I know that all of the readers have been waiting with baited breath for the MacSparky verdict on upgrading to the new iPhone 3g. [eyebrows roll] Well friends, the wait is over. I’ve finally decided to “go public”.
I have to admit I’ve waited until the last week to post this because when the first iPhone came out I was vocal pretty early about the fact I would not immediately get one. You can imagine how surprised I was carrying that little bag on launch day. What did it for me the first time was that spiffy video Apple did on how to operate the phone. Well Apple just did another one of those videos (with the same Actor no less) and after watching it I’m even more convinced I won’t be buying a 3g iPhone on launch day.
The original iPhone was so much more than my old smart phone that I couldn’t resist upgrading immediately. The difference between the 3g and original iPhone however doesn’t strike me as all that revolutionary.
It really comes down to this: Are you willing to pay $200 plus an additional approximately $30 on your monthly bill for 3g and GPS? I can see how this is a no brainer some folks who need those features. I’m just not blown away by it. I have wi-fi at home and at work. Most of the iPhone web apps I use are already very Edge optimized and acceptable. I own a $100 Nuvi that handles my navigation.
Also, I think a lot of people will be surprised on July 11 to find out that the 3g buying experience, for lack of a better term, will suck. The AT&T folks are going to make sure the phone is activated before it leaves the store. It probably takes 30 minutes to activate. So lets say you are at a really big Apple Store with 100 employees. That means they can sell 200 phones an hour. Ugg. I think people are also going to be surprised how often their 3g coverage isn’t so 3g and more Edgey. This will, of course, depend on where you are located. I am very curious about the non-driving direction uses for GPS on a phone. Maybe not immediately, but very soon I suspect that will be a compelling feature.
Of course I’ll upgrade eventually I’m not even ruling out within a few months but most likely for me it will be in November when maybe they have a 32gig model with (hopefully) a better camera. I can say that I am certain I will be nowhere near an Apple Store on July 11. Hopefully, I’ll be home updating my existing iPhone software and going crazy in the App Store. How about you? Are you going to upgrade?
From what I’ve read & heard on podcasts 3G for you guys over in the US is only ‘here & there’ so it would seem that there isn’t such a compelling reason for you to upgrade (yet). If you only got the 2.0 software with the 3G version then it would be a different thing.
I’m in the UK & before the iPhone I’ve had a couple of 3G phones. 3G is everywhere here. Pretty much everywhere I’ve been in the UK & Europe I’ve had a good 3G signal. Edge over here is another matter. It’s dire! Since getting the iPhone in November I can count the times I’ve got an Edge signal on one hand. So basically if I’m out & about trying to use the web emails etc. & I’m not in a wifi zone is a no go. The new iPhone will really change the way I can use it.
So while it sounds like the US isn’t too existed in general about the new iPhone (rightly so if 3G isn’t so widespread) it’s a really deal for us Brits & Europeans. Not sure about 3G covereage in other continents though?
From what I’ve read & heard on podcasts 3G for you guys over in the US is only ‘here & there’ so it would seem that there isn’t such a compelling reason for you to upgrade (yet). If you only got the 2.0 software with the 3G version then it would be a different thing.
I’m in the UK & before the iPhone I’ve had a couple of 3G phones. 3G is everywhere here. Pretty much everywhere I’ve been in the UK & Europe I’ve had a good 3G signal. Edge over here is another matter. It’s dire! Since getting the iPhone in November I can count the times I’ve got an Edge signal on one hand. So basically if I’m out & about trying to use the web emails etc. & I’m not in a wifi zone is a no go. The new iPhone will really change the way I can use it.
So while it sounds like the US isn’t too existed in general about the new iPhone (rightly so if 3G isn’t so widespread) it’s a really deal for us Brits & Europeans. Not sure about 3G covereage in other continents though?
From what I’ve read & heard on podcasts 3G for you guys over in the US is only ‘here & there’ so it would seem that there isn’t such a compelling reason for you to upgrade (yet). If you only got the 2.0 software with the 3G version then it would be a different thing.
I’m in the UK & before the iPhone I’ve had a couple of 3G phones. 3G is everywhere here. Pretty much everywhere I’ve been in the UK & Europe I’ve had a good 3G signal. Edge over here is another matter. It’s dire! Since getting the iPhone in November I can count the times I’ve got an Edge signal on one hand. So basically if I’m out & about trying to use the web emails etc. & I’m not in a wifi zone is a no go. The new iPhone will really change the way I can use it.
So while it sounds like the US isn’t too existed in general about the new iPhone (rightly so if 3G isn’t so widespread) it’s a really deal for us Brits & Europeans. Not sure about 3G covereage in other continents though?
From what I’ve read & heard on podcasts 3G for you guys over in the US is only ‘here & there’ so it would seem that there isn’t such a compelling reason for you to upgrade (yet). If you only got the 2.0 software with the 3G version then it would be a different thing.
I’m in the UK & before the iPhone I’ve had a couple of 3G phones. 3G is everywhere here. Pretty much everywhere I’ve been in the UK & Europe I’ve had a good 3G signal. Edge over here is another matter. It’s dire! Since getting the iPhone in November I can count the times I’ve got an Edge signal on one hand. So basically if I’m out & about trying to use the web emails etc. & I’m not in a wifi zone is a no go. The new iPhone will really change the way I can use it.
So while it sounds like the US isn’t too existed in general about the new iPhone (rightly so if 3G isn’t so widespread) it’s a really deal for us Brits & Europeans. Not sure about 3G covereage in other continents though?
From what I’ve read & heard on podcasts 3G for you guys over in the US is only ‘here & there’ so it would seem that there isn’t such a compelling reason for you to upgrade (yet). If you only got the 2.0 software with the 3G version then it would be a different thing.
I’m in the UK & before the iPhone I’ve had a couple of 3G phones. 3G is everywhere here. Pretty much everywhere I’ve been in the UK & Europe I’ve had a good 3G signal. Edge over here is another matter. It’s dire! Since getting the iPhone in November I can count the times I’ve got an Edge signal on one hand. So basically if I’m out & about trying to use the web emails etc. & I’m not in a wifi zone is a no go. The new iPhone will really change the way I can use it.
So while it sounds like the US isn’t too existed in general about the new iPhone (rightly so if 3G isn’t so widespread) it’s a really deal for us Brits & Europeans. Not sure about 3G covereage in other continents though?
David:
Your sentiments are mine exactly — minus the likely purchase in November.
David:
Your sentiments are mine exactly — minus the likely purchase in November.
David:
Your sentiments are mine exactly — minus the likely purchase in November.
David:
Your sentiments are mine exactly — minus the likely purchase in November.
David:
Your sentiments are mine exactly — minus the likely purchase in November.
Great post David. I’m starting to feel the same way and am going to try to hold off buying a 3G iPhone until we have a little more information about how the GPS works and whether 3G will really be that much better of an experience. For me, the big unknown is Exchange support and whether I’ll really have to switch up to a $45 data plan just to check my work email. I love my 1st Gen iPhone and I think with Firmware 2.0 it will only get better. I’m also looking towards a September release of a 32GB model. We’ll see…you know how weak I am when it comes to new Apple products If I touch it, I’ll likely by it. So I guess I too must stay far, far away from an Apple Store.
Great post David. I’m starting to feel the same way and am going to try to hold off buying a 3G iPhone until we have a little more information about how the GPS works and whether 3G will really be that much better of an experience. For me, the big unknown is Exchange support and whether I’ll really have to switch up to a $45 data plan just to check my work email. I love my 1st Gen iPhone and I think with Firmware 2.0 it will only get better. I’m also looking towards a September release of a 32GB model. We’ll see…you know how weak I am when it comes to new Apple products If I touch it, I’ll likely by it. So I guess I too must stay far, far away from an Apple Store.
Great post David. I’m starting to feel the same way and am going to try to hold off buying a 3G iPhone until we have a little more information about how the GPS works and whether 3G will really be that much better of an experience. For me, the big unknown is Exchange support and whether I’ll really have to switch up to a $45 data plan just to check my work email. I love my 1st Gen iPhone and I think with Firmware 2.0 it will only get better. I’m also looking towards a September release of a 32GB model. We’ll see…you know how weak I am when it comes to new Apple products If I touch it, I’ll likely by it. So I guess I too must stay far, far away from an Apple Store.
Great post David. I’m starting to feel the same way and am going to try to hold off buying a 3G iPhone until we have a little more information about how the GPS works and whether 3G will really be that much better of an experience. For me, the big unknown is Exchange support and whether I’ll really have to switch up to a $45 data plan just to check my work email. I love my 1st Gen iPhone and I think with Firmware 2.0 it will only get better. I’m also looking towards a September release of a 32GB model. We’ll see…you know how weak I am when it comes to new Apple products If I touch it, I’ll likely by it. So I guess I too must stay far, far away from an Apple Store.
Great post David. I’m starting to feel the same way and am going to try to hold off buying a 3G iPhone until we have a little more information about how the GPS works and whether 3G will really be that much better of an experience. For me, the big unknown is Exchange support and whether I’ll really have to switch up to a $45 data plan just to check my work email. I love my 1st Gen iPhone and I think with Firmware 2.0 it will only get better. I’m also looking towards a September release of a 32GB model. We’ll see…you know how weak I am when it comes to new Apple products If I touch it, I’ll likely by it. So I guess I too must stay far, far away from an Apple Store.
David, I had much the same thinking and analysis as you leading me to the same conclusion (no reason to upgrade for now) … then today I read the Pogue and Mossberg reviews and they make much of the dramatically improved audio, both speakerphone (for calls and iPod playback) and handset phone audio …and suddenly I am not so sure anymore… after all, I do use this thing to make calls…
David, I had much the same thinking and analysis as you leading me to the same conclusion (no reason to upgrade for now) … then today I read the Pogue and Mossberg reviews and they make much of the dramatically improved audio, both speakerphone (for calls and iPod playback) and handset phone audio …and suddenly I am not so sure anymore… after all, I do use this thing to make calls…
David, I had much the same thinking and analysis as you leading me to the same conclusion (no reason to upgrade for now) … then today I read the Pogue and Mossberg reviews and they make much of the dramatically improved audio, both speakerphone (for calls and iPod playback) and handset phone audio …and suddenly I am not so sure anymore… after all, I do use this thing to make calls…
David, I had much the same thinking and analysis as you leading me to the same conclusion (no reason to upgrade for now) … then today I read the Pogue and Mossberg reviews and they make much of the dramatically improved audio, both speakerphone (for calls and iPod playback) and handset phone audio …and suddenly I am not so sure anymore… after all, I do use this thing to make calls…
David, I had much the same thinking and analysis as you leading me to the same conclusion (no reason to upgrade for now) … then today I read the Pogue and Mossberg reviews and they make much of the dramatically improved audio, both speakerphone (for calls and iPod playback) and handset phone audio …and suddenly I am not so sure anymore… after all, I do use this thing to make calls…
David, I was counting on you to WEAKEN (again) so that I could hear your take on the new 3G.
David, I was counting on you to WEAKEN (again) so that I could hear your take on the new 3G.
David, I was counting on you to WEAKEN (again) so that I could hear your take on the new 3G.
David, I was counting on you to WEAKEN (again) so that I could hear your take on the new 3G.
David, I was counting on you to WEAKEN (again) so that I could hear your take on the new 3G.
@Dorothy So true. I am pretty weak but this time I don’t see myself taking the plunge in the immediate future. I actually found out that members of my family have some sort of bet or pool on when I’ll buy a new iPhone. I overheard my wife talking about it but she wouldn’t cave under interrogation. She said something about skewing the results.
@Dorothy So true. I am pretty weak but this time I don’t see myself taking the plunge in the immediate future. I actually found out that members of my family have some sort of bet or pool on when I’ll buy a new iPhone. I overheard my wife talking about it but she wouldn’t cave under interrogation. She said something about skewing the results.
@Dorothy So true. I am pretty weak but this time I don’t see myself taking the plunge in the immediate future. I actually found out that members of my family have some sort of bet or pool on when I’ll buy a new iPhone. I overheard my wife talking about it but she wouldn’t cave under interrogation. She said something about skewing the results.
@Dorothy So true. I am pretty weak but this time I don’t see myself taking the plunge in the immediate future. I actually found out that members of my family have some sort of bet or pool on when I’ll buy a new iPhone. I overheard my wife talking about it but she wouldn’t cave under interrogation. She said something about skewing the results.
@Dorothy So true. I am pretty weak but this time I don’t see myself taking the plunge in the immediate future. I actually found out that members of my family have some sort of bet or pool on when I’ll buy a new iPhone. I overheard my wife talking about it but she wouldn’t cave under interrogation. She said something about skewing the results.
I’m going back and forth on the purchase. It seems like an incremental improvement: mostly GPS and 3g. No better camera, no cut and paste, no video (though a 3rd party app may fix that), no turn-by-turn instructions for the gps. Also the current rumor re the GPS is that it only turn on intermittently to get a fix and then powers down to save battery life. I plug my iphone in while in the car, so battery life is not an issue. Hopefully not-always-on GPS “feature” can be toggled to always-on if plugged in. We’ll know tomorrow though.
It seems just enough to get us salivating, but it could have been so much more. Instead, it just costs more for the data and SMS. Yeesh!
The 2.0 software seems much more interesting. But I can use that on my current iphone.
I still may cave once my wife gets one and she shows me how much faster she can surf, geo-tag pictures, and use the GPS. Argh!
I’m going back and forth on the purchase. It seems like an incremental improvement: mostly GPS and 3g. No better camera, no cut and paste, no video (though a 3rd party app may fix that), no turn-by-turn instructions for the gps. Also the current rumor re the GPS is that it only turn on intermittently to get a fix and then powers down to save battery life. I plug my iphone in while in the car, so battery life is not an issue. Hopefully not-always-on GPS “feature” can be toggled to always-on if plugged in. We’ll know tomorrow though.
It seems just enough to get us salivating, but it could have been so much more. Instead, it just costs more for the data and SMS. Yeesh!
The 2.0 software seems much more interesting. But I can use that on my current iphone.
I still may cave once my wife gets one and she shows me how much faster she can surf, geo-tag pictures, and use the GPS. Argh!
I’m going back and forth on the purchase. It seems like an incremental improvement: mostly GPS and 3g. No better camera, no cut and paste, no video (though a 3rd party app may fix that), no turn-by-turn instructions for the gps. Also the current rumor re the GPS is that it only turn on intermittently to get a fix and then powers down to save battery life. I plug my iphone in while in the car, so battery life is not an issue. Hopefully not-always-on GPS “feature” can be toggled to always-on if plugged in. We’ll know tomorrow though.
It seems just enough to get us salivating, but it could have been so much more. Instead, it just costs more for the data and SMS. Yeesh!
The 2.0 software seems much more interesting. But I can use that on my current iphone.
I still may cave once my wife gets one and she shows me how much faster she can surf, geo-tag pictures, and use the GPS. Argh!
I’m going back and forth on the purchase. It seems like an incremental improvement: mostly GPS and 3g. No better camera, no cut and paste, no video (though a 3rd party app may fix that), no turn-by-turn instructions for the gps. Also the current rumor re the GPS is that it only turn on intermittently to get a fix and then powers down to save battery life. I plug my iphone in while in the car, so battery life is not an issue. Hopefully not-always-on GPS “feature” can be toggled to always-on if plugged in. We’ll know tomorrow though.
It seems just enough to get us salivating, but it could have been so much more. Instead, it just costs more for the data and SMS. Yeesh!
The 2.0 software seems much more interesting. But I can use that on my current iphone.
I still may cave once my wife gets one and she shows me how much faster she can surf, geo-tag pictures, and use the GPS. Argh!
I’m going back and forth on the purchase. It seems like an incremental improvement: mostly GPS and 3g. No better camera, no cut and paste, no video (though a 3rd party app may fix that), no turn-by-turn instructions for the gps. Also the current rumor re the GPS is that it only turn on intermittently to get a fix and then powers down to save battery life. I plug my iphone in while in the car, so battery life is not an issue. Hopefully not-always-on GPS “feature” can be toggled to always-on if plugged in. We’ll know tomorrow though.
It seems just enough to get us salivating, but it could have been so much more. Instead, it just costs more for the data and SMS. Yeesh!
The 2.0 software seems much more interesting. But I can use that on my current iphone.
I still may cave once my wife gets one and she shows me how much faster she can surf, geo-tag pictures, and use the GPS. Argh!