View Full Version : iPhone 3G[s]
Chuckles
13-07-2009, 21:45
A neat little trick I just found.
Download Prowl for the iPhone. There is then a client to install on the Mac. It basically creates a new "Display" in Growl called Prowl. You can then use any app which works with Growl (Basically everything) to send certain events to that display, which sends it as an instant push notification to your iPhone.
OmniFocus is a good example of this as you can get it to alert you when any of your tasks are due. It works with anything though. Transmit when an big upload is complete, Adium when certain contacts sign in.
Flogged it on AV Forums :)
Phone, headphones, charger, leather pouch and brodit car holder. I'm happy with that to offset against the 3GS.
A neat little trick I just found.
Download Prowl for the iPhone.
Heard something about that the other day. Only thing is I only use a Mac at work so no real point. If I ever get a Mac at home though I'd deffo use it.
I was getting odds and sods on the iPhone which was annoying me because it was keeping the old stuff but with gaps where I'd d/led on the PC, but those I'd missed didn't sync back to the phone. With WinMo you can specify to load these back to the phone but iPhone won't do that
My iPhone seems to behave differently if I'm understanding what you're saying.
I moved some emails from a folder into my inbox and the next time the iPhone grabbed email (I've got push disabled) the inbox on the iPhone had that email that I'd put back into the inbox.
Matblack
13-07-2009, 21:52
I mean when I was using POP, thats why I changed to IMAP :)
The iPhone would leave the email on the server which was find but unless that iPhone got to it first I had no record of it on the iPhone so big gaps with no email, much better with IMAP.
MB
Ahhh, sorry, yeah that makes sense :)
Thanks for all the advice on IMAP, few questions tho...
If all your devices are using IMAP then surely your email stays on the IMAP server at your provider/ISP? Does it ever get downloaded to your PC for long-term storage?
Another question is spam. I currently use Outlook via POP3 and have In-boxer installed which does a stunning job of spam filtering but it's obviously done client-side. I'm concerned that if I access my provider's POP3/IMAP server directly from an iPhone I'll end up getting swamped with spam. I've never had much joy with hosted anti-spam systems like SpamAssassin as they usually seem to end up binning genuine emails accidentally.
Not sure what the best system would be
Blighter
14-07-2009, 02:48
Get a GMail account and redirect all of your ISPs mail to it.
GBs of storage, the best antispam system I have EVER seen, and supports POP/IMAP.
Matblack
14-07-2009, 08:32
Thanks for all the advice on IMAP, few questions tho...
If all your devices are using IMAP then surely your email stays on the IMAP server at your provider/ISP? Does it ever get downloaded to your PC for long-term storage?
I believe It can be http://kb.wisc.edu/helpdesk/page.php?id=4037 (http://kb.wisc.edu/helpdesk/page.php?id=4037)
Another question is spam. I currently use Outlook via POP3 and have In-boxer installed which does a stunning job of spam filtering but it's obviously done client-side. I'm concerned that if I access my provider's POP3/IMAP server directly from an iPhone I'll end up getting swamped with spam. I've never had much joy with hosted anti-spam systems like SpamAssassin as they usually seem to end up binning genuine emails accidentally.
If you are doing this client side then surely if you access your mail on the iPhone you'll get the spam until you get home and rinse it using your spam program, at which point all the spam you downloaded will have to be manually deleted from the iPhone as the iPhones mail program doesn't sync with Outlooks downloaded mail.
With IMAP once you have removed the spam using your PC the non spammy mail will be sync'ed back and retained on the mail server allowing the iPhone to sync with all the mail you want to keep from as long ago as you need.
Mail marked spam can be deleted from the server thus freeing up space and I suspect you can set up a system that mail which is over a certain age is downloaded to a local folder and deleted from the mail server thus keeping enough space free at all times.
Not sure what the best system would be
I suppose it depends on your needs, if you want access to the same email account in the same format (folders) which is always up to date then IMAP is a reasonable solution, you can install an IMAP client or use webmail.
I have to say I am impressed and wish I had found this before.
MB
I just use POP and leave the messages on the server so that when I get home they download completely there.
But I only have 1 POP account on my iphone and that's for RTMs etc.. my other account is gmail and that doesn't affect my outlook at home.
If all your devices are using IMAP then surely your email stays on the IMAP server at your provider/ISP? Does it ever get downloaded to your PC for long-term storage?
Yep, if that's what you tell the client to do. In Thunderbird it's referred to as offline email. you subscribe to the folders that you want available offline and then Thunderbird will download them.
That's the problem I've been having with the beta of 3.0 though (I'm using 3.0 because it can use the system address book in OS X), it will take a few attempts at synchronising before TB updates the server with emails that have been moved, deleted and so on.
Another question is spam. I currently use Outlook via POP3 and have In-boxer installed which does a stunning job of spam filtering but it's obviously done client-side. I'm concerned that if I access my provider's POP3/IMAP server directly from an iPhone I'll end up getting swamped with spam. I've never had much joy with hosted anti-spam systems like SpamAssassin as they usually seem to end up binning genuine emails accidentally.
If you're running a client side spam package then yes, you would get all the crap on the iPhone. The way around that is to leave your PC turned on and your email client open. That way the client downloads the email, removes the crap and leaves clean email on the server.
SpamAssassin is a very clever package but it's not all that easy to get it setup properly. It's most often setup issues that cause it to tag/bin legitimate emails.
Not sure what the best system would be
IMAP I'd say.
Had a play with a 3Gs today. Not bad. It's certainly nice to be able to scroll around web pages without things getting jumpy all over the place (like my current phone does). 'Pinching' seems a little unreliable, or maybe I just haven't got the technique. Keyboard seems fine, if a little over-sensitive, at least in landscape.
Biggest gripe - would like to be able to increase the font size a little. I know you can do this in Safari, Maps, and Mail, but it seems you can't do it anywhere else. Still, with the exception of the home screen (which is silly small but I have a plan), fonts are generally bigger than what I have now.
Still going to book some personal shopper time because the more time I get to 'practise', the better. :)
The pinching is a bit fussy I find, when I first got the phone more often than not it wouldn't work but I don't seem to have any problems now. Make sure your thumb and finger are together and put on the screen at the same time and it'll be fine.
I've only just started using the keyboard in landscape and I wish I'd done it sooner - it's pretty much perfect for me. Yes, it's not as good as the keyboard on my Blackberry Bold but then it never will be as good as a good physical keyboard but I can type surprisingly quickly and accurately. Don't worry too much about getting the spelling spot on, the auto correct function is pretty good and with things like double tapping the space bar to get a full stop then a space it doesn't take long to get up to speed with it.
Fonts I can't comment on.
Thumb and finger together was what I got wrong. Duly noted, and thanks.
I know there are some new accessibility options within iTunes for the iPhone but I can't remember what they're for and my main machine is sitting by the front door now so I can't check anything.
And my Mac is on the floor in the bedroom (placed it into touch while I put Windows 7 on my ultraportable - I didn't have a spare port on the KVM and there was no way I was using the built-in screen). No worries though - I'll cross that bridge when I find it.
Just found this (http://www.apple.com/accessibility/iphone/vision.html), which is what Feek was referring to. Fan-bloody-tastic and well done Apple, even if it did take until the 3GS to make it happen. WM can't do any of this. Not even close. :)
I'll probably not use VoiceOver much, but I know it's there if needed (I've had a play with VoiceOver on the Mac already and it actually isn't bad). Other features like Zoom will certainly get used.
Cho Zan Wan
16-07-2009, 00:31
Just posted that O2 might be losing the 3G sooner than expected.
(Link goes to my blog ;)) http://tr.im/sx7c
Definitely a good thing for the consumer. O2's pricing is a very good demonstration of what happens when you have a monopoly.
Sadly, since I want a 3GS for both performance and accessibility reasons, I guess I'll have to live with the Apple tax.
Was reading this elsewhere from a guy who works at t-mobile. He's not a phone jockey, but I think works in their phone development area in some way.
As for the Iphone coming to T-Mobile and Orange, its not new news to me as Orange were in talks with apple this time last year and although I cant comment on what stage T-Mobile are at I can work out the MRC's for the phone based on the supply cost and I dont see it becoming a massive player in out portfolio.
Burble, how long does your battery last you now?
Thought I'd update this since I've been paying a bit more attention to the battery life.
According to the iPhone it was last fully charged 1 day 13 hours ago and has been used for 6 hours 14 minutes since then. I've spent about 1 hour 15 minutes or so on the phone with about 1 hour of that using a bluetooth headset. I only enable the bluetooth when I need it and always have it on in the car (I've got a bluetooth car kit) so since the full charge I guess the bluetooth has been on for about 3 hours.
I was messing about with some apps before going to bed last night and forgot to turn the WiFi off so that was on all night, probably about 8 hours or so.
I've got 3G turned off, location services on and only enable bluetooth and WiFi when I need it.
The battery is currently at 9% so it'll be going on charge soon but I'd say that the battery life is perfectly acceptable for me.
I don't have any issues with the battery life - it lasts more than a day which is fine for me - it also charges very quickly.
Davey_Pitch
16-07-2009, 09:10
Thanks for the update Paul, seems like a perfectly acceptable battery life to me. I'm guessing turning 3G off and only putting it on when you need it saves quite a bit of power?
Apparently so - it's one of the first tips that is given for people wanting to prolong battery life.
Turning 3G, WiFi and Bluetooth on/off is a bit of a faff as standard as you need to go through the menus. If your iPhone is jailbroken install SBSettings (http://iphonefreakz.com/2008/10/27/cydia-sbsettings/) and then you just swipe the the status bar and push the relevant icon.
Davey_Pitch
16-07-2009, 09:17
Thanks :) I can't see myself using Bluetooth much so that will only go on as needed, and if it takes a few clicks to turn the others on/off I can live with that :)
Since my last full charge my readings show Usage : 3h38m and Standby : 14h0m and I'm on 46% battery left.
I tend to have Wifi on at home and work although that is turned on and off quite a bit, 3G always on, BT mostly off. Don't use many calls but do fiddle, play games, etc. quite a bit.
I might try turning 3G off on mine and just turn it on when I need it. I don't get the signal at work at all and when I'm at home I'll use Wifi anyway.
I had over 3 days of battery life with 3g turned off with a bit of texting a few calls and a bit of games.
i can't bluetooth anything - it constantly searches for a paired device (when I want to BT files etc) is it locked down or is it me?
Piggymon
16-07-2009, 12:51
I have everything switched on, text a little, no calls and fiddle a bit and mine lasts nearly 3 days.
i can't bluetooth anything - it constantly searches for a paired device (when I want to BT files etc) is it locked down or is it me?
Locked down. You can only pair with headsets.
balls. I thought so. Ty :)
got my incipio this morning.
lovely case. but had a 'mare when applying the screen protector. i tried to apply the lining rather than the actual protector :( fail. now its got a load of 'bits' stuck to it and is well blotchy. not impressed.
(and before anyone mentions the fact it comes with two. i did the same again with the second just now) :o
leowyatt
16-07-2009, 16:38
(and before anyone mentions the fact it comes with two. i did the same again with the second just now) :o
you gonk :p
what can i say... the design of these screen protectors was poor. :p
I find screen protectors an absolute bitch to install. I cocked up installing the Invisible Shield I bought but somehow managed to install one of the ones that came with the CapsuleNeo case without any problems. Luck. Pure and simple.
yeah, i'm tempted to take it off seen as though its not really needed on the 3Gs. but i'll give it a day or two first. the one on my last phone improved over the first couple of days - although i didn't mess that up quite this much!
Did you get the feather Show?
As for screen protectors...they are a big pain, but with a bit of patience, they can be done well. Mind you, I took two goes with mine as the first one picked up loads of dust even after I kept trying to clean the area.
i have the anti-glare one now, looks ace.
I really don't get how you can mess up a screen protector, I had no trouble on my touch :p
Perhaps you could do a "how to" guide for the rest of us noobs? :)
I can never get them right. Dust isn't usually the problem, it's either getting it on without bubbles or, with the wet ones that you slide into place and then squeegy the fluid out, I end up getting weird bands across them from pulling the backing away from it :(
Blighter
16-07-2009, 20:32
I still don't get why you would want to use a screen protector on the 3Gs? :S
Blighter
16-07-2009, 21:00
To protect the screen :)
Which doesn't need protecting :P
In your opinion. My opinion differs :)
My opinion also differs, but if you think it's hard for you, just imagine what it's like for me. ;D
Best protector I've had so far by a country mile is the GGS hard protector I've got on my camera. Even that one seems to have a bit of residue under it so I may have a go at lifting and re-applying it (I have a spare if I goof that up).
I'll take pictures next time I stick one on and do a little guide :p
In your opinion. My opinion differs :)
Mine too. Also to get rid of the shiny glare that makes it impossible to use in work with overhead lighting.
Always a screen protector for me too. Once you've got a scratch, there's no getting rid of it.
I don't have much glare on mine, but until I see what the screen protector looks like I won't buy one. 5 months in and not so much as a scratch yet. My fear is if ever I wanted to remove the protector how "clean" the screen will be after. I look forward to seeing Desmo's at teh weekend.
Ive taken the one off my touch & replaced with the anti-glare & the d one had been on since Xmas. Just peeled off, no evidence it was ever there :)
Cool - which one is it? I might evaluate them and see what I think. Then I'll have Desmo's and yours to play with - though maybe not at the same time ;)
Don't they use some kind of static to attach rather than just having a sticky side?
I'm not convinced about the static cling claims, but I have no way of knowing one way or the other. Many do use some form of mild adhesive - I'd probably compare it with what they use for post-it notes.
Rubber on clean glass is always going to have a high coefficient of friction though and mini vacuum created between the glass and rubber.
Like I said, I know nothing. :)
Cool - which one is it? I might evaluate them and see what I think. Then I'll have Desmo's and yours to play with - though maybe not at the same time ;)
I guarantee you'll want to play with mine longer, it's far more tactile and just feels... nicer... ;)
http://store.apple.com/uk/product/TS504LL/A?fnode=MTY1NDA0NA&mco=MjE1MDE3NA
There is NO sticky adhesive - it uses static cling adhesion. As I said I've taken one off after 6 months. Trust me, it just peels off like a car sticker when you want to take it off leaves no trace.
I don't have much glare on mine, but until I see what the screen protector looks like I won't buy one. 5 months in and not so much as a scratch yet. My fear is if ever I wanted to remove the protector how "clean" the screen will be after. I look forward to seeing Desmo's at teh weekend.
They leave no residue at all.
Did you get the feather Show?
yeah, its great :D
Don't they use some kind of static to attach rather than just having a sticky side?
No, but by the nature of surface tension and the large surface area only a very mild adhesive is needed.
They're plastic sheets with a very mild, and relatively fluid, adhesive
I guarantee you'll want to play with mine longer, it's far more tactile and just feels... nicer... ;)
Can't wait. Besides, with Leo's lame fingers I best get practising ;)
Konami price drop on a few games for a few days if anyone is interested :)
http://www.casualgaming.biz/news/28948/Konami-slashes-iPhone-game-prices
Might take a look at Silent Scope :cool:
thanks, downloaded a few :D
i can't resist 59p apps.
got silent scope ;D used to love the arcade games.
Houston, we have problem...
Just spoke to Orange disconnections and they offered me an HTC Hero for £166 + £25pcm for 400min/1000text/500MBdata. I don't use anywhere near that - last month was 26min/2text/20MB or there about, but it's the cheapest contract they do. Didn't think to ask the term but for the sake of comparison I'll assume 18 months. It's £3 more than I pay now for about double the text and data and slightly less minutes.
Poking around in my spreadsheet, that's £140 cheaper than the iPhone 3Gs 16MB over the life of the contract.
In short, Ugh!, but I think I'm still leaning in the iPhone direction. Seems to me that it's the more complete, if rather more locked down, solution. I'm still actually tempted by the 32GB iPhone, but only because that means I don't have to be quite so picky about which music goes on it (by the time I'm done ripping I expect to have 50-100GB which won't fit on either).
Something else just popped into my befuddled head. I just realised how much I use the speakerphone on my current phones (landline included). That's something else I need to check out. In fact, I thought the iPhone didn't have one, but it seems I was wrong.
Blighter
25-07-2009, 18:08
It may be more locked down, but when you consider the vast amount off apps in the market, I'd say it is more adaptive :)
Dymetrie
25-07-2009, 18:11
Mobile Allowance is free this weekend....
What a damn useful little app :D
Blighter
25-07-2009, 18:22
Mobile Allowance is free this weekend....
What a damn useful little app :D
Awesome :D Won't work till my next bill date though as I've recently ported my number :(
Sounds useful, but as I don't have a phone yet. :(
Dymetrie
25-07-2009, 19:03
Oops...
Sorry Mark, I appear to have completely glossed over your phone dilema with some good news!
That looks like a very enticing offer from Orange there!
However, ultimately it's going to be down to what you want and will be most happy with.
I looked at the deal and thought that it looked tempting, the Hero is a very cool handset and the contract is pretty damn good.
Then I looked at what I was looking at your post on and remembered that I heart my iPhone :p
What may well be a clincher would be if you can find the battery stats of the hero as, under heavy use, the iPhone battery does crumble (supposed to be better on the 3GS than on the 3G) and it's not possible to carry a spare battery (does the Hero have a removable battery, like my Prophet, so you can carry spares?), although there look to be some pretty good external add-ons available for the iPhone now...
This post may not have been helpful in assisting you make up your mind :D
Well done! You hit on the biggest problem I have with all nearly all Apple kit - non-serviceable batteries. To use a technical term, they suck. Guess it's a necessary evil though if you want a thin and light phone. I'm gradually moving away from the idea of getting another brick. I'd like my pockets back please.
It's things like the app store that are keeping me very interested. I know I'm not even close to using my current phone to its potential, and that's simply because I have neither the time nor inclination to find, evaluate, pay for, download, transfer, read instructions, install, and finally run apps. Doing that is fine on my PC, but it's the last thing I want on a 3in screen. I know Android is trying to deal with this problem too but I'm not sure it's there yet (in fact, I'm not sure it's there yet generally).
In the end, if the accessibility options on the iPhone are as good as I think they might be, then damn the money and the battery - the only reason I won't buy an iPhone right there and then is £60 Quidco. :)
Blighter
25-07-2009, 19:43
You seem to not want to anyway, but as you said - Android is not there yet at all. It is very much a first release OS.
Mark the iPhone battery will vary depending on what you use it for. GPS Location Services and WiFi will eat into it, but if you're going to mostly be using standard network and 3G, it's not bad. I get about 48 hours out of it with that usage if I'm lucky. Closer to about 30ish though if it's a typical day of texts and calls.
In an office environment though you will never notice, if you're at your desk it stands to reason it will be on charge anyway.
Not worried about battery drain. It'll be no worse than what I've got now. (does as much as 5-7 days if I just leave the phone alone for the duration, but I can kill it in a single long-distance train journey if I try hard). If it's that much of a problem I'll get a PowerMonkey.
I just dislike non-serviceable batteries because they always give up and die eventually, and I'm not skilled in the art of tearing open electronics to replace components.
Mark, if a non-serviceable battery is something you dislike then why are you considering an iPhone?
By your own admission the Hero would be cheaper than an iPhone and although Android is not quite ready yet (in my opinion) I don't see that as a show stopper because an OS flash could update the Hero to later versions of Android.
From what you've said I'd suggest the Hero. You can replace the battery as and when and it's £140 or so cheaper over the lifetime of the contract. The extra allowances in the iPhone tarrif are not relevant because by your own admission you're a very light user.
Blighter
25-07-2009, 22:27
Mark the iPhone battery will vary depending on what you use it for. GPS Location Services and WiFi will eat into it, but if you're going to mostly be using standard network and 3G, it's not bad. I get about 48 hours out of it with that usage if I'm lucky. Closer to about 30ish though if it's a typical day of texts and calls.
In an office environment though you will never notice, if you're at your desk it stands to reason it will be on charge anyway.
Actually, 3G usage takes up more battery then WiFi, especially in poor signal areas and when you are moving... such as on a train ;)
Thanks Burble. I've come to the realisation that my judgement is being clouded by past history and I'm being paranoid and silly about the battery situation. I've had one phone-type battery that collapsed and died completely in 18 months, and another that dropped to ~30% in 12 months (and is still there 12 months later), but the one in my current phone is at 60-70% after 24 months, by which time I'd probably be willing to buy a new phone anyway. I've never had good cause to buy a second battery for my TyTN, so it may as well have been non-serviceable.
So, the problem here is me. I'm over thinking it. Something I do a lot. I'm surprised you lot put up with me. Please, for gods sake, someone tell me to STFU.
In fact, I'll do it myself, but feel free to join in. Enough already. I'll pick a phone on Friday - iPhone, Hero, or what I've got now. Money will be a factor, but not the factor (because if it was the factor, I'd get a free phone on PAYG and be done). This time, I want a phone I enjoy using rather than leaving to flash away to itself for a week at a time. I've got an hour booked in an Apple store to have a proper play with the iPhone, and if I get lucky and find a working Hero I'll do the same with that. iPhone is still the front runner, but I'm very much open to the fact that I might just decide to sod it and give up.
I may ask for help getting a new phone running, but until then I'm done. Until then, thanks for all the help and feel free to let loose with the STFU cannon.
's'got to be done!
STFU Mark ;)
Tell us what you get come Friday. Job done. It'll be a nice surprise ;D
Blighter
25-07-2009, 22:50
THE IPHONE IS SO SHIIINNYYY :D
And so is this hammer. :p
Thanks Feek. I needed that. :D
i <3 my iPhone 3Gs
simples.
Quidco on my O2 dongle has gone very wonkey and tracked twice, once at £3.50 and once at £40 when its supposed to be £29 :D
Just read the Quidco terms and this is normal. Oh, and it's now £44.67, so I've got one. :)
Edit - and got the PAC ordered for my Orange contract so I can switch it if I decide to do so. :)
New iPhone 3Gs has arrived :)
Now to have a play and find what apps are worth getting :)
Best way to do that is to load up the app store and keep an eye on the featured apps and top apps sections. Also there's the limited offers, like this weekend just gone Mobile Allowance was free \o/ they're harder to find - I normally find them from people on here.
Does anyone know if there are any blogs with these awesome app offers?
Noticed something annoying about the iPhones calendar, it won't let me do a repeat appointment at a 4 weeks schedule :(
Don't really want to put in all my shifts 1 at a time for the whole year.
On the HTC Touch I could just put in one months worth then do a repeats every 4 weeks schedule on it.
Anyone know a way round this?
google calendar :D
i haven't used the calendar yet, don't need it in the summer :/
google calendar :D
Just checked and Google Calendar doesn't give the "every 4 weeks" option for repeats either.
oh gutted :( assumed they would. that aint good, i'll need a calendar that does this come september when i'm back at uni.
was simple with WM :( damn apple. no doubt theres a (paid) app for that!!
Yeah there's probably a nice app out there that I'll have to pay for to get this function :(
I just asked a friend of mine about this - as i say i've never used the calendar...
Röbin says:
*just add a new event on the standard calendar
*then "repeat:"
*every day, every week, every 2 weeks, every month and every year
*are the options
you tried that? that sounds like what we need :D
Note the lack of 'every 4 week' option. :p
yeah i noticed that, but isn't that basically 'every month'... i know that months aren't '4 weeks' but still... might cut it.
Nope if you put it as every month it repeats it on the same "date" every month so if your first event was tomorrow then next month it would be on the 29th not the 26th when I'd want it. :(
What he said. Every four weeks is every four weeks. Months are neither four weeks nor fixed lengths. Now if they did lunar months, that might work. :)
Annoyingly it's only a limitation of the interface too - you can't set events to repeat every four weeks, but you can sync a schedule that includes one and it works.
There's a google calendar app called calengoo (I only have the free lite version & it does all I need). This allows 4 weekly as an option.
Cool thanks kitten will go look for it now :)
Just want to put my work schedule on it. :)
EDIT: No calengoo lite edition anymore just the full one at £3.99 :(
Found another one called saisuke. It looks like it adds yet another calendar to the iPhone and that one does have a four-week repeat option. No idea if it integrates with anything else so it could be more trouble than it's worth, and also no idea if it's free.
Got Saisuke Lite as it was free, it should integrate with Google calendar and yep it has a 4 week repeat function.
Thanks Mark :)
Next iPhone announced... http://www.theonion.com/content/news/apple_claims_new_iphone_only?utm_source=a-section
;D
I'll pick a phone on Friday - iPhone, Hero, or what I've got now.
It's Friday so what's the verdict, Mark?
No verdict yet as I need to find out a few more things first, which I can't do hunched over a laptop. Will do it when I get home on Monday. :)
So Apple have released 3.01 to patch the SMS bug. I've just updated my jailbroken phone without a problem but with it being jailbroken there are a few extra steps you need to go through to get all your Cydia stuff installed after the update.
If anyone is interested in how I did it I'll post up some instructions later.
Guess that means the option to archive the files for a future jailbreak is gone then, so less urgency on me.
Got a couple of questions for Daz on the HTC side of things, then I'll decide, but here's the current state of play:
iPhone:
+ Great phone. I'd be very happy to own one.
+ Very polished interface.
+ Great App Store. Ragdoll Blaster* (and other applications) ;D
+ iPod
+ Accessibility across the board (3GS only). VoiceOver, zoom, white on black, and so forth. Having said that, zoom isn't really usable for anything more than emergencies, VoiceOver (like most TTS systems, would probably annoy me and I certainly wouldn't be seen using it in public without headphones), and white on black has some rather odd side-effects - it changes the palette rather than the interface, so all photos and videos don't quite look right ;D).
+ TomTom (in the near future).
- Locked down tighter than a bank (unless Jailbroken, with the risk that brings).
- Safari uses a pixel zoom, so if text doesn't fit, you have to scroll to read every line. Having said that, some sites work better than others - BBC News gets plenty big enough before scrolling is needed, BD** just about gets big enough.
- No memory expansion or user-replaceable battery.
- Expensive.
HTC Hero/G2:
+ Great phone. I'd be very happy to own one.
+ Very customizable interface, but with a little less polish.
+ Great browser for me. Reflows text on zoom so much less left/right scrolling (at the cost of some layout oddities).
+ Memory expansion and replaceable battery.
+ Tethering (who'd have thunk that). I do of course have an O2 dongle which will remain my primary tethering choice.
- V1'ness rears its ugly head sometimes - Google Maps not doing the pinch zoom thing (licensing), and task managers killing off important HTC tasks.
- No accessibility (outside the browser). I've lived without it all these years, but now I've seen what the 3GS does, I know I want it.
- Less developed App Store. No Ragdoll Blaster*, no TomTom.
- Expensive (but much less so than the other contender).
* Yes, I do want to play Ragdoll Blaster. Given how much a certain person who shall remain nameless was laughing at it, I want some. ;D
** Yes, if you find the right iPhone in the Liverpool ONE Apple Store, you will find Boat Drinks in the browser history. I didn't log in though for security reasons. :)
** Yes, if you find the right iPhone in the Liverpool ONE Apple Store, you will find Boat Drinks in the browser history. I didn't log in though for security reasons. :)
I've been on almost all of them on BD, so pretty much any one in the store will do ;)
So Apple have released 3.01 to patch the SMS bug. I've just updated my jailbroken phone without a problem but with it being jailbroken there are a few extra steps you need to go through to get all your Cydia stuff installed after the update.
If anyone is interested in how I did it I'll post up some instructions later.
The Cydia process would interest me, I have a few apps installed that way that I wouldn't mind keeping without having to faff about. Thats what has kept the update off my phone so far.
I've read that ultrasn0w still works to unlock, which is what I need as I'm not with O2.
This worked for me and saved me the hassle of noting down applications then manually installing them but if it breaks your iPhone or causes some other problem I don't want to know about it.
It should become obvious as you read through the instructions but the way this works is that you create a list of Cydia installed applications and then re-install them. So the applications that are installed on the iPhone are deleted then re-installed. The applications will be newly installed when you're finished.
The process I went through was:
- Go into Cydia and note down any sources you've added yourself. There is probably any automated way of doing it but I only had 1 source so couldn't be arsed to look into it.
- SSH into the phone and issue this command
dpkg -l | awk '{print $2}' > installed_packages.txt
- SCP (or otherwise) that text file from the iPhone to your computer. Open the file in a text editor and delete the first few lines of crap leaving just a nice list of applications. It should be obvious what needs to be done here.
- Backup the phone in iTunes, tell it to check for software updates. Install the 3.01 update and wait. Then wait, then wait.
- After the update process has finished you are left with a phone that's been restored minus the jailbreak and associated applications. Jailbreak the phone using redsn0w making sure that you install Cydia. When asked to provide the original IPSW file you can point it to the 3.0 IPSW - you don't actually need the 3.01 IPSW.
- Go into Cydia and it should prompt you to update stuff. Tell it to upgrade everything. Install OpenSSH and apt7.
- Re-add any additional sources to Cydia.
- SCP the text file back to the iPhone.
- SSH to the phone, cd to the directory where the text file is and run this command:
apt-get install `cat installed_packages.txt`
- If you get an error saying that apt-get isn't found make sure that you installed the apt7 package through Cydia.
- Answer yes if you are asked about packages that can't be authenticated.
- Wait while the applications are downloaded and installed.
- Reboot (a respring would probably be sufficient) the phone.
- Job done.
There is actually an application called AptBackup available in Cydia that is meant to take care of backing up and restoring Cydia applications but I found a forum thread where it only worked for about 40% of people so I decided to give it a miss, hence me coming up with my own method.
Blighter
05-08-2009, 08:22
Check this out on your iPhone...
http://virtualgs.larwe.com/iPhone/space/
awesome :cool:
TomTom details and pricing finally :D
http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/06/tomtoms-iphone-car-kit-and-navigation-software-priced-overseas/
Saw that price a while back.....no way I'd be paying that.
Saw that price a while back.....no way I'd be paying that.
Ditto!
Saw that price a while back.....no way I'd be paying that.
How come? :)
Guess that means the option to archive the files for a future jailbreak is gone then, so less urgency on me.
Got a couple of questions for Daz on the HTC side of things, then I'll decide, but here's the current state of play:
iPhone:
+ Great phone. I'd be very happy to own one.
+ Very polished interface.
+ Great App Store. Ragdoll Blaster* (and other applications) ;D
+ iPod
+ Accessibility across the board (3GS only). VoiceOver, zoom, white on black, and so forth. Having said that, zoom isn't really usable for anything more than emergencies, VoiceOver (like most TTS systems, would probably annoy me and I certainly wouldn't be seen using it in public without headphones), and white on black has some rather odd side-effects - it changes the palette rather than the interface, so all photos and videos don't quite look right ;D).
+ TomTom (in the near future).
- Locked down tighter than a bank (unless Jailbroken, with the risk that brings).
- Safari uses a pixel zoom, so if text doesn't fit, you have to scroll to read every line. Having said that, some sites work better than others - BBC News gets plenty big enough before scrolling is needed, BD** just about gets big enough.
- No memory expansion or user-replaceable battery.
- Expensive.
HTC Hero/G2:
+ Great phone. I'd be very happy to own one.
+ Very customizable interface, but with a little less polish.
+ Great browser for me. Reflows text on zoom so much less left/right scrolling (at the cost of some layout oddities).
+ Memory expansion and replaceable battery.
+ Tethering (who'd have thunk that). I do of course have an O2 dongle which will remain my primary tethering choice.
- V1'ness rears its ugly head sometimes - Google Maps not doing the pinch zoom thing (licensing), and task managers killing off important HTC tasks.
- No accessibility (outside the browser). I've lived without it all these years, but now I've seen what the 3GS does, I know I want it.
- Less developed App Store. No Ragdoll Blaster*, no TomTom.
- Expensive (but much less so than the other contender).
* Yes, I do want to play Ragdoll Blaster. Given how much a certain person who shall remain nameless was laughing at it, I want some. ;D
** Yes, if you find the right iPhone in the Liverpool ONE Apple Store, you will find Boat Drinks in the browser history. I didn't log in though for security reasons. :)
When are you thinking of buying? I already have an iPhone (3G) and will be grabbing the Hero in September (or late August if MOT goes well ;)) so I'll be in the position to own both phones you're interested in. I think I'll be able to give you the most objective viewpoint possible. ;D Depending where you live you can always pop down for a coffee and have a proper play with both of them, I know how you don't always get the time or opportunity in a store with sale pushers circling.
How come? :)
you can get a standalone tomtom for the same kinda price.
to pay that for just an iphone app and cradle is stupid. Although i know people will pay it, its not really worth it.
i'd much rather spend an extra £10 for a proper TomTom; http://www.ebuyer.com/product/145575
bet the iphone app doesn't come with Europe maps also :/
you can get a standalone tomtom for the same kinda price.
to pay that for just an iphone app and cradle is stupid. Although i know people will pay it, its not really worth it.
True, the TomTom one is about the same price, but you're also paying for the practicality of having your nav and phone and whatever else you use your iPhone for all in one device. I've never purchased a standalone for that exact reason, I'd hate having to carry it around with me (and walking into meetings with it would tempt me to leave it in the car, which is just asking for trouble) Having it on the XDA Orbit has always been a godsend.
Matblack
06-08-2009, 16:20
You can pay £50 for a TomTom but then again you can pay £300 for one, surely the value of this is only open to asessment when we know if it acts like a One or top of the range (is it) 730? if its the later and the cradle includes a sat nav chip(iphone sat chip isn't good in a car or indoors) then its worth it? My understanding was that it would have access to the Live routing system which is only on the high end TomTom units and as long as this I don't have to pay a massive subscription I would say that would be worth the dosh.
MB
How come? :)
I don't like windscreen mounts, always use Brodit. No doubt there will be a hefty delay to just the software being released without the mount and things like that piss me off so I refuse to pay.
LeperousDust
06-08-2009, 16:38
How come? :)
I don't own an iPhone, but i'm thinking that paying that much for a piece of software you can't multi task with seems a little wrong! Where as with a stand alone you could use your iPhone and the PND at the same time and maybe for cheaper?
When are you thinking of buying?
Given that I blew out my previous 'deadline', my only deadline now is that if I'm going to get an iPhone, I'd like to have it before 3.1 hits (for reasons that might be obvious). Other than that, it might be in my interest to wait a little while now.
PS - TomTom was something I'd considered as an iPhone option, primarily for when I'm out of range of a data connection or want good quality turn-by-turn (you wouldn't believe the number of times I've nearly walked into things using my current handheld GPS), but at that price I'm likely to reconsider.
Edit - actually - scratch that - makes sense to use my PAC before it expires. I could get another but I think it's time to move on. That gives me a few weeks so probably too soon.
Matblack
06-08-2009, 16:47
Errr, the iPod and Phone functions of the iPhone both allow multitasking
In fact most of that article seems to have been writen by a biased reporter who isn't really aware of the functionaility of the product the hardware or the software. He just seems to not like the iPhone, nor does he mention that Handango have a tendency to overprice products pre-release.
MB
yeah but apple wont allow third parties that privilege so tomtom wont have it.
As the engadet article says, if you get a phone call at a critical time in your route it could get a little annoying.
Matblack
06-08-2009, 16:55
yeah but apple wont allow third parties that privilege so tomtom wont have it.
As the engadet article says, if you get a phone call at a critical time in your route it could get a little annoying.
The phone works in the background just like the ipod, there is no reason why the functions won't be accessable through the TomTom software, in fact I'm pretty sure TT said they would at the Apple Conference.
This bloke is a bit of a berk, I'll probably wait for an article based on actual information rather than conjecture before making a decision. :)
MB
LeperousDust
06-08-2009, 17:09
How do you switch between phone ipod and tomtom then? I know they kinda always work, but how would you change track whilst using tomtom without exiting the app?
Don't think that the phone working in the background was the point though - more that a phone call would interrupt TomTom. I do agree with you that the reviewer is a bit of a berk though - anyone who gets lost as a result of a temporary interruption to their SatNav has bigger problems to deal with, and if you're that worried, just turn the phone off.
Matblack
06-08-2009, 17:24
The fact that the advert by TomTom features the tagline
Driving, Callling, Enjoying
Leads me to believe that there is a solution which allows calling through the software :)
MB
LeperousDust
06-08-2009, 17:31
I'm not trying to be a **** here even though is seems, but i just think it'll be neutered, like using the iPod at the same time isn't much to ask. Its not exactly tomtoms fault, i'm sure the app will be nice i just think using it properly could be an issue?
Matblack
06-08-2009, 17:39
You're making assumptions I think.
Why wouldn't TomTom work with Apple to allow the software to piggyback the phone and allow in ap calling, its hardly rocket science.
The marketing for TomTom is all talking about a totally integrated solution which allows calling and use of the iPhone function whilst using nav :/
Seems a shame to take the word of a pessimist until we actually have a release from TomTom :)
MB
I'll wait and see what it can actually do before I make any decision.
LeperousDust
06-08-2009, 18:49
MB i agree i do expect integrated in ap calling, although i don't think it'll ever be as nice to use the iPhones own solution. What i mean is will you be able to use the iPod at the same time as tomtom? That would actually be pretty important to me since i use my iPod (or iPhone if i had one) in my car almost all the time. I doubt that would happen, and i think its a shame.
Matblack
06-08-2009, 18:57
MB i agree i do expect integrated in ap calling, although i don't think it'll ever be as nice to use the iPhones own solution. What i mean is will you be able to use the iPod at the same time as tomtom? That would actually be pretty important to me since i use my iPod (or iPhone if i had one) in my car almost all the time. I doubt that would happen, and i think its a shame.
I would say that 100% you'll be able to use the ipod function whilst using TomTom, that's pretty much the premis its being sold on :)
MB
LeperousDust
06-08-2009, 19:16
Oh, well then thats alright, its now probably worth the money somewhat :p It beats all the subscription services generally available, i'd much rather pay and actually have the software than pay per month...
You can use iPod and Navigon at the same time. Set home button double tap to launch iPod, run iPod, run navigon and then double tap home to get iPod controls. Not done it myself but heard about it. apparently Navigon will just continue to run in the background, even continuing to give out verbal instructions. Don't see why TomTom won't do similar.
You can pay £50 for a TomTom but then again you can pay £300 for one, surely the value of this is only open to asessment when we know if it acts like a One or top of the range (is it) 730? if its the later and the cradle includes a sat nav chip(iphone sat chip isn't good in a car or indoors) then its worth it? My understanding was that it would have access to the Live routing system which is only on the high end TomTom units and as long as this I don't have to pay a massive subscription I would say that would be worth the dosh.
By "live routing", I presume you mean the traffic info system?
Read a review of the latest, top-end TT device the other day which blasted them for charging a monthly subscription for this service on a device which already costs hundreds and I tended to agree. Would be interesting to see how they handle this on the iPhone version as, whilst it could make use of your existing data connection, Trafficmaster (assuming that's who they're using) still want paying for the data so this revenue will have to come from somewhere.
It's fairly easy to get hold of SatNav with lifetime traffic updates, though I can't remember if there's the option to do that with any of the TomTom units.
Matblack
07-08-2009, 14:24
By "live routing", I presume you mean the traffic info system?
Read a review of the latest, top-end TT device the other day which blasted them for charging a monthly subscription for this service on a device which already costs hundreds and I tended to agree. Would be interesting to see how they handle this on the iPhone version as, whilst it could make use of your existing data connection, Trafficmaster (assuming that's who they're using) still want paying for the data so this revenue will have to come from somewhere.
The new TomTom system doesn't use Trafficmaster it references other units traveling on the same road to get a 'live' road speed and compensates accordingly. It requires a SIM in the unit something which is already built into the iPhone. The iPhone version has the potential to be very powerful, whether it will be or not remains to be seen.
MB
Interesting solution. Does have the power to be more "up to date" than the Trafficmaster TMC system and also cover smaller roads but also depends on the number of people out there using it.
Personally I find TMC utterly fantastic. Yes it sometimes misses things if you happen upon them very soon after they've occurred but in general it's superb and has saved my bacon more times than I can count.
Didn't know I could get Google Maps on my current phone. How did I not know about this? :(
Installed and working great (though I don't have GPS so it locates to the base station). Only problem - battery was showing 70% before I installed. Five minutes later - 20% :D
Still going to get a new phone but it gives me a chance to play.
Blighter
09-08-2009, 00:28
I see you like Worms...
GET AN IPHONE :D
I'm absolutely addicted to it on mine, play it on the train non stop!
Good spot but like isn't a word I'd use. I got absolutely destroyed first game and gave up. I'm sure I'll try again sometime. It was a freebie so what the heck. :)
Anyone know of any good UK-based forums dedicated to the iPhone?
Blighter
09-08-2009, 01:54
http://www.appleiphoneforum.co.uk/
First google result for "iphone uk forum" ;D
Seems a pretty busy one too
That's a very, very quiet forum. Try: http://www.ipodtouchfans.com/forums/
http://www.appleiphoneforum.co.uk/
First google result for "iphone uk forum" ;D
Seems a pretty busy one too
Totally dead link for me :(
Think I tried that one when I first Googled and it was dead then too so I assumed it was defunct. If you can get to it then perhaps I have routing issues.
That's a very, very quiet forum. Try: http://www.ipodtouchfans.com/forums/
Ta :)
Link works fine for me, though it's a tad slow.
If you want to p*** off the staff at an O2 or CPW store (doesn't work at Apple stores because they know too much), find their demo iPhone 3GS, go Settings > General > Accessibility > VoiceOver > On, and leave - quickly. ;D
It's a right ***** to turn off unless you know how. I went into an O2 store today and turned it on to test. I did ask the salesman first but when I realised I couldn't turn it off, he got fed up quickly. Fortunately for him, I grabbed a nearby 3G and looked up the page I needed (after reassuring him that I couldn't do the same with that phone because it's a 3GS-only option). He was mighty relieved when I got it turned back off. :)
PS - it'll survive powering off the phone, but a factory reset will get rid of it. :)
PPS - Nearing the end of my evaluation now. Suffice to say I won't be using VoiceOver. ;D
quick quidco question... How long does it take for the validated £39.99 to turn into £59.99?
I got £39.99 validated 15th July... a month ago :eek:
leowyatt
13-08-2009, 16:19
if it's validated that is it you need to raise a dispute.
This for your iPhone?
if it's validated that is it you need to raise a dispute.
This for your iPhone?
yeah its from my iphone. I'm unfamiliar with the various stages. Its about the only quidco deal of any value i've ever had.
leowyatt
13-08-2009, 16:45
You need to raise a dispute I had to and the extra £20 is now pending, might get it in the next 2 months
well so much for getting that sorted...
2009-08-13 16:41:34
Hi,
I bought an iPhone 3Gs through mobiles.co.uk in July and it validated to £39.99 on 15/7/09. This should then have increased to £60 'after a week or so' but in the past month hasn't changed.
Could you look into this for me please.
thanks,
mark.
2009-08-14 09:26:13
Hi Mark,
Thank you for your enquiry regarding your iPhone purchase.
Your transaction should track at the correct commission rate when it becomes validated. If this
does not happen please could you submit an incorrect earnings enquiry.
This particular ticket will now be closed due to the query being resolved. However, please do raise a new ticket should you require further help in the future.
Kind Regards,
Gareth
Quidco Member Support
did he really say 'when its validated' after i said 'its validated'!?!!?
Is there another way of raising this earnings dispute other than the contact form?
Did you submit the incorrect earnings enquiry first or just send a general one? If not, I'd do that now :)
As Haly says, you need an earnings enquiry, not a general ticket. Different procedure (e.g. it asks for more relevant information automatically).
ah yeah, thanks guys. Don't know why, but i completely missed that link yesterday. one of them things i guess, when you're looking so hard you miss whats straight in front of you!!
leowyatt
14-08-2009, 13:52
Once you submit your enquiry it will say:
Thanks for your enquiry! Here's what happens next:
1. We have added a transaction for the claimed £20.01 to your earnings.
2. Your enquiry will be sent to the merchant for validation.
3. Unless we need to come back to you for more information, within 60 days your £20.01 will be updated to either 'validated' or 'declined' based on the merchant's findings, and your enquiry ticket will be updated accordingly.
indeed it did.
Does that mean i'll get the £39.99 now and the further £20.01 after that sorts itself out?
might have to put a limit on the payout amount if thats the case, a surprise £60 whilst back at uni would be great :D
leowyatt
14-08-2009, 14:12
you will have £39.99 now :) which you can withdraw
The £20 should be there within 2 months
TomTom for the iPhone has been released (seems it came out on Saturday). £60 for the UK & Ireland version, £80 for full Europe maps. I assume those prices are excluding the windscreen mount.
The first reviews are all very positive.
I'm holding fire for now, I don't actually need TomTom on my iPhone (though it would be nice) as I've already got Navigon on there and am installing Co-Pilot Live as I type.
The first reviews are all very positive.
How could they not be? It's just a port of the standard TomTom software isn't it?
How could they not be? It's just a port of the standard TomTom software isn't it?
Just because it is a port doesn't mean it is guaranteed to be a good package.
The video I've seen looks quite different to other versions I've seen. The menu is more iPhone slidey rather than 6 icons on a page.
At £60, I doubt I'll bother for now and even then, as a low volume user, I'd probably go with Co-Pilot at less than half the price. Think TomTom have dropped a bollock with this one. Yes, they'll get massive sales just from their name, but they could have had so many more.
I don't think £60 is too bad to be honest.
It's not extortionate, but with co-pilot at £25, they're going to lose a lot of casual users of which I put myself in that category. Sat-Nav on my phone is bloody handy, but I don't need it a hell of a lot. We've got a standalone unit in the car and I've got Navigon already. I'd like TomTom most, but I'll not be shelling out £60 for some time.
I'm the same as Des really, casual sat-nav user. Co-pilot is £22.60 on the Android Marketplace, and I'm willing to pay that kind of money for a better experience than the free ones. I dont use it enough to warrant £60.
Just because it is a port doesn't mean it is guaranteed to be a good package.
I really can't see how it could have gone wrong, as long as it works (as in can read the GPS location fine).
Software is never quite that simple though is it. Plenty of people have experienced glitches with both Navigon and Co-pilot, both of which has been running on other devices for years. No reason TomTom can't have a few glitches either. You can test these things all day, but once you hit the mass market is when the testing really starts :p
I think I'll go for this with the car kit :)
I'm still undecided. Go figure. If I can get over the accessibility hurdles then I'm leaning towards the Hero because I'm not sure I can justify the cost of an iPhone (I can get a Hero for free with a monthly plan that works out about the same as what I'm paying now).
That deal is on Orange, so I'll have to port away and port back to get it. To that end I just SIM-unlocked my M3100. May still go to T-Mobile but I'm not convinced I'll fare much better there.
PS - I too wouldn't bother with TomTom on the iPhone. Co-Pilot will more than do me.
I just found a link for the TomTom windscreen mount (http://www.handtec.co.uk/product.php/2126/tomtom-for-iphone-inc-mount) and had to laugh when I saw the price. I can only assume that it's incorrect and a more sensible price will be announced soon.
Aye, seen that before. Not much chance of shifting those :D
Last week, Joey Hess revealed that the Palm Pre running on WebOS uploads very specific information about your location and application usage to Palm on a daily basis. Although it’s allowed by the EULA that you must accept to use the Palm Pre, it still seems a little…creepy, especially if used for the wrong reasons
Interesting news for those waiting on the Palm Pre.
Taken from here (http://blog.iphone-dev.org/)
If you're that worried about it all, you probably shouldn't be using a mobile at all. Your provider has always logged which cell you're in and I'm sure they can get more accurate than just that.
If you use Google maps, Google get your GPS fix every time you use it - and so does your service provider. If you use TomTom (dunno if this applies to the iPhone version), then they get your GPS fix for the live traffic feature. Same goes for any other location-sensitive online app, mobile or otherwise.
The problem I have with this is simple - if you're roaming, you don't want stuff phoning home unannounced. Hopefully the Pre has an option to disable this, much like the iPhone and Hero do.
Didn't realise I said I was worried, must of missed that.
Also all those you mentioned are if you use those apps. Palm will be getting your location data and app usage every day no matter what you do.
I can see why you said that, but it was a generalisation and not directed at you. :)
And as for the location data, while it's not GPS accurate, the same goes for mobile operators. In fact, they get current location (at least to the nearest base station and probably more) whenever the phone is on (flight mode excluded).
A classic example of this is web sites that have a 'where I am now' link ('My Trains' on Orange being one). Even Google Maps gets to within about half a mile of where I'm sitting and my phone isn't GPS-enabled.
Blighter
18-08-2009, 23:51
I've seen the program Kent Police use to triangulate mobiles... it's awesome! \0/
I've seen the program Kent Police use to triangulate mobiles... it's awesome! \0/
And scarily accurate.
Even Google Maps gets to within about half a mile of where I'm sitting and my phone isn't GPS-enabled.
Google Maps running on my W880i (phone with no GPS) was scarily accurate, especially in London. Out in the sticks it wasn't so accurate but I guess the density of mobile phone towers is lower.
I really can't see how it could have gone wrong, as long as it works
TomTom crashes every time I try and navigate to a contacts address ::/:
TomTom crashes every time I try and navigate to a contacts address ::/:
Mine did that the first time I tried but after rebooting the phone it hasn't done it since.
That said, I can only navigate to a few of the contacts - for most of them it says it can't understand the address (despite me double checking that the formatting and spelling are correct) and asks if I'd like to enter the address manually. if I do that then it works just fine.
Will try a reboot and see how it goes. I've read other people having the same problem too.
Have to say that out of the big 3 nav systems, I think Navigon will be my favourite. They just need a little more info on screen.
Does the iPhone Naigon pull it's maps over the air? The Android version does, which I thought was odd, as you'd think the main selling point of the paid versions would be offline maps (there are a few free satnav apps on Android Market that are free, but pull their map/routing data over the air, which isn't always convienient!).
Have to agree with that. My whole point of getting a SatNav App would be non-OTA maps. If I wanted online maps I'd just use Google.
I've just ported my M3100 over to O2 so I can get new better deals on Orange. This will mean I will be without mobile for a while as I don't intend topping up unless I absolutely have to. What a faff.
leowyatt
20-08-2009, 12:47
Surely the point of the satnav is to have the maps local as if you are out of signal you'd still want your satnav to work :/
Nope, Navigon, along with all the others has the maps on the phone. No data required.
leowyatt
20-08-2009, 13:02
So the tomtom maps are on the phone?
I've used Navigon, Co-Pilot and TomTom and all have the maps on phone.
I wasn't massively impressed with the accuracy of TomTom this morning. It took a while to figure out where we were going after roundabouts.
The mount says it will improve the gps accuracy though, but how much?
Apparently it will improve it by quite some margin as the mount includes a GPS receiver. That accounts for about £2 of the cost - no idea where the rest of it goes.
I used to use TomTom on a PDA with a bluetooth GPS receiver years ago but was never that impressed with it tbh. Always looked rather antiquated and made far to many mistakes and daft routing suggestions for my liking.
The program has improved a lot over the years. I had Navman on my iPaq a few years back (2004/2005 maybe?) and it was tonnes better than the TomTom offering.
Davey_Pitch
20-08-2009, 16:21
I'll be joining the iPhone 3GS group tomorrow, my order from Mobiles.co.uk has been despatched so should be with me before 1pm tomorrow :)
leowyatt
20-08-2009, 16:22
nicely done and welcome back :D
US site, but still, worthwhile if you have an hour to spare. Ignore the blatant Samsung plugs at the start of each video...
Hero vs 3GS - Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5F0Ruzwos8
Hero vs 3GS - Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xMUEhFBJ8g
Hero vs 3GS - Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xa1zvj5YDy4
Is it my imagination, or is the 3GS phone screen rather brighter (and therefore clearer) than the Hero. That's the first time I've seen a direct side-by-side and the 3GS seemed a lot more readable to me.
There's also a lot to be said for the KISS approach. Apple have that one in the bag for sure.
Blighter
20-08-2009, 21:38
The screen on the iPhone is probably the best one I have ever seen/used. And that isn't an over statement!
The screen on the iPhone is probably the best one I have ever seen/used. And that isn't an over statement!
I have to agree there - the screen on the 3GS (can't comment on the other iPhone variants) is absolutely fantastic.
Davey_Pitch
21-08-2009, 11:35
I can haz iPhone, just arrived, activated it, now syncing all the apps I had on my iPod Touch :)
Davey_Pitch
21-08-2009, 18:17
Well that's a crap start to my iPhone ownage, as it's dead already. Had just spent the better part of an hour manually copying all my contacts over (I know I could have done it automatically but I just fancied doing it myself), and then went to log into Facebook so I could check a few updates. The screen went white as I tried to log in, and has either been completely white or completely black ever since. My internet died again so I'm only now able to try a factory reset, but it appears from my quick research that the problem I have is pretty much unsolvable and I'll need to take it into the Apple store to try to get it replaced. Not a happy bunny so far.
Bugger it Davey, damn annoying.
Been playing around with other themes tonight, what do we think of this one?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v112/piggymon/Computer%20Stuff/iPhone/b0cd6c7a.jpg
I like that. What theme is it? I'm using the Snow Leopard theme for now.
I like the Snow Leopard theme.
It's the Orbz theme. Plenty of support for it and also easy enough to make your own icons. I might even have a bash at making my own icon theme :)
Just been playing around with the phone this morning and I've found an easy way to copy files to and from the phone.
Go in to Nautilus (or whichever file browser for the desktop system you are using) and in the location type...
sftp://root@iphone.ip.address/
You will now connect directly to the phone and can browse around, copy/delete/move/rename files to your hearts content.
You can also make shortcuts to specific folders like downloads...
sftp://root@iphone.ip.address/User/Library/Downloads
and here's the one I now use for easy copying of icons for the Orbz theme...
sftp://root@iphone.ip.address/Library/Themese/Orbz.theme/Icons/
Davey_Pitch
22-08-2009, 15:07
Well, after leaving my iPhone plugged into the PC all night, this morning the screen flickered into life again. It still occasionally flickers slightly lighter, but it's currently working fine. I'll re-sync it and add all my songs/films/apps and use it normally for the rest of the weekend. If it carries on working fine then great, otherwise I have an appointment at the Genius Bar on Tuesday afternoon where I suspect they will just swap it for a new one (research suggests the problem isn't fixable). Fingers crossed it carries on working anyway :)
What's Apple's time limit on a new replacement? ISTR most of the time, if it fails within 28 days then you get a brand new replacement rather than a refurb.
If I were in your shoes I'd be demanding a new replacement now tbh, rather than risk it going tits up in a few weeks and then only being entitled to a refurb.
Just had issues with skipping through videos post jailbreak :(
When i tried skipping through my pod casts the ipod app just closes :( anyone heard of that?
also, where can i get themes from? are they in cydia?
Just had issues with skipping through videos post jailbreak :(
When i tried skipping through my pod casts the ipod app just closes :( anyone heard of that?
also, where can i get themes from? are they in cydia?
I've had none of those problems with mine.
Aye, the themes are in Cydia.
ta.
I did a restore and its fine again :)
Well, I've arrived at a decision! :shocked:
I know I can use an iPhone fine, straight out of the box. I have, for a few hours now. Jailbreak it and I get more options.
Out of box, the Hero isn't quite there for me. I'm sure I can fiddle with it and fix some of the problems (e.g. by removing the background image), but I can't get enough time on one to know if I can get it 'just right', and when I did get an opportunity I declined it for fear of breaking something.
In the absence of the iPhone, It would be a "no contest" win for the Hero. With the iPhone, I think I'd be crazy to get anything else.
Now I just have to decide between PAYG and contract. I think on my usage PAYG will be about £8 p/m cheaper, but that's based on a lot of guesswork and assumptions that may be wrong.
Blimey, if it takes you this long and this much angst to decide on sometime as irrelevant as a mobile phone I'd absolutely hate to see you trying to make a life changing decision.
LOL! Life-changing decisions are much easier by comparison. At least there's only two choices - do it or do not. :p ;D
iPhone 16GB Pay&Go + International Caller seems to be the right way to go. Just got to find the £440 to buy one now. :)
Knipples
30-08-2009, 16:43
Why would you fork out £440 for a phone when you get it free on the right contract?
You wouldnt spend that amount on 18 months line rental either!
:shocked:
Why would you fork out £440 for a phone when you get it free on the right contract?
You wouldnt spend that amount on 18 months line rental either!
:shocked:
Unfortunately you would on iPhone contracts :( They're not cheap at all.
On the O2 site, the cheapest contract is £34 a month for 24 months and the phone is £87 even then!
They actually seem to be more expensive than when I got my 2G last year! Although guess it makes sense.
Knipples
30-08-2009, 16:46
Unfortunately you would on iPhone contracts :( They're not cheap at all.
Yikes! They offered it me for free on their £35 a month tariff before I had my last upgrade.
Yikes! They offered it me for free on their £35 a month tariff before I had my last upgrade.
Which iPhone was it? The prices seemed to be more reasonable with the 2Gs. If they were the price they are now, I'd have had no chance of having one!
Main reason why I'm sticking with the original one :)
Knipples
30-08-2009, 16:50
Which iPhone was it? The prices seemed to be more reasonable with the 2Gs. If they were the price they are now, I'd have had no chance of having one!
Main reason why I'm sticking with the original one :)
I've had my 5800 since the end of March, so it would have been about then. I have been with o2 for as long as ive had mobile phones (and technically therefore as long as theyve existed) and am a "select" customer, so maybe thats why retentions offered me it.
18 months:
£440 phone + £5pm for the first 12 months + £15pm for the next 6 = £590
£185 phone + £30pm for 18 months = £725
£185 phone + £35pm for 18 months = £815
£440 phone + £5pm for the first 12 months + £15pm for the next 12 = £680
£87 phone + £35pm for 24 months = £927
£5pm is a very rough estimate, but based on actual usage (and taking into account top-up offers). I don't talk or text much (though in some ways I wish I did as it would have made choices easier). I do use the web though - 75MB last month and I'm sure I can use more than that. After 12 months I have to add £10pm for web & wi-fi.
I do call the USA sometimes. Bizarrely, that's actually 2p/min cheaper on Pay&Go (15p with one-off Bolt-On vs 17p with ITS).
I've had my 5800 since the end of March, so it would have been about then. I have been with o2 for as long as ive had mobile phones (and technically therefore as long as theyve existed) and am a "select" customer, so maybe thats why retentions offered me it.
That was a good offer then :)
Sounds like you've got it well planned Mark! Don't forget quidco ;)
£17.62 from the Apple Store (it's just gone up to 4%). Would have been £60 on contract and that nearly suckered me in, but not quite. :)
We did the same. Swapping from a £30 a month contract each, in reality we barely spend £10 a month on calls and texts so bought the phones on PAYG with the £20 a month saving. Long term, we'll be better off than being tied in to contracts.
Bad news Mark, Apple just announced the iPhone 3GSX and HTC have announced the Superhero. Back to the drawing board! ;D
Too late. I couldn't care less if Apple announced the 10G and HTC announced the Omnipotenthero. :p
What are people's general thoughts on AppleCare? Is it just general extended warranty fare or actually something worth having? (I didn't bother when I got my Mac Mini, and I've already got phone insurance which I'll be transferring)
I don't know that it's worth it on the iPhone but I consider it an essential on Apple computers.
Here you go (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/New-Applecare-Protection-Plan-for-Iphone-2G-3G-3GS_W0QQitemZ120463981415QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Def aultDomain_0?hash=item1c0c367b67&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14) - Applecare for the iPhone for £27. Not sure how much Apple charge.
They charge £59. I certainly don't object to paying £27.
Order going in tomorrow then. Thanks.
I need to hunt down the case/protector recommendations in this thread, otherwise I'd do it now
Blighter
31-08-2009, 01:06
I've caved in to getting a case... but not for protection reasons :p
Got the funky black/red rubber Belkin one, and the screen cover is this funky mirrored one.
When the iPhones off it's a mirror, when it's on it's a iPhone! :D
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51-zCuhw2QL._SL500_AA280_.jpg
(Doesn't look tacky like that though)
You need a mirror? Gay. :p ;D
If I'm planning on jailbreaking it (which I am), does that remove the point of getting AppleCare (warranty would be void anyway, right?)
Planning on ordering tomorrow. I set myself a target that before I got it I'd have to restart exercise (gentle to start with) and clear a huge box of junk. Done (over the weekend) and done (the box weighed in at 30kg and it's all been sorted, recycled or shredded where appropriate and is now just waiting for the bin men).
If I'm planning on jailbreaking it (which I am), does that remove the point of getting AppleCare (warranty would be void anyway, right?)
In my opinion, no since you can restore an iPhone to a non-jailbroken state. Sure if the phone is physically knackered then you can't remove the jailbreak but even then I wouldn't expect it to be a problem.
Look on eBay for Apple Care, I got mine for £24 or so.
Thanks. Feek pointed me at one for £27. Close enough. :)
Just the case/protector to sort now.
In my opinion, no since you can restore an iPhone to a non-jailbroken state. Sure if the phone is physically knackered then you can't remove the jailbreak but even then I wouldn't expect it to be a problem.
Look on eBay for Apple Care, I got mine for £24 or so.
Unless your phone won't be recognised by the PC which mine had a problem with. It would work, just about, but kept freezing with longer gaps between actually working.
Not being anti jailbreaking at all as mine was jailbroken when I first had it (although when it went wrong, it wasn't), but just another comment really :)
It's certainly a risk. I have what I expect would be a slight advantage in I don't have to worry about the shenanigans the Windows version of iTunes can sometimes get up to.
When I get it I'll see how much the apps I want are and that'll guide my decision. Most expensive thing I want is likely to be decent navigation app (for pedestrian use). I'm not particularly keen on relying on Google Maps.
One slight worry - I've already ported over to O2 on my old phone and I have to say the call quality tonight was pretty poor. :(
One slight worry - I've already ported over to O2 on my old phone and I have to say the call quality tonight was pretty poor. :(
I'm finding that O2 are a complete shower of s**t. Numerous lengthy outages of their APN which means voicemail is disrupted (though that won't be an issue for you on PAYG) as well as occasional outages of the voice service mean that I've already decided to port away from O2 at the earliest opportunity.
The APN situation is a complete train wreck. Given that I'm primarily getting it for data use, that is rather a shocker (though of course most of the time it'll be on wi-fi).
I'll admit that I'd be far more concerned unlocking than I would jailbreaking, even though I know one comes from the other. £440 is a lot to lose to a bricked phone.
Have a quick read of this (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/09/01/o2_down_yet_again/), this (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/08/05/o2_data_down_yet_again/), this (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/07/28/o2_down_again/), this (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/07/22/o2_data_up/) and this (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/07/21/o2_data_down/). And finally this (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/07/24/o2_roaming_failure/).
I could give more links but I think they should get my point across.
It's worse than I thought then. I knew there had been a few outages, but not that many. Makes me wonder why I'm even bothering, but the decision is made so meh. At least the phone works - most of the time. :)
£440 is a lot to lose to a bricked phone.
It's nigh on impossible to brick an iPhone jailbreaking and unlocking. If it's that's cream crackered, you can get it replaced at an Apple store as even they'll not be able to check it out.
It's worse than I thought then.
It's actually even worse than that. Check the O2 customer forums and look at the #o2fail hashtag on twitter and you'll see that this sort of issue is alarmingly frequent.
As much as I like the iPhone this will be my last one unless it is available on other networks. I know about unlocking but don't want to have to have an unlocked phone because Apple are already playing about, for example the push notifications (apparently) don't work on an unlocked phone even if you're using it on the official carrier.
Can't say I've had any data issues yet but then I'm not a big user. It's worked fine everywhere I've been recently though.
I was told by someone last night who has contacts within Orange that they'll have the iPhone 3GS by the end of the year along with another company.
Mind you, I heard exactly the same last year (3G instead of 3GS) so I take it with a pinch of salt.
I'd love the iPhone to be on Vodafone, I have a Vodafone femtocell at home hence full five bar 3G coverage. I don't get that over the air from any network!
I have to say that I've never had any data issues either. Maybe London is a safer place to own an iphone?
I'm quite a heavy data user on the iPhone so I've been affected by all the outages. It's been a right pain!
Orange and T-Mobile are definitely going to have the 3G but I believe the 3GS will stay an O2 exclusive for now.
Ditto, I'd be very happy if Vodafone were to get the iPhone. I've got a femtocell sitting on my desk here that I keep meaning to take home. O2 are working on femtocells but they're not very focussed on them so it'll be a while before they're available.
Davey_Pitch
02-09-2009, 09:38
My 3G works pretty well for me in Liverpool too, not in my office unfortunately, but then I am in the basement and I never even had a signal here with Orange, so just getting service down here is an improvement.
I was told by someone last night who has contacts within Orange that they'll have the iPhone 3GS by the end of the year along with another company.
As burble says, others are getting the 3G but the 3GS is meant to be remaining as an exclusive.
I'd read that Orange and T-Mobile should be getting the 3G in October, but as others have said, the 3GS will remain O2 only (for now).
Given the iPhone's reliance on a data network. I'd hope that Apple get some of the fallout from O2's mess and end up ending the exclusive deal completely.
At work the O2 signal strength is great, I go 2 miles down the road to my mums and I can't get a signal at all. Very annoying.
Quick n00b question - If I buy an app and install it, can I delete it and install it again later without paying twice?
PS - this is guiding my choice as to whether to get the 16GB or 32GB version (I may as well use the iPod and I'm sure I could fill either with media).
Quick n00b question - If I buy an app and install it, can I delete it and install it again later without paying twice?
Yes.
I only ever delete apps from the device, everything I've ever downloaded is still within my iTunes. If I want to put it back on the iPhone then I just re-tick the box. However I've been away from home and I've wanted to reinstall an app I'd previously deleted and I've just re-downloaded it from the app store for free.
Quick n00b question - If I buy an app and install it, can I delete it and install it again later without paying twice?
You can indeed.
Cool, I don't mind keeping the £100 difference firmly in my pocket then. It's the big stuff like navigation apps that might get in the way.
Current shopping list:
iPhone 3Gs 16GB PAYG (Apple Store) - probably the white one, for a change
AppleCare (eBay)
SwitchEasy CapsuleNeo (Play.com)
Time to break out the plastic then I guess. :)
Thanks for everyone's help/input/telling me to STFU, as appropriate. ;D
You can also share apps between phones :)
As long as you activate iTunes with the other persons account, you can also use their apps without paying twice. You can activate up to 5 computers.
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