View Full Version : iPhone 3G[s]
leowyatt
09-06-2009, 07:24
Seems to me the wow stuff was done when the phone launched. Since then they've been working backwards. As a good friend said last night about voice dialing. "Welcome to 2000"!
Very true but I think they've virtually all of the software boxes now.
As a good friend said last night about voice dialing. "Welcome to 2000"!
He sounds like a right sarcastic git!
Davey_Pitch
09-06-2009, 09:03
I want the 32GB version of the new iPhone but O2 are charging £280 for it and it's out of my price range. The 16GB will be £185 on the £35 a month tariff, which is possibly affordable, but I may wait until closer to the wedding so it's cheaper to break out of my Orange contract.
Matblack
09-06-2009, 09:15
I've moved these in here because I suspect there will be some iPhone discussion for a while.
Heres my take.
The announcement yesterday was overall what I was expecting, I'd like to have seen a few more innovative changes and I have a feeling that many of these will appear over the next 1-2 years. The iPhone hardware seems to have caught up with the software now and we have what is essentially a reasonable phone operating at a reasonable speed and doing things that phones have been doing for years like voice dial and cut and paste. The iPhone prior to this was really an iTouch with a phone rather than a phone which also did other things, so its understandable why things considered essentials on 'phones' have been late to appear.
I can understand why a lot of people are disappointed, yesterday wasn't the revelation the rumour mill had built but a product announcement to consolidate Apple's position, the G3[s] will save them money, no need to invest in new tooling or go through too much stress testing as its a known and OS3 has been in testing for a while. The compass is nice as is the faster processor but as I say it’s not a revelation. I'm expecting bigger things in the next two years as the economy comes back up. This doesn’t mean it won’t sell, things like the new TomTom support and the app store will keep a steady influx of new customers.
The big bugbear here is not a lack of innovation nor in fact is it Apple themselves it’s their carriers and how they are dealing with the introduction of the 3G[s]. I believe they were expecting a brand new phone, just like a lot of Apple fans and had decided to capitalise and bump the pricing a bit and make people pay through the nose for an upgrade because they knew they would be salivating for a new toy.
O2 have priced the 32Gb at £280 on top of an 18 month contract commitment and it would seem they are demanding a full contract buy out for existing iPhone users who are still in their last contract period; costing some early adopters of the 3G up to £450+ to upgrade again. Couple this with an extra £15-20 if you want to use Apples newly introduced tethering (phone as modem) despite the contract including ‘unlimited’ internet access and this is a major expense in a troubled time. O2 didn't do themselves any favours by setting a precedent upgrade path to the 3G. I suspect there are reasons why they did this; the original iPhone was crippled by its lack of 3G, as an internet heavy phone GPRS just wasn't fast enough and the 3G was almost more like a product recall than an upgrade!
There is already a lot of moaning on Twitter about O2 and I expect this to continue but I also suspect O2 are smiling to themselves, creaming off cash from people desperate to upgrade a perfectly good 3G to a 3G[s] taking a steady stream of new customers who aren’t trapped in a contract (me) and grinning behind their hands at the super rich who will pay for tethering but won’t know how to use it properly.
The 3G[s] has been turned from a crowd pleaser to a Marmite phone by the carriers who are looking to maximise profit in troubled times whether they will kill the goose that laid the golden egg remains to be seen, its unlikely but they may leave a lot of fanboys weeping into their iPints in the meantime.
MB
I have to say I haven't looked back since getting my iphone - it's been brilliant and I do things with it that I wanted to do with my old phones (just not as easily). I used to love the windows mobiles, but they are so clunky to set up and use, for me the interface is exactly what I want from a phone, simplicity. The fact that I can browse the net, use it as an ipod and install useful apps on it is such a huge trump card. It's not the best telephone out there, and suffers the same quirks from any cellular device and for people who only need a phone to text and talk then it's crap. If you use it for what it was designed for then it's sheer genius.
I haven't had the time to check out all the new little upgrades this phone has, but after I've updated my 3G with next week's 3.0 rollout, what differences will there be between mine and a brand new 3Gs?
Matblack
09-06-2009, 09:32
I'll be buying one, I'll suck it up and pay the price for a 32Gb model with the new revisions and then I'll probably be upset when they release a model with many of the mooted changes in a years time and I have to wait six months to upgrade, I'll be jumping on the Apple bandwagon with my eyes wide open. But as you say Will this phone does what I need and it does it smoothly, the TomTom availability is the icing on the cake for me.
Windows Mobile was like a pretty Catholic girl, it held a lot of promise but you had to commit a lot of time and fidlling to get what you really wanted out of it. I'm too old to be fidling and I want a phone that will give up the goods as soon as possible :)
MB
Matblack
09-06-2009, 09:33
I haven't had the time to check out all the new little upgrades this phone has, but after I've updated my 3G with next week's 3.0 rollout, what differences will there be between mine and a brand new 3Gs?
You'll be missing the compass, the faster processor, the slightly better camera with video and thats about it to be honest.
MB
I want a phone that will give up the goods as soon as possible :)
And you're willing to pay through the nose for it? Shall we extrapolate the anthropomorphic analogy? ;D
You'll be missing the compass, the faster processor, the slightly better camera with video and thats about it to be honest.
Ah, so in other words 'Big Whoop'. :) That's good.
Matblack
09-06-2009, 09:41
Ah, so in other words 'Big Whoop'. :) That's good.
Exactly, unless you are needing a new phone then its not something thats worth doing at all. I suspect thats why the Apple adverts are pushing the video thing, its one of the few parts of the upgrade which people (read kids) will jump for, nothing else is worth the price unless you sell your current phone before entering into a new contract and then its an affordable upgrade :)
MB
Davey_Pitch
09-06-2009, 09:46
I'll be selling my current HTC Touch and iPod Touch to pay for the new iPhone, I just hope they have them in stock when I want to buy it or I may be without a mobile for a few days!
leowyatt
09-06-2009, 09:47
O2 really are screwing the consumer with the iPhone 32Gb price! $299 -> £185 with the current exchange rate. Nice £90 there O2.
I'll be getting one but only a 16Gb - I refuse to pay the premium for an extra 16Gb of storage. To be honest 16Gb is more than ample for me. I won't use the phone for music or photos. The only iPod type stuff it'll be used for is Podcasts because the screen is bigger than that on my iPod Classic.
I'm on PAYG and just paid a flat £400 for the 16GB. Works for me because I've used all of £30-£40 of credit in 8 months. I wonder what the price will be for the PAYG 32GB (if it's even offered).
The voice commands are 3Gs only aren't they?
I think the real meat of the conference was around Snow Leopard, and having to deal with them more and more at work, there were some nice changes mentioned there.
TomTom and tethering were 2 big boxes ticked for me, but then o2 went and spoiled the latter by charging a phantom subscription for it. Have to wait and see what the Pre and it's carriers can offer me, otherwise I might have to stick with WinMo... I really do fancy a change though.
It did occur to me last night that the biggest barrier the iPhone has to me has nothing to do with its features or its price - but the fact that although I have access to them both, I am neither a Windows nor Mac user primarily. I could use Dee's PC to activate and occasionally update but I wouldn't like to be tied to it for sync'ing.
leowyatt
09-06-2009, 09:51
I'm thinking £600+ Belmit
leowyatt
09-06-2009, 09:52
I'm holding out for the Pre too Daz, especially with the new videos popping up :)
I wonder what the price will be for the PAYG 32GB (if it's even offered).
Are you sitting down? £538.30.
16Gb is £440.40 & 8Gb 3G is £342.50.
http://shop.o2.co.uk/update/paygo.html
leowyatt
09-06-2009, 09:55
woohoo wasn't far off ;)
I've always been confused at the way people seem to think they have a god given right to jump in and out of phone contracts as they please.
Matblack
09-06-2009, 09:56
What about data on PAYG? How does that work? To be honest I never even get close to using my allowance on Orange's £25 contract, my main concern is data.
MB
What about data on PAYG? How does that work? To be honest I never even get close to using my allowance on Orange's £25 contract, my main concern is data.
MB
You get 12 months of 'unlimited' data and WiFi when you buy one on PAYG. After 12 months it's £10/month if you want to keep it.
One minute I like the idea of an iPhone, the next I realise I like playing about with my phone too much and it's still too locked down unless I jailbreak it. Mind you, still in contract for 6 months so things will all change by then.
The locked down nature used to bug me but having used one that's not something that concerns me - it can do everything I want it to.
Matblack
09-06-2009, 10:02
You get 12 months of 'unlimited' data and WiFi when you buy one on PAYG. After 12 months it's £10/month if you want to keep it.
Hmmmm
This interests me, the resale value on these is still pretty high after a year, if I buy one then I get all the data I want for a year and I just pay for my calls and texts then after a year I sell it and buy another. Effectively £35/ month + calls and I can get out anytime, that actually doesn't seem too bad.
MB
leowyatt
09-06-2009, 10:04
It's a good idea but a massive outlay to start with
The locked down nature used to bug me but having used one that's not something that concerns me - it can do everything I want it to.
Yeah, that's where I am now. Windows Mobile does everything I want it to do, but I'm ready to sacrifice a bit of flexibility for a tighter user experience - but it must still tick the (free) tether, EAS and satnav boxes.
3GS doesn't look that amazing to be honest. The processor on the 3G seems to handle everything ok, I'm not too fussed about taking video. I can record video on my XDA and haven't used it once. A compass? Seriously? Can't you just download an app for that anyway?
I think the real deal in all this is the reduced prices of the 3G. With the 3.0 software coming up soon, that will be a bargain.
Dymetrie
09-06-2009, 10:15
I must say, nothing about the new hardware actually excites me (ok, the compass would be cool but probably hardly used :p). So I'll not be running out to get my hands on a shinier, newer iPhone next Friday, I'll just be happy with my 3G and enjoy the new os update...
Except, O2 have ****ed that up as well! The extra charges for tethering are ridiculous, add to that the fact that the data you pay for only lasts for a month and I think it's back to vodafone for me to get mobile broadband for my netbook... Shame as it would've been nice to be able to use my iPhone to connect when out and about...
Davey_Pitch
09-06-2009, 10:22
I've always been confused at the way people seem to think they have a god given right to jump in and out of phone contracts as they please.
Assuming you're referring to me (as I'm the only person to mention leaving a contract early), I don't think I have any god given right to leave my contract early, not without a charge anyway. If I want to leave Orange early (which is mainly down to the ridiculously poor coverage I get in work), I'm happy to pay the rest of my contract in one go.
Same boat as Daz. I think I'd be happy with an iPhone 3G v3.0 (don't need the 'S'), but not at that price. I'm paying less than the tether cost for my entire contract right now. :/
Also like MB, I want a phone that 'just works' out of box. Don't have time to fiddle with it. I've installed a total of about 2 apps on my WM phone in the entire time (two years) I've had it - and one of those is Opera, which I see as a must have. I'd love an app store.
leowyatt
09-06-2009, 10:28
I've always been confused at the way people seem to think they have a god given right to jump in and out of phone contracts as they please.
I don't see how you can think that, people have to buy out their contracts, end of. So if they want to change it's going to cost them, I don't see anything about this "god given right".
EDIT: just seen MB's post and I understand now.
Matblack
09-06-2009, 10:29
Assuming you're referring to me (as I'm the only person to mention leaving a contract early), I don't think I have any god given right to leave my contract early, not without a charge anyway. If I want to leave Orange early (which is mainly down to the ridiculously poor coverage I get in work), I'm happy to pay the rest of my contract in one go.
I don't think he is refering to you, I think he's refering to the ridiculus number of people who are whinging about it over on OcUK and the like.
MB
My Vodafone contract expires on July 25th so I can request my PAC on June 25th. That means I'll be ordering a 16Gb 3GS when they're available and will send over my PAC to O2 when I have it.
That assumes that there is no time limit on when you can give them the PAC - some Vodafone contracts have to have the PAC supplied at the time you order and they won't do the port afterwards.
I think what divine was talking about is that there are a lot of people around the internet who are complaining that they have to buy themselves out of a contract and are thinking they shouldn't have to.
What's happening is that there are a lot of selective memories. The most common thing I'm hearing is that O2 gave people who had an original iPhone a free upgrade path to the 3G model but they're forgetting that the original iPhone wasn't subsidised whereas the 3G was.
Matblack
09-06-2009, 10:31
I must say, nothing about the new hardware actually excites me (ok, the compass would be cool but probably hardly used :p). So I'll not be running out to get my hands on a shinier, newer iPhone next Friday, I'll just be happy with my 3G and enjoy the new os update...
Except, O2 have ****ed that up as well! The extra charges for tethering are ridiculous, add to that the fact that the data you pay for only lasts for a month and I think it's back to vodafone for me to get mobile broadband for my netbook... Shame as it would've been nice to be able to use my iPhone to connect when out and about...
The compass is going to become very important in the future, as more and more geo programs are released. Think about something like Google Streetview which can overlay information in real time on real buildings as you pan around, thats not possible with GPS but with GPS and a compass it becomes feisable.
MB
Davey_Pitch
09-06-2009, 10:32
I don't think he is refering to you, I think he's refering to the ridiculus number of people who are whinging about it over on OcUK and the like.
MB
Ah right, not been on OcUK for a while so not seen anything going on over there.
leowyatt
09-06-2009, 10:33
My Vodafone contract expires on July 25th so I can request my PAC on June 25th. That means I'll be ordering a 16Gb 3GS when they're available and will send over my PAC to O2 when I have it.
That assumes that there is no time limit on when you can give them the PAC - some Vodafone contracts have to have the PAC supplied at the time you order and they won't do the port afterwards.
I think with O2 you have 2 days, I remember reading that somewhere.
When I bought my iPhone the man in the O2 shop told me that if I wanted to PAC my number in that I'd have 30 days in which to get the process started.
Assuming you're referring to me (as I'm the only person to mention leaving a contract early), I don't think I have any god given right to leave my contract early, not without a charge anyway. If I want to leave Orange early (which is mainly down to the ridiculously poor coverage I get in work), I'm happy to pay the rest of my contract in one go.
No I wasn't, more to Matblack's mention of loads of people moaning on Twitter about it.
Hmmmm
This interests me, the resale value on these is still pretty high after a year, if I buy one then I get all the data I want for a year and I just pay for my calls and texts then after a year I sell it and buy another. Effectively £35/ month + calls and I can get out anytime, that actually doesn't seem too bad.
Another plus (IIRC, as I haven't had mine 12 months yet) is that the £10 a month is still credit. In effect you aren't paying for the internet you're just meeting a minimum requirement for having it. You can still use that £10 for calls and texts (or overseas data transfer, which is horribly overpriced at something like £6 a MB).
I think with O2 you have 2 days, I remember reading that somewhere.
When I bought my iPhone the man in the O2 shop told me that if I wanted to PAC my number in that I'd have 30 days in which to get the process started.
The O2 website doesn't say either way so I've dropped them an email.
I got my iphone on the o2 number, got the PAC code afterwards from Orange, transferred it. A couple of days later the number had transferred. A PAC number only lasts 30 days.
Matblack
09-06-2009, 11:23
Man this is complicated and very well constructed by O2, in a sneeky way
Total cost of ownership of a iphone 3G[s] 32Gb on 18 month contract (staying within limits no extra bolt ons)
Tarriff £29.30 x18 + £274.23 = £801.63 (monthly = £44.50)
Tarriff £34.26 x18 + £274.23 = £890.91 (monthly = £49.50)
Tarriff £44.05 x18 + £175.19 = £968.09 (monthly = £53.70)
Total cost of ownership of a iphone 3G[s] 16Gb on 18 month contract (staying within limits no extra bolt ons)
Tarriff £29.30 x18 + £184.98= £712.38 (monthly = £39.57)
Tarriff £34.26 x18 + £184.98 = £801.66 (monthly = £44.50)
Tarriff £44.05 x18 + £87.11 = £ 880.01(monthly = £48.80)
Total cost of ownership of a iphone 3G[s] 32Gb on PAYG with £10/ month call credit and £10 data after 1 year (staying within limits no extra bolt ons) 18 months
£538 + 12 x £10 + 6 x £20 = £778 (monthly = £43.20)
Total cost of ownership of a iphone 3G[s] 32Gb on PAYG with £10/ month call credit over one year (staying within limits no extra bolt ons) 1 year
£538 + 12 x £10 = £658 (monthly = £54.80)
So basically, if you go with PAYG and don't spend over £10 a month on credit it costs slightly less per month over 18 months than the minimum contract, over a year the cost is slightly more per month than the top contract but you have an escape route after 12 months.
MB
If Belmit is right, you can knock £60 off the first PAYG option.
Is there any problem using PAYG with international roaming? That was always the reason I stayed on contract but that judgement was made a very long time ago.
Matblack
09-06-2009, 12:16
Looks like I'll be holding off on my decision, I just phoned Orange and my contract is actually not up until September.
I'm tempted to buy a secondhand touch in the meantime :D
MB
leowyatt
09-06-2009, 12:24
You can also knock-off another £45 if you buy it through the carphonewarehouse ;)
The O2 website doesn't say either way so I've dropped them an email.
Their reply answered a question I hadn't asked. Their telephone support line people seem incapable of understanding my question. Guess I'll have to pop into a shop at some point to ask.
leowyatt
09-06-2009, 14:59
If you are already on O2 you might want to ask about the O2 Priority List it might let you upgrade early.
If you are already on O2 you might want to ask about the O2 Priority List it might let you upgrade early.
You saw those tweets as well!
The basic 'less than £35.01 spend per month' doesn't give an early upgrade.
leowyatt
09-06-2009, 15:04
yeah Feek they just came through. Tried to understand the babble, gave up ;D
Is there any problem using PAYG with international roaming? That was always the reason I stayed on contract but that judgement was made a very long time ago.
Sorry, missed this. I took mine to Croatia a few weeks ago and it worked fine with their local provider/s. I turned off the location feature and just used it for texting (no email or web outside of the free wifi in the hotel room). I received no data charges and didn't appear to be overcharged for general usage. As far as I could tell it was pretty much seamless.
The idea of an iPhone or similar is growing on me tbh. I've never really had a need or seen much point in such phones until recently, when I played with an iTouch and liked it a lot and then reasoned "why not just get the iPhone then rather than having two devices".
Problem is the cost. I've been on SIM-only cashback contracts for about 4-5 years now which work out at basically nothing. In exchange for keeping my crappy old 6230i I'm currently on an 18-month contract with 400mins and 500texts which, after cashback, will work out at £3.33 per month!
Whilst I'm now thinking about treating myself to a fancy new iPhone when my contract ends, I'm looking at around £35 a month over a 24 month contract plus an initial bit for the phone itself. Even discounting the up-front cost, that works out at £840 over the next two years, which seems an awful lot for a fancy phone :(
Matblack
09-06-2009, 16:44
The idea of an iPhone or similar is growing on me tbh. I've never really had a need or seen much point in such phones until recently, when I played with an iTouch and liked it a lot and then reasoned "why not just get the iPhone then rather than having two devices".
Problem is the cost. I've been on SIM-only cashback contracts for about 4-5 years now which work out at basically nothing. In exchange for keeping my crappy old 6230i I'm currently on an 18-month contract with 400mins and 500texts which, after cashback, will work out at £3.33 per month!
Whilst I'm now thinking about treating myself to a fancy new iPhone when my contract ends, I'm looking at around £35 a month over a 24 month contract plus an initial bit for the phone itself. Even discounting the up-front cost, that works out at £840 over the next two years, which seems an awful lot for a fancy phone :(
You are not wrong :D
Its a lot of money for anything, I supose most people who are on a contract with data are probably paying around £25 minimum and have put in some wedge for a phone. The iPhone is a cracking phone and has a lot going for it but whether or not its worth £420 a year for two years is up to the user. I know I'd use it for all sorts of things, having internet access on the move is very convenient and a lot of the programs tie that in with GPS to give you a great tool/ toy.
I just poped out and bought an iPod Touch so I can have a fiddle with the interface and see if I like it, its 2nd hand and once I trade it will have cost me about £20 for a couple of months trial. I can honestly say its crippled without internet access and with the iphone unless you are out of range of a mobile phone mast you're not going to have that problem. I want to play with all sorts of gadgets on it but the net access is locked down here so I'll have to wait, I can't even connect it to my laptop and phone to get to the web so its very restrictive but its a lot of fun.
As I say whether its worth it is up to the individual user, I'd say for me, yes but only just.
MB
I'm holding out for the Pre too Daz, especially with the new videos popping up :)
how long is that going to take though?
The Pre looks great, however i'm still in the dark about any UK launch details!
leowyatt
09-06-2009, 19:14
You're in the same boat as us Mark, no idea at the moment :/
I've ordered myself a 16Gb black 3GS with apparently 'guaranteed' delivery on the 19th. I got it from mobiles.co.uk through Quidco so will get £60 back.
I've called Vodafone to ask about getting my PAC. They were being arsey saying that I couldn't get it until July 25th so I went through to retentions and the bloke said no, that's silly, you've been a customer for 9 years and haven't missed a payment so you can have it now if you like. I said I'd call back when I have the iPhone and took the guys name.
leowyatt
11-06-2009, 09:14
thanks for that Paul, I'll do the same when my PAC code comes through :)
EDIT: which should be in a day or so :)
I have to say that transferring to O2 was so seemless - haven't looked back at all.
Streeteh
11-06-2009, 09:16
I would love one, but as i'm sure you're all bored of hearing i can't justify the cost in comparison to the contracts i manage to wangle out of O2. An example would be my last contract, i got a N95 and more mins + texts than i'll ever need for £15/month. To top it all off they threw in £100 cashback which basically meant the first 6 months of my contract were free.
The jump from a normal contract to an iphone one would be painful, a jump from my current contract to it would be upsetting.
thanks for that Paul, I'll do the same when my PAC code comes through :)
EDIT: which should be in a day or so :)
Not holding out for the Pre then?
leowyatt
11-06-2009, 09:19
Not holding out for the Pre then?
argh true, choices :/
For me - money. :/
Thinking things through, I use tethering rarely enough that I can justify foregoing it (or getting a one-off bolt-on when I really need it). We'll see what the end-of-month bonus brings and whether the Quidco deal is still happening then. :)
leowyatt
11-06-2009, 09:33
Actually I'm going to wait for the Pre, but cheers for the heads up about the deal Paul :)
Had a feeling you'd say that, Matt :)
leowyatt
11-06-2009, 09:48
I just think it's the phone for me :D
Matblack
11-06-2009, 09:49
Now looking at Android powered phones too and maybe the Palm Pre.
Having the Touch for a few days has put doubt in my mind about the iPhone, its a good piece of kit and I can see it being even better with the phone part but the cost is exorbitant, I'm dubious about only being able to run one app at a time, what it does it does very well, I really like the screen and things like the facebook app are perfect. I could justify it but only just.
MB
leowyatt
11-06-2009, 09:51
Nice to hear you are considering the Pre MB, I was wondering then if I'd be the only BD user with one :D
I'll consider anything if the price and functionality are right - including the Pre. :)
Android got very appealing the other day:
http://google-opensource.blogspot.com/2009/06/introducing-android-scripting.html
Very cool that - could come up with some really cool scripts I reckon. How much time I'd actually want to spend scripting on my phone though is another issue ;D It's also very Linux friendly of course, which is a big plus.
Code snippet:
http://www.mattcutts.com/blog/android-barcode-scanner/
Main thing with Android is the lack of handset choice at the moment. I hear the Magic is a lot better than the G1, not seen it yet though.
Matblack
11-06-2009, 10:11
Android got very appealing the other day:
http://google-opensource.blogspot.com/2009/06/introducing-android-scripting.html
Very cool that - could come up with some really cool scripts I reckon. How much time I'd actually want to spend scripting on my phone though is another issue ;D It's also very Linux friendly of course, which is a big plus.
Code snippet:
http://www.mattcutts.com/blog/android-barcode-scanner/
Main thing with Android is the lack of handset choice at the moment. I hear the Magic is a lot better than the G1, not seen it yet though.
HTC Hero also looks good :) and the new Samsung handset, apparently there are ~15 new Android handsets set for release this year!
MB
I did hear something like that yeah, and at least 1 netbook :) Either people are keeping quiet about them or I've just missed any details about the other phones, will take a look around.
leowyatt
11-06-2009, 10:18
I'll consider anything if the price and functionality are right - including the Pre. :)
The good thing for us is that there should be plenty of upgrades and fixes from Palm by the time it turns up for us
and things like the facebook app are perfect.
You can get the FB app on WinMo if you want to use it :)
I'm tempted with a new iPhone but I've been thinking about what I actually use on my current phone.
Really I just use texting and I'd use web access more with a 3G phone I don't use any of the email or other bits atm so probably won't on a new phone.
What's the touch keyboard like on iPhones for texting?
Matblack
11-06-2009, 10:32
I'm tempted with a new iPhone but I've been thinking about what I actually use on my current phone.
Really I just use texting and I'd use web access more with a 3G phone I don't use any of the email or other bits atm so probably won't on a new phone.
What's the touch keyboard like on iPhones for texting?
Very good but to be honest not as good (at least initially) as a physical keyboard. The inductive tech is good thing, much much more accurate than my Touch Dual.
MB
Must be better than my standard Touch :)
Matblack
11-06-2009, 10:35
You can get the FB app on WinMo if you want to use it :)
I'm so lazy with this stuff, because the app came up in the app shop for the iphone I stuck it on. Because will the Dual the apps are all over the place I just don't bother to go looking. I'm sure there is a lot my WinMo phone 'can' do but there is very little to tell me and often I have to integrate the new program with the phone. TThe other day I went to d/l a twitter program, it didn't work (wouldn't connect to the net) so I gave up :dunno:. d/l it for the iPhone and it just works, no messing. This is what annoys me about WinMo
MB
I'm so lazy with this stuff, because the app came up in the app shop for the iphone I stuck it on. Because will the Dual the apps are all over the place I just don't bother to go looking. I'm sure there is a lot my WinMo phone 'can' do but there is very little to tell me and often I have to integrate the new program with the phone. TThe other day I went to d/l a twitter program, it didn't work (wouldn't connect to the net) so I gave up :dunno:. d/l it for the iPhone and it just works, no messing. This is what annoys me about WinMo
MB
This is probably the reason I don't use my phone features more, I'm too much of a lazy wotname to sort things out if they don't work straight away.(gotta pay for data atm too)
Dymetrie
11-06-2009, 10:42
I'm tempted with a new iPhone but I've been thinking about what I actually use on my current phone.
Really I just use texting and I'd use web access more with a 3G phone I don't use any of the email or other bits atm so probably won't on a new phone.
What's the touch keyboard like on iPhones for texting?
I was much the same, hardly used web and never had e-mail on my phone. Then when I got the iPhone I was using web all the time (seriously all the time :p) and linked my gmail to it, which I also use all the time.
But it's not just the web and e-mail, it's the thousands of apps, which make it so useful. Even simple things like weather and tube status are incredibly useful. One of the big things for me was the ebook reader (meant I could finally dump my M600... well, put it in its box and then into a cupboard) and the way its so easy to use.
The touch keyboard is very good (will be better once landscape in text and e-mail is released) other than the predictive text being in american :/
leowyatt
11-06-2009, 10:53
Personally I think once people buy an iPhone I don't really see them changing because they'll have invested so much money into apps and accessories :)
Matblack
11-06-2009, 10:58
Great, installed Facebook app and tried to call from the phonebook and my phone completely locked and had to hard reset it :D
This is why I need something other than WinMo, someone else might be bothered to fiddle about, I'll just never use that function again. An open platform is all very well but it the apps aren't vetted then that can be very flakey :(
MB
Hmm will see what sort of price the iPhone 3Gs is in a couple of months when my contract is up with orange..
This is probably the reason I don't use my phone features more, I'm too much of a lazy wotname to sort things out if they don't work straight away.(gotta pay for data atm too)
As I've said before, I'm exactly the same. Even though I'm a Linux fan, I don't care what OS a phone runs, and I don't have the patience to spend hours finding and installing apps from all over the place (or writing scripts).
It isn't just a phone thing, either - I've been the same with my Mac - haven't installed anything on it for absolutely ages.
Dymetrie
11-06-2009, 11:01
Personally I think once people buy an iPhone I don't really see them changing because they'll have invested so much money into apps and accessories :)
Au contraire monsieur Leo!
SO far I've spent no more on accessories than I would have on any other handset (dock, case, better headphones) and have spent nothing (yes, that's zero of your english pennies) on applications :D
leowyatt
11-06-2009, 11:05
Au contraire monsieur Leo!
SO far I've spent no more on accessories than I would have on any other handset (dock, case, better headphones) and have spent nothing (yes, that's zero of your english pennies) on applications :D
well you may be an exception but I know people who've spent a fair whack of money on apps and wouldn't change it for the world :p
No iphone accessories here (it came with everything I needed :)) and only about £5 spent on apps in the 14 months I've had it. That was on Tweetie, Flight Control and I think one of the train apps I got was a couple of quid.
So many free apps about, never really felt the need to spend a lot.
Davey_Pitch
11-06-2009, 11:08
Must be better than my standard Touch :)
Assuming you have the standard HTC Touch like I do, the iPhone keyboard is a million miles better. Rather than having to use the stylus like I do with the Touch I can use my thumb and be much more accurate with it, even on the move (I've tried it on my iPod Touch, I imagine the keyboard on the iPhone is identical.
For me I think the iPhone is perfect. I only want to carry one device instead of a phone and my iPod Touch, I want something I can use to access the net when out and about, I want something I can play games on, and I'm not fussed about spending hours fiddling with it. The iPhone ticks all those boxes which is why it's currently top of my list.
I've been looking at this and have worked out a way to be able to get one ahead of my contract due date which isn't until March next year although it depends on having some cash available up front and it is a bit of a risk.
So, this is what I'm looking at doing.
Buy a new 16Gb iPhone on PAYG, take my SIM and put it in the new phone. My existing 16Gb iPhone is in mint condition under the hard case and the Zagg invisible shield so I can put it back in the original box which is again in mint condition. This is where the risk comes in because I'd need to sell that phone and realistically the only place to sell it is on eBay. However, being the 16Gb version and because of the condition, I should get around £300 for it (anyone interested? ;)).
That will also leave me with a PAYG iPhone SIM which comes with 12 months free internet access and 12 months free wi-fi access via The Cloud and BTOpenzones etc. If I can get around £60 for that then it all helps (anyone interested? ;)).
So that will give me a new model iPhone that isn't tied to a contract for an effective cost of about £90. The risk of course is that I have to sell my current 16Gb iPhone 3G.
Looking at how the iPhone has developed, there's been a new model announced and introduced on a yearly basis. Our 18 month contracts make it tricky to upgrade without having to buy oneself out of a contract when they come out so if I do the above I'm not committing myself to a new contract and it means that if I want to, I can do the same thing in a years time if/when another new one is released.
I don't need to upgrade but I quite want to :)
Sounds like a good way of doing it Feek.
Question - is it a Zagg Invisible Shield that you've got on the front of your 3G?
SidewinderINC
11-06-2009, 23:16
3.0 software on the "old" iPhone takes up a hell of a lot of battery power!
Those contemplating buying an "old" model for the cheapness rather than a new one, I'd suggest paying the extra for a new one.
I tend to turn 3g off anyway and just flick it on when I need to access the net... so erm... all the time :o Seriously though I use it a lot and it lasts me 24hrs easy. I have a charger at work and at home so it's really not an issue at all.
I think you might struggle with that one feek... check out ebay see how much they go for... also if O2 believe that the sim card isn't being used in an iPhone they will remove the data... Lots of people are already buying iPhone PAYG sims and using them in 3 dongles (that you can get for £5.95 and unlock for free)!
Yes, I noticed that when I had a look last night. Oh well, it's not the end of the world.
3.0 software on the "old" iPhone takes up a hell of a lot of battery power!
I put 3.0 on mine yesterday, it'll be interesting to see how the battery goes over the course of today.
Ordered the 32GB 3GS yesterday - 18 months/35PM.
They've said that I will get it on Friday but I have very little faith.
The O2 website doesn't say either way so I've dropped them an email.
I forgot to say that I got another reply later that day which said:
Paul, I glad to know that you've chosen our network. There is not such timeframe to port in your previous number to our network. You can do this anytime.
The moment you receive your PAC (Port authorisation Code), please inform us and we'll be happy to arrange for your number to be transferred to our network.
They've said that I will get it on Friday but I have very little faith.
Apparently mine is 'guaranteed' to be delivered on the 19th. Like you, I'm not convinced.
I asked about 5 times - each time the guy said the same.
If it isn't delivered then I will play merry hell.
I wouldn't mind if they said no, but I hate being lied to like that.
Where did you order yours from?
Change of plan, I've just bought one of these...
http://ocukroguesgallery.com/feek/temp/736-20090613-232751.png
Matblack
13-06-2009, 23:33
Change of plan, I've just bought one of these...
http://ocukroguesgallery.com/feek/temp/736-20090613-232751.png
**** me that's got more buttons than a pearly king!
MB
leowyatt
14-06-2009, 08:20
sorry Feek, but what does it do? I mean I understand the radio bit but beyond that I have no idea.
Well it's a radio, it doesn't do anything else beyond being a radio!
leowyatt
14-06-2009, 09:26
Kitten has just said and I quote "That's going to be a bit heavy to carry around".
In her defense I did say "he's bought that instead of an iPhone" and she has just woken up ;D
If you think that's going to be problematic, you should see the aeriel. You think TV aerials are big? You ain't seen nothing!
(No, I haven't seen Feek's - but I do very well remember my Dad's old setup before he moved/quit).
144.725MHz, eh? Anyone about? :)
I'm just waiting for my contract to expire in Jan 2010, then I'll stick with my current 3G until June when the next iPhone is released - which should be a bigger leap then the 3Gs.
I can see sales of the 3Gs going the way Vista did due to phone operators coming up with silly pay monthly figures though. I find it pretty pathetic that Apple chose not to enable video recording on the 3G via the 3.0 OS, when the phone once jailbroken has been doing it for yonks.
I just can't wait to jailbreak the 3.0 OS now. I've 'upgraded' to it on my 3G and the amount of things I've lost is unreal - background apps, email/sms/calendar notifications, SBS settings, neat custom fonts, custom icons (e.g the pos safari icon)...
/me starts to cry
(No, I haven't seen Feek's - but I do very well remember my Dad's old setup before he moved/quit).
I posted a picture of my current aerials in the hobbies thread over in GD, Mark - take a lookie there as this getting a bit OT (I blame myself!).
144.725MHz, eh? Anyone about? :)
That's a stock picture, I've not got mine yet but it'll spend most of the time on or around 144.300MHz which is the SSB calling frequency.
Sounds like a good plan to me. :)
Davey_Pitch
19-06-2009, 14:31
So did anyone get one today? What do you think of it?
Burble did :)
One of the sales guys came to me with one to setup his Exchange email for him. It is nice and zippy, surprisingly so, but it's no quantum leap. Pretty much what was expected really.
Matblack
19-06-2009, 14:38
My current thinking is to get a Diamond2 and stick with WM 6.5 untill the next iPhone comes along this time next year, I'll get a years contract this time rather than 18 months :)
MB
Burble did :)
He did indeed :)
One of the sales guys came to me with one to setup his Exchange email for him. It is nice and zippy, surprisingly so, but it's no quantum leap. Pretty much what was expected really.
I've just done that for mine. I had to mess about a bit with IIS because /Exchange is setup for SSL only but a few minutes and that was sorted.
First impressions? Good. The UI is very well polished. I've not really used it that much yet but so far I'm very pleased.
Davey_Pitch
19-06-2009, 14:59
I won't bother setting mine up for Exchange mail when I get it, simply because I definitely don't want to get work emails when I'm not there, and I don't use it anywhere else. I'll definitely be using it for my Gmail and Yahoo mail though.
My personal email lives on my Exchange box hence me wanting Exchange connectivity working :) I've not setup my Gmail account yet but it should just be a case of entering my username and password.
Davey_Pitch
19-06-2009, 15:06
Yeah, I figured you did that :) I set up my Gmail once on my iPod Touch and it was simple, as you say just enter a username and password and you're sorted :)
Matblack
19-06-2009, 15:56
Hmmmmmm Interesting
There seems to be a work around for tethering appearing on the net and its hardlyy complicated and requres no jail breaking the phone. The likelyhood is that 02 wouldn't be able to pick it up as long as your not using it for anything too excessive.
To be honest this was a deal breaker for me, I don't use tethering for downloading a lot of data but sometimes I want to do something like PKR at lunchtime which I can't do over the work network but can use my phone for in which case tethering is ideal but I don't want to shell out £15/ month for it!
MB
Haven't looked into that at all but it'd certainly tick a box that wasn't previously ticked. I don't want to shell out more either. I think the biggest thing that still bothers me is going back to a virtual keyboard having enjoyed having a real one so much.
Got a link handy for that, MB?
Mark, I had the same concerns but the on screen keyboard is really very good. It isn't as good as a physical keyboard mainly because you don't get the feedback of pushing a key down but it does work very well.
Hmm will see what sort of price the iPhone 3Gs is in a couple of months when my contract is up with orange..
last night i actually decided on the same thing.
Orange still haven't released any info on Diamond 2 upgrades, you can get them through third parties, but the deals are crap for a long term customer so i feel 0 loyalty now.
the 16gb 3G iphones are free on 24 month deals... long term stuff, but in terms of the alternatives then its not bad, the iphone isn't likely to change enough during that time in hardware terms for it to be a massive issue, the software updates will keep coming and it'll be a better option that sticking with orange i'm thinking atm. might even fine £100 for a 3Gs maybe :/
will have to see how things are come August.
Matblack
19-06-2009, 17:01
Paul
Go here http://help.benm.at/help.php
From your iPhone
MB
Good man, ta. I'll give it a go once it has finished syncing my photos over.
I can has one too. I finally gave in people. I can't resist the call of the mother ship.
TinkerBell
19-06-2009, 18:03
Bah I wants an iPhone.
hit up the squarespace hashtag on twitter for a better chance of obtaining one then :D
New iPhone owners - buy Flight Control, awesome little game :)
cool Jen, thanks :) I'm just synching all my touch apps, god knows how little room I'll have left once I'm done :D It's mostly your fault, you convinced me with your convincing convincements on twitter. :p
After syncing over some photos, apps and podcasts I think I'll have about 1Gb free. Maybe I should have bought the 32Gb version afterall!
cool Jen, thanks :) I'm just synching all my touch apps, god knows how little room I'll have left once I'm done :D It's mostly your fault, you convinced me with your convincing convincements on twitter. :p
:D I do love mine, soooooo useful and does everything I want.
My contract's not up till October but I can't see anything on the horizon that will switch me away from the iPhone.
Paul
Go here http://help.benm.at/help.php
From your iPhone
MB
Full guide here - http://richardlai.xanga.com/704930537/enable-tethering-on-iphone-30---too-easy-worldwide-carriers/
Discussion here - http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=724260
Tethering via USB is a bit hit and miss and may break. Doesn't work over wi-fi. No solution for Pay&Go (yet).
That last point would be the problem for me. I don't think I'd want to go contract. I'm sure it'll be solved (assuming O2/Apple don't fight back).
Full guide here - http://richardlai.xanga.com/704930537/enable-tethering-on-iphone-30---too-easy-worldwide-carriers/
Discussion here - http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=724260
Tethering via USB is a bit hit and miss and may break. Doesn't work over wi-fi. No solution for Pay&Go (yet).
That last point would be the problem for me. I don't think I'd want to go contract. I'm sure it'll be solved (assuming O2/Apple don't fight back).
Seems to work just fine for me :)
O2 have already announced that they can detect people who are tethering when they shouldn't and that they will be charged and/or disconnected as it breaks the T&Cs. AT&T have said the same.
Be aware.
LeperousDust
20-06-2009, 04:27
I don't believe them, even though i don't care since i don't have an iphone ;D :p
:oWAARGH, Giv me my jailbreak!:o
Waiting for the windows version to come out as the OSX versions came out last night.
Vodafone just called me with my PAC so hopefully everything should be sorted in a couple of days.
Piggymon
20-06-2009, 13:43
I'm hoping to get one when my contract with o2 is up for renewal the end of this month :D
SidewinderINC
20-06-2009, 13:56
Holy Moly, didn't know so many people were moving over :D
I don't think I'll risk the tethering, I did that with my K850i and o2 sent me emails and phoned me up saying "you're tethering without a package, stop it, or we'll charge you for every MB you've used at the full rate"
For the complete noob that I am what's "tethering" :)
Tethering is connecting the phone to a computer and sharing the internet connection from the phone for the computer.
Ah ok so basically using the phone as a mobile broadband modem for lappy or the like.
Can't say I'd use this anyway.
Thanks for the info :)
i've been meaning to ask, as i'm sure many of you will know... If I were to cancel my contract with orange (01 Aug) and move to O2, whats the time frame of that process?
do orange require x amount of days notice? how long does it take to transfer my number etc? I've never changed networks, since being on pay monthly i've always been with orange.
Knipples
20-06-2009, 16:37
Tethering is connecting the phone to a computer and sharing the internet connection from the phone for the computer.
So being the noob I am, is that a different thing from me using my wireless in my flat and connecting to it via my phone?
SidewinderINC
20-06-2009, 16:49
So being the noob I am, is that a different thing from me using my wireless in my flat and connecting to it via my phone?
completely different :)
Tethering is basically using the phone as a modem.
Davey_Pitch
20-06-2009, 16:52
i've been meaning to ask, as i'm sure many of you will know... If I were to cancel my contract with orange (01 Aug) and move to O2, whats the time frame of that process?
do orange require x amount of days notice? how long does it take to transfer my number etc? I've never changed networks, since being on pay monthly i've always been with orange.
I think you have to give Orange 30 days notice if you wish to buy out your contract early. I hope to be doing it myself fairly soon, just need more money first!
So being the noob I am, is that a different thing from me using my wireless in my flat and connecting to it via my phone?
Yeah, it's basically the opposite.
In your case you are looking at the internet on your phone from a connection provided by your home line.
Tethering is looking at the internet on your laptop from a connection provided by your mobile phone (typically 3G).
I think you have to give Orange 30 days notice if you wish to buy out your contract early. I hope to be doing it myself fairly soon, just need more money first!
well i don't want to buy out early, i'll just want to cancel when i'm out of the contracted period. i.e. after Aug 01st.
Everyone is joining the darkside! :D
TinkerBell
20-06-2009, 19:33
I wish I was joining the darkside as well. Bah to having to wait till DECEMBER :(
leowyatt
20-06-2009, 19:38
I have no plans to join the dark side :p
well i don't want to buy out early, i'll just want to cancel when i'm out of the contracted period. i.e. after Aug 01st.
If you want to port your number over then don't cancel your Orange contract. Ask them for your PAC code (which will also terminate the contract after the porting is complete) instead which you then give to your new network. If you cancel your Orange contract then you'll lose your number.
right, thanks. will have to figure out which day of the month my new months bill is started, i have a feeling its the 8th, so no longer being contracted from the 1st gives me plenty of time to sort it out ;D
As far as porting your number goes, you'll get a PAC code from Orange which you need to give to O2. You can do the O2 side of things online at this page (https://www.o2.co.uk/apps/help/help?qid=1&q1=2&route=port_migrate&case=Port/Migrate%20In%20Form).
Orange may take a couple of days to get your code to you (Vodafone took under 24 hours for me) and then the port itself can take a few days. What you'll find happens is that at some point it'll seem like the Orange and O2 phones both have your number but that'll soon sort itself.
SidewinderINC
20-06-2009, 21:31
Where in gods name is the slider for turning on "find my iPhone"
I've looked in the exact place that it says to look but I can't find it.
EDIT - apparently my MobileMe account was set up as just an email account and not actually as a proper MobileMe account on the phone - all sorted :)
I wish I was joining the darkside as well. Bah to having to wait till DECEMBER :(
The good news is that the iPhone 4GS-Xpress will be out by then. :D
I have no plans to join the dark side :p
I'm still sitting on the fence for now. In the meantime, I'm thinking about getting a Vodafone USB dongle instead of worrying about tethering. I just need to find the small print to spot the catch.
leowyatt
20-06-2009, 23:36
I decided to await the Pre :)
September i heard :/
dunno though. like the pre, but not convinced since launch it's not been in the news too much. does it live up to the hype?
leowyatt
20-06-2009, 23:49
I'd say it was a good launch and the reception has been promising. It has been constantly compared to the 3G and the 3Gs where obviously it isn't as a developed platform so isn't really fair. Cnet did 3 real-world tests where the Pre won 2 out of the 3. The 3Gs romped the startup with 19 seconds but the Pre did win the browser and email picture tests.
There have been 2 firmware updates since the 6th fixing various issues. Homebrew has already started so have a wander over to www.precentral.net for the latest news and have a squiz at the forums or real user experiences.
ta, will add their RSS to my greader :)
leowyatt
21-06-2009, 00:07
check out the forums though :)
TinkerBell
21-06-2009, 11:10
The good news is that the iPhone 4GS-Xpress will be out by then. :D
Hmmm, I know I am blonde but I am not THAT gullible :D
I may have had to ask Paul if it was true or not though :p
mobile me annoys me. I'd like to try it but I don't have a credit card so I can't sign up. I have a debit card with cash in the account but apparently that's not good enough :huh:
SidewinderINC
21-06-2009, 19:13
mobile me annoys me. I'd like to try it but I don't have a credit card so I can't sign up. I have a debit card with cash in the account but apparently that's not good enough :huh:
I just use a debit card, works for me :confused:
You need a Visa debit card iirc.
leowyatt
21-06-2009, 19:19
Debit card is no good, it says:
A credit card is required to start your free trial. After your trial ends, your card will be charged an annual subscription fee of £59.00. Don't worry, you can cancel your subscription online at any time during the trial.
Kreee is right but we only have switch cards not Visa :(
SidewinderINC
21-06-2009, 19:41
Ah, brutal :(
I didn't even read any of that, just assumed a debit card would work. fortunately I have a visa.
I'm slowly migrating things to that email address too.
mobile me annoys me. I'd like to try it but I don't have a credit card so I can't sign up. I have a debit card with cash in the account but apparently that's not good enough :huh:
Why not buy an activation code from eBay? That's what I've done for the last couple of years.
I picked one up in an Apple store. No credit card asked for or required. However, I'd expect the eBay option to be cheaper.
eBay is a much cheaper way to buy things like MobileMe subscriptions and Applecare. I got the Applecare for my Mac Pro for a really good price when the exchange rate was still 2:1
Been chatting on other forums and I think the best way to afford the iPhone over 18 months is PAYG + SIMplicity.
Roughly £20 p/m + £440 for the 16GB 3Gs comes to £792 which gives you 600 mins, 1200 texts and unlimited web bolt on, with a one month contract length. If you go 12 months you get 800/1600.
Comparatively the £35 contract total is £801 (£185 of that for iPhone), gives you 600 mins and 500 texts with unlimited data and you are tied to 18 months of contract.
Only issue would be getting hold of a PAYG 3Gs atm I suspect.
Only issue would be getting hold of a PAYG 3Gs atm I suspect.
They're plentiful.
I wasn't sure, haven't looked around, just recalled that 3G was a bit delayed in becoming PAYG, assumed they might do the same with the 3Gs.
Nope. 3Gs is PAYG from Day One. However, I'm confused. Is that combination even possible? :dunno:
I see no reason why not unless O2 somehow prevent the iPhone from working with Simplicity SIM cards, which i'm not aware they do.
You'll lose the 12 months free web/wi-fi provided with the 3Gs if you do that. If you don't mind that then fair enough.
Chuckles
21-06-2009, 23:49
I wasn't sure, haven't looked around, just recalled that 3G was a bit delayed in becoming PAYG, assumed they might do the same with the 3Gs.
Does't work like that though. They iPhones just come as retail boxes, then they give you a seperate envelope with the SIM card in, be it PAYG or monthly.
Essentially, it doesn't matter which tariff you pick, the phone comes out the same stock.
As for levels, I just wandered into the O2 shop closest me (Shirley High Street) and got one. I don't think they are short of stock.
You'll lose the 12 months free web/wi-fi provided with the 3Gs if you do that. If you don't mind that then fair enough.
Well the Simplicity comes with free web anyway, so you only lose out on free wi-fi but if you have free 3G everywhere, does it really matter that you cant use Cloud hotspots?
Well the Simplicity comes with free web anyway, so you only lose out on free wi-fi but if you have free 3G everywhere, does it really matter that you cant use Cloud hotspots?
Doubt it. I've never used a Cloud hotspot in the 14 months or so I've had my iPhone. I stick with the web access (in my case, plain old Edge) or use another wi-fi connection like McDonalds.
Does't work like that though. They iPhones just come as retail boxes, then they give you a seperate envelope with the SIM card in, be it PAYG or monthly.
Essentially, it doesn't matter which tariff you pick, the phone comes out the same stock.
As for levels, I just wandered into the O2 shop closest me (Shirley High Street) and got one. I don't think they are short of stock.
Yeah but if they didn't have a PAYG package, were they still selling the 3G SIM free for a lump sum? I didn't think they did, I thought initially it was only with contracts and later they made PAYG available with a higher lump price for the phone.
Not that it matters though, as its already been established that the 3Gs is in plentiful supply in any guise.
You are correct that the 3G only same out with a contract SIM to start with, but that was O2's choice, not a technical one. Since 3G PAYG SIMs already exist, the cat is already out of the bag, so to speak.
Chuckles
22-06-2009, 00:06
Yeah but if they didn't have a PAYG package, were they still selling the 3G SIM free for a lump sum?
Yeah they do I think.
You actually have to pay the phone cost plus another £10 for the SIM, which is a bit annoying. I asked in the shop if I could avoid it, but it's mandatory - Same in the Apple store as well.
I think I might chuck it with my iPhone 3G that I've got one ebay. It might make it a bit more appealing as its got a years free data on it.
Like you say, I'm pretty sure you won't have a problem finding one in Southampton though.
well 02 have well and truly buggered up the porting on my phone.
Yesterday it swapped over to being the ported number if I rang out on it, but I wasn't receiving any texts or calls on it and they weren't going to the old number either. Apparently, o2 tell me this is a wide problem with the porting from orange phones and they haven't yet found an answer.
Joy.
Davey_Pitch
24-06-2009, 10:24
well 02 have well and truly buggered up the porting on my phone.
Yesterday it swapped over to being the ported number if I rang out on it, but I wasn't receiving any texts or calls on it and they weren't going to the old number either. Apparently, o2 tell me this is a wide problem with the porting from orange phones and they haven't yet found an answer.
Joy.
Sounds like fun. I'm on Orange so when I get my iPhone I may just keep their number and text everyone with it, rather than piss around getting my old one ported over.
hhmmm. Not so sure it's o2 now. More likely to be orange playing sneaky and not releasing the numbers. O2 customer service > Orange anyway.
well thanks for the heads up.. hopefully this issue won't be a problem when i want to transfer!
well 02 have well and truly buggered up the porting on my phone.
Yesterday it swapped over to being the ported number if I rang out on it, but I wasn't receiving any texts or calls on it and they weren't going to the old number either. Apparently, o2 tell me this is a wide problem with the porting from orange phones and they haven't yet found an answer.
Joy.
I moved from Orange and it was seemless. It did take about 24hrs for the phone to actually work though before texts started to come through.
TinkerBell
24-06-2009, 13:46
I know when I moved from T mobile to O2 it all went smoothly :)
I swear by O2, I have never had any issues with them, wish I had never left them to be honest.
Davey_Pitch
24-06-2009, 15:07
I swear by O2, I have never had any issues with them, wish I had never left them to be honest.
Same here, was a customer for several years and never had a single problem with them. Can't wait to go back tbh!
yes Will, I know it's been done before - they said it was a known problem at the moment, affecting thousands of Orange users porting their number across.
Tmobile > Orange, not a problem. This - disaster!
As for o2 - They were the ones who took me to court when THEY owed ME money. Still looked a bit stupid when they finally brought out their evidence and realised I was the one telling the truth! Still, wanted an iphone and beggars can't be choosers!
Been speaking to 02 today, they still don't know what the problem is. I said I don't really care, all I know is that i've been uncontactable for over 36 hours now and it's not good enough. They've asked me to hold on til COP today and see if they can fix it.
looks like i'll be ordering my 3Gs tomorrow then.
whoo White 16gb 3Gs ftw. just need PAC code from orange. they said it had to be sent by email... i mentioned text and he went on about it having to be generated. i couldnt be bothered to argue.
still not sorted :( I asked them to scrap it and they said they can't now as they've spoken to T-mobile (who deny ANY communication) and to Orange (who insist that the number has been ported and the account terminated despite Matt talking to them on THAT number), as if the porting goes through after they've assigned me a new number it'll overwrite their instructions and will take at least 24 hours anyway. So am entering into 3rd day with no phone after 2.5 hours on the phone to 02 today.
Awesome.
quick question on billing...
If i order the phone, receive it on friday then activate it etc... when will i get my first bill from O2?
My number was meant to port over today and it's gone a bit tits up too. At about 9am I dialled out from the iPhone and the CLI on my office phone showed the number I was porting from Vodafone. Good! An hour or so later I got a text from O2 saying the port will be complete by 18:00. Good!
Well as it stands right now if someone calls me they get straight to the voicemail on my Vodafone account. Texts to my number seem to be lost in the ether and I can't dial out from the Vodafone mobile. I can at least dial into the Vodafone voicemail from the iPhone to collect voicemail but it's hardly ideal.
i couldn't wait.
16Gb White 3Gs - ordered. ;D
bring on Friday!
I called O2 earlier regarding the problems I'm having. Straight away I was told they were aware of a problem with porting in from Vodafone and I was passed onto 2nd line tech support. The chap there explained what he thought was the problem and said that he'd contact Vodafone and keep me updated.
Half an hour later he called to say he'd opened a ticket with Vodafone and was awaiting a response. A few minutes ago he called again saying that Vodafone have a batch of 150 numbers that have not been disconnected from their network and are looking into it with a resolution expected about midday.
I have to say, O2 have been great. I have a direct number for Harry in 2nd line which gives me some confidence.
whats the easiest way of backing up my contacts from WinMo ready for iPhone tomorrow?
i've got active sync setup to sync contacts and it looks like its sync'd okay, can i use this to import to itunes/iphone?
*active sync keeps moaning about errors on't desktop - but no idea why :(
I spoke to Ewan, Lucas and Lyndsey but none of them could sort it. They said they'd ring me and tell me if there was an update - and even to just tell me that they hadn't had anything - and of course, i got nothing!
I asked Ewan this morning about cancelling the port - which Lyndsey wouldn't do yesterday and he said 'yeah, no problem'. In 2 hours it was working. Shame they wouldn't do it yesterday - not really sure why one would and one wouldn't.
My number finally ported over about 3:30 on Thursday. I got a call from Harry a short while later saying it was all done.
how long did the port take?
I received my PAC today and emailed all my details to O2. I've not heard back from them yet so just wondered what kind of time frame I'm looking at.
Longer than it was meant to. It was supposed to be finished by 6pm on Wednesday but it completed around 3pm on Thursday.
It wasn't O2's fault though - Vodafone had problems with their automated systems that disconnect numbers from their network so calls to my number went to Vodafone rather than O2.
As far as hearing from O2 goes, I got my PAC on a Saturday morning and sent it off to O2. The following morning I had a text (on my Vodafone phone) saying what day they would do the port and on that day got another text (again on my Vodafone phone) saying that the port should be completed by 6pm.
thanks.
just had an email from O2 saying the transfer will happen on wednesday. hope it goes according to plan!
Fingers crossed!
What will probably happen is that on Wednesday morning when you dial out from your iPhone the call will come from the number you're porting but the same is true of your Orange (I think?) phone so it'll appear that both phones share the same number.
At some point in the day when you dial into the porting number it'll switch from going to the Orange phone and go to the iPhone. Call the number occasionally and see what happens.
A while after that happens the Orange phone will get disconnected from the Orange network. Job done!
Fingers crossed!
What will probably happen is that on Wednesday morning when you dial out from your iPhone the call will come from the number you're porting but the same is true of your Orange (I think?) phone so it'll appear that both phones share the same number.
Mine got this far :p
Orange (I think?)
ha, yeah, well remembered ;D
i'll have to try that - will be weird with 2 mobiles carrying the same number!
*just received my universal dock from Amazon after ordering on saturday
i don't know why, when i'm sat here at my computer with itunes open, i'm choosing to use my iphone to play music!
whoo port finished. Orange phone is disconnected and my iPhone is sorted \o/
Nice! Liking the iPhone then?
love it. not even (that) bothered about the fact it looks like the Pre will be around this month rather than September.
with the 3Gs and the 3.0 software release the iPhone is now what I need in a phone. back with the original phone, and even the 3G running 2.0 it wasn't enough to tempt me (hence 18 months back I got my TyTNII). But I really like this handset, just does everything, without any issues.
Chuckles
01-07-2009, 20:30
3GS > Pre
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/07/01/palm_pre_v_iphone_3gs/
leowyatt
01-07-2009, 20:49
To make a fair comparison we should really compare the Pre to the 1st gen iPhone :/
Why? If they're both out now then surely you compare what's available.
Stop being a Pre lover :D
leowyatt
01-07-2009, 21:17
hah I got rather cross at WWDC where Apple showed the number of apps and kinda laughed at the Pre's 18. I wanted to say "well you had a fat 0 when your first phone launched!" :p
Piggymon
02-07-2009, 21:00
Looks like I'll be shelling out for the 16GB one and going onto a £10 a month simplicity doodaaah
I got the dude at o2 to look at my previous call usagae... last month was 7 minutes and 30 texts ;D
What will you be doing for net usage? Most of the appeal of the iPhone for me would be the anywhere net access - being on the £10 Simplicity package though would kill that, which means it would be very expensive to use the net unless you stumble on open WiFi or use it at home - totally kills the usefulness of a lot of apps like train times etc. too.
It's capped at 98p per day but i've no idea how much data it takes to reach 98p, I can't see a per MB cost yet. If it was very small though, you could easily end up with a £30 bill at the end of the month.
Piggymon
02-07-2009, 21:07
I don't think I would use it whilst out and about an awful lot but it's something I can keep an eye on and change the package if I need to.
Never, ever had a phone with t'internet on before :o
For applicable tariffs with data capability: Unless a data or BlackBerry Bolt On is taken, your tariff will include O2 Web Daily under which data will be charged at £2.94 per MB up to a maximum of £0.98 per day (00:00am to 23:59pm).
So, that would be about 300KB to hit the 98p max, which is virtually nothing.
For me, not having the net stuff completely defies the point of the iPhone in many regards, without it it's just an iPod that can phone people.
I got the dude at o2 to look at my previous call usagae... last month was 7 minutes and 30 texts ;D
Surely that's prime usage for PAYG? 12 months free internet and then free if you top up £10 a month after that... which is what you'd be doing on that tariff anyway.
Piggymon
02-07-2009, 21:21
Hmm... think I might be better off on a contract in that case :/
Piggymon
02-07-2009, 21:21
Surely that's prime usage for PAYG? 12 months free internet and then free if you top up £10 a month after that... which is what you'd be doing on that tariff anyway.
Oooh Belmit the helmit has added something else into the mix ! :D
Indeed, the Simplicity contract only really makes sense at £20 (ie where you can get free web bolt on included) as a replacement for the £35 contract, as it allows a higher initial lump but the ongoing cost is much smaller and has a much easier get out route.
For your usage the PAYG would probably be perfect.
The thing with the net is, it is what so many of the clever and popular apps are based on. Twitter, facebook, Weather, email... Every time I look at the iTunes store on my iPod Touch I think - woah, that'd be good, oh wait, needs net, could only use it at home... where i have a computer anyway. :p
As Belmit says, The iPhone PAYG is probably ideal for you. I'm actually a little embarrassed that didn't occur to me :(
Piggymon
02-07-2009, 21:28
Go and sit in the corner with your back to the class ;)
Just been looking at PAYG and it seems perfect :)
With the simplicity sims can you just stick them into an iPhone and they work immediately now? Or do you still have to unlock the iPhone to use them?
Not relevant for me now, just thinking for the future when my contract's over :)
I assumed they'd just work, never heard any different.
Ahh ok. Like I said, I have no idea :p That's solved one dilemma in October if so then :D
The amount I use the phone it's really not worth me being on a contract, I bought it primarliy to text and for the internet. The fact that it is also a phone is almost a bonus! Once you have the internet it suddenly becomes second nature and all the time I'm checking my emails, facebook, weather, using Shazam to identify songs etc. etc. Days will pass without calling anyone or being called. Without the internet it would just be a fancy iPod to me.
Another great use I now have for it... Someone at work has set up a webcam overlooking the work car park by the building we just moved into. It's relatively small and so fills up quickly in the morning because it's near. The larger car park is much further away. I've added the URL of the web feed as a shortcut on the iPhone home page, so when I'm at the lights near work I can tap it and instantly see if there are any spaces free. :D
Edit: Except he's on leave this week... in Ibiza. :(
http://www.shane-phillips.co.uk/sjh
Ahh ok. Like I said, I have no idea :p That's solved one dilemma in October if so then :D
I don't know for definite but I would have thought it was only network locked, rather than specific tariffs.
I don't want people to take my word for it though, it may require jailbreaking - something people need to research for themselves if they plan on trying that route.
Piggymon, your usage is just like mine. Go for PAYG - it's the best answer for you. :)
The only reason I've been on contract up to now is simply because it was the only realistic way to get the phone, data plan, and roaming that I wanted. Now that's no longer true, getting the phone SIM-free or PAYG makes much more sense for me too.
In fact, I probably should cancel the Orange contract, but given that I'm planning to move elsewhere within a few months it's just hassle I don't need.
I don't know for definite but I would have thought it was only network locked, rather than specific tariffs.
I don't want people to take my word for it though, it may require jailbreaking - something people need to research for themselves if they plan on trying that route.
Don't worry, I won't blame you if it doesn't work :D I'll just jailbreak it as I've done that in the past anyway.
Just something for me to ponder before contract renewal time :) I'm pretty happy with my 2g so I'll probably just stick with that rather than switch to a 3gs.
Piggymon
03-07-2009, 18:42
O2 don't have any stock ... boo :(
Are you after a black or white one, Piggy?
I read somewhere that O2 will have stock on the black 16Gb on Tuesday. No idea how true that is though.
Piggymon
03-07-2009, 18:51
Don't mind, I think I would prefer white if I HAD to chose but not really fussed.
They have the 32GB one but I can't justify spending an extra £100 :/
I'll phone them 1st thing Tuesday morning :D The dude I just spoke to didn't know when they were coming in.
I couldn't justify the extra for the 32Gb either.
Good luck getting one :)
Lots of the O2 stores have them Piggy, don't know if that's any use. My friend bought one yesterday in-store.
Piggymon
03-07-2009, 19:39
They do ? ... hmm nearest one is Chelmsford I think... I'm busy tomorrow but will see if they are open on Sunday :)
Thanks hun
and if you don't have to get it from O2, then try Carphonewarehouse, and their sister company that I got mine from - mobiles.co.uk
they had plenty of white ones when i got mine last week :)
and if you don't have to get it from O2, then try Carphonewarehouse, and their sister company that I got mine from - mobiles.co.uk
they had plenty of white ones when i got mine last week :)
Haha! You went for the better quidco deal too did ya? Mines white piggy, but you know it's only the back that's White, the front casing is still black.
Piggymon
05-07-2009, 12:40
They have some in the apple store at Lakeside .. *smiles sweetly at Jamie* :D
Piggymon
05-07-2009, 15:48
I can haz iPhoneo !! :D
Haha! You went for the better quidco deal too did ya?
hell yeah, can't wait for that £60 to come though ;D
I've been warming to the iPhone, especially after a few of the changes with the latest software and knowing that TomTom is on it's way....but now having played with Sinead's a little, I'll be getting one. Only thing is I'm an impatient bugger sometimes ::/:
I'm stuck on my Orange contract until Jan next year. I phoned today to see if I could drop it down to a lower monthly cost and then just run the iPhone on O2 PAYG which is what I'd be doing long term anyway. Only problem with this is that Orange can't release my number like this as it's tied to my account so unless I cancel and cough up £170 to buy it out, my number is stuck there.
So my only option it to buy an iPhone, jailbreak it, unlock it and use my Orange SIM. Once my Orange contract is up I can cancel that and get my number ported to the O2 PAYG sim.
Hhmmmm, what to do!!!
Matblack
05-07-2009, 18:06
I've been warming to the iPhone, especially after a few of the changes with the latest software and knowing that TomTom is on it's way....but now having played with Sinead's a little, I'll be getting one. Only thing is I'm an impatient bugger sometimes ::/:
I'm stuck on my Orange contract until Jan next year. I phoned today to see if I could drop it down to a lower monthly cost and then just run the iPhone on O2 PAYG which is what I'd be doing long term anyway. Only problem with this is that Orange can't release my number like this as it's tied to my account so unless I cancel and cough up £170 to buy it out, my number is stuck there.
So my only option it to buy an iPhone, jailbreak it, unlock it and use my Orange SIM. Once my Orange contract is up I can cancel that and get my number ported to the O2 PAYG sim.
Hhmmmm, what to do!!!
I'm waiting my contract out, Jan is ideal in some ways, Jan & 18 months will take you through to the next revision +1, I'm, an impatient bugger too as you know but its just too expensive to be giving mobile phone companies money for nothing :)
MB
Piggymon
05-07-2009, 18:12
Having had this for a few hours... OMG I LOVE IT ! It's just so neat and easy to use
It's awesome and I'm so glad I've got one :)
Just need to wait for my number to be ported over within the next few days and I can start actually using it as a phone :p
Jan & 18 months will take you through to the next revision +1
On just the software front? Surely there won't be any new hardware changes by then.
Blighter
05-07-2009, 18:16
Well, since June 2007 there has been:
iPhone
iPhone 3G
iPhone 3Gs
That's one per year basically :)
That's how Apple have always done it :) Consumer electronics should get cheaper, but by releasing a new version every 12 months, they can keep the prices higher. The iPod's been very successful for them like that :)
Much like most Apple hardware, hardware updates are fairly regular/dependable, i'll be very surprised if June/July 2010 doesn't see a new iPhone.
They operate quite differently from the rest of the consumer tech market.
OK, that's fine. But the market is always like that so you have to buy at some point otherwise you're always waiting.
Piggymon
05-07-2009, 18:32
Waaaah, how do I set my own ringtone ? :(
vBulletin® v3.7.4, Copyright ©2000-2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.