picking your brain about iPhone matters
December 6, 2010 9:44 AM Subscribe
iPhone Filter: Now that my ol' flip phone is dying, I've decided to take the plunge this holiday season….
Previous questions look a bit dated (that one from last month had a different focus), so here I am. Thus:
1) Any significant differences that would warrant holding off for Verizon instead of going with AT&T? (According to the maps on the respective websites, I'm under big blobs of coverage for both [suburb of a major Midwestern U.S. metropolis, FWIW].)
2) Where/how would I go about getting the best deal on the phone and service? From what I've read, the whole "Black Friday" and "Cyber Monday" promotional schemes no longer hold, so I'm wondering how the buying process has evolved this year.
3) Finally, what surprising, cool things have you found yourself doing with your smart phone once you got it? When I've asked, a number of folks tell me they found themselves doing all sorts of unexpected stuff with their iPhones, much more than they anticipated, etc.
If it helps, I already have a MacBook Pro from work, and I'm not overly geeky, so I'm leaning towards the iPhone; plus, everyone I've spoken with has been quite pleased with theirs. Also, am figuring to go with the regular G4, etc.
Previous questions look a bit dated (that one from last month had a different focus), so here I am. Thus:
1) Any significant differences that would warrant holding off for Verizon instead of going with AT&T? (According to the maps on the respective websites, I'm under big blobs of coverage for both [suburb of a major Midwestern U.S. metropolis, FWIW].)
2) Where/how would I go about getting the best deal on the phone and service? From what I've read, the whole "Black Friday" and "Cyber Monday" promotional schemes no longer hold, so I'm wondering how the buying process has evolved this year.
3) Finally, what surprising, cool things have you found yourself doing with your smart phone once you got it? When I've asked, a number of folks tell me they found themselves doing all sorts of unexpected stuff with their iPhones, much more than they anticipated, etc.
If it helps, I already have a MacBook Pro from work, and I'm not overly geeky, so I'm leaning towards the iPhone; plus, everyone I've spoken with has been quite pleased with theirs. Also, am figuring to go with the regular G4, etc.
2: Radio Shack has iPhone 4 for $50 off through Dec 11.
posted by misterbrandt at 9:57 AM on December 6, 2010
posted by misterbrandt at 9:57 AM on December 6, 2010
1.) Coverage maps are fine but there is no substitute for first hand knowledge from people who use Verizon or AT&T devices at your place of work, your abode and other places where you are often are. Case in point, my neighborhood has good coverage from all the major providers but in the businesses down the street (coffee shop, bar, cafe, etc.) almost every provider's signal drops to zero. If I worked there or was there frequently, I would be mega irritated. Also note that a date for a Verizon iPhone hasn't been released and most people think that demand is going to be high (so it might be awhile before you get a Verizon iPhone).
2.) For the iPhone, I don't think there is any deals to be had. If you are an existing AT&T customer, then the trade up to the iPhone might be a bit cheaper than a brand new contract but who knows. With other smartphone platforms (Blackberry, WebOS, Android and WindowsPhone), there is lot of phones and a lot of carriers so there is more competition and variability in pricing.
3.) Having a real, almost desktop quality browser in your pocket is immensely useful when you are out and about and practically indispensable when one is traveling outside of the area you are comfortable with.
posted by mmascolino at 10:02 AM on December 6, 2010
2.) For the iPhone, I don't think there is any deals to be had. If you are an existing AT&T customer, then the trade up to the iPhone might be a bit cheaper than a brand new contract but who knows. With other smartphone platforms (Blackberry, WebOS, Android and WindowsPhone), there is lot of phones and a lot of carriers so there is more competition and variability in pricing.
3.) Having a real, almost desktop quality browser in your pocket is immensely useful when you are out and about and practically indispensable when one is traveling outside of the area you are comfortable with.
posted by mmascolino at 10:02 AM on December 6, 2010
I live in a midwest metro as well, and I've not had an issue with AT&T as far as coverage or customer service goes.
I use my iPhone FAR more than I ever thought I would. I really enjoy the This American Life app, 2do, Evernote, and the email for daily use. It's ridiculous how often I use the TV Guide and IMDB apps as well. The host of photo editing/taking apps are very impressive and pretty fun. Oh and Angry Birds ;)
posted by ACN09 at 10:09 AM on December 6, 2010
I use my iPhone FAR more than I ever thought I would. I really enjoy the This American Life app, 2do, Evernote, and the email for daily use. It's ridiculous how often I use the TV Guide and IMDB apps as well. The host of photo editing/taking apps are very impressive and pretty fun. Oh and Angry Birds ;)
posted by ACN09 at 10:09 AM on December 6, 2010
Shopping! How could I forget THAT? Being able to instantly price-shop an item has saved us enough money to pay for the iPhone.
posted by ACN09 at 10:10 AM on December 6, 2010
posted by ACN09 at 10:10 AM on December 6, 2010
You may have already done so, but compare the Droid2 to the iPhone4 before you make a decision.. I'm a died in the wool Mac person, but I love the Droid (I also love that I have an unlimited data plan with Verizon, which I don't think you can get with ATT, and that I can tether my Droid to my laptop using that unlimited plan and surf at near normal speeds).
posted by HuronBob at 10:21 AM on December 6, 2010
posted by HuronBob at 10:21 AM on December 6, 2010
3) Finally, what surprising, cool things have you found yourself doing with your smart phone once you got it? When I've asked, a number of folks tell me they found themselves doing all sorts of unexpected stuff with their iPhones, much more than they anticipated, etc.
I found my iPhone invaluable in helping me lose weight. I wouldn't have thought it but being able to easily track my calories, exercises, activity levels throughout the day has been instrumental in my (so far successful) weight loss. I use an app called "ShapeUp". There are others (LoseIt, Tap and Track). They all do basically the same thing. I like ShapeUp because it's the most flexible in terms of entering information. The others have nicer graphics and interfaces.
I also use Walkmeter to track my hikes and extended walks. Several runners I know use & adore Runkeeper.
If you're a "data" person (I am) then the iPhone is a godsend for keeping whatever personal stats you'd like to track.
posted by moxiequz at 10:28 AM on December 6, 2010
I found my iPhone invaluable in helping me lose weight. I wouldn't have thought it but being able to easily track my calories, exercises, activity levels throughout the day has been instrumental in my (so far successful) weight loss. I use an app called "ShapeUp". There are others (LoseIt, Tap and Track). They all do basically the same thing. I like ShapeUp because it's the most flexible in terms of entering information. The others have nicer graphics and interfaces.
I also use Walkmeter to track my hikes and extended walks. Several runners I know use & adore Runkeeper.
If you're a "data" person (I am) then the iPhone is a godsend for keeping whatever personal stats you'd like to track.
posted by moxiequz at 10:28 AM on December 6, 2010
For actual phone service, ATT is wretched (I cannot say enough bad things about the iPhone as an actual phone, because of ATT) - ignore the coverage maps and ask around. With Verizon, I maybe once in about 15 years had a call drop, always got good coverage, etc.
What I would be cautious about with the new Verizon version - I don't know how much of a difference it will make, but between ATT and Verizon one uses CDMA and one uses GSM - I don't know enough to know if that is going to make the Verizon iPhone basically the first gen of a whole new device. If so, I might wait.
I don't know about Verizon's data network capability, or how it's going to handle the influx of new users.
If I had to choose, I think I would get the ATT iPhone now and consider a switch to Verizon in two years when your contract is up.
I didn't shop around at all, my impression was just that the iPhone service costs what it costs and you're not going to get a deal - you might check to see if ATT gives any discounts because of your employer or any associations you might belong to.
You will find yourself using the phone for a lot of random things you never thought you would.
posted by mrs. taters at 10:45 AM on December 6, 2010
What I would be cautious about with the new Verizon version - I don't know how much of a difference it will make, but between ATT and Verizon one uses CDMA and one uses GSM - I don't know enough to know if that is going to make the Verizon iPhone basically the first gen of a whole new device. If so, I might wait.
I don't know about Verizon's data network capability, or how it's going to handle the influx of new users.
If I had to choose, I think I would get the ATT iPhone now and consider a switch to Verizon in two years when your contract is up.
I didn't shop around at all, my impression was just that the iPhone service costs what it costs and you're not going to get a deal - you might check to see if ATT gives any discounts because of your employer or any associations you might belong to.
You will find yourself using the phone for a lot of random things you never thought you would.
posted by mrs. taters at 10:45 AM on December 6, 2010
On a recent bike tour, I ran my entire life through my iPhone—shooting and uploading photos, blogging, tracking my progress and uploading maps (with Cyclemeter--basically the same thing as Walkmeter), tracking expenses, figuring out where I was when I was lost, checking the next day's weather, and of course communicating via phone/e-mail/Facetime/Twitter/Facebook.
In day-to-day life, it's a grocery list shared between me and my wife, a replacement for the phone book we kept in the car, and a replacement for the maps we kept in the car (mostly). We'll check movie schedules (and sometimes buy tickets), settle trivia questions through Wikipedia or IMDB. When a friend suggests we should rent some movie, we add it to our Netflix cue on the spot. We show use them to show pictures to our friends—it's like an endless wallet foldout.
I use Instapaper on mine a lot—caching stuff (often stuff I see on MeFi) and reading it on my phone at odd moments later.
And of course, Having an iPhone has completely changed the way I poop.
posted by adamrice at 10:46 AM on December 6, 2010 [1 favorite]
In day-to-day life, it's a grocery list shared between me and my wife, a replacement for the phone book we kept in the car, and a replacement for the maps we kept in the car (mostly). We'll check movie schedules (and sometimes buy tickets), settle trivia questions through Wikipedia or IMDB. When a friend suggests we should rent some movie, we add it to our Netflix cue on the spot. We show use them to show pictures to our friends—it's like an endless wallet foldout.
I use Instapaper on mine a lot—caching stuff (often stuff I see on MeFi) and reading it on my phone at odd moments later.
And of course, Having an iPhone has completely changed the way I poop.
posted by adamrice at 10:46 AM on December 6, 2010 [1 favorite]
I finally splurged and started paying for the 3g on my plan. The maps app has made the terrible Rochester bus system usable for me.
posted by thsmchnekllsfascists at 10:49 AM on December 6, 2010
posted by thsmchnekllsfascists at 10:49 AM on December 6, 2010
1. I think it's far from certain when / how / if Verizon will get the iPhone.
2. You're not going to find many / any discounts. That Radioshack deal is rare. Sometimes Apple sells refurbed products in their online store. And then, as others have mentioned, discounts due to carrier tenure.
3. I now keep a journal with Memento. I play Words With Friends. I keep track of tons of stuff, like my consulting hours, my finances, todo list. I find the iPhone interface to lots of stuff more convenient than using a computer. It's my preferred platform for many things. I take most of my photos now with my phone. Since I don't print them out, I don't really care that it's not 12 megapixel. I also use the phone as a voice recorder.
posted by reddot at 10:53 AM on December 6, 2010
2. You're not going to find many / any discounts. That Radioshack deal is rare. Sometimes Apple sells refurbed products in their online store. And then, as others have mentioned, discounts due to carrier tenure.
3. I now keep a journal with Memento. I play Words With Friends. I keep track of tons of stuff, like my consulting hours, my finances, todo list. I find the iPhone interface to lots of stuff more convenient than using a computer. It's my preferred platform for many things. I take most of my photos now with my phone. Since I don't print them out, I don't really care that it's not 12 megapixel. I also use the phone as a voice recorder.
posted by reddot at 10:53 AM on December 6, 2010
Surprising use:
Yesterday I was fine tuning the beautiful old radiators upstairs. But the one with the cover - I couldn't see the markings on the dial - too dark down there... Wait! iPhone, even without a flashlight app saves the day.
posted by R. Mutt at 11:53 AM on December 6, 2010
Yesterday I was fine tuning the beautiful old radiators upstairs. But the one with the cover - I couldn't see the markings on the dial - too dark down there... Wait! iPhone, even without a flashlight app saves the day.
posted by R. Mutt at 11:53 AM on December 6, 2010
There is absolutely nothing I can't do on my iPhone. You can take my laptop, but I'd be completely lost without my iPhone. Basically, what Adam Rice said.
As far as coverage, you'll hear a lot about the horror of ATT because of their poor coverage in media meccas. That said, I've never had a problem with coverage. Just check it yourself to make sure you're not in a dead spot.
posted by justgary at 12:03 PM on December 6, 2010
As far as coverage, you'll hear a lot about the horror of ATT because of their poor coverage in media meccas. That said, I've never had a problem with coverage. Just check it yourself to make sure you're not in a dead spot.
posted by justgary at 12:03 PM on December 6, 2010
What I would be cautious about with the new Verizon version - I don't know how much of a difference it will make, but between ATT and Verizon one uses CDMA and one uses GSM - I don't know enough to know if that is going to make the Verizon iPhone basically the first gen of a whole new device. If so, I might wait.CDMA doesn't allow for simultaneous use of data and voice. GSM does, so that, for example you could switch a call to speakerphone and look up something. Personally, I've rarely done that.
Otherwise, for me, there's not one big thing that makes the iPhone worthwhile, but a bunch of small and medium sized things that combine together in one pocketable device.
posted by ZeusHumms at 12:24 PM on December 6, 2010
Coverage maps are fine but there is no substitute for first hand knowledge from people who use Verizon or AT&T devices at your place of work, your abode and other places where you are often are.
Ditto this. I had an iPhone for 2 days and loved it. Except when I discovered the place I work is a dead zone for all but one network. Took it back.
posted by K.P. at 12:45 PM on December 6, 2010
Ditto this. I had an iPhone for 2 days and loved it. Except when I discovered the place I work is a dead zone for all but one network. Took it back.
posted by K.P. at 12:45 PM on December 6, 2010
#1: Unless you live somewhere with horrible AT&T service (NYC perhaps?) I'd just go for it on their network. I've had zero problems with AT&T. In fact, I'm really happy with them. I've had 2 dropped calls during the last six months, and I'm pretty sure they were due to the other person's crappy phone, not AT&T.
#2: Not quite what you're looking for, but related: If you want Applecare for it, Amazon.com seems to have better prices than Apple (which seems odd, but hey, whatever!)
#3: My iPhone replaced my point & shoot, my alarm clock, my planner and even my Mac in many instances. I was a skeptic until the iPhone 4 came out. Even then, I only bought mine because I wanted it to replace my point & shoot. I had no idea how much I was going to end up using the thing.
One of my favorite fun things is the Remote app. Being able to control what's playing on my Mac (with iTunes) is handy.
The Must-Have app that I never imagined using is PDXbus. I live in Portland (PDX). PDXbus is a mass transit tracker app. God I love that thing.
posted by 2oh1 at 1:50 PM on December 6, 2010
#2: Not quite what you're looking for, but related: If you want Applecare for it, Amazon.com seems to have better prices than Apple (which seems odd, but hey, whatever!)
#3: My iPhone replaced my point & shoot, my alarm clock, my planner and even my Mac in many instances. I was a skeptic until the iPhone 4 came out. Even then, I only bought mine because I wanted it to replace my point & shoot. I had no idea how much I was going to end up using the thing.
One of my favorite fun things is the Remote app. Being able to control what's playing on my Mac (with iTunes) is handy.
The Must-Have app that I never imagined using is PDXbus. I live in Portland (PDX). PDXbus is a mass transit tracker app. God I love that thing.
posted by 2oh1 at 1:50 PM on December 6, 2010
Re best deal: RT @Pogue: Radio Shack REALLY wants you to buy your iPhone there. $50 off any model and $75 trade-in for a 3G, $125 for 3GS through 12/11.
posted by Wild_Eep at 1:52 PM on December 6, 2010
posted by Wild_Eep at 1:52 PM on December 6, 2010
Anecdotal. I live in downtown SF and don't get AT&T service on my cell phone at home.
YMMV but get anecdotal experience in your area first.
posted by bitdamaged at 2:32 PM on December 6, 2010
YMMV but get anecdotal experience in your area first.
posted by bitdamaged at 2:32 PM on December 6, 2010
Best Buy is offering smart phones for free this month - every day a different selection of phones is offered from each of the major carriers. I kinda doubt that the iPhone will be one of those, but there's some great Android phones also available, and in my area at least Verizon gets way better coverage than AT&T.
posted by feidr2 at 9:29 PM on December 6, 2010
posted by feidr2 at 9:29 PM on December 6, 2010
Unexpected things? Waking up. The SleepPhase app is gobsmacking in that it's the one alarm I sometimes do not sleep through.
Using the iFirstAid app to coach myself on first aid protocols.
Playing Epic Win to almost get me through my To Do list.
Using the PocketMoney app to write down what I spend when I spend it.
IMing people with Skype. Syncing my files with the glory that is Dropbox. ZOMG speech-to-text with Dragon dictation!
Planning train journeys with Tube Deluxe and The Trainline.
De-flabifying myself with One Hundred Pushups. Staying on the right side of pudgy with TargetWeight. And I make sure I eat the requisite fruits and veggies with 5-a-day, which is a gormlessly simple yet beguiling little app.
Alienating people with the iCastanet emulator. You only get one castanet, but boy is it obnoxious. I'm ashamed to admit I use these more than the ENO voice training and Steinway metronome apps but still... I can always be ready in case I find something useful through the Stage Jobs & Auditions app.
Oh, and I can find classical concerts anywhere with bachtrack. And movies with Flixster. Not that I need these things because I have Kindle, This American Life, and the National Film Board of Canada. That is if I am not too busy keeping up to date with Style.com, Chictopia, The Sartorialist, and TrendTracker.
Memorizing languages with Study Flash.
No more printing out paper vouchers now I have the magic that is VoucherCloud. Checking cosmetic ingredient lists with OnMyFace. Sniffing out local vintage and thrift stores with Blind Lemon. Inventorying with TapForms (the jury's out on that one, but).
Keeping holy with the Methodist and NIV Bible apps...
I could just go ON and ON and ON. I think if anyone took that iPhone away from me I would just cease to exist.
Oh, and. I've heard you can listen to music and podcasts on it, and even make phone calls if you can find the time.
posted by tel3path at 3:57 AM on December 7, 2010
Using the iFirstAid app to coach myself on first aid protocols.
Playing Epic Win to almost get me through my To Do list.
Using the PocketMoney app to write down what I spend when I spend it.
IMing people with Skype. Syncing my files with the glory that is Dropbox. ZOMG speech-to-text with Dragon dictation!
Planning train journeys with Tube Deluxe and The Trainline.
De-flabifying myself with One Hundred Pushups. Staying on the right side of pudgy with TargetWeight. And I make sure I eat the requisite fruits and veggies with 5-a-day, which is a gormlessly simple yet beguiling little app.
Alienating people with the iCastanet emulator. You only get one castanet, but boy is it obnoxious. I'm ashamed to admit I use these more than the ENO voice training and Steinway metronome apps but still... I can always be ready in case I find something useful through the Stage Jobs & Auditions app.
Oh, and I can find classical concerts anywhere with bachtrack. And movies with Flixster. Not that I need these things because I have Kindle, This American Life, and the National Film Board of Canada. That is if I am not too busy keeping up to date with Style.com, Chictopia, The Sartorialist, and TrendTracker.
Memorizing languages with Study Flash.
No more printing out paper vouchers now I have the magic that is VoucherCloud. Checking cosmetic ingredient lists with OnMyFace. Sniffing out local vintage and thrift stores with Blind Lemon. Inventorying with TapForms (the jury's out on that one, but).
Keeping holy with the Methodist and NIV Bible apps...
I could just go ON and ON and ON. I think if anyone took that iPhone away from me I would just cease to exist.
Oh, and. I've heard you can listen to music and podcasts on it, and even make phone calls if you can find the time.
posted by tel3path at 3:57 AM on December 7, 2010
...Oops. I really did think I'd closed all my bold tags on preview. Must have been my fanatical enthusiasm finding more ways to shine through.
It's basically the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, but smaller.
posted by tel3path at 5:32 PM on December 8, 2010
It's basically the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, but smaller.
posted by tel3path at 5:32 PM on December 8, 2010
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posted by R. Mutt at 9:56 AM on December 6, 2010