspot is very cool though, too. As someone mentioned, this and a Skype account on your iPod Touch would be a nice alternative to an iPhone for some.
yeah I know I really do love my iPhone too much to take it back for that. I am amazed by the battery life in this thing. Lasts all day with pretty heavy use. all the same, for someone without an iPhone who doesnt want to pay more than $40 a month for it, thats a great work around
Apple can not sue as this does not infringe on any copyrights. Almost every cell phone provider has a mobile hotspot. Zee were just the first one's to say, how about one that wraps around your iPod.
Two downsides to this product. You have to create two different lines because if the iPod 3G and iPod 4G. Also this device would cover the new iPods microphone so you would have to use a Bluetooth headset or microphone cable.
Also with sprint why not just get a nice HTC Phone and just tether that to your iPod. It would be too much of a hassle to make an iPod an all out phone, but if you need for data then fine.
One more thing, since the iPod doesn't have GPS, it would really suck for having data for anything else other than email, pandora, or checking a website.
30 bucks for 3GB seems fair, but I will add no time limit to usage. When your 3GB are gone you will pay 30 dollars again and replenish your 3GB, sort of "Skype Credit". I do not use data on my ipod that much to justify a monthly fee.
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Why these companies always fooling around with customers especially american carriers. In some other countries you can pretty much receive sms for free if you're in any plan including prepaid. Smaller and unknown local carriers or just a third party carriers provides cheaper plans like Cricket in my area for example. They provide us way cheaper plan something you won't imagine how AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint charges us so much for every services they cater. What you don't realized is that these third party carriers uses the same tower that these bigger familiar names used. This is something you need to know for example the Virgin MiFi (I don't work for Virgin Mobile or known their MiFi). Since I did my research online or pretty much Virgin Mobile disclosed in their website that they are using Sprint's network. The MiFi is a prepaid that cost $150 and the data pricing for unlimited is $40. This is not a joke do your research it's only $40 for unlimited compare to this stupid looking case for $30 with 1GB limit. We don't even know if this is a hotspot that drains your iTouch battery "we don't know". Now tell me which is better I think none of them because Sprint sucks. That's what I think, I may not have experience their service but they are just a crippled version of Verizon using CDMA with limited coverage. Yes they have 4G wow a 4G look at you phone if you can see one( I referring to majoriy of their customers). I'm with AT&T and they suck too they are ripping me off every month. So as Verizon they are an overpriced CDMA with wider 3G coverage with a dead internet when you're in phone conversation. T-mobile would have been nice but not as big as AT&T coverage and 3G coverage is very limited. That's it I've said enough what we need here is an affordable data pricing with a wider 3G, 4G or 5G and all kinds of Gee's coverage. They need to invest their money on developing their networks instead of advertising!
Why these companies always fooling around with customers especially american carriers. In some other countries you can pretty much receive sms for free if you're in any plan including prepaid. Smaller and unknown local carriers or just a third party carriers provides cheaper plans like Cricket in my area for example. They provide us way cheaper plan something you won't imagine how AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint charges us so much for every services they cater. What you don't realized is that these third party carriers uses the same tower that these bigger familiar names used. This is something you need to know for example the Virgin MiFi (I don't work for Virgin Mobile or known their MiFi). Since I did my research online or pretty much Virgin Mobile disclosed in their website that they are using Sprint's network. The MiFi is a prepaid that cost $150 and the data pricing for unlimited is $40. This is not a joke do your research it's only $40 for unlimited compare to this stupid looking case for $30 with 1GB limit. We don't even know if this is a hotspot that drains your iTouch battery "we don't know". Now tell me which is better I think none of them because Sprint sucks. That's what I think, I may not have experience their service but they are just a crippled version of Verizon using CDMA with limited coverage. Yes they have 4G wow a 4G look at you phone if you can see one( I referring to majoriy of their customers). I'm with AT&T and they suck too they are ripping me off every month. So as Verizon they are an overpriced CDMA with wider 3G coverage with a dead internet when you're in phone conversation. T-mobile would have been nice but not as big as AT&T coverage and 3G coverage is very limited. That's it I've said enough what we need here is an affordable data pricing with a wider 3G, 4G or 5G and all kinds of Gee's coverage. They need to invest their money on developing their networks instead of advertising!
Sprint Data Service is Excellent. Customer Service????
This sounds like a totally cool product. While currently not a Sprint customer, this summer I had access to an Overdrive for a three-week road trip from Dallas to Montpelier VT and Detroit MI, also driving through Arkansas, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York—more or less 4000 miles on Interstates and backroads. We are journalists who research, write and publish for our living.
While so-called 4G/LTE access was very fast where available—mostly in Dallas—3G was incredibly reliable and adequately fast for daily business use. My wife and I have two MacBooks and one iPhone used as an iPod Touch. With several exceptions in Vermont valleys, and a weird one between Buffalo and Syracuse NY, we had fast-enough access for email, web, our blog, MobileMe gallery and iDisk backup.
In the past we have been very disappointed with Sprint customer service. It has been awful, with people who read scripts in broken English and really cannot help because they cannot understand what you are saying. There were also billing errors almost monthly. Not cool.
Because there is no contract, when this product is available we will try it, but will use motel, Starbucks and McDonalds WiFi for backups since 1GB of data will be too little. This will also be a retry of Sprint customer service.
While it may be all marketing hype, Sprint is putting on the appearance of a company getting it back together. At one time, Sprint provided awesome all around service. Maybe they have learned something.
This sounds like a totally cool product. While currently not a Sprint customer, this summer I had access to an Overdrive for a three-week road trip from Dallas to Montpelier VT and Detroit MI, also driving through Arkansas, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York—more or less 4000 miles on Interstates and backroads. We are journalists who research, write and publish for our living.
While so-called 4G/LTE access was very fast where available—mostly in Dallas—3G was incredibly reliable and adequately fast for daily business use. My wife and I have two MacBooks and one iPhone used as an iPod Touch. With several exceptions in Vermont valleys, and a weird one between Buffalo and Syracuse NY, we had fast-enough access for email, web, our blog, MobileMe gallery and iDisk backup.
In the past we have been very disappointed with Sprint customer service. It has been awful, with people who read scripts in broken English and really cannot help because they cannot understand what you are saying. There were also billing errors almost monthly. Not cool.
Because there is no contract, when this product is available we will try it, but will use motel, Starbucks and McDonalds WiFi for backups since 1GB of data will be too little. This will also be a retry of Sprint customer service.
While it may be all marketing hype, Sprint is putting on the appearance of a company getting it back together. At one time, Sprint provided awesome all around service. Maybe they have learned something.
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In case you don't know that the back camera is HD capable, and besides you're not taking yourself a photo all the time. The qualities are good enough for social networking as pretty much as what this is intended for.
In case you don't know that the back camera is HD capable, and besides you're not taking yourself a photo all the time. The qualities are good enough for social networking as pretty much as what this is intended for.