iPhone

rarisgod · #1 07-24-2009, 05:43 PM

So I may have missed it in my search, but I didn't see a thread specifically about the iPhone.

I'm thinking of purchasing one. It'll be the iPhone 3G, not the newer iPhone 3G S as I don't need it's new features (though I am impressed by the video camera, using Victor Wooten's video as an example which was posted a few days ago in another thread). Who has one of these? What do you think? Worth buying? Anything to complain about?

Any opinions are welcome. Initially I was skeptical of the iPhone, but now I want one.

JovialEvil · #2 07-24-2009, 05:47 PM

My wife got the new 3G(S?) when it came out a month or so ago and I got her first gen iPhone.

For the price it is a good deal especially compared to what we paid for her 1st gen iPhone.

tplyons · #3 07-24-2009, 05:49 PM

It changed my life for the better. Yes, it's more expensive, but I'm far more organized, connected, and knowledgeable with it.

I got the 3G on August 18th of last year, and have never had any complaints about it.

rarisgod · #4 07-24-2009, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JovialEvil

My wife got the new 3G(S?) when it came out a month or so ago and I got her first gen iPhone.

For the price it is a good deal especially compared to what we paid for her 1st gen iPhone.

If it came out a month ago, then yeah it's the 3G S. How is it?

The first gen was crazy in price...which was one of the things that caused me to be skeptical. And it turns out there was a lot of things that were less than satisfactory for that first gen iPhone.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tplyons

It changed my life for the better. Yes, it's more expensive, but I'm far more organized, connected, and knowledgeable with it.

I got the 3G on August 18th of last year, and have never had any complaints about it.

Great to hear! Do you have the data plan?

taquitos43 · #5 07-24-2009, 05:51 PM

I have the 3G. I really like it. I wish the battery lasted longer. I don't use a ton of apps either. With the new firmware, it's now capable of mms messaging. Now, if only AT&T allowed it. They are supposed to open that and tethering up by the end of the summer though.

rarisgod · #6 07-24-2009, 05:52 PM

In Canada I'd be using Rogers or Fido, and I've heard good things about them. Not so much AT&T though, but that doesn't apply to me.

So mms is pictures/video messaging? And even the 3G hmm? Exciting!

Now say I have wireless internet in my house, or a hotspot or whatever...without the data plan, am I still charged for using the internet with Wi-Fi?

JovialEvil · #7 07-24-2009, 05:55 PM

My wife loves the new 3GS. It isn't slow using the cell(or 3G network) for the web like the 1st gen. You had to connect to a wireless network if you needed wanted speed on the 1st gen.
Battery life seems fine, we don't charge them everyday but every other or 3rd day.
No complaints from my wife, which is great .

JovialEvil · #8 07-24-2009, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rarisgod

Now say I have wireless internet in my house, or a hotspot or whatever...without the data plan, am I still charged for using the internet with Wi-Fi?

Yes.

rarisgod · #9 07-24-2009, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JovialEvil

Yes.

LOL are you sure because then I think I know some people who are going to be a little disappointed with their bill...

Ben Lesser · #10 07-24-2009, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JovialEvil

Yes.

How do you figure?

Lady Kayri · #11 07-24-2009, 06:04 PM

I really like mine. I don't use many apps, don't go online much (not even to check email most of the time), but I love the notebook app - I now don't have to carry a notebook with me with to do/want lists, etc. The weather report app, the calculator, the clock with the ability to set several different alarms, the calendar...heck, there are a lot of things I used to carry around with me that I don't need anymore, it's all in the iPhone (mind, I never had a Blackberry or other PDA, so the iPhone is a bit of a revelation!)

rarisgod · #12 07-24-2009, 06:04 PM

I mean I think if you have your own wireless connection, then you shouldn't have to pay for the use of it. You don't have to pay to use the internet on an iPod touch. Simply because it's a phone, the Wi-Fi capabilities must be an additional charge?

Personally it doesn't make too much logical sense, but if it's true that's absurd.
You can connect via Edge(charge), 3G(charge), or Wi-Fi(free). Is this not true? This is what I have gathered from seeing others use it, as I obviously don't have one yet, but it makes no sense that you'd have to pay to connect to a Wi-Fi connection.

rarisgod · #13 07-24-2009, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lady Kayri

I really like mine. I don't use many apps, don't go online much (not even to check email most of the time), but I love the notebook app - I now don't have to carry a notebook with me with to do/want lists, etc. The weather report app, the calculator, the clock with the ability to set several different alarms, the calendar...heck, there are a lot of things I used to carry around with me that I don't need anymore, it's all in the iPhone (mind, I never had a Blackberry or other PDA, so the iPhone is a bit of a revelation!)

See I had a PDA, but everything about the iPhone seems to blow it away. Multi-touch, extensive space already available upon purchase (though not expandable

), phone capabilities (though BlackBerry's have these), and all of its features are rather impressive. Plus due to the popularity, you can expect a ton of useful apps.

VroomVroom · #14 07-24-2009, 06:16 PM

I really recommend spending the extra $100 and going for a 3GS. It's faster, and the camera is great - the still is an upgrade over the old one, and the ability to capture video is terrific. I didn't expect to use it, but I'm now snapping short vids a few times a week. I also support these things (the bane of the IT guy), so hopefully I can offer some helpful info...

Positives:
Incredible communication tool. It's a better mail client (Exchange, POP, and HTML) than any other phone I've seen/used.

Apps. This thing can make you more productive and entertain you at the same time.

Battery life. Compared to other wi-fi/bluetooth/3G phones, it's amazing.

Negatives:
AT&T. Their network is incredibly oversubscribed. Fewest dropped calls, my booty. Their customer service stinks. And they're greedy with their rate plans. If you have one of these phones, you'll find yourself using it heavily. That means a texting plan to go along with the data plan, and maybe more voice minutes if you like to talk. Plan on $90/month as a reasonable minimum.

It's a black box. I fondly recall dozens of registry hacks on Windoze phones that would improve everything from bluetooth compatibility/performance to making custom apps work. Nothing like that here. Speaking of bluetooth - make sure whatever device you're using supports the phone. The 3GS reportedly has a better chipset, and I haven't encountered any issues thus far, but even 3G phones with v3.0 software didn't play nicely with a number of hand/headsets.

iTunes. Get used to it. This really isn't a negative if you've subscribed to the whole Apple methodology, but otherwise it can be a pain.

From my perspective, that really covers it. I can tell you that it's the most awesome phone I've used, and even with the negatives I can't think of a device I'd rather use. Good luck!

JovialEvil · #15 07-24-2009, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ben Lesser

How do you figure?

A data plan is required on the iPhone. I guess it doesn't matter.

rarisgod · #16 07-24-2009, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VroomVroom

I really recommend spending the extra $100 and going for a 3GS. It's faster, and the camera is great - the still is an upgrade over the old one, and the ability to capture video is terrific. I didn't expect to use it, but I'm now snapping short vids a few times a week. I also support these things (the bane of the IT guy), so hopefully I can offer some helpful info...

Positives:
Incredible communication tool. It's a better mail client (Exchange, POP, and HTML) than any other phone I've seen/used.

Apps. This thing can make you more productive and entertain you at the same time.

Battery life. Compared to other wi-fi/bluetooth/3G phones, it's amazing.

Negatives:
AT&T. Their network is incredibly oversubscribed. Fewest dropped calls, my booty. Their customer service stinks. And they're greedy with their rate plans. If you have one of these phones, you'll find yourself using it heavily. That means a texting plan to go along with the data plan, and maybe more voice minutes if you like to talk. Plan on $90/month as a reasonable minimum.

It's a black box. I fondly recall dozens of registry hacks on Windoze phones that would improve everything from bluetooth compatibility/performance to making custom apps work. Nothing like that here. Speaking of bluetooth - make sure whatever device you're using supports the phone. The 3GS reportedly has a better chipset, and I haven't encountered any issues thus far, but even 3G phones with v3.0 software didn't play nicely with a number of hand/headsets.

iTunes. Get used to it. This really isn't a negative if you've subscribed to the whole Apple methodology, but otherwise it can be a pain.

From my perspective, that really covers it. I can tell you that it's the most awesome phone I've used, and even with the negatives I can't think of a device I'd rather use. Good luck!

Thanks very much! I thought the battery life would be a negative, but you speak highly of it so that's a good sign too.
I already use iTunes exclusively so this won't be a problem.
As I stated in another post, my living in Canada prevents my having to deal with AT&T. I believe it was Rogers that said an iPhone plan (data, of course) will run like $45. But it wasn't the plan I'd get anyway.
As for the 3GS? Well I'm considering it now with your recommendation, but I am attempting to save money and i've been told that there isn't THAT many differences between the 3G and the 3GS. I mean I miss out on a compass (darn it all...

) and a video camera (which as I said, I am impressed with) but I might just decide to save that extra bit of money.

rarisgod · #17 07-24-2009, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JovialEvil

A data plan is required on the iPhone. I guess it doesn't matter.

You can always cancel this. At least from what I've been told and from what I know people have done.

JovialEvil · #18 07-24-2009, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rarisgod

You can always cancel this.

I guess it is possible but from what I understand you need it for the iPhone to work.

VroomVroom · #19 07-24-2009, 06:40 PM

Canceling is news to me...but if you intend to do that, I can't imagine the iPhone being a consideration in the first place.

Sorry I missed the the AT&T thing....good for you! I had a 3G for a year, and I can tell you that the 3GS is much faster, across the board. Boot time, app load time, etc. Factor that in to your decision - I only mention it because I'd hate to see you regret the purchase. If you can play with a 3GS for a bit - maybe compare against a 3G - that might really help. It's what sold me...

rarisgod · #20 07-24-2009, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JovialEvil

I guess it is possible but from what I understand you need it for the iPhone to work.

I don't think that's true

Not that I'm questioning what you know as I obviously don't know much about it at all, but I'm fairly certain I know someone who is running the iPhone without the data plan. I'll get back to let everyone else know once I find out for sure, but I'm fairly certain you don't need the data plan. I think you might have to get it initially, but I'm pretty sure you're able to cancel it.

Keep in mind the people I'm talking with are on Fido, and the data is considered an "add-on" so...don't know if that changes anything...