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3G iPhone Next Year, Says AT&T CEO
Also shrugs off Verizon announcement as "overblown"
Much has been made of the fact that the iPhone would be a near perfect device, if it actually ran over a real wireless broadband network. The selection of AT&T's sluggish EDGE network annoyed many, though executives shrugged off complaints. In an announcement that should make some people happy (and existing owners annoyed), AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson says that a HSDPA version of the iPhone is coming:
quote:
"You'll have it next year," Stephenson said in response to a question about when the 3G iPhone would debut. He said he didn't know how much more the new version will cost than the existing model, which sells for $399. Apple Chief Executive Officer Steve Jobs "will dictate what the price of the phone is," he said.
Stephenson also chimed in on Verizon's announcement this week that they'd be opening their network to a degree, calling the announcement "overblown." "The industry's headed that way," he said. "We are probably one of the most open networks in the world, not just the U.S."
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kfsutops
Premium Member
join:2002-08-19
Lutz, FL

kfsutops

Premium Member

Of Course It Is Coming?

This is how Apple operates. Rather than just providing us with a great product from the beginning, they leave little things out. This allows them to "upgrade" them so you will have to "upgrade" them. Meaning more money for them, less for you.
BuzzDar
join:2006-01-28
West Frankfort, IL

BuzzDar

Member

Re: Of Course It Is Coming?

Just like microsoft. it is more than likely already on the phone but they crippled it so they can charge you more to turn it on later.
matrix3D
join:2006-09-27
Middletown, CT

matrix3D to kfsutops

Member

to kfsutops
Yeah, I'm wondering if they will include user-replaceable batteries with this one as well or if we'll have to wait for iPhone v3.

FFH5
Premium Member
join:2002-03-03
Tavistock NJ

1 recommendation

FFH5

Premium Member

Re: Of Course It Is Coming?

said by matrix3D:

Yeah, I'm wondering if they will include user-replaceable batteries with this one as well or if we'll have to wait for iPhone v3.
Apple will never put user replaceable batteries in their consumer products. It goes against their planned obsolescence policy which keeps the Apple iPod & iPhone dupes paying over and over for their products.

MrMaster
Rum Connoisseur
Premium Member
join:2000-12-16
St Thomas, VI

1 recommendation

MrMaster

Premium Member

Re: Of Course It Is Coming?

Yeah but its going to be several more years before i have to replace my first gen nano.

computers are always obsoluted when something new comes out. It is just the way things work.
clarkemtp
join:2000-11-12
Corpus Christi, TX

clarkemtp to FFH5

Member

to FFH5
Yes because everyone knows you can't replace the battery on an iPod in about 5 minutes. You simply throw it away and buy a new one. Oh wait, you CAN replace the battery in 5 minutes, I just did. Nevermind.

DotMac4
Shill H8r
Premium Member
join:2007-10-26
Huntington Beach, CA

DotMac4

Premium Member

Re: Of Course It Is Coming?

iPhone batteries are soldered in...so it's more like 6 minutes.
33591094 (banned)
join:2002-11-19
Canada

33591094 (banned) to kfsutops

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to kfsutops
Yep

A big FU to all the early adopters (who also happen to be Apples biggest fans). I guess the sheep will buy anything.

DotMac4
Shill H8r
Premium Member
join:2007-10-26
Huntington Beach, CA

1 recommendation

DotMac4

Premium Member

Re: Of Course It Is Coming?

So is Intel giving a big FU to E6850 buyers with their new 45nm process?

Is Chevrolet giving a big FU to everyone who bought a 2007 Malibu?

Anyone who thinks the technology industry is static, is an idiot.

You buy the device if you like it's features. You don't come back a year later bitching that the next model has something yours doesn't.

With your logic every computer manufacturer on earth is giving a big FU to all previous buyers every time they update their products.

Transmaster
Don't Blame Me I Voted For Bill and Opus
join:2001-06-20
Cheyenne, WY

1 recommendation

Transmaster to 33591094

Member

to 33591094

Na-Na-NaNa-Na


Sansa e260

The replacement battery even has replacement screws and a screw driver.
I don't have to solder my battery

GamerGeek
Premium Member
join:2003-07-26
Fortuna, CA

GamerGeek

Premium Member

Re: Na-Na-NaNa-Na

But you can't make a phone call on a Sansa, now can you?

not quite right
I'm not cool enough to be a Mac person
join:2001-06-23
Puyallup, WA

not quite right

Member

Re: Na-Na-NaNa-Na


The NoPhone

BlackJack
My BlackJack w/3G does everything the Iphone does, and I can change my own battery in under 30 seconds. Also I'm NOT constantly wiping face goo & fingerprints off the screen.

DotMac4
Shill H8r
Premium Member
join:2007-10-26
Huntington Beach, CA

1 edit

DotMac4

Premium Member

Re: Na-Na-NaNa-Na

Except for the tiny screen, tiny buttons, crappy browser and mail client, horrible voice mail handling, lack of G3 coverage and nightmarish Windows Mobile OS, it's great.

djrobx
Premium Member
join:2000-05-31
Reno, NV

djrobx to not quite right

Premium Member

to not quite right
Heh, you're comparing my old phone (Blackjack) to my new phone (iPhone). Have you really USED an iPhone? The hardware accelerated user interface of the iPhone really makes Windows Mobile look like arcane junk from the early 90s.

It's just not about seeing "pretty" effects. On a small portable screen, being able to quickly pan to the information you want to see is critical. Whether it's Google Maps, finding a contact in in the address book, picking a song from your media library, or looking at a web page, zeroing in on what you want to see is what you do day in and day out on a smartphone.

The cursor controls and wheel of the Blackjack doesn't come anywhere close to cutting it. Even the Windows Mobile devices with a stylus-based touch screen don't scroll easily or smoothly. The "dragging" action with a stylus isn't really good for the screen, making it less effective for dragging than an iPhone's touch screen designed for fingers.

The two-fingered "pinching" and "pulling" approach to zooming on the iPhone is intuitive and brilliant. More importantly, the faster processor of the iPhone with the hardware scrolling allows the device to keep up with your gestures fluidly.

On the iPhone, I don't need "BBR Text mode" to read this site. As much as I crave 3G on the iPhone, the overall browsing experience is light years better on the iPhone than it ever was on the Blackjack. Pocket IE just sucks.

I didn't think I'd be able to get used to the keyboard of the iPhone, but I can type on it faster than I could on the Blackjack. While I definitely prefer the tactile feel of the buttons on the blackjack, the blackjack's keys are very stiff and the Blackjack won't actually let you type over a certain speed.

I keep my blackjack around for 3g internet access through my laptop. I just take the SIM out of my iPhone and pop it in my old Blackjack and I'm good to go.

phattieg
join:2001-04-29
Winter Park, FL

1 recommendation

phattieg

Member

Re: Na-Na-NaNa-Na

djrobx, I think what your buddy is trying to say when he compares his Blackjack to the iPhone is the fact that you spent near $500 (in many cases) for a phone who is locked to one carrier, with no way of changing the battery yourself without voiding your warantee. He is also trying to say that although you like the touch screen, some people think its rediculous, and really not becomming of a "phone". I would consider the iPhone even more dangerous to use, even for a simple phone call, while behind the wheel of a car. Your web browser doesn't always display pages correctly, and there is no plugins for sites like YouTube, not to mention the internet isn't fast enough to really play sites like that. At least with Windows Mobile, there is a larger library of software, and no proprietary arrangement with the OEM for replacement parts, or software. If you don't like Pocket IE, then get Opera. I have found many of the "problems" people have with Pocket IE are fixable with either a plugin download, or a registry edit, which isn't something you can really do with the iPhone. Not very many people are facinated by the fact that they have an exclusive agreement with Apple to provide support only for AT&T. Maybe if it was available for Sprint, or some other carrier, I might consider playing with it, but I still highly doubt myself I will be thrilled with the phone, nor do I like the fact that you have to use iTunes for the activation, or to add media to it. You might not like the idea of a pocket PC and phone running Windows, but face it, Pocket PC's have been out for years, running Windows CE, or Windows Mobile... This is Apples first attempt at an operating system. So I don't think I could buy one for that price, just to take a chance with all the bugs. All these people who are complaining about their iPhone are some of the many people who camped out in front of a store for hours before it went on sale. So thats what you get I guess. I'm glad you enjoy yours, I'll keep enjoying my Motorola Q, and the other gentleman will enjoy his Dash, which does have a slightly slower processer than the Q, at least from what I hear. They do have a site, everythingq.com, that tells you everything from volume hacks, backlight hacking, how to customize the way your ringtone responds (you can tell it if you want it to turn on the display first, ring first, or vibrate first, or do all three at the same time, and how long between rings to wait before repeating the tone, and how to hack your alarm clock to wake up the dead). It also has a beautiful feature that allows you to program someones birthday in so you can not only be reminded on their birthday, but also know how old they are. It syncs and backs up everything to the PC, etc, but you know all of this, because you had a Windows Mobile phone before. This is starting to become a Mac vs Windows commercial, lol.

firephoto
Truth and reality matters
Premium Member
join:2003-03-18
Brewster, WA

firephoto to not quite right

Premium Member

to not quite right
said by not quite right:

Also I'm NOT constantly wiping face goo & fingerprints off the screen.
Right, because it gets wedged between all the buttons and takes a toothpick or something to clean it out.

Transmaster
Don't Blame Me I Voted For Bill and Opus
join:2001-06-20
Cheyenne, WY

Transmaster

Member

Re: Na-Na-NaNa-Na

said by firephoto:
said by not quite right:

Also I'm NOT constantly wiping face goo & fingerprints off the screen.
Right, because it gets wedged between all the buttons and takes a toothpick or something to clean it out.
Oh my God what a howler, I have to do this with my AV remote at home, all full of Dorito's nacho goo.
three6ohchri
join:2004-04-14
Portland, OR

three6ohchri

Member

Re: Na-Na-NaNa-Na

said by Transmaster:

said by firephoto:
said by not quite right:

Also I'm NOT constantly wiping face goo & fingerprints off the screen.
Right, because it gets wedged between all the buttons and takes a toothpick or something to clean it out.
Oh my God what a howler, I have to do this with my AV remote at home, all full of Dorito's nacho goo.
Now thats just nasty... how about you wipe your hands off before you touch your remote. Problem solved! I can't stand it when my roommate uses the remote to our TV. It's always got this greasy/slick feeling to it. I have to wipe it off for a few minutes to get it back to its "clean" feeling. I'm getting sick to my stomach just thinking about it.
jhaas
join:2000-04-12
Coraopolis, PA

jhaas

Member

Re: Na-Na-NaNa-Na

That's what Ziploc Snack Bags are for... so long as your remote fits. Try it.

ifarrell
join:2000-08-10
Willow Spring, NC

ifarrell to kfsutops

Member

to kfsutops
That's how many companies work including Microsoft, Dell, HP, etc.

sporkme
drop the crantini and move it, sister
MVM
join:2000-07-01
Morristown, NJ

sporkme to kfsutops

MVM

to kfsutops
said by kfsutops:

Rather than just providing us with a great product from the beginning, they leave little things out. This allows them to "upgrade" them so you will have to "upgrade" them. Meaning more money for them, less for you.
Sounds like Windows. I hear Vista really is the final one though that fixes everything right up.
attengineer
join:2007-09-26
Westland, MI

attengineer

Member

Dont bother me

My 1st Gen Ipod is still working like a champ. But Ive been thru 3 cell phones with replacable batteries in the same time frame.

timcuth
Braves Fan
Premium Member
join:2000-09-18
Pelham, AL
Technicolor ET2251

timcuth

Premium Member

Yes, it annoyed me

I was incredulous that they (Apple and at&t) would bring out such an important new device on EDGE, only. In fact, I switched from Sprint to at&t in August, but this one thing mainly prevented me from choosing an iPhone. I bought a 3G capable phone instead and I have been very happy with it.

Also, they kept saying they chose EDGE so it could be offered to a wider potential market. But guess what? My phone falls back to EDGE if 3G is unavailable. It works just fine. Why couldn't the iPhone have done that, too?

Tim

pnh102
Reptiles Are Cuddly And Pretty
Premium Member
join:2002-05-02
Mount Airy, MD

pnh102

Premium Member

Re: Yes, it annoyed me

said by timcuth:

It works just fine. Why couldn't the iPhone have done that, too?
Because Apple knew that data speeds would not impact overall sales of the iPhone?

Cabal
Premium Member
join:2007-01-21

Cabal to timcuth

Premium Member

to timcuth
You need to choose your fights. Many people would rather have 10+ hours on Edge than 5 (and require carrying around a charger with them) on 3G.

DotMac4
Shill H8r
Premium Member
join:2007-10-26
Huntington Beach, CA

DotMac4 to timcuth

Premium Member

to timcuth
The claim was size and power consumption of 3G components at the time of iPhone's design and that Wi-Fi would partially make up for it. Whether that is really true or not, who knows.

I don't miss 3G because I don't have coverage in my office and on the road I'm usually in places with Wi-Fi access. But I have a lot of friends who swear and live off 3G who are eagerly waiting for a 3G iPhone (so long as it's not a zillion bucks).

timcuth
Braves Fan
Premium Member
join:2000-09-18
Pelham, AL
Technicolor ET2251

timcuth

Premium Member

Re: Yes, it annoyed me

I cannot talk about iPhone battery life, but I use 3G internet access on my Samsung A717 several times, daily. Sometimes I surf via Opera Mini for 20-30 minutes at a time. This is in addition to several 3G phone calls, daily. I normally get 7 days between battery recharges, but sometimes as little as four or five days. To me, this is entirely acceptable.

Tim

DotMac4
Shill H8r
Premium Member
join:2007-10-26
Huntington Beach, CA

1 edit

1 recommendation

DotMac4

Premium Member

Re: Yes, it annoyed me

The iPhone has other power hungry components (eg touch screen) that if the A717 had would kill the battery quickly. Having all these components in the same phone perhaps was not possible with the components available to the market at the time of the iPhones design. Including 3G may have required the removal of some other power hungry gadget they wanted to include. Or having all of these gadgets limits the iPhones battery size to one smaller than that in the A717.

But I'm speculating. In any event, those who wanted an iPhone and 3G will be able to get it and that is good news.

timcuth
Braves Fan
Premium Member
join:2000-09-18
Pelham, AL

timcuth

Premium Member

Re: Yes, it annoyed me

Yes, it is good news. Maybe I will get one in the future.

Tim
bnceo
join:2007-10-11
Bel Air, MD

bnceo

Member

Might Make The Jump

My Sprint contracts runs out in May 08. While I love my M1, speed of the internet, and having Telenav GPS on my phone, I might have to bite the bullet and get a 3G iPhone. I know I know. I hate AT&T and that stupid EDGE network, but in my area and in the area of my new apt, we got excellent 3G service. Sprint, you are going to really have to offer me something nice to keep me. CDMA MiniOne would do the trick!

eric_n_dfw
join:2001-10-22
Roanoke, TX

eric_n_dfw

Member

Osborne effect?

Do you think this AT&T guy just pulled an "Osborne 2" on the iPhone? I know I won't be buying an iPhone until I see this new version. (truth being told, I was holding out for a 3G version anyway) I wonder if we're going to see rumors of Jobs throwing chairs or trying to get out of their AT&T contract over this.

•••••
netnerd6
join:2007-04-14
Oakland, CA

netnerd6

Member

screw the 3G iphone! we comes gPhone!

Greedy Steve dont want to give u 3G!
We should have 3G in the 1st place!
now we dont want 3G iphone anymore!
we want gPhone!
google dont go from ipo under 100buk to over 670buk for nothing!
google know what people want!

toolazytologin
@wescam.com

toolazytologin

Anon

Re: screw the 3G iphone! we comes gPhone!

said by netnerd6:

Greedy Steve dont want to give u 3G!
We should have 3G in the 1st place!
now we dont want 3G iphone anymore!
we want gPhone!
google dont go from ipo under 100buk to over 670buk for nothing!
google know what people want!
Well they should offer an upgrade to current iphone users. Why buy a new phone when a few internal components only need to be upgraded. That's the one thing I hate about most consumer electronics. When new features come out, you have to throw out (or sell) the "older" gen.
dpsyphered
join:2007-12-13
77407

dpsyphered

Member

Re: screw the 3G iphone! we comes gPhone!

They BETTER offer an upgrade to me. If not.. to Mobile 6 I go!
dsless
join:2001-05-16
Pittsburgh, PA

dsless

Member

The edge network - ugh

I have tried to use the edge network and find it to be a POS. Hey, but it is CellOne->ATT->Cingular->ATT. Still sucks.
LowRider
join:2006-06-23
Dallas, GA

LowRider

Member

Re: The edge network - ugh

said by dsless:

I have tried to use the edge network and find it to be a POS. Hey, but it is CellOne->ATT->Cingular->ATT. Still sucks.
i have no problems with Cingular, now ATT. i have great reception and all. But then again i use a computer for my computer needs not a phone which was designed to talk on.

I guess that's to much for people to comprehend. Its like comparing apples to oranges, there not the same. People can complain all they want from one phone to another about internet use-age but hey its a phone so get used to it. get a portable computer if you want e-mail and internet use so u can download all the porn you want. there pretty small now especially those newer ones that look like a portable game device.

BOGBS
Premium Member
join:2004-05-11

1 edit

BOGBS

Premium Member

3G Coverage Expansion as well?

Does AT&T plan to to expand 3G coverage a litter faster as well? I'd hope so, with this announcement. I have no problems with EDGE on my Blackberry, but one would hope they are going to ramp up 3G deployment a little faster than they have been. This is going from the coverage listing:
»www.wireless.att.com/cov ··· _3g.html

Maybe they are increasing the speed of their deployment, but I haven't heard any recent news of this...

Sorry if this may be a double post, I just quickly read over the existing comments.

arealdsltech
Premium Member
join:2007-02-27
Oklahoma City, OK

arealdsltech

Premium Member

Re: 3G Coverage Expansion as well?

My LG CU500 phone now shows 3G coverage in Oklahoma City as of yesterday(11/28/2007). Before it indicated Edge coverage unless I traveled to Dallas or Tulsa. I do not see Oklahoma City indicated in 3G coverage on AT&T maps last time I checked.

Jim Gurd
Premium Member
join:2000-07-08
Livonia, MI

Jim Gurd

Premium Member

Re: 3G Coverage Expansion as well?

said by arealdsltech:

My LG CU500 phone now shows 3G coverage in Oklahoma City as of yesterday(11/28/2007). Before it indicated Edge coverage unless I traveled to Dallas or Tulsa. I do not see Oklahoma City indicated in 3G coverage on AT&T maps last time I checked.
I could be wrong about this but I believe that AT&T only deploys 3G on the 1900MHz spectrum. I also believe that OKC was strictly a 850MHz network. If this is right it means that either AT&T now has some 1900MHz spectrum out there or else they are now starting to deploy it on the 850MHz spectrum. I wonder which it is.