iPhone: Worth it?

[xanis]

I'm sure there have already been several thread made on this very same topic, but I'm full of delicious Thanksgiving food, a little sleepy, and very lazy.

My questions are for the iPhone owners here but those who don't own it can chime in too. Here they are:

1) For the iPhone owners: Do you like the iPhone? Whatever answer you give, please elaborate and explain why.

2) I'm a current AT&T customer engaged in a two year contract. Will purchasing an iPhone extend my contract by an additional two years or will I still have the same amount of time left? I checked on the AT&T website but I'm still a bit confused.

3) I thought I heard somewhere that you have to change your number when switching to an iPhone. It seems kind of silly, but is that really true?

4) Whether you own an iPhone or not, do you believe that it's worth it to get one? Why?


I've been interested in the iPhone for quite a while now, but it wasn't until today that I got serious about looking into getting one. I'm currently looking at the possibility of a $10.50/hr job over the holidays and a sizable bonus check from my last job that's going to come in mid-December, so I'm thinking about splurging and getting myself one. I've also played around with my friend's iPhone before so I kind of know what to expect, but I'm still looking for more information. If you guys have any other input or opinions, please feel free to post it.

 

[TheWart]

1) I do not yet have one, but my gf does. I plan on getting one as soon as I can afford to....from using hers quite a bit, I love it for a number of reasons. The web browsing is great for a mobile device, and it is super nice to have an awesome mp3 and video player built in to your cell phone. I can't wait to get one to I can watch a video during a long flight, etc.

2) As a current ATT customer as well, my understanding is that yes, it will start your 2 year commitment over.

3) No, you don't have to change your number afaik....

4) I think it is definitely worth it to get one. Does it have its faults? Sure, my biggest complaint is the battery life, but as long as you have a charger on hand by the time you go to bed at night, it should not be an issue. I personally like the on-screen keyboard, and IMO nothing (not the HTC touch pro or G1 or even the BB Storm) comes close to matching the smooth and ease of the iPhone's ui...

 

[Pliablemoose]

I'm sure to get swarmed, but IMHO, it's head and shoulders above the competition.

 

[xanis]

Originally posted by: TheWart
1) I do not yet have one, but my gf does. I plan on getting one as soon as I can afford to....from using hers quite a bit, I love it for a number of reasons. The web browsing is great for a mobile device, and it is super nice to have an awesome mp3 and video player built in to your cell phone. I can't wait to get one to I can watch a video during a long flight, etc.

2) As a current ATT customer as well, my understanding is that yes, it will start your 2 year commitment over.

3) No, you don't have to change your number afaik....

4) I think it is definitely worth it to get one. Does it have its faults? Sure, my biggest complaint is the battery life, but as long as you have a charger on hand by the time you go to bed at night, it should not be an issue. I personally like the on-screen keyboard, and IMO nothing (not the HTC touch pro or G1 or even the BB Storm) comes close to matching the smooth and ease of the iPhone's ui...

Thanks for the info. I'm currently with my parents on a family plan while I'm in school so I'll have to check with them and see if they plan on staying with AT&T for the next contract cycle. Otherwise though, I think it's looking like a decent possibility. I'm with you on the keyboard... from the limited time I've spend with it I rather like it.

 

[TheStu]

1: Do not own one, but have used Tyranicus' a fair amount, and really love the web browsing on it, as well as the video stuff.
2: I believe it will extend your contract another 2 years.
3: If they tell you that, you request a manager, if they still tell you that, you go to another store.
4: I think that much like TheWart said, although it does have its faults, it is still significantly better than every other touch screen phone out there. And it is important to remember when comparing the iPhone to the Storm that the iPhone is doing more BlackBerry-ish things than the Storm is doing iPhone-ish things.

 

[xanis]

Originally posted by: TheStu
1: Do not own one, but have used Tyranicus' a fair amount, and really love the web browsing on it, as well as the video stuff.
2: I believe it will extend your contract another 2 years.
3: If they tell you that, you request a manager, if they still tell you that, you go to another store.
4: I think that much like TheWart said, although it does have its faults, it is still significantly better than every other touch screen phone out there. And it is important to remember when comparing the iPhone to the Storm that the iPhone is doing more BlackBerry-ish things than the Storm is doing iPhone-ish things.

Well there were a couple of selling points for me but the top two were the touchscreen and strong application support. WiFi capability is definitely a bonus seeing as how I'm not going to pony up for one of those data plans.

 

[randomlinh]

Originally posted by: Xanis

Originally posted by: TheStu
1: Do not own one, but have used Tyranicus' a fair amount, and really love the web browsing on it, as well as the video stuff.
2: I believe it will extend your contract another 2 years.
3: If they tell you that, you request a manager, if they still tell you that, you go to another store.
4: I think that much like TheWart said, although it does have its faults, it is still significantly better than every other touch screen phone out there. And it is important to remember when comparing the iPhone to the Storm that the iPhone is doing more BlackBerry-ish things than the Storm is doing iPhone-ish things.

Well there were a couple of selling points for me but the top two were the touchscreen and strong application support. WiFi capability is definitely a bonus seeing as how I'm not going to pony up for one of those data plans.

aren't you required to get a data plan w/ the iphone? verizon is doing this for all their smartphones, which sucks for me. I will never have a decent convergence device should verizon actually get one. Unfortunately, I've had the best cell service w/ them, so I have to stick with them (and the majority of my calls are to other verizon customers).

 

[intogamer]

I believe AT&T will override your existing contract than overlapping. I remember iPhone-upgraders didn't get double-whammed


Firmware 2.2 is very stable. I see a good outlook in the future.

 

[xanis]

Originally posted by: randomlinh

Originally posted by: Xanis

Originally posted by: TheStu
1: Do not own one, but have used Tyranicus' a fair amount, and really love the web browsing on it, as well as the video stuff.
2: I believe it will extend your contract another 2 years.
3: If they tell you that, you request a manager, if they still tell you that, you go to another store.
4: I think that much like TheWart said, although it does have its faults, it is still significantly better than every other touch screen phone out there. And it is important to remember when comparing the iPhone to the Storm that the iPhone is doing more BlackBerry-ish things than the Storm is doing iPhone-ish things.

Well there were a couple of selling points for me but the top two were the touchscreen and strong application support. WiFi capability is definitely a bonus seeing as how I'm not going to pony up for one of those data plans.

aren't you required to get a data plan w/ the iphone? verizon is doing this for all their smartphones, which sucks for me. I will never have a decent convergence device should verizon actually get one. Unfortunately, I've had the best cell service w/ them, so I have to stick with them (and the majority of my calls are to other verizon customers).

I thought I did hear something about mandatory data plans, but I haven't been able to confirm it. That would really suck, not gonna lie.

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

The iPhone is a really stunning device. I was at a family Thanksgiving event tonight and spent at least an hour collectively wow-ing everyone with the newest Google Maps and Flick Fishing on my 3G. The capabilities of the hardware amaze me at least several times a week.

You definitely are required to purchase a data plan for the iPhone - the cheapest plan is in the $70 range but includes no text messages, so realistically you're talking $75+tax for the cheapest plan. You might be able to buy an unlocked one and forego the data plan - I have no idea - but to me the ability to surf the web, listen to Pandora, check e-mail and check Facebook anywhere, at any time (along with all of the other data features - there are a skillion amazing utilities that rely on the 3G connection) make it entirely worth the extra $30 or so a month over a phone-only plan.

 

[TheStu]

Originally posted by: Don Vito Corleone
The iPhone is a really stunning device. I was at a family Thanksgiving event tonight and spent at least an hour collectively wow-ing everyone with the newest Google Maps and Flick Fishing on my 3G. The capabilities of the hardware amaze me at least several times a week.

You definitely are required to purchase a data plan for the iPhone - the cheapest plan is in the $70 range but includes no text messages, so realistically you're talking $75+tax for the cheapest plan. You might be able to buy an unlocked one and forego the data plan - I have no idea - but to me the ability to surf the web, listen to Pandora, check e-mail and check Facebook anywhere, at any time (along with all of the other data features - there are a skillion amazing utilities that rely on the 3G connection) make it entirely worth the extra $30 or so a month over a phone-only plan.

Tell me, how many metric butt-tons are there in a skillion?

 

[xanis]

Originally posted by: Don Vito Corleone
The iPhone is a really stunning device. I was at a family Thanksgiving event tonight and spent at least an hour collectively wow-ing everyone with the newest Google Maps and Flick Fishing on my 3G. The capabilities of the hardware amaze me at least several times a week.

You definitely are required to purchase a data plan for the iPhone - the cheapest plan is in the $70 range but includes no text messages, so realistically you're talking $75+tax for the cheapest plan. You might be able to buy an unlocked one and forego the data plan - I have no idea - but to me the ability to surf the web, listen to Pandora, check e-mail and check Facebook anywhere, at any time (along with all of the other data features - there are a skillion amazing utilities that rely on the 3G connection) make it entirely worth the extra $30 or so a month over a phone-only plan.

Hmm. I think I might look into unlocked ones in that case. I definitely don't have the extra money to spend on a monthly data plan right now.

 

[JC86]

Getting a new iphone 3g will reset your two year contract with AT&T and not add on two years to your existing contract. I'm not sure how the contract works with a family plan but my plan with 200 texts, i believe 500 minutes, and unlimited date runs me $89 a month with all the taxes and whatnot factored in. I gave my old iphone that i unlocked to my GF when i switched to the 3G and she's still on T-Mobile with no data plan. In her case, she's basically using it as a phone and ipod touch unless she's in a wifi hotspot or at home. it doesn't matter to her and since Edge was so slow anyways, it didn't really matter.
If you're plannign on getting a iphone 3G, I strongly recommend you just sucking it up and getting the plans AT&T offers because once you realize you literally have the internet in your pocket, you'll be using quite a bit of data. For example, I can now check live traffic conditions on my drive home by using google maps and know which areas to avoid. I can listen to streaming live radio at the gym and not miss an important email or call at the same time. If you want a used original iphone then don't worry about the data plan and unlock the phone and use the orginal plan you have. Edge really makes having a data plan a moot point cuz its so slow that your less inclined to use it while on edge.

firmware 2.2 has been incredibly solid so far, I have yet to have an app crash and Safari has not crashed eiter. Both used to happen daily prior to this update. My only known issue with the firmware update is that when I plug the phone to sync with my computer, it sometimes isn't recognized and will restart my phone. But once hte phone reboots, it syncs just fine. I think it's just a minor glitch that can be fixed with the next bug fix.

While all the apple haters will be quick to point out the flaws of the iphone, and there are quite a few, I have yet to see a more intuitive UI and powerful pocket device that really seems to have shrunk a pc into my pocket. The flaws off the top of my head include the poor camera with no flash, unless you are shooting in ideal lighting, the photos look really choppy. Battery life, make a habit out charing the phone every night or else you will run out of juice during the day, I fixed this by getting a logitech pure-fi ipod clock radio that charges my phone and plays my music every night. These are the only two that bother me. other issues, like lack of mms support or flash don't really affect me so it doesn't bother me. MMS, in particular, is a weak complaint when you can send and receive emails with attachments with as amny pics as you like. and sicne i've never received a MMS text in my life, it doesn't affect me.

 

[Muadib]

1) It's been bumpy, but I love my iPhone. Pandora alone makes it worth the money for me. I use it all the time in the car & at work. I dropped XM radio earlier this year, and thanks to Pandora, I don't miss it at all.

The latest firmware has been the best to date. I haven't had one Safari crash either since I upgraded to it. Give me flash so I can watch NFL games from my phone, or else make the slingbox work with it, and I'd be in heaven.

2) You need to go on the AT&T site, and see if you are eligible for an upgrade. If you aren't, you must pay $399 for the 8GB, or $499 for the 16GB.

3) That's crazy! I've had my number since 2000.

4) The camera, and battery life sucks, no flash, no MMS. These are my complaints, and yet 4 months later, nothing comes close to touching it. Heck ya, it's worth it.

 

[Tyranicus]

1) I love it. It's a great iPod. The web browser is very handy. Email and SMS work quite well too.

2) It will reset your contract to 2 years from when you get the iPhone.

3)Absolutely not true. I have the same phone number I've had since 2004.

4) It really depends on how much you'll use it. Personally, I can hardly imagine living without it now, but I know plenty of people who would not really benefit from all the features.

 

[intogamer]

Originally posted by: Muadib
1) It's been bumpy, but I love my iPhone. Pandora alone makes it worth the money for me. I use it all the time in the car & at work. I dropped XM radio earlier this year, and thanks to Pandora, I don't miss it at all.

The latest firmware has been the best to date. I haven't had one Safari crash either since I upgraded to it. Give me flash so I can watch NFL games from my phone, or else make the slingbox work with it, and I'd be in heaven.

2) You need to go on the AT&T site, and see if you are eligible for an upgrade. If you aren't, you must pay $399 for the 8GB, or $499 for the 16GB.

3) That's crazy! I've had my number since 2000.

4) The camera, and battery life sucks, no flash, no MMS. These are my complaints, and yet 4 months later, nothing comes close to touching it. Heck ya, it's worth it.

You can stream TV from your computer via OrbLive

 

[mmntech]

I had originally wanted an iPod Touch but I needed a new cell phone as well so I killed two birds with one stone. In terms of smart phones, the iPhone isn't really revolutionary. It doesn't bring anything truly new to the table. However, its just the way it pulls things together so nicely. Mobile Safari is one of the best mobile browsing experiences around. Web pages are accurately rendered in the same way they are on my regular desktop. My RC hobby requires me to have up to date wind speed information so I appreciate the mobile browsing. It's also a good value too since the iPhone really is three devices in one. It's a phone, PDA, and a personal media player. It does all these things fairly well. The touch screen is also intuitive.

That said, the iPhone does have its quirks. I had an issue where it kept dropping all incoming and outgoing calls at exactly five seconds in. It would beep and then say "call failed." Resetting the network fixed it. I'm not sure if this was a problem with the phone or my provider. I'm Canadian so I get my iPhone service through Rogers/Fido. Others have reported other odd problems but they don't seem to affect all phones. Firmware 2.2 has solved a lot of the issues.

I've had mine for about a month and a half now. I think the iPhone 3G was worth it. It's a well made product and has an excellent value.

 

[PCTC2]

:thumbsup: for Turkey Day

1 and 4) I love my 3G. Its an amazing piece of engineering. The UI is designed for the hardware and it works. Its flexible and its powerful. It can be slow, however, it has gotten faster with each firmware update. I'm still on 2.1 and I do have dropped calls, but supposedly that was helped in 2.2. Before I jailbroke it, it was amazingly stable in 2.1, however, if you jailbreak it, it does lose a great deal of speed and stability. I am currently running multiple daemons and spring-board (the OS equivalent of explorer.exe for Windows) modifications that allow for extra modifications well outside of Apple's closed doors. I use it to RDP and VNC and SSH into my servers, HOWEVER, without the jailbreak, VNC is unencrypted (I use ssh tunneling for VNC). Pandora, iPod software, and any other app, including internet networking apps, games, and file sharing are all amazing. I use AppStore apps for RDP and VNC, and I have a Wi-Fi trackpad for my desktops, WebDAV server to transfer files, and lots of other applications. I even have a jailbroken NES emulator. My iPhone is my best friend. Also, the 3G complaint that it's not as fast as other 3G phones can be true, but it's a phone and I don't expect a miracle out of it. Its decent.

BUY A SCREEN PROTECTOR AND A CASE. IT WILL GET SCRATCHED (especially black).

2) Yes

3) I switched from Verizon and I kept my Verizon number on my iPhone. So much easier than emailing everyone a new number.

 

[xanis]

It looks like there's a lot of positive feedback on the iPhone. Once I lock down a job and decide if I want this or a new HDD for my MBP, I'll take a look into it. I think that I'm going to wind up with an unlocked one though... I don't really need a data plan, at least right now.

 

[Fenriss]

not a big cell phone fan. i've actually only owned 2 (motorola flip and Samsung uproar) since 98 before i got an iphone 3g. and i never thought i was going to like the iphone as much i do. it's really usefull and feature filled little gadget and not as expensive as i thought. i got a 16gb for $325 and i have a $85 monthly ATT bill. i've had it for 2 months and recommend it to anyone looking for a webphone.

 

[SKC]

Another vote for the iPhone. I think one of the most compelling arguments for it is that it's quickly integrated itself into my daily life - using it doesn't feel so much that I'm playing with a gimmick as it does simply that I'm going about my day. It's saved me many hours avoiding traffic, finding restaurants/other locations, comparing prices at stores, etc. There's definitely room for improvement, but I'm very happy with mine.

 

[Fear No Evil]

I'd buy one if I didn't have to move to AT&T to get it.

 

[Pliablemoose]

Originally posted by: Xanis
It looks like there's a lot of positive feedback on the iPhone. Once I lock down a job and decide if I want this or a new HDD for my MBP, I'll take a look into it. I think that I'm going to wind up with an unlocked one though... I don't really need a data plan, at least right now.

Well you are asking about an iPhone in an Apple forum, I promise you you'd get different answers in another non Apple focused forum.

:laugh:

 

[xanis]

Originally posted by: Pliablemoose

Originally posted by: Xanis
It looks like there's a lot of positive feedback on the iPhone. Once I lock down a job and decide if I want this or a new HDD for my MBP, I'll take a look into it. I think that I'm going to wind up with an unlocked one though... I don't really need a data plan, at least right now.

Well you are asking about an iPhone in an Apple forum, I promise you you'd get different answers in another non Apple focused forum.

:laugh:

Very true.

 

[Muadib]

Originally posted by: Xanis

Originally posted by: Pliablemoose

Originally posted by: Xanis
It looks like there's a lot of positive feedback on the iPhone. Once I lock down a job and decide if I want this or a new HDD for my MBP, I'll take a look into it. I think that I'm going to wind up with an unlocked one though... I don't really need a data plan, at least right now.

Well you are asking about an iPhone in an Apple forum, I promise you you'd get different answers in another non Apple focused forum.

:laugh:

Very true.

Then you should look at the posts in the apple.com or at&t forums from back when the 3G came out in July, and go from there. There were plenty of negative posts then. Now, not so much.