Anyone got a new IPhone?

[Bill Stock]

I ordered one last week, but my provider screwed up the order and by the time it was straightened out I was in the raincheck queue. Can't really get too excited about it, at least they can't bill me yet. I had the original, but bought it before it was supported here, ie. no warranty. When it died Apple would not support and it was $110 from the dealer to fix, so I passed.

I'm kinda excited about the new one, since it's coming with a data plan for not toooo bad a rate (for Canada). I only used the WiFi on the original, so I was pretty much limited to the downtown and home for data usage. Now I'll be able to use it out in the boonies.

[bigstick509]

From what I know its a great phone, I use a second generation iPod Touch and love it. The Touch is equivalent to the iPhone but without the phone function. I just got done updating to the new OS 3.0 and I'm sure you will love your new phone. Unfortunately, I refuse to deal with AT&T which is the only carrier here in the states. I have considered jailbreaking the iPhone so I can use it on my carrier but just don't want to risk having a expensive paper weight at some point. Let us know how you like the new phone when you receive it.

[lebomike]

I have the Blackberry Storm from Verizon and love it. Not sure what the Iphone can do that the Blackberry cannot, but I love my Blackberry. Has ebough features that an old guy like me has trouble remembering how to use some of them,,,

[germdoc]

I bought the 2nd gen 3G iPhone the last week of May. The day I bought it my 19-y.o. son said, "Dad, you should've waited til the Apple developers' conference in mid-June--that's when they announce the upgrades." I'm always a day late and a dollar short.

Fortunately, I'm still within the 30-day return window, so I've already ordered a new 3GS, and it should arrive here within a week, at which time I can return my "old" one.

I'm not a huge fan of AT&T--they don't have a hub here in La Crosse--but the service so far seems comparable to US Cellular, my old carrier. They have been VERY NICE when I've dealt with them over the phone or in person--I think they want to set records with iPhone sales, so they're being extra nice.

I LOVE the phone. All I've got to say is, if you don't have one, you don't know what you're missing. I was thinking of getting a netbook, but now I don't see the need for one. I can browse any webpage, check weather, find maps and directions, do checkbook, order stuff from Amazon, etc. from the iPhone. It includes the best music player ever made, the iPod. The new iPhone takes video and can edit footage and upload to YouTube. And make calls.

In case you can't tell I've definitely drunk the iPhone koolaid...

[Hellrazor]

How much are you paying a month for service? Including the taxes...

[jking]

The iPhone is very nice, but, for the price of the plan required to use it, I don't know how anyone can justify having one. The basic plans are overpriced & the phone is shackled to one of the worst networks for overall coverage.

I did hear a rumor that Apple initially tried to negotiate with Verizon (wow, can you imagine?), but, it broke down b/c Apple insisted on controlling the marketing of the phone.

[cwithboat]

skip this, I got carried away

We finally replaced our old Nokia. I had avoided up grading for years because whenever I went to AT&T they wanted to upgrade our service(i.e., charge us more). Instead of going to the AT&T store I stopped in at Walmart. I walked out with a free Sony-Ericsson phone and my service contract extended for 2 years at our current price. This phone does all kinds of things that I don't want or need if I pay AT&T for them. The camera may be handy if I get in a fender bender, but the GPS is useless unless I sign up for the navigator service or dial 911. I have no interest in accessing my Yahoo email account via the phone so I can view all the Viagra ads and urgent messages from Uganda. I can skip all the pleas for texting I see on TV (Select the biggest bozo;text A for Alex, B for Manny, or C for Roger). I note that the service operators are tryimg to get approval to double the price they charge for texting, but that won't effect us as we don't text. I doubt that I will buy music from AT&T...I wonder how much Ludvig's 9th costs? I think I have enough memory for it.
In the end, for us, it is just a phone.

[germdoc]

In the end, for us, it is just a phone.

You are so wrong! It's a way of life...

The base plan is $39 for phone service, plus $30 for data network, which basically gives you internet access almost anywhere. I have not used anywhere near my 450 daytime minutes this month, but have almost maxed out my 200 text messages (extra $5 a month). Having looked long and hard at my previous US Cellular phone bills, I think it's comparable to their base plan.

The coverage so far in my experience is very good along highways and medium-to-large cities. I went camping in SE MN a few weeks ago and was without coverage, but so was my GF who had Verizon.

I agree if all you want to do is call people, the iPhone may not be for you. But there are 50,000 apps out there that allow you to do all kinds of neat things. Like brew beer:

http://www.hottrix.com/software/index.shtml

iBeer alone is worth the price of admission.

[jking]

iBeer alone is worth the price of admission.

If they just had an iCheese app, the state of Wisconsin would be set.

[germdoc]

Well, they do have iSnacks there...popcorn, but no cheese curds.

In case you're unconvinced of the uniqueness of the iPhone, as usual The Onion has it down:

http://www.theonion.com/content/news...in_hot_car_for

[scmhogg]

I won't consider buying one while they are tied to ATT. I promised myself I would never deal with them again after problems with my son's contract.

Steve

[leehljp]

I don't have the iPhone either - when they did come out here in Japan, it was the 2nd Gen. Then they had the high priced data plans tied in. By the time they dropped the high data plan, I was within 2 years of going home, so I couldn't go that route.

Having said that - I do have the 16 gig touch (iPod).
Here is what I like:
• Address Book - syncs directly with computer. I have addresses in the Roman alphabet and Japanese Kanji. Transfers easily and the Screen is large enough to read it without having to squint like on most phones little bitty screen.

• iCal - By most accounts that I have read, the Blackberry has a better calender program, but I have my iCal with dates going back to when I first started using a PIM (Palm) back in '98. Ported over from computer to computer and then to the Touch. It sure is great to be able to check out dates and times while out with personnel instead of having to carry a notebook or laptop with me.

• Internet - Most smart phones have had Internet. But the difference is like the difference in a circular saw versus a fine table saw. Review People and media that do not like Apple - readily admit that all other smart phone's internet experience is a "joke" compared to the iPhone. I use it often but it is still not quite as handy as a good laptop. But it is a decent substitute instead of a simple sale "feature".

• Documents and programs - I have research programs specific to my work and it sure is nice to have this with me instead of having to carry a laptop with me. To be able to view MS Word documents and Excel docs without having to open a laptop is super.

• Touch as a Phone (SKYPE): I have the 1st gen iPod touch and it does not do this feature but my daughter and wife do have the 2nd gen touch. Both carry their "touch' with them and when at wireless places use SKYPE to call out. My daughter calls us (in Japan) from her work and many places with free wifi in the States. She also calls her sisters and other relatives via the SKYPE function. IF we are on computers, the calls are free. AND of course the iPhones have the same ability to make these free calls under the same conditions.

• Games - WOW! MUCH better than little bitty screen games on most phones. Made for old men with bad eyes - as compared to the little bitty screens. This sure is great when sitting in airports, on trains, at dull and boring meetings. Tons of great FREE games as well as $1.00 ones.

My latest favorite game is the airport one that planes come in for landings and you are the flight controller. With simple swipes of the finger you stroke the path to the runway for that plane and all other planes. Beware of the other planes that come in at different speeds. They can't occupy the same space. Helicopters and small private planes have their own runway.

All of this in a little old handheld. Now If I only had this in a Phone. I will get mine in about 18 months.

[Bill Stock]

How much are you paying a month for service? Including the taxes...

I have an employee discount with my employer for the voice plan which is $20 a month including voicemail and call display. The data plan is $30 a month for 6GB.

[gerti]

I have the Blackberry Storm from Verizon and love it. Not sure what the Iphone can do that the Blackberry cannot, but I love my Blackberry. Has ebough features that an old guy like me has trouble remembering how to use some of them,,,

I guess you answered you own question then. The iPhone makes all that stuff EASY and INTUITIVE to use.

[bigstick509]

I won't consider buying one while they are tied to ATT. I promised myself I would never deal with them again after problems with my son's contract.

Steve

I could not agree more, great phone but a horrible carrier. Just think how many more units Apple would have out there if they were not tied to AT&T.