Apple iPhone
 

so who's planning on dropping the $600?

Don't forget that with the two year calling plan thrown in there as well, the price jumps up to a little over 2 grand for two years, including the phone.

It looks really very cool, but we'll keep our tracphone.

iPhone makes me drool but I'm sticking with my junk $50+contract Razr.

You know whats crazy, the plans of some of these companies. For instance, the cheapest plan you can get with the iPhone is $59.99 for only 450 minutes! I have T-mobile and I LOVE my plan. I'm paying $49.99 for 1500 anytime minutes, free nights and weekend, and all day Friday is considered part of the weekend, beat that!

The iPhone looks sweet, but it's just not worth it for me yet. I'm out of space on a 60-gig iPod. Call me back when all the kinks are worked out and it has 100 gigs.

Strangely, my mother, who is basically technologically illiterate, is encouraging me to get an iPhone. She saw the nutjobs on the news waiting on line for one, and thought it looked cute.

It's not going to happen, because I have a year remaining on my current phone contract.

How did the market end up having contract be standard anyway? I mean, you didn't have to sign a contract to get a land line. Why for wireless?

I'm with you glatt. I'll keep the tracphone. No contract. Of course, the phone is simple as well, but I don't care much for phones anyway, so it suffices. It's just for family contact, calling in to work to play hookey, etc.

I suspect it has to do with the actual cost to the vendor of the phone that you're being given, either for free or for a significant discount. Landline phone service also evolved under different sets of regulations. Cellphones are fancy radios.

I don't remember there being a contact on my first couple phones (I had one of those massive bag phones to start), this was more of an innovation after people other than drug dealers and lawyers started buying cell phones.

That'd be it. People are much more willing to sign a two year contract and pay $50 for a phone rather than no contract and dish out $400+ for the same set. Cellphones are considered disposable, anyway, and people expect to get a new one every two years or so.

When landline phones were invented, they assumed that you would be with the same phone company for the next five decades.... because there WAS only one phone company.

That's why the phones you got were not only not dispensable, but they were positively unbreakable. Every appliance in your household has an expected life span, but it would be rare to find ANY original Western Electric desk model that doesn't still work as well as the day when it was manufactured.

http://cellar.org/2007/500black.jpg

Of course, you paid out the nose for that phone too.

Actually, my parents' desk model died before the wall model did, which was odd, as the wall model was used much more often and suffered much more abuse.

i just read Steve Jobs gave all of his employees a free iPhone.

Average life expectancy of a cell phone is about 18 months. Not because cell phones fail often. Cell phones at hundreds of dollars are too often fashion accessories. Just like $100 sneakers, hundreds for cell phone is simply a necessary expense for many people. At $500, iPhone is extremely cheap among those it will be marketed to.

Number of access minutes? Irrelevant since iPhone are expected to be heavy WiFi users and since the AT&T system on which it will operate is physically believed to be weak anyway. Just another reason why Apple suggests WiFi use by iPhone will be greater.

Apple suggests WiFi use by iPhone will be greater.

For netting, sure. But for wireless calling?

I don't think so. You didn't own that phone, after all. You were granted the ability to use it by MaBell. I remember when we had to return the old phones or pay for them.

I wasn't paying the phone bill in those days, but I think the phone bill represented a smaller percentage of overall household expenses before the monopoly was broken.

That's what I was thinking. I remember getting a new phone from Ma Bell when ours broke and I think they just dropped it off at the house or something.

If there was a bad thing about breaking up Ma Bell it was that before there was just one freaking phone book. Now you get about 12 a year and you have to keep looking to find what you want. It used to be you were listed, or you requested to be unlisted.

Now, can we break up cable?

That's what I'm talking about though--you rented the phone and could wind up paying hundreds or thousands of dollars for it in the end.

Three things....
 

1. There are STILL people leasing their phones from whatever company took over for Ma Bell, be it AT&T Part II, Verizon, Qwest, or whoever else. These are mainly elderly people who don't know any better, and this has been documented over and over (how people paid thousands of dollars for those phones at $5-$10 a month).

2. The iPhone is on the EDGE network because AT&T (nee Cingular) caved into their demands. Verizon is a lot more demanding about reliability of network devices, and control of marketing/sales.

3. Unfortunately, the Treo killed the idea of having users develop their own C/C++ programs for the iPhone. Cingular, and every other carrier, must get a ton of calls from people who install programs on their phone, and have their phone crash on them because of it. They also have a lot of "hack" programs for the Treo that sometimes cause instability with PalmOS (not that it's a hard thing to do, PalmOS is a POS). Windows Mobile comes in a close second on this one.

The Treo is a nice device, but they've hacked PalmOS 5 so much that it can become highly unstable with the addition of many PalmOS programs. The phone software runs in the same address space as the user programs, and many a Treo has been "bricked" by PalmOS programs. Cingular, seeing this, didn't want the risk unless Apple could absolutely prove that the add-in software would not crash the basic phone software. This may not be obvious to many people, but they've spent (read: lost) millions supporting the Treo due to the fact that the OS is unstable.

Hence, Apple "sandboxed" the apps by running them in Safari. Safari has seen a lot of work to make it much safer, so much so that they've actually delayed MacOS X Leopard to get this right.

The Blackberry runs many of its programs in a Java sandbox, so they don't affect the actual phone software. The iPhone does not have Java (initially).

Expect that or a special Objective-C runtime sandbox in iPhone 1.1 (soon!) that runs the iPhone apps in a special area with many limitations.

Otherwise, it's a nice device if it's your thing, but I'll wait until version 1.1 or 2.0.

fuck everything how about this:

T-mobile is introducing a new "hybrid" phone that lets you either place calls using regular cell standards OR you can use wifi, for a nominal fee of $10/month. Imagine living in a city like San Franscico where Google has so generously hooked everyone up with free wifi. I can not wait until wifi enabled cell phones do to the cell phone carriers what unlimited calling VOIP did to landline carriers.

With T-Mobile's network, this is almost a necessity. I dropped them after only being able to make calls when outside on my patio from home that's inside Tampa's city limits. Weak, sparse GSM network.

17 Reasons Why Apple’s iPhone Sucks

iPhone Debate: I’m a Mac vs. Bill Gates

Ho-lee-shit! The line/security at the KoP apple store was unfreakinbelievable. Are these people nuts?? Its a goddamn phone!
Honestly I was just glad it wasn't the line for Starbucks.... got nervous for a few secs...

I convinced April to switch to AT&T...she travels to rural areas quite a bit as part of her job, and she could never get a signal when she goes to them. In addition, when we've gone traveling around the Midwest, I would have a signal almost all the time while hers could be sporadic outside St. Louis or Chicago.

a reporter is interviewing a guy who got an iphone before they officially went on sale when some iloser tries stealing it while the cameras are rolling, but ends up grabbing the microphone instead

Just out of curiosity, what would you have done it it was the line to Starbucks? How much do you love your coffee?;) Does it love you back?


BTW, my mom called this morning. She and my father saw the Iphone media blitz and wanted to know if I wanted one for my upcoming birthday.

I thanked her and declined.

a)I had this horrible picture of my mom and dad joining the crush to get one of these overhyped dongles. Now, my mom a tough negotiator who usually got what she wanted, but in this case she would be outmatched.

b) It's overpriced.
c) It's version 1.0
d) It would require switching carriers to what I am sure is some hideously expensive service plan (I heard iPhones are locked to AT&T for 5 years)
e) While I respect the Apple operating system, I found iHardware to not be technologically superior to any alternative and that most of the additional cost is associated with brand and sleek packaging.

*I cannot f**cking believe that they are pulling that 'no removable battery' sh*t again. Didn't they learn anything from Ipod 1.0?

It's an early version just like Ipod. I understand there are some technical reasons why the battery had to be non-removable. iPhone does not even have GPS. But don't for one minute doubt that feature is an oversight. GPS will be required for new Google functions - and Google is a major partner of iPhone.

Even pricing is likely to follow what happened with iPod.

Apple is striking into a market chock full of successful competition including Nokia, Motorola, Ericson, and Qualcomm. Don't expect the competition that has access to and experience with 3G networks to remain dormant. If nothing else, Apple has stirred up many bees nests in an industry that was earlier betting on (and fighting about) $20 cell phones. Suddenly the industry does not look so ‘commoditized’ anymore.

Hence my 'version 1.0' rule. So far the only version 1.0 I've been happy with is my wife.:D

(and no, I'm not going to ask her to post her 'user experience')

Now that I like. Nice little feature. Might consider one just because of that.

So, what did everybody think of Mayor Street making an ass of himself on National TV over one of these things?

Well, it's already pretty well known to many that he's a piece of shit, so would you expect anything less?

??? I must have missed something. Can you supply a link?

link

I haven't seen anything on the national news, but it's definitely a local issue there.

Heck, I'm just happy he wasn't using a pay-to-play connection to get one. If he wants to take off a day and wait in line like everyone else, then more power to him.
The woman has never heard of vacation?

She probably has an important job that people depend on. Street doesn't.

He does, he just doesn't seem to give a crap.

And the hand piece makes an excellent weapon when fighting with your brother.

Is this the next episode of "Cold Case"?

I agree it should be and he should, but if he takes a week off the city still functions. Nobody would know he was gone if it wasn't on the news.

All I have to say about the Iphone...:lol2:
Lady tries to buy out all the Iphones!

Huh, indeed.

With all due respect to people that bought the iPhone when it went on sale, fuck you. You had to have it when it first came out. You wanted the damned thing so bad, you shelled out (in the end, a minimum of) $2000 for it. What the fuck are you complaining for?

You just got F'd in the A!

I want to thank all the early adopters of the world. You keep the market going and the manufacturers in business until I'm able to afford this stuff.

I'm still waiting patiently for digital high definition wide screen TVs to come way down in price. It will happen. I'm expecting 2008 to be the year. I expect to be paying around $400 for a 30 inch high definition (1080) wide screen digital tv in one year. It will happen. It's got to happen. Please happen.

Wish granted: $399 after rebate.

(Don't buy it though - the manufacturer is in bankuptcy)

Heh...from that link:

STAY AWAY

Reviewed By: on 8/28/2007
Rating + 1Rating + 1Rating + 1Rating + 1Rating + 1
Tech Level: high - Ownership: less than 1 day

Pros: None
Cons: Stop working the next day. Doesn't even turn on. Astar says they cannot replace it or repair it, because their warehouse is closed by court order. Their accounts too, so no rebate either. STAY AWAY

7 out of 7 people found this review helpful. Did you? Yes No

Stopped working - ASTAR out of business

Reviewed By: Max_Neptune on 8/29/2007
Rating + 1Rating + 1Rating + 1Rating + 1Rating + 1
Tech Level: high - Ownership: 1 day to 1 week

Pros: Very cheap and nice looking.
Cons: VGA port stopped working after only 3 days in use. Called ASTAR, they claim that Phillips is taking legal action against them. ASTAR has filed chapter 11 bankruptcy and told me they cannot help me.
Other Thoughts: DO NOT BUY!!!!!

"If they told me at the outset the iPhone would be $200 cheaper the next day, I would have thought about it for a second - and still bought it," said Andrew Brin, a 47-year-old addiction therapist in Los Angeles. "It was $600 and that was the price I was willing to pay for it."

Technology does that. The original Intel 8080 sold for something like $4000 (in today’s money) in its first years. The microprocessor I built cost something like $10 in Radio Shack maybe seven years later.

iPhone price drop was rather faster than expected. However I have seen something equivalent (but less functions) from LC and supported on the Verizon system for much less than $600. Apple has competition. Apple will be offering rebates to some early iPhone purchasers.

Now the embarrassing question. Why do prescription drug prices violate market requirements that prices fall over the years? I cite one prescription skin cream that increased in price from $19 to $120 in maybe 15 years. A complete violation of what happens in tech industries.

Ah, yes.
The iPhone dropped in price.
But those out-of-area charges will kill ya...

------------------------------------------
Hewlett Harbor man racks up $4,800 iPhone bill

BY RICHARD J. DALTON, JR. | richard.dalton@newsday.com6:49 PM EDT, September 7, 2007

Jay Levy and his family took their iPhones on a Mediterranean cruise. Now the Hewlett Harbor entrepreneur feels as if he got taken for a ride, receiving a 54-page monthly bill of nearly $4,800 from AT&T Wireless.

While Levy, his wife and his daughter were enjoying the trip, and even while they were sleeping, their three iPhones were racking up a bill for data charges. The iPhone regularly updates e-mail, even while it's off, so that all the messages will be available when the user turns it on.

"They have periodic updates on their data files, and they translate into megabucks," Levy said. "This is akin to your bank having automatic access to your ATM machine and is siphoning money out during all times of the day and night without your knowledge."


Levy and his daughter each have three e-mail accounts on their iPhones, and they were each billed more than $1,900.

His wife's phone had one e-mail account, and her bill hit $890. One connection alone ran $223. Levy said he has complained all the way to office of AT&T's president.

Data transfers are not a problem domestically, where the AT&T Wireless plan includes unlimited data transfers for the iPhone.

But the iPhone's international plan in 29 countries, mostly in Europe, costs $24.99 for 20 megabytes. In countries outside the plan, charges can run from $5 to $20 per megabyte, said Ben Wilson, editor of iPhone Atlas, a Web site owned by the online news company CNet.

"It was a big surprise," Wilson said. "Consumers didn't expect that the charges were going to be so high and that the phone was going to be doing all this data transfer in the background that they weren't aware of."

Herbert Kliegerman, 68, a real-estate agent from the Bronx, said he incurred $2,000 while visiting Mexico. He filed a lawsuit seeking class-action status in New York State Supreme Court last week, alleging that Apple did not properly disclose the international roaming charges.

AT&T Wireless offered to refund $1,500 to Kliegerman, but he said that's not good enough. "I want a full refund," he said.

Apple spokeswoman Natalie Kerris said the company adequately discloses the potential charges on the Web site and when the phone is activated.

The 6,707-word terms and conditions document on the AT&T Web site says: "Substantial charges may be incurred if phone is taken out of the U.S. even if no services are intentionally used."

Kliegerman said said most people don't read the lengthy terms and conditions. Furthermore, the rate plans listed on the site indicate "unlimited data (Email/Web)," without an asterisk. He said that's misleading.

Kliegerman's lawyer, Randall S. Newman of Manhattan, said about 15 people from around the country have called him complaining of international roaming charges and the inability to unlock the phone to use it with another carrier.

Apple hasn't yet released the iPhone abroad. Levy said he didn't expect data transfer charges internationally because he believed the data network in Europe wasn't compatible with the iPhone. The Levys brought their phones with them for voice calls.

Other smartphones also automatically update e-mail and other data such as weather and stock prices, but those phones offer a wider variety of international pricing plans in more countries than is available on the iPhone, AT&T Wireless spokeswoman Ellen Webner said.

---------------------------

May I draw your attention to this line -

"The iPhone regularly updates e-mail, even while it's off, so that all the messages will be available when the user turns it on."

What? The? Fuck?
When you turn the phone off, it's still on?
How the hell does that work?
Whattaya gotta do, pull the fucking battery out of it?

You go ahead, have fun with your cute little phone that cost more that the GNP of some countries.
I'll stick with my cheap LG.
At least mine doesn't cost me $4,800.
That's 4 years for me and the wife.


"Substantial charges may be incurred if phone is taken out of the U.S. even if no services are intentionally used."
If you take the phone out of the U.S., you will be hammered for everything, even if you don't use it.
Sucks to be you.

Almost all phones with GPS tracking also continue to connect even when they're turned off. Better not take it with you to the criminal hideout.

Can anyone tell me: What does an iPhone do? Why do I need one...more than I need, say, $600 worth of hot, buttery popcorn?

Well, $600 worth of popcorn is slightly more likely to make you sick.

The iPhone is a phone that i's.
Popcorn is corn that pops. Plus butter.

It looks like a tie.

Don't forget: popcorn will always be tasty, but the iPhone will be obsolete in six months.

Well...

You can't stick your dick in an iPhone at the movies so that your date can give you a handjob.

How'd you know about my criminal hideout?

I mean... uh... I have no idea what you're talking about....

(walks away whistling)

Apple fights back
 

not if you eat them both.

Greenpeace report on iPhone leads to lawsuit
 

And the beatdown goes on.

They are suing Apple because the phone has plastic in it?

Jeeze, Loise!