New iPhone, which provider

Matblack · 14-04-2011, 15:20

I'm getting a bit fed up with my 3GS and Heather would like an iPhone so the ideal solution would be to buy into a new contract.

However I am stuggling to work out which provider to go with. I've always had a soft spot for Orange for some reason and Heather is on Orange. I won't get much of a loyalty deal from O2 because I never go over my minutes and I'm not a big spender I also want an 18 month contract because I don't want to wait too long for the iphone5 (although I understand its likely to be delayed which is why I'm considering my options).

The things I am wondering

Which public wifi hotspots can I use within the standard tariff (likely to be the lowest tariff) I can use some BT Openzone ones at the moment, are the Orange ones the same?

Does the iPhone 4 aerial probem actually exist?

Opinions?

MB

Belmit · 14-04-2011, 15:41

Only part I can really comment on is the aerial issue as I'm on a monthly Simplicty contract (O2). Not sure if it's been fixed yet but it certainly does/did exist. Since I put my replacement Geleskin on though the problem is all but non-existant. The iPhone 4 Geleskin is in about six separate pieces, two of which are skinny bits that fit down the sides. This pretty much prevents your hand from bridging that all important sweet spot and, as you're already aware, adds almost no extra dimension to the phone like a case would.

Burble · 14-04-2011, 15:54

I'm yet to have a problem with calls dropping on my iPhone 4 in the 5 months that I've had it.

Blighter · 14-04-2011, 19:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Burble

I'm yet to have a problem with calls dropping on my iPhone 4 in the 5 months that I've had it.

Same, but had it since launch. Why do you think the media hasn't paid any more attention to it? It was a complete non-issue :P

I've been with O2 for years now and haven't had a single problem. They were the only people to offer an early upgrade deal when the iPhone 4 came out too

Glaucus · 14-04-2011, 16:35

If you can afford. It, it will likely be cheaper to but. Phone iphone4 can be had for 430-460 brand new, got mine for 460 as I wanted factory unlocked and could find any cheaper at the time.

For example and I'm really happy on vodafone and just 30 day contract should I choose to change.

Vodafone for iphone 4 16Gb, 300 minutes, unlimited texts 500mb internet.

12months
£299
£35
Total = 719

24months
£199
£30
Total = 1636
1 year equivalent = 818

Sim only 30day contract
£430
£20 and an extra 500mb a month
Total £670

.

Joe 90 · 14-04-2011, 19:03

My contract is up at the end of June & I've been looking at this.

I think its not worth the contract anymore. The rolling contract option seems to be the best way to go nowadays. You've just got to accept that initial cost of the handset.

Matblack · 14-04-2011, 19:05

I suppose I could drop to a simplicity contact and stay with the 3GS until the 5 is released, maybe flirt with a Galaxy inbetween.

MB

A Place of Light · 16-04-2011, 10:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matblack

I suppose I could drop to a simplicity contact and stay with the 3GS until the 5 is released, maybe flirt with a Galaxy inbetween.

MB

I had a conversation with an Apple rep last week who said that the iPhone5 was news to him. It is good to see they can lie at the grass roots level as well as at corporate.

kaiowas · 14-04-2011, 19:39

I've been using GiffGaff since December. Good SIM only option if you're a low volume user. It piggybacks on the O2 network. My usage is low enough that I stick with the standard PAYG option (8p/min, 4p/text, data was free until the start of this month but is now 20p a day up to 20MB) but you've also got the option of a 'Goodybag' which is basically a way of paying a fixed cost per month. £10 p/m gets you 250 minutes, unlimited texts, unlimited data.

Oh and I can get £5 free credit for a referral so let me know if you plan to sign up

Mark · 14-04-2011, 20:08

The problem exists if you hold the phone like you're attempting a Vulcan death grip on it. As Steve Jobs says "don't do that". The problem can be avoided almost entirely by using any kind of case or bumper.

I went the Simplicity route with my 3GS last year. Was undoubtedly the right choice for me at the time as I hadn't (and still haven't) found a killer app for the 4.

Sept/Oct timing is fine for me with the 5. Wasn't planning anything until then anyway.

No particularly preference on networks - I've been with three of them so far and they all have their good and bad points.

14-04-2011, 15:20	#1
Matblack Baby Bore Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Svalbard Posts: 9,770	New iPhone, which provider I'm getting a bit fed up with my 3GS and Heather would like an iPhone so the ideal solution would be to buy into a new contract. However I am stuggling to work out which provider to go with. I've always had a soft spot for Orange for some reason and Heather is on Orange. I won't get much of a loyalty deal from O2 because I never go over my minutes and I'm not a big spender I also want an 18 month contract because I don't want to wait too long for the iphone5 (although I understand its likely to be delayed which is why I'm considering my options). The things I am wondering Which public wifi hotspots can I use within the standard tariff (likely to be the lowest tariff) I can use some BT Openzone ones at the moment, are the Orange ones the same? Does the iPhone 4 aerial probem actually exist? Opinions? MB __________________ "we had roots that grew towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossom had fallen from our branches we found that we were one tree and not two"

14-04-2011, 15:41	#2
Belmit The Mouse King of Denmark Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: The Winchester Posts: 6,476	Only part I can really comment on is the aerial issue as I'm on a monthly Simplicty contract (O2). Not sure if it's been fixed yet but it certainly does/did exist. Since I put my replacement Geleskin on though the problem is all but non-existant. The iPhone 4 Geleskin is in about six separate pieces, two of which are skinny bits that fit down the sides. This pretty much prevents your hand from bridging that all important sweet spot and, as you're already aware, adds almost no extra dimension to the phone like a case would. __________________

14-04-2011, 16:35	#5
Glaucus Absinthe Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 1,855	If you can afford. It, it will likely be cheaper to but. Phone iphone4 can be had for 430-460 brand new, got mine for 460 as I wanted factory unlocked and could find any cheaper at the time. For example and I'm really happy on vodafone and just 30 day contract should I choose to change. Vodafone for iphone 4 16Gb, 300 minutes, unlimited texts 500mb internet. 12months £299 £35 Total = 719 24months £199 £30 Total = 1636 1 year equivalent = 818 Sim only 30day contract £430 £20 and an extra 500mb a month Total £670 . __________________

14-04-2011, 19:03	#6
Joe 90 Absinthe Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Chester Posts: 2,345	My contract is up at the end of June & I've been looking at this. I think its not worth the contract anymore. The rolling contract option seems to be the best way to go nowadays. You've just got to accept that initial cost of the handset. __________________ 360 Blog \| Join GiffGaff \| Twitter

14-04-2011, 19:05	#7
Matblack Baby Bore Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Svalbard Posts: 9,770	I suppose I could drop to a simplicity contact and stay with the 3GS until the 5 is released, maybe flirt with a Galaxy inbetween. MB __________________ "we had roots that grew towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossom had fallen from our branches we found that we were one tree and not two"

14-04-2011, 15:54	#3
Burble Rocket Fuel Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 7,826	I'm yet to have a problem with calls dropping on my iPhone 4 in the 5 months that I've had it.

14-04-2011, 19:39	#9
kaiowas The Stig Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Fightertown USA Posts: 1,458	I've been using GiffGaff since December. Good SIM only option if you're a low volume user. It piggybacks on the O2 network. My usage is low enough that I stick with the standard PAYG option (8p/min, 4p/text, data was free until the start of this month but is now 20p a day up to 20MB) but you've also got the option of a 'Goodybag' which is basically a way of paying a fixed cost per month. £10 p/m gets you 250 minutes, unlimited texts, unlimited data. Oh and I can get £5 free credit for a referral so let me know if you plan to sign up __________________ Anal Fish Porn

14-04-2011, 20:08	#10
Mark Screaming Orgasm Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Newbury Posts: 15,194	The problem exists if you hold the phone like you're attempting a Vulcan death grip on it. As Steve Jobs says "don't do that". The problem can be avoided almost entirely by using any kind of case or bumper. I went the Simplicity route with my 3GS last year. Was undoubtedly the right choice for me at the time as I hadn't (and still haven't) found a killer app for the 4. Sept/Oct timing is fine for me with the 5. Wasn't planning anything until then anyway. No particularly preference on networks - I've been with three of them so far and they all have their good and bad points.