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That's it for my live chat. Thanks for the question, my fingers are tired! Apologies if I didn't answer your question but you can e-mail me at cellphoneadvice@cnet.com. And catch our Dialed In podcast every Wednesday!
http://www.cnet.com/4520-13929_1-6782789-1.html
Next week join Brian Cooley in a live chat for all your car tech questions.
http://forums.cnet.com/4520-12548-6748916.html
Will the iPhone 3G feature a seamless transition from 3G to wifi and back? Will it take the wifi network automatically when it becomes available?
It will pick a known network automatically but will have to see it switches back and forth.
I'm sorry but my question was can i purchase 2 3G's and activate both? Thanks.
(I really want to know) Can you use the iPhone 3G on a plan without the expensive data plan? Can you just use a plan with minutes and text messaging and use just the wi-fi for internet?
But you'll need good Wi-Fi coverage and if you ever use the data network it will cost you plenty.
Will you be able to use the GPS for help when you are hiking? I assume Garmin etc. GPS units for hikers/campers have detailed maps with hiking trails -- will this kind of thing work on iPhone? (esp when not in cell range)
I haven't tried the maps in rural areas so I don't know what kind of hiking trail data it has (maps come form Google). Rumors about about direction software. See below answers.
Since my husbands iphone will be useless if he buys a 3G can I then buy 2 3G phones and activate them without "losing" his and letting one of the kids use it? Thanks.
Your kids can use it as a media player or a Wi-F- enabled Internet device.
I started my contract with ATT 6 months ago..not eligble for upgrade till Jan 09. How much will it cost me to purchase a new Iphone? Do I have to upgrade to an additional 2 years? How much will that cost if I do?
You will need a new contract, which will start at $69. The price for the phone will be $199-$299.
what happened to the rumor a long time ago that the original iphone chip was capable of 3G and it would just need to be upgraded with software to allow its use?
I never heard that rumor, but Steve Jobs said last year they left 3G out to save battery life and make the phone smaller.
Have you seen both colors and what's you're opinion on the look of both colors? Eye of the beholder, I know, but was curious of your thoughts.
I haven't seen the white model in person but I don't like the pictures!
why does apple never put an FM receiver into any of their products? i think it would be a positive addition to the iPhone
I don't know Apple doesn't put a lot of things in their products, an FM tuner included. I wish I knew.
In order to get the new iphone 3G at 199, I need to sign up to a new 2 year contract with ATT right. So if I want to buy the phone with out a contrat? How much would I spect to pay????
The cheapest voice and data plans for a consumer would be $69. Business users will pay $15 more. price will depend on how many callign minutes you want.
It seems that T-Mobile USA is using different frequencies for its 3G implementation than the rest of the world. Does it mean that even if unlocked iPhone 3G won't work on T-Mobile's upcoming 3G network?
I know the phone will be released on July 11
but will they have a time with this like the
other phone or will it just go on sale that
day
More July 11 details to come from Apple and AT&T.
So even with the sdk third party devs wont be able to make an mms client? Is that something that a third party company can do or is that something only apple and att can develop?
We could see it from a third-party but I'd rather see it integrated on the phone.
Will they prohibit people from buying unactivated iphone 3g even as a gift for a family member? (Because the person buying might be on another carrier and do not want to switch to at&t)
Good question, but given the in-store activation requirement I'd say gifting is a tricky prospect. Another good query for AT&T.
A lot of people were burned that purchased the 2G model. They paid up to 3 times as much for less phone. Do you think that there is something new on the Apple horizon that would potentially make the purchase of the 3G iPhone seem just as bad?
Not at this price point. Apple will continue to update the iPhone and come out with new models that could render old models obsolete. That's the risk you take with an Apple product.
I noticed on the list of countries presented during WWDC that Japan was on the list but Korea was not. I was under the impression that both countries use the same technology for cellular service, so why wasn't Korea on that list?
Maybe because Korea is CDMA-heavy country. Or maybe Apple just couldn't strike a deal with a Korean carrier.
It's just the slightest bit thicker so if you have a rubber case or anything made of flexible material then it should fit. No promises, though.
Why hasn't Apple allowed for the widescreen use of the keyboard for email and texting? Could this be a simple change in a future software update and is this something we will see in the 2.0 software?
I don't know why and I don't understand why we can't have it (it seems like an easy change). It won't be in the 2.0 software but it may happen in the future
If money was not an issue? Which phone would u rather have? Which one has better features?
I've seen the Xperia but we haven't be able to review it so can't make a fair comparison. But I can report hat the Xperia looks VERY nice.
I want to get a 3G Iphone but I don't want to have to open the package at the store to activate it. If you currently have an Iphone will they let you activate it (swap out the sim card from the old Iphone to the 3g Iphone)? Have you heard anything about this?
Besides the obvious
#1 3G iPhone
Edge v 3G
No GPS v GPS
The dimensions look the same. What benefit is there to choose a 3G over the original iPhone if you will upgrade the 1Gen to SDK 2.0?
Do you know if the iPhone "Maps with GPS" feature is available when out of cell phone coverage area? For instance, when driving down a rural road and I have no bars of signal strength, will Maps stop working or does it store the maps locally to the device?
The GPS will now connect with satellites so you should be able to find yourself in a rural area.
The question i have is do you think with software version 2.0 devs will be able to produce a mms client for pictures and video.. also i saw something about att filing rules against having turn by turn directions.. is that going to limit companies such as tomtom to produce products to utilize the gps to its full potetial
I saw the GPS rumor too but we hear TomTom is developing software (possibly as an exclusive). The 2.0 software update won't add MMS.
there is absolutely no way to transfer an old iPhone even to a different phone number on the AT&T network?
So when (if) I upgrade, the old iPhone will pretty much be useless as a cell phone?
Yes, AT&T is saying if you get an iPhone 3G your old device will be unusable as a phone. That stinks.
I just got the iphone 2g and just paid my first bill,if i get the iphone 3g will i get charged for leaving the 2g's contract for another 2 yr one for the 3g?
From our FAQ:
Q: I heard that people who already have a first-generation iPhone have to turn it in to an Apple or AT&T store if they want the 3G phone. Is that true?
A: No, but AT&T is giving people who bought their first-generation iPhone on or after May 27 the opportunity to exchange it before August 1. AT&T and Apple will refund the difference in price but iPhone 3G users will have to sign a new two-year contract and choose a new plan. If you go this route, don't forget to erase your personal data.
which phone would be the best alternative to the iPhone?
Here are some great alternatives.
http://reviews.cnet.com/4321-13935_7-6610677.html
Now with the iPhone 3G being cheaper than the iPod Touch, do you think they will be dropping the price of the iPod Touch any time soon.
If I am already on a family plan with ample minutes and unlimited data/messaging.
Will I need a new plan or will the iPhone be covered by this?
You might need a new plans but I haven't asked AT&T this specific question. I'll check with them.
I currently have an Iphone. I am intersted in the 3G model but I am worried that they "cheaped out" on the device to make it affordable. Have your insider ears heard anything about this? What are your thoughts?
This is possible but the price drop has more to do with Apple and AT&T renegotiating their agreement.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-10784_3-9963999-7.html
I was too very dissappointed with the itunes activation being taken away. But do you know if they have decided to sell it at an UNSUBSIDIZED price as well (no 2 year contract) or as a pay as you go option (i know o2 has already announced)?
do you know if you still get 200 text messages in the 30$ plan or do you have to pay extra?
The new iPhone will be released in Canada soon, according to Rogers, a three-year contract must be signed for both $199 and $299 iphone 3G models, is it a good deal?
The price is a good deal (I assume you mean Canadian $) for the device but a three-year contract is a looong time.
I read in blogs, don't know if true or not, but I heard that there will be a charge for Active Sync to Exhange Server on top of the service plan.
Will GPS allow turn by turn directions or only show location?
Will the GPS have voice directions similar to Garmin and TOMTOM
AT&T hasn't mentioned an additional charge for Active Sync so I doubt there will be. As for GPS, see my answer to a previous question.
i would just like to buy an iphone for the music capabilities. do u have to sign with att to get one?
Yes, you need a contract. But if you're just going to use the music why not buy an iPod Touch?
Is their any update regarding the iPhone and iPod Touch supporting Flash?
How will Apple determine whether you are a personal or business user for the iphone data plans?
I am asking this because although I use my current smartphone for a mix of personal and business. My company gives a discount on AT&T plans, which I make use of too. Thanks Kent!
I assume they'll classify you as a business user if you use the phone with an Exchange server. But we'll have to see for sure.
If you are an existing ATT user and just want to tack a data plan on with a new iPhone 3G, will texts be included? They are supposedly a part of the voice plan, rather than the data plan, but would an existing customer have them or not?
I asked AT&T about texts yesterday but they said it's still being decided.
In your opinion, is it an improvement that the back cover on the iphone change for plastic.???
Doesn't it give the phone a cheaper look???
I prefer the silver back but the black exterior looks nice too (I haven't see the white in person). But I'd bet that metal will have longer term durability.
Seemed like the new GPS functionality got kind of glossed over. Will GPS be used more for navigating in a car, or for location based apps?
You'll be able to use the GPS for live tracking but it's unconfirmed whether you'll be able to use turn-by-turn mapping services. Some say TomTom is developing an app while other rumors say Apple prohibits any such third-party apps.
The software upgrade for the iPod Touch will be $9.95. I'm not sure if the price of the device will change in the future.
I'm currently under a 2 year contract and want to know if the iphone will be available to me for $200. If not... know anyone selling their old iphone for cheap! haha
I was able to break a 2 year contract before by speaking with a manager in an ATT store before so hopefully I can do that again if I need to.
From what AT&T says you have to buy the phone with a contract. No exceptions.
My company currently provides Blackberries on T-Mobile. Any reason why, assuming I can get the IT guy to set things up, I can't use the iPhone on AT&T with my office's Exchange server?
This will depend on your IT departments policies. But if they agree to support the iPhone then you should be fine.
Three Questions:
1. Is it confirmed that the iPhone 3G is an in-store activation only? If so, will they be activating iPhone 3G at the Apple Store?
2. I bought the iPhone 2G when it first came out June 29th, 2007. I signed a 2-year contract. It has only been 1 year since then, and I have 1 year to go on my contract. When I purchase the iPhone 3G does that mean I will be committed with ATT for 3 years (1 year remaining + 2 year contract) or will my contract just reset to 2 years?
3. Why are there iPhone 3G's selling on ebay for $600-$900? People are actually bidding on these, and buying them. Any ideas?
1. yes, in-store activation only.
2. You'll need a new contract.
3. That will be tricky. You won't be able to buy the phone without activating it so I don't think those eBay auction will be feasible.
I recently saw a map of the highly touted 3G. Boy was I disappointed. All the speed Jobs' was showing off would be unavailable to what looked like 96% of the county. How fast do you think 3G is going to spread?
Though AT&T network can go much higher, I don't think we'll get much more than 1.4Mbps.
How much work do I have to do (and our IT group has to do) for me to get all Outlook functionality? I currently have a Q (I know...) running Good.
Knowing Apple it shouldn't be too hard. But details are unknown right know.
Say I have the first gen iPhone, and I upgraded to the 3G, is there an easy way to transfer all my info (contacts, texts, pics, music, etc) to the new one?
AT&T will be able to transfer your contacts for you. You can use iTunes to dot his as well.
Can the "old" iphone be updated to get 3G and GPS or does one need to purchase a new iPhone? Thanks.
You have to purchase a new one. 3G requires a new chip, which can't be downloaded to the phone.
Is there a way I can put my current SIM card into an original iPhone and still pay only $20 per month for the EDGE network? Since speed is not my issue, all I want is the 2.0 software
You can use other SIM cards in the current iPhone to make calls and use EDGE but other features (like visual voicemail) will be unavailable. I'm not sure if you can use the software upgrade, though.
I wouldn't bet on it. Apple would need to develop a new version. And since most of the world is on GSM I think they'll stick with that technology.
I currently have the iPhone and have had a lot of trouble with it. I am actually on my 3rd iPhone (they are great with customer service, and keep giving me new ones). But never the less, it is extremely unreliable. So I am thinking of upgrading, is it worth it to upgrade from the first iPhone to the 3G iPhone? or should I make the jump from Apple to the Blackberry Bold?
Also, if I do switch to the Bold, or the new iPhone, will I be able to give the old iPhone to my brother?
We haven't reviewed the BlackBerry Bold yet but Bonnie Cha should have it soon. I have seen the Bold and the display is beautiful but it will be a very different choice form the iPhone.
My contract just expired from AT&T on my Samsung Sync. Can I just upgrade to the iPhone? Or are there other things I need?
Here's everything you need to know.
http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9717097-1.html
Hi
we have AT&T down here so i don't understand what's the problem with having an iPhone working in Puerto Rico... They know have 70 countries or something like that... I we still have no iPhone with our are codes... Can u tell me why is that and is there any way to have it here without losing all the features the 3g will have?
Thanks!!!!!!!!
I remember hearing this about the current iPhone as well. I'm not sure of an answer but I can check with AT&T. It could be because Puerto Rico isn't on AT&T's native 3G network.
I was disappointed with the activation now beign taken away and if you want to choose another carrier you'll have to activate, break the contract and that will run $35(Activation) + $175 term fee-
$199+$210- $409 total
You you feel there will be option to buy without activating at the Apple store or still too early to tell?
Brian
I'm disappointed as well about losing the online activation. Apple and AT&T are insisting that it can only be done in stores. I've also heard that you won't be able to buy it without activating it.
Once I buy the new iphone 3g, can I give my 1st generation iphone to my sister or friend and have them activate it?
From our FAQ
http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9717097-1.html
Q: Let's say I bought my iPhone last year and I want the iPhone 3G. Can I give my old iPhone to my sister or sell it on eBay?
A: No, once an existing iPhone user activates service for an iPhone 3G, their first-generation handset will be unusable as a phone. You won't be able to replace it with another AT&T SIM card and use it to make calls. This also means that you can't buy an old iPhone on eBay and expect to activate it on AT&T's network. However, you can use it as a media player and a Wi-Fi device for browsing the Web.
We got that direct from AT&T.
BB has a delete all messages below this function. Do you know if the iPhone will do that or How does their claimed bulk delete work?
You will be able to delete several messages at a time. I'm not sure about how it will work yet.
I dont see how they left out mms you can get phones for free that do that
This baffles me too. MMS is basic functionality and every other camera phone does it. I don't see why Apple doesn't put it in. E-mail is not a substitute.
I heard that the iPhone 3G will be retailing for $199 and $299 for the 8GB model and the16GB model, respectively. But I've also been reading around that these are subsidized prices. I bought an iPhone when the first one was released and had to renew my contract. Am I going to have to renew my contract AGAIN?
And Also, about the in-store activation, how do you think they will handle current iPhone customers that are currently on a Family Plan?
You will have to sign a new contract, even if you signed a new one recently. That's not good (at least for customers). I'm not sure about the family plan aspect.
there is no SD or other official card slot,
But could you get a SIM card with Memory
and HACK it in???
But Apple and AT&T are going out of their way to prevent hacking this time (no online activation). And remember that every time you update the iPhone it will lock it again.
During the keynote and coverage after, making an iPhone app was portrayed as incredibly easy. Is it really something that someone with little-to-no programming experience could do?
It did look easy and knowing Apple it probably won't be too hard. But I'm waiting to try it myself before I can answer.
Has the 3G iPhone corrected the error of a missing video camera?
Will 3 g iphone be a better buy than LG VU and other touchscreen smartphones on the market? Will third party apps from App Store address som of the missing features expected in the new iphone?
The iPhone is cheaper than the Vu (at least the 16GB version) but the features are pretty comparable. The Vu will offer the basic features the iPhone lacks (MMS, voice dialing, etc) but the iPhone will have Wi-Fi and a better interface. We might see 3rd-aprty apps fill in the iPhone's missing features. We'll have to wait and see
Welcome to my live chat! I'll be here for the next hour to answer your questions about the iPhone (yes, even the old one) or anything related to cell phones. Ask away!