Verizon Finally Unveils Apple iPhone

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Verizon Finally Unveils Apple iPhone

Posted by CmdrTaco on Tuesday January 11, 2011 @04:40AM from the there-ya-go-uriah dept.

Velcroman1 writes "The most asked question in all of technology finally has an answer. When will Verizon get the iPhone? The answer: early next month. Verizon COO Lowell McAdam unveiled a new iPhone Tuesday during a presentation in New York that was short on surprises as most of the tech press already knew what was coming. 'If the press writes about something long enough and hard enough, eventually it comes true,' McAdam joked. Nevertheless, the move clears a major hurdle for Apple as they face increasing competition in smartphones, particularly from devices based on Google Inc.'s Android software which has exploded in popularity. Verizon's Lowell McAdam described the unveiling as a 'great day for wireless customers across the US.'"

480 comments

Ok by Beat+The+Odds · 2011-01-11 04:41 · Score: 0

About time, I guess
1. Re:Ok by Desler · 2011-01-11 04:42 · Score: 3, Interesting
  
  So how is Verizon going to spin this to backpeddle against their previous bashings of the iPhone? Weren't they just a year or so ago telling how puny and weak the iPhone was in comparison to their Droid?
2. Re:Ok by Pojut · 2011-01-11 04:42 · Score: 0, Redundant
  
  Hopefully, this will not only ignite a price war between AT&T and Verizon, but will step things up between Apple and the various Android manufacturers. Either way, we the people win! Looks like I know what I'm getting the wife for Valentine's Day :)
  
  --
  Living With a Nerd
3. Re:Ok by Desler · 2011-01-11 04:49 · Score: 1
  
  Why would it ignite a price war? The whole point of the iPhone is that it's a high margin device so it's a win for Apple and the sellers. A price war destroys this and you might as well just continue to peddle cheap Android phones with razor-thin margins.
4. Re:Ok by Kilrah_il · 2011-01-11 04:51 · Score: 1
  
  It's great to have competition, but I, personally, don't care. Just bought a Palm Pre 2, and I ain't looking back.
  
  --
  Whenever in an argument, remember this.
5. Re:Ok by fuzzyfuzzyfungus · 2011-01-11 04:51 · Score: 5, Insightful
  
  The most common(and probably most effective) backpedaling strategy is "Don't".
  
  Just stop saying what you were saying before, scrub it from visible locations where possible, then begin emitting the new party line. Most people have sufficiently short memories, or high enough tolerance for absurd contradictions, that they won't bat an eye. The people who don't fit in this category will never be satisfied, so why bother worrying about them?
6. Re:Ok by Pojut · 2011-01-11 04:52 · Score: 1
  
  I was referring to data plan/calling plan/family plan pricing, not pricing of the devices themselves :P
  
  --
  Living With a Nerd
7. Re:Ok by Desler · 2011-01-11 04:53 · Score: 1
  
  And those are also high margin plans. Again, what's the incentive for either end to reduce those margins?
8. Re:Ok by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 04:55 · Score: 2, Informative
  
  They won't have to. The iPhone IS puny and weak compared to the Droid.
9. Re:Ok by Pojut · 2011-01-11 04:57 · Score: 1
  
  If people want an iPhone, and both carriers offer it, there's only so many ways they can entice someone to come to their side. As of now, it's limited to "voice/data" on AT&T and "Tethering/3G hotspot" on Verizon. Some form of package pricing or slight decrease in data plan cost would go a long way.
  I could be completely wrong, but if the CDMA launch goes well, I think we're going to see some plan pricing shifts in the near future, even if they're minute.
  
  --
  Living With a Nerd
10. Re:Ok by MoonBuggy · 2011-01-11 04:57 · Score: 1
  
  Again, what's the incentive for either end to reduce those margins?
  In theory, to offer superior value to the competitor, thus enticing more customers and therefore making more profit overall despite reduced margins.
  It's economics 101, but it does, of course, carry an awful lot of assumptions about non-collusion, informed consumers, and so on.
11. Re:Ok by Desler · 2011-01-11 04:59 · Score: 2
  
  And yet they are trumpeting everywhere how they are now getting the iPhone like it's the second coming
12. Re:Ok by GodfatherofSoul · 2011-01-11 05:00 · Score: 3, Insightful
  
  If it works for public policy on promoting wars, it'll work for a silly phone.
  
  --
  I swear to God...I swear to God! That is NOT how you treat your human!
13. Re:Ok by rwven · 2011-01-11 05:01 · Score: 2
  
  Which must explain why I'll be switching back to iPhone next year after discovering how claustrophobia-inducing, sluggish, and unstable Android can be. :rolleyes:
14. Re:Ok by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 05:03 · Score: 0
  
  buying a palm pre is looking back. But thanks for letting us know that you don't care. I was wondering what you thought about it.
15. Re:Ok by JackieBrown · 2011-01-11 05:06 · Score: 1
  
  To get new customers? If I only care about getting an iphone and don't care about the carrier, I will pick the one with the better plan.
  You just need one company to decide they want to take the other's business and then the price war begins. For better or worse, no company is satisfied with only holding on to what it already has.
16. Re:Ok by saleenS281 · 2011-01-11 05:09 · Score: 3
  
  They're still selling the droid, I don't really see any conflict of interest. If they start releasing commercials stating how much better the iphone is than droid, you might have an axe to grind. Just because it's BETTER doesn't mean they can't still give consumers choice. I sell customers products that I think are inferior all day long for all sorts of reasons. Sometimes it's still the best fit even though overall it's an inferior product. Sometimes it's a better price. Sometimes, the customer just really wants something that isn't best for them. If they take my recommendation into consideration and still choose the path they want, I'm not going to walk away from a sale just because they made a bad choice... that would be pretty bad business practice.
17. Re:Ok by brian_tanner · 2011-01-11 05:13 · Score: 4, Insightful
  
  All I heard over and over was "customers keep telling us they want it". What I didn't hear was "this is the best phone we have". No contradiction. Giving customers what they are asking for is hardly rocket science. Not like they are replacing other products with the iPhone.
18. Re:Ok by h4rr4r · 2011-01-11 05:15 · Score: 5, Funny
  
  claustrophobia-inducing
  You are not supposed to try to live in the box it came in.
19. Re:Ok by suv4x4 · 2011-01-11 05:16 · Score: 1
  
  So how is Verizon going to spin this to backpeddle against their previous bashings of the iPhone? Weren't they just a year or so ago telling how puny and weak the iPhone was in comparison to their Droid?
  They don't have to backpeddle. Verizon isn't interested in providing a consistent narrative, but as any company, their goal is to say whatever maximizes this quarter's profit.
  They also knew of these contradictions as they were working on the Verizon iPhone with Apple since early 2008.
  Just like Steve Jobs himself laughing off video iPods, while working on a video iPod, laughing off iPhone while working on iPhone, and same for iPad, the reality is that honest opinions and linear truths are simply not the optimal strategy.
20. Re:Ok by necro81 · 2011-01-11 05:18 · Score: 1
  
  Oceania has always been at war with Eastasia. [ref]
21. Re:Ok by tgatliff · 2011-01-11 05:21 · Score: 3, Insightful
  
  From a current iPhone user... I dont think it really matters....
  I have an iPhone for work, as well as a Verizon MiWi. I constantly get 1 bar in various buildings with my iPhone, but love the MiWi service. If getting the iPhone thru Verizon can solve the problems I have now with the AT&T setup, I will definitely give them a try.
  My only grip is Verizon not even offering the full price option. I hate the idea of the 2 year contract, and would rather just pay the full cost to not have to deal with it. Hopefully Apple can do some arm twisting like they did with the iPad...
22. Re:Ok by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 05:21 · Score: 2, Insightful
  
  If it works for public policy on promoting wars, it'll work for a silly phone.
  Sadly, I think that you probably meant to say: If it works for public perception on phones, it'll work for a silly war.
23. Re:Ok by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 05:24 · Score: 1
  
  If there's any aspect of a phone that induces claustrophobia in you, the problem is you and not the phone. And it's a serious problem, the kind that requires a team of psychiatrists and mountains of drugs to fix.
24. Re:Ok by I8TheWorm · 2011-01-11 05:28 · Score: 1, Informative
  
  Check out wirefly.com, they have deals with all the carriers and might be able to squeeze something out for you possibly including buying a CDMA version outright (I haven't bothered to check).
  On another note, I deal with mobile apps and watch a lot of the carrier bashing going on. It really boils down to what's better for you in your area and if you travel much.
  AT&T's network wasn't ready for the flood of iPhones, while Verizon has been ramping up. However, AT&T gets 7.2mbps on 3g while Verizon gets about 1mbps. Verizon has much more 3g coverage than AT&T does.
  
  --
  Saying Android is a family of phones is akin to saying Linux is a family of PCs.
25. Re:Ok by alen · 2011-01-11 05:29 · Score: 1
  
  this is business, not grade school
  you promote your products and bash the competition
26. Re:Ok by Desler · 2011-01-11 05:30 · Score: 1
  
  Yes, but they will give you minute differences in their prices to get you to come over. It's not like they are going to get in a bidding war that actually reduces prices by anything all that major. Otherwise, both sides ends up losing tons of the profit margins on those plans. That's the reason why they upsell data so much.
27. Re:Ok by I8TheWorm · 2011-01-11 05:30 · Score: 4, Insightful
  
  Which phone did you buy? My Galaxy S trumps my iPhone 3gs in every aspect (I never bothered to get an iPhone 4). I keep reading how sluggish Android is (note, not reality there... Android is an OS, iPhone is hardware) and have yet to see it on the Galaxy S, Incredible, and Blackflip.
  Honestly, I think people are either making it up or buying really low end hardware and allowing every app they've installed to run in the background.
  
  --
  Saying Android is a family of phones is akin to saying Linux is a family of PCs.
28. Re:Ok by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 05:30 · Score: 0
  
  What is a Verizon MiWi? Searching the Verizon site turns up nothing, Wikipedia states that MiWi is a WPAN tech.
29. Re:Ok by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 05:35 · Score: 0
  
  Looks like I know what I'm getting the wife for Valentine's Day :)
  
  You have to think this through, buddy.
  
  Would she really prefer an iPhone 4 on Verizon over a vibrating butt plug with clit tickler and 12 rechargeable batteries?
30. Re:Ok by Kilrah_il · 2011-01-11 05:37 · Score: 1
  
  1) Glad to make you happy. I knew you were concerned, so that is why I informed you :)
  2) The Pre 2 and WebOS 2.0 are way better than iOS and Android, so I don't feel like I am stuck in the past. You should try it.
  P.S. I am not a HP/Palm representative, just a fanboy.
  
  --
  Whenever in an argument, remember this.
31. Re:Ok by morgan_greywolf · 2011-01-11 05:41 · Score: 3
  
  Exactly. There is no conflict of interest. It isn't like you can either be in the iPhone camp or the Android camp and never the twain shall meet.
  Verizon customers asked for an iPhone, they delivered it. End of story. Do you think for one second they'll stop selling the Motorola Droid phones? Of course they won't. Verizon never met a dollar they didn't like.
  
  --
  My blog
32. Re:Ok by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 05:41 · Score: 2
  
  Dude, you blew my mind there! It was like, I'm totally thinking of 1984, and everyone was thinking about 1984, but then you MADE a POST about 1984. You wrote the obvious thing everyone was thinking! And then you linked to it! HOLY SHIT!
33. Re:Ok by fuzzyfuzzyfungus · 2011-01-11 05:42 · Score: 1
  
  Looks like a typo in GP: Verizon offers Novatel's "MiFi" device. It's a small, battery powered, embedded device with a cell modem and a wifi access point. Connects to the cell provider's network, distributes the sweet, sweet, internet to one or more nearby wifi-equipped devices.
34. Re:Ok by Coren22 · 2011-01-11 05:53 · Score: 1
  
  It works quite well too, battery life around 8 hrs continuous use. Only 5 devices max though, but I can't imagine actually using more devices at once over a cell connection.
  
  --
  APK likes to ask for responses to the same things over and over. Maybe he just likes the responses?
35. Re:Ok by Coren22 · 2011-01-11 05:55 · Score: 1
  
  Honestly, I think people are either making it up or buying really low end hardware and allowing every app they've installed to run in the background.
  Which there is no excuse for right now as the Incredible, X, and 2 are around $50 w/ contract.
  
  --
  APK likes to ask for responses to the same things over and over. Maybe he just likes the responses?
36. Re:Ok by genghisjahn · 2011-01-11 06:00 · Score: 1
  
  Remember last year when the Earth blew up? You'd think people would remember something like that.
  
  --
  Sorry about the mess.
37. Re:Ok by Quiet_Desperation · 2011-01-11 06:03 · Score: 1
  
  high enough tolerance for absurd contradictions
  Or simple recognition that advertising bullshit is bullshit. Who cares what the ad firm they hired put in some commercial? People really sit around and worry about this shit? Seriously, scrubbing the party line? People think like that about commercials for cell phones?
38. Re:Ok by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 06:06 · Score: 0
  
  To be fair, though, things also change.
  
  When I bought a Macbook Pro, I had a friend who made fun of me, since I used to make fun of Macs and say that PCs were superior when I was a lot younger. But my response was that "things change": 1. The Mac of today is totally different from the Mac of 10 years ago, when I made those comments; 2. I've grown and learned quite a lot since then. I now have a more balanced and informed viewpoint.
  
  Similarly when Apple switched from to Intel chips, this could be seen as a contradiction because they used to say that Intel was no good and PowerPC architecture was awesome. But the fact is that over the years things changed, until it reached a point where Intel chips could do everything Apple needed, at a better price, and so on.
  
  I'm not saying that company press releases can't be hypocritical. They are indeed often full of lies and are only meant to serve a short-term marketing purpose. Nevertheless, we're better off just judging companies by what they are currently doing and saying. They feel no remorse about being hypocritical, and smugly pointing out that a company is contradicting itself doesn't affect the company one iota. So there's no need to have a long memory. We're better off just pointing out when companies are wrong when they spout lies, and leave it at that.
39. Re:Ok by isleshocky77 · 2011-01-11 06:08 · Score: 5, Informative
  
  Just happened to be reading the FAQ's.
  http://support.vzw.com/faqs/iphone/iphone_faq.html#item12
  
  5. Do I need to sign up for a 2 year agreement? When purchasing iPhone at the 2 year promotional price a new agreement is required. However, you will also have the option to purchase iPhone at full retail price, which will not require you to sign a long-term agreement.
40. Re:Ok by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 06:09 · Score: 0
  
  I just have to say I have the Virgin Mobile version of the MiFi. $40/mo, unlimited data, no contract. I get download speeds of about 150KB/s. Works great with the iPod Touch.
41. Re:Ok by H0p313ss · 2011-01-11 06:26 · Score: 1
  
  Just stop saying what you were saying before, scrub it from visible locations where possible, then begin emitting the new party line. Most people have sufficiently short memories, or high enough tolerance for absurd contradictions, that they won't bat an eye. The people who don't fit in this category will never be satisfied, so why bother worrying about them?
  We have always been at war with Eastasia.
  
  --
  XML is a known as a key material required to create SMD: Software of Mass Destruction
42. Re:Ok by s73v3r · 2011-01-11 06:27 · Score: 2
  
  Hey, due to the recession, they repossessed my refrigerator box.
43. Re:Ok by fortfive · 2011-01-11 06:29 · Score: 1
  
  You underestimate the power of the invisible handshake.
44. Re:Ok by bigpat · 2011-01-11 06:45 · Score: 1
  
  Honestly, I think people are either making it up or buying really low end hardware and allowing every app they've installed to run in the background.
  I am exactly that person. I have loaded up a bunch of apps that run in the background and I have a relatively low end original T-Mobile MyTouch.
  I really dislike the iPhone app model of having to go through the iPhone appstore to install new software, but I think to be really great and better than the iPhone Google needs to provide android users the tools they need to really make the experience better even on low end hardware that can't do as much multitasking and background services as this year's models. Otherwise users will be trying to run this year's latest software on last years hardware and judging the platform on that experience.
45. Re:Ok by HeLLFiRe1151 · 2011-01-11 06:57 · Score: 1
  
  It also works well for political party agendas.
  
  --
  I've got 101 mod points and you can't have them!
46. Re:Ok by I8TheWorm · 2011-01-11 07:03 · Score: 1
  
  My only complaint about my Android is having to install a task killer. Sometimes I hit it and find it's killed a number of apps that aren't in the ignore list. So I suppose the real complaint is apps randomly starting themselves, with no apparent way to prevent that.
  I'm still on 2.1 though, maybe this is solved in 2.2 or 2.3?
  
  --
  Saying Android is a family of phones is akin to saying Linux is a family of PCs.
47. Re:Ok by prockcore · 2011-01-11 07:09 · Score: 1
  
  It's also limited to "AT&T's network is shit and Verizon's network is good".
  (Sitting at my desk with "no signal" on my AT&T iPhone).
48. Re:Ok by Tran · 2011-01-11 07:15 · Score: 1
  
  I am also on the MyTouch - got it about a year ago, and compared to my first gen ipod touch, the entire Android experience sucks on this platform.
  I am very diligent in making sure I quit every application instead of backgrounding them. I uninstall any apps that will not let themselves be exited.
  Still, I can launch apps faster, particularly browsing sessions on the ipod touch, even if I have to keep starting the browser on the touch when clicking on a link in another app.
  When T-Mobile updated to Android 2.x, it was an unmitigated disaster. Didn't take long for an update (4 weeks?) to come out that resolved the issue for the most part and put it back to its normal slow self instead of extra extra slow.
  Personally I can't wait till T-Mobile offers the iPhone, they provide the best coverage in my area of usage, and having a family plan makes it harder to switch.
49. Re:Ok by massysett · 2011-01-11 07:19 · Score: 1
  
  My only grip is Verizon not even offering the full price option. I hate the idea of the 2 year contract, and would rather just pay the full cost to not have to deal with it.
  Why? Have you done the math on this? The problem with paying full price for the handset on ATT or Verizon is that it does not get you a discount on your monthly service. That monthly service fee is higher so that you pay for the discounted or "free" device you got at the outset. So in other words if you pay the full retail price you will pay for your device twice: when you buy it, and with the monthly service fee.
  If you really hate the contract, you can do what I do and set aside the cost for the termination fee up front, just in case you have to pay it. Or you can get prepaid or Tmobile, where there are options so that your monthly fee is not jacked up to pay for "free" devices. But you only hurt yourself if you pay full price on ATT or Verizon. The only reason to do that is because you dropped your phone in a sewer and you aren't eligible for upgrade yet.
  
  --
  Penny - plain text accounting
50. Re:Ok by Belial6 · 2011-01-11 07:23 · Score: 1
  
  Funny, when my wife and son's MyTouch updated to 2.2, everything worked great from day one. I will give you that the default browser on Android is really slow.
51. Re:Ok by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 07:38 · Score: 0
  
  Same way Apple backpeddled about the "Pentium Crushing Power" of the Chip they were using, when they switched to Intel Chips..
52. Re:Ok by Sancho · 2011-01-11 07:38 · Score: 1
  
  Which phone did you buy? My Galaxy S trumps my iPhone 3gs in every aspect (I never bothered to get an iPhone 4). I keep reading how sluggish Android is (note, not reality there... Android is an OS, iPhone is hardware) and have yet to see it on the Galaxy S, Incredible, and Blackflip.
  Honestly, I think people are either making it up or buying really low end hardware and allowing every app they've installed to run in the background.
  The thing is, Apple cheats. To get the UI speeds, they render only partially. Take an iOS device, load a long webpage (like a slashdot page with all of the comments expanded) and scroll down really fast. The scrolling is like butter, but once you get a certain way down the page, you see a placeholder for rendered content and the phone then has to catch up. Android's browser renders and scrolls the whole thing seamlessly, which means there can be some judder (I've seen it on Galaxy S phones as well) but there's no waiting once you actually get to the content you're looking for.
  The upshot of the iPhone method is that scrolling is smooth. For the content which is already rendered, I can much more easily hit my target on the page, as long as it's within a page or two (scrollways) of my starting location.
  Personally, I prefer the instant feedback when scrolling. I generally feel like I'm moving a physical object when scrolling on an iOS device, whereas with Android, I feel like I'm using a gesture UI. There's nothing wrong with either--it's personal preference.
53. Re:Ok by metamatic · 2011-01-11 07:52 · Score: 1
  
  More importantly, what excuse are iPhone fanboys going to use in a couple of months, when this fails to reverse the trend of Apple's sliding share of the smartphone market? First excuse I saw today was "Oh, everyone's going to be waiting for iPhone 5", but I'm sure the fanboys here can do better.
  
  --
  GCHQ Quantum Insert installed. If only our tongues were made of glass, how much more careful we would be when we speak
54. Re:Ok by Duradin · 2011-01-11 08:02 · Score: 1
  
  Perhaps "Apple doesn't have to give them away for free like Droid does."
55. Re:Ok by node+3 · 2011-01-11 08:06 · Score: 1
  
  Most people have sufficiently short memories, or high enough tolerance for absurd contradictions, that they won't bat an eye.
  In other words, most people are able to adapt to changing circumstances and their brains don't lock up when encountering logical (i.e., verbal), but not actual (i.e. physically existing), contradictions.
  
  The people who don't fit in this category will never be satisfied, so why bother worrying about them?
  The people who don't fit this category are doomed to a life of frustration and will often disparage those less encumbered by an irrational over application of logic.
  Of course, there are upsides too, but they don't really apply here. I'm just providing some perspective that people aren't as stupid or lacking of character or whatever values the above comments carry with them.
56. Re:Ok by lostmongoose · 2011-01-11 08:23 · Score: 1
  
  Do you load up everything you possibly can on your PC and let it all run in the background and then complain cause your PC is slow? No? Then why do it on your phone? This isn't the phones fault. Either work with the phone's hardware limitations or get a new one. Complaining that the phone is slow because you've let apps gorge themselves on it's RAM and CPU cycles just makes you look like an idiot.
57. Re:Ok by rwven · 2011-01-11 08:26 · Score: 2
  
  I went from an iPhone to a Galaxy S, and it's horrid. EVERYTHING lags, Samsung has been promising updates for 6 months now...and has yet to deliver one, and various aspects of the OS randomly flip out and stop working properly. (ex: When disabling bluetooth, it tries to connect to a remote sim, and gives a permanent notification bar announcement that it's "connected to null." Or the fact that I have to use a 3rd party program to keep my phone from shutting itself off randomly (Captivate Keep Alive))
  I really like some of the features, namely the account syncing abilities, but overall the phone is a pile of junk.
58. Re:Ok by I8TheWorm · 2011-01-11 08:38 · Score: 1
  
  Wow, just weird. Not only do I not have those problems, I've not seen anything from Samsung regarding updates, outside of Froyo or Gingerbread.
  
  --
  Saying Android is a family of phones is akin to saying Linux is a family of PCs.
59. Re:Ok by shoehornjob · 2011-01-11 09:11 · Score: 1
  
  but as any company, their goal is to say whatever maximizes this quarter's profit
  This seems to be the prevailing strategy in business lately. It seems that this strategy goes hand in hand with corporate greed and reckless investments. If anyone one wants to know the problem with our economy they need look no further. Just sayin.
  
  --
  "We are just a war away from Amerikastan. When god vs god the undoing of man." Dave Mustaine
60. Re:Ok by jbolden · 2011-01-11 09:22 · Score: 1
  
  Why would this be a problem
  1) We think Droids are better than iPhones
  2) We sell iPhones and Droids
  Where is the contradiction?
61. Re:Ok by jbolden · 2011-01-11 09:23 · Score: 1
  
  If you break your contract you just pay a penalty I think its like $150. So what's the difference?
62. Re:Ok by shutdown+-p+now · 2011-01-11 10:05 · Score: 2
  
  I went from Nexus One to iPhone 4 a month ago because I was tired with stutter and lagging while scrolling lists, touch not registering every now and then, and some apps (most notably Market - a stock app!) crashing and hanging with surprising regularity.
63. Re:Ok by anegg · 2011-01-11 10:42 · Score: 1
  
  Can you explain how the latter works for tethering and with hotspots?
64. Re:Ok by camperslo · 2011-01-11 11:28 · Score: 1
  
  It also works well for political party agendas.
  It can be a bit surprising and sometimes funny to hear forgotten words of some famous politicians...
  (please don't be put off by the title the poster chose for this video)
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3f0A_P9kNBc
  Verizon ads attacking AT&T coverage are far more memorable than any spots they co-sponsored for the Droid. Android and iPhone offerings have evolved, ads about old products are really irrelevant now.
  It'll be interesting to see how Verizon handles the added traffic. At least they've got a pretty good idea what they're facing and it's not the first they're seeing of phones that browse well enough to see heavy use.
65. Re:Ok by macs4all · 2011-01-11 12:08 · Score: 0
  
  What is a Verizon MiWi? Searching the Verizon site turns up nothing, Wikipedia states that MiWi is a WPAN tech.
  Yep. A typo. MiWi is actually a trademark of Microchip (PIC microcontrollers), and pertains to their IEEE 802.15.4 wireless data products, and, other than sharing the 2.4 GHz frequency band, has nothing to do with MiFi.
66. Re:Ok by B1ackDragon · 2011-01-11 18:45 · Score: 1
  
  Personally, I prefer the instant feedback when scrolling. I generally feel like I'm moving a physical object when scrolling on an iOS device, whereas with Android, I feel like I'm using a gesture UI. There's nothing wrong with either--it's personal preference.
  I've thought about this exactly, that apple does a great job of making their devices seem physical instead of virtual. (Please excuse the handwavy language.)
  
  One can call it personal preference, but in reality I think a lot of people's preferences lean that way because it's ingrained in their heads. When they move an object with their finger, certain basal parts of the brain expect that object to react in a smooth, predictable manner, and this is decoupled from the expectation of the information they want to see scrawled on the object (the webpage). This was important even back in keyboard and mouse days (old linux window managers would give an option to just show an empty rectangle when you dragged a window so that the movement and placement was smooth), but now we're literally pushing things around like they're representations of the physical world.
  
  And it's a hell of a lot nicer to use a device that agrees with built-in models of reality. I dunno if apple has patented that very idea or what, but it's all over iOS and conspicuously absent in Android. Fluid screen rotation, resistance to overscroll and springback, acceleration and deceleration of page flipping and scrolling... and simple framerate (though the Droid 2 is admittedly getting a lot closer in that last regard).
  
  --
  The snow doesn't give a soft white damn whom it touches. -- ee cummings
67. Re:Ok by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 19:29 · Score: 0
  
  Verizon never met a dollar they didn't like.
  That may be true in dollars, but I'm sure they can't say the same for a certain 20 cents.
68. Re:Ok by BasilBrush · 2011-01-11 23:17 · Score: 1
  
  Thanks so much for that link. I had no idea about Reagan's past.
  I've just read up on it in Wikipedia. Apparently when he switched from Democrat to Republican, he said "I didn't leave the Democratic party. The party left me." This recording gives the lie to that claim.
69. Re:Ok by BasilBrush · 2011-01-11 23:30 · Score: 1
  
  If you make a phone with multitasking apps, then people are of course going to allow every app they've installed run in the background. If a phone user needs to manage the performance of their phone by working out if and when they should close apps, then the phone designers have failed on the most fundamental level.
70. Re:Ok by BasilBrush · 2011-01-11 23:53 · Score: 1
  
  Do you load up everything you possibly can on your PC and let it all run in the background and then complain cause your PC is slow? No? Then why do it on your phone?
  Because one is a PC and the other is fucking phone. I'm accustomed to the fact that I need to manage what applications I have open on a PC and the screen is large enough that the information of what applications are open is always visible.
  With a phone, I just want to take it out of my pocket and do something quick with it and then put it back again. The expectation with phones is that you don't need to manually manage what apps are open for performance reasons.
  It would better if we didn't have to manually manage which apps are open for performance reasons on either class of device. But PCs evolved in a way that makes that difficult to pull off. Phones didn't. The best phones don't require manual management of open apps for performance reasons, so why would I put up with a phone that does require it?
71. Re:Ok by BasilBrush · 2011-01-11 23:58 · Score: 1
  
  What excuse are you going to use when iOS is ahead of Android in a couple of months time?
72. Re:Ok by I8TheWorm · 2011-01-12 04:08 · Score: 1
  
  I don't agree at all. Most people I know that use Blackberries or Androids run a minimum of apps at a time, realizing that the device has limitations.
  I use all three (switch SIM cards in and out... I write mobile software). I really hate Apples "multi-tasking" which is far from it, and get tired of the app I'm switching back to having to load up each time. I also hate that lists are really paged and I have to wait for the next group to load.
  Blackberry still has some awful memory leaks and the UI still leaves a lot to be desired. Their devices still lack the resources to compete with most Androids and the iPhone.
  Android certainly has it's faults for the average user, but I don't see the users I know running 42 apps at a time on theirs.
  
  --
  Saying Android is a family of phones is akin to saying Linux is a family of PCs.
73. Re:Ok by metamatic · 2011-01-12 04:23 · Score: 1
  
  That I'm dreaming.
  
  --
  GCHQ Quantum Insert installed. If only our tongues were made of glass, how much more careful we would be when we speak
74. Re:Ok by Sancho · 2011-01-12 07:06 · Score: 1
  
  You're probably right.
  For me, though, the scrolling is the big pet peeve I have with Android. All of the rest of the things that iOS does in this regard are nice, but they don't tend to bug me.
75. Re:Ok by BasilBrush · 2011-01-12 10:09 · Score: 1
  
  I don't agree at all. Most people I know that use Blackberries or Androids run a minimum of apps at a time, realizing that the device has limitations.
  I use all three (switch SIM cards in and out... I write mobile software).
  Then you are not a typical user, and I guess your friends aren't either.
  
  I really hate Apples "multi-tasking" which is far from it, and get tired of the app I'm switching back to having to load up each time.
  What are you talking about? They don't have to load each time. They remain in memory, and switching to them takes no longer than the Core Animation transition. Unless you run out of memory, in which case it doesn't matter what OS you have, something's going to have to get unloaded from RAM. Here's a video showing switching between multiple running apps. It's instant.
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0WdfJbb8lI
  
  I also hate that lists are really paged and I have to wait for the next group to load.
  Lists aren't loaded by group. Each cell is requested individually from the App. Provided you properly reuse cells as shown in the docs, there's no reason why the user should be kept waiting. It's essentially the same with other platforms I've seen. What's the alternative? Putting everything in an array before displaying the list? That's not scalable.
76. Re:Ok by BasilBrush · 2011-01-12 10:11 · Score: 1
  
  Obviously your worst nightmare. Better get used to it: with added sales from Verizon, iPhone is definitely going to be back ahead of Android.
The good and bad... by imamac · 2011-01-11 04:41 · Score: 4, Insightful

Good: Free tethering. Bad: No simultaneous voice/data.
1. Re:The good and bad... by yincrash · 2011-01-11 04:43 · Score: 0
  
  free tethering
  citation needed
2. Re:The good and bad... by Pojut · 2011-01-11 04:44 · Score: 1
  
  Bad: No simultaneous voice/data.
  I hear people constantly bringing this up, but I fail to see why it's such a big deal. Be honest, AT&T iPhone owners: how often do you really use this feature? I'm sure there are certain folks (mostly those who use the iPhone for business purposes) where that's a big deal...but come on, for the average person, they will rarely if ever even notice.
  
  --
  Living With a Nerd
3. Re:The good and bad... by TheCRAIGGERS · 2011-01-11 04:45 · Score: 1
  
  I've been on CDMA for years, and this has never impacted me. I don't need Pandora playing while I'm trying to talk, and I don't care if my Youtube video stops caching in the background. I can't speak for the iPhone, but Android is smart enough to automatically resume a download after a call.
4. Re:The good and bad... by TooMuchToDo · 2011-01-11 04:47 · Score: 5, Insightful
  
  Want to reference an email in Gmail while on a phone call? Doesn't work. Want to look at Google Maps to give directions while you're on the phone with someone? Doesn't work. Yes, no data/voice simultaneously is a big deal.
5. Re:The good and bad... by Monkeedude1212 · 2011-01-11 04:47 · Score: 1
  
  I'm a little confused by whats meant by that.
  Does that mean if you are downloading a video from Youtube you won't be able to receive calls?
  Or just simply your downloads pause while talking on the phone?
6. Re:The good and bad... by imamac · 2011-01-11 04:47 · Score: 1, Troll
  
  I use it daily. Once you have it, you don;t want to loose it.
7. Re:The good and bad... by XxtraLarGe · 2011-01-11 04:48 · Score: 1
  
  I hear people constantly bringing this up, but I fail to see why it's such a big deal. Be honest, AT&T iPhone owners: how often do you really use this feature?
  My car broke down and I had to call my insurance company. They wanted to know the street address of my location. I was broke down outside a McDonald's. I had to leave my car, walk into the restaurant, and ask for the manager, since none of the underlings knew the street address. If I lived in a 3G area instead of Edge, I would have used that feature in a heartbeat.
  
  --
  Taking guns away from the 99% gives the 1% 100% of the power.
8. Re:The good and bad... by imamac · 2011-01-11 04:49 · Score: 4, Informative
  
  Voice calls take priority--any data needs are paused while on a call.
9. Re:The good and bad... by radish · 2011-01-11 04:50 · Score: 1
  
  When the iphone first launched on at&t it had the same restriction. The problem I had was that when using data (which I do a lot) incoming phone calls would go straight to voicemail. No idea if Verizon works the same way, but it was incredibly annoying at the time.
  
  --
  ---- Den ene knappen er powerknapp, den andre er Bender voice knapp "Bite My Shiny Metal Ass"
10. Re:The good and bad... by nomadic · 2011-01-11 04:51 · Score: 1
  
  Huh, google maps doesn't give directions while you're on the phone already on AT&T.
11. Re:The good and bad... by wygit · 2011-01-11 04:53 · Score: 1
  
  Mostly looking up maps while talking to someone.
  Or telling someone about something I saw on Amazon, and checking a feature...
  Or talking about an movie and checking IMDB to see who played *that* role in it.
  No, it's not necessary, just like 99% of the other features of smartphones.
12. Re:The good and bad... by metrometro · 2011-01-11 04:53 · Score: 1
  
  The Data/Phone overlap problem has two grim issues: Route navigation while on the phone and referencing email. Both could be improved with some local caching.
  Email is cached locally, but only if you've opened the message before. I don't know the exact setup.
  Maps: nothing local, which is a pain. I'm not sure why Google Maps can't stash some map tiles on my phone and update them periodicly. It's not like it doesn't know where I spend most of my time [insert own basement/Bear Party joke here].
13. Re:The good and bad... by Pojut · 2011-01-11 04:54 · Score: 1
  
  I don't know how it works on the iPhone, but you can easily reference an email on an Android phone so long as the push has already been sent to your phone. You don't need an active connection to read them (again, as long as the push has reached your phone.)
  Of course, you could just connect to a wifi network, and that won't matter...
  
  --
  Living With a Nerd
14. Re:The good and bad... by Desler · 2011-01-11 04:55 · Score: 1
  
  Be honest, AT&T iPhone owners: how often do you really use this feature?
  
  I'm not an iPhone user, but on my various 3G android phones I use it all the time. Especially in the car where the phone is also being used as the GPS device. It would be a severe crippling of functionality to lose my navigation data connection just because I get a call from someone.
15. Re:The good and bad... by wygit · 2011-01-11 04:55 · Score: 1
  
  It's like anything else.. you can't miss what you've never had.
  To the people who use it, it would be missed.
  No, I don't do Pandora, but I do occasionally use maps, Google, etc, while talking.
16. Re:The good and bad... by BrianRoach · 2011-01-11 04:56 · Score: 1
  
  It's a map. You're looking at it. You're talking to someone. *You're* giving directions to them, using your voice. On a phone.
  Presumably because they don't have a smartphone, otherwise you'd just email them the address and tell them to punch it into their map app.
17. Re:The good and bad... by Desler · 2011-01-11 04:56 · Score: 1
  
  Huh, google maps doesn't give directions while you're on the phone already on AT&T.
  You would be quite wrong. I've failed to mute navigation before and it has continued to give directions while I've been talking to someone. I wish it WOULD mute itself.
18. Re:The good and bad... by TooMuchToDo · 2011-01-11 04:57 · Score: 3, Insightful
  
  True. But if you're on the phone and they say "Sending you the email now", you're boned. You'll have to hang up, allow the data transmission, and then call them back.
  And if there is a wifi network around, more likely I'm using a laptop and not my phone.
19. Re:The good and bad... by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 04:57 · Score: 0
  
  Verizon and the word free do not go together, no citation needed as it is evident in verizon's entire history.
20. Re:The good and bad... by Desler · 2011-01-11 04:58 · Score: 1
  
  Of course, you could just connect to a wifi network, and that won't matter...
  WiFi doesn't exist everywhere...
21. Re:The good and bad... by TooMuchToDo · 2011-01-11 04:59 · Score: 1
  
  I should've been more clear. 1) Someone calls me, asks me for directions to get where I'm at, provides their location 2) I punch into Google Maps, and speak back to them because they either don't have a data plan or a smart phone
  I have a Nexus One on T-Mobile and voice and data work together just fine, and the situation I presented as occurred before.
22. Re:The good and bad... by Lugae · 2011-01-11 05:03 · Score: 1
  
  If my car broke down, and I had to call my insurance company, I'd assume they'd want to know WHERE my car broke down. I'd get that information before placing the call, because if I was the phone operator, the last thing I'd want to hear was, "Hold on. Let me look up where I am now that I have you on the line."
23. Re:The good and bad... by putch · 2011-01-11 05:03 · Score: 1
  
  yeah, definitely won't be free. at least not w/o a jailbreak. It's verizon we're talking about. they don't do free.
  
  --
  just because I don't care doesn't mean I don't understand!
24. Re:The good and bad... by rwven · 2011-01-11 05:03 · Score: 1
  
  The main thing that would be a big problem is that I frequently play WoW over my phone while tethering on AT&T. If I had verizon, was using the hotspot, got a call, and got disconnected from WoW, that would be supremely irritating.
25. Re:The good and bad... by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 05:04 · Score: 0
  
  um, Google Maps does that now, since about mid-December:
  http://www.mobileburn.com/news.jsp?Id=12103
26. Re:The good and bad... by morgan_greywolf · 2011-01-11 05:04 · Score: 2
  
  FTFA:
  
  Over the last year, analysts and pundits insisted that Apple would never launch an iPhone on Verizon’s outdated CDMA network. Instead they said Verizon would launch the iPhone on its lighting fast LTE 4G network... they were wrong.
  Why did Verizon launch on the older, slower nextwork? "The first gen LTE chipsets force design changes we wouldn't make," said Apple's Tim Cook. "And Verizon customers told us they want the iPhone now. I can't tell you the number of times we've been asked, 'when will it work on Verizon.'"
  It ain't 4G, so no simultaneous voice and data.
  
  --
  My blog
27. Re:The good and bad... by Pojut · 2011-01-11 05:05 · Score: 1
  
  ::shrug:; I dunno, I guess it just seems like a non-issue to me because of how little I use my phone as a phone. (my wife and I are on a family plan, and last month between the two of us we had 33 minutes used. This compared to nearly 600 text messages and about 1.5GB of data.)
  
  --
  Living With a Nerd
28. Re:The good and bad... by tlhIngan · 2011-01-11 05:06 · Score: 5, Informative
  
  When the iphone first launched on at&t it had the same restriction. The problem I had was that when using data (which I do a lot) incoming phone calls would go straight to voicemail. No idea if Verizon works the same way, but it was incredibly annoying at the time.
  That's because GPRS/EDGE baseband doesn't support simultaneous voice+data, because there's only one transceiver. All the UMTS (3G HSDPA/HSUPA/HSPA) ones, in order to get higher speeds use channel bonding and multiple data contexts, which requires additional transceivers on additional channels. When a voice call comes it, it's just a control message to shut down a data context, switch a transceiver to the voice channel, and continue. The only thing that you'll notice is the data comes in a bit slower.
  As for LTE support - LTE rollout isn't everywhere, and LTE at the moment is only guaranteed for data - the voice path has not been fully ratified yet. No doubt you can run VoIP, but I'm sure the carriers are trying to figure a wya to limit the built-in VoIP to their network only in nice high priority while other VoIP services get stuck with regular data services...
29. Re:The good and bad... by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 05:06 · Score: 1
  
  I use it all the time. Maybe it wouldn't be a big deal if I never got used to it. I expect this to bother AT&T converts more than ViPhone natives.
  Also think about the WiFi hotspot. Do you want your net connection dropping every time you receive a call?
30. Re:The good and bad... by larry+bagina · 2011-01-11 05:06 · Score: 1
  
  A bear party in the basement? I thought they closed down the geek compound.
  
  --
  Do you even lift?
  These aren't the 'roids you're looking for.
31. Re:The good and bad... by 1u3hr · 2011-01-11 05:07 · Score: 0
  
  But if you're on the phone and they say "Sending you the email now", you're boned. You'll have to hang up, allow the data transmission, and then call them back.
  Boned? As you said, you hang up, get the mail, redial. Costs you about three extra clicks and 5 seconds.
32. Re:The good and bad... by TooMuchToDo · 2011-01-11 05:07 · Score: 1
  
  I'm on a business plan, and burned *checks T-Mobile's portal* 5628 minutes last month, and almost 6GB of data. Different needs for different folks.
33. Re:The good and bad... by abbub · 2011-01-11 05:07 · Score: 1
  
  I can get directions and look at a map on my first generation iPod Touch and it remembers the data once I shut down the wifi link. I'm not sure why the iPhone would be any different? I use it all the time to get directions to a place while I'm at home on wifi and then use the Touch to get where I'm going.
34. Re:The good and bad... by SuperKendall · 2011-01-11 05:07 · Score: 1
  
  Yes the iPhone caches map data as well. Except that usually you don't pull up maps until you're already on the call. You're not saying that Android consumes bandwidth by AUTOMATICALLY downloading map data all the time, I would hope...
  
  --
  "There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
35. Re:The good and bad... by bsDaemon · 2011-01-11 05:11 · Score: 1
  
  There was no charge to use the GPS with Google Maps on Black Berry, even though it undercut the $5/mo or whatever they charge for the VZ Navigator. Of course, the Storm was the worst, pos phone ever made and i got rid of it a year ago for a 'dumb' phone. I may investigate this iPhone situation though.
36. Re:The good and bad... by TooMuchToDo · 2011-01-11 05:11 · Score: 1
  
  Doesn't look good with clients scout. With your friends? No big deal. $200K/year contract? Not so much. Doubly so when you're on a conference call about said contract.
37. Re:The good and bad... by XxtraLarGe · 2011-01-11 05:12 · Score: 1
  
  Good assumption. Usually you can give them a town & local business and they can locate you. I told them where I was, but they weren't able to find the address. Turns out even though the McDonald's was on a highway, because it was in a town, the highway had a local street name that wasn't on any sign that I could see.
  
  --
  Taking guns away from the 99% gives the 1% 100% of the power.
38. Re:The good and bad... by Pojut · 2011-01-11 05:15 · Score: 1
  
  Ah...lol, yeah, ok, I see where you're coming from :)
  Geebus...I don't think I've used that many minutes in the 14 years I've had a cell phone!
  
  --
  Living With a Nerd
39. Re:The good and bad... by mlts · 2011-01-11 05:15 · Score: 1
  
  I use this daily:
  1: On a call, and need to get an address from a phonebook for a friend, or a phone number.
  2: Calling to doublecheck weather because a relative is heading out of town.
  3: Hear about a cool new app, so flip to downloading it.
  4: While yapping on a long call, flip to E-mail to see if anything is going bad at work or elsewhere.
  5: While on a long call, pull up Facebook.
  So, not having this available is a deal-breaker.
40. Re:The good and bad... by stokessd · 2011-01-11 05:19 · Score: 1
  
  I use this feature all the time. I have a nice modidied Dension cradle in my car and I stream pandora and other media perpetually when I'm in the car. On Verizon, I'd never get a phone call when in the car.
  When talking to friends, wife, etc, it's super nice to be talking about something on the phone and fire of a photo and email it to them while talking.
  Being able to use google maps while on the phone is HUGE.
  Being able to look something up on the web while talking about it is big.
  I spent two years with an edge iPhone and let me tell you, the simultaneous voice and data was the best improvement in the 3G coverage. More so than speed even for my usage.
  Sheldon
41. Re:The good and bad... by Jim+Robinson+Jr. · 2011-01-11 05:19 · Score: 3, Informative
  
  I beg to differ. As a Blackberry user with this limitation I find it incredibly annoying. This is my ONLY phone device and I frequently spent 4-6 hours / day in con-call meetings. When someone says "here... I'll send you that number (or whatever)..." I can't get it until hanging up.
  While I agree that the lack of simultaneous voice/data will not impact everyone, don't discount the importance of that in the business world.
42. Re:The good and bad... by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 05:24 · Score: 0
  
  Want to have a phone call that doesn't drop the connection ... DOES Work
43. Re:The good and bad... by davew · 2011-01-11 05:26 · Score: 1
  
  I'm not on AT&T, since I'm not in the US, but my answer is: rarely, but when it's there, it's killer.
  So I was sitting in my driving instructor's car, in frozen weather, waiting to find out if my driving test was going ahead. (Yes, I'm a slacker for waiting so long.) I phoned the helpline, was in a queue, stuck the call on speaker, and started browsing the web page for updates. When they answered, I took the call off speaker and got the news I was after. (Sadly, it was cancelled, and I failed the rescheduled test. :-( )
  The following week, my driving instructor bought an iphone.
  Sure I could have done them sequentially, and sure, as it turns out, it only saved me a couple of minutes, and sure it's something that's rarely necessary. I probably wouldn't use it to decide my choice of carrier. But it's one hell of a nice-to-have.
44. Re:The good and bad... by shadowrat · 2011-01-11 05:31 · Score: 1
  
  I have it (iphone 4 on at&t). It's hard to say if i would miss it or not. I have, on occasion, looked something up on google maps while on the phone with someone. I didn't stop and appreciate how blessed i was at that moment, and those occasions have been relatively few and far between. It doesn't seem like telling the other person to hang up while i get the info and call them back would be that big a deal.
  
  maybe i would have been annoyed the 3 - 5 times i actually had to use the feature if it wasn't there. It's far more annoying to not get cell service at my desk. If the verizon iphones truly do have a rock solid signal here, i'll be a tad jealous.
45. Re:The good and bad... by Sylak · 2011-01-11 05:31 · Score: 1
  
  if you're on a conference call like that, you should either be at a computer, (thus presumably on a real phone) or too busy focusing on the call so you can say "I'll send you that e-mail once we're done here"
46. Re:The good and bad... by D+Ninja · 2011-01-11 05:32 · Score: 1
  
  Not trying to troll...but where did they say that? I mean, they support tethering and hotspots on the Droid platform, but it's most definitely not free. (Well, if you root the phone it is...but...) Typically, when you connect with your web browser through the tether/hotspot, Verizon pops up a message asking for $$$ to your plan before you can connect. Did I miss something in TFA?
47. Re:The good and bad... by I8TheWorm · 2011-01-11 05:32 · Score: 1
  
  It most certainly does... I do it from time to time.
  
  --
  Saying Android is a family of phones is akin to saying Linux is a family of PCs.
48. Re:The good and bad... by I8TheWorm · 2011-01-11 05:34 · Score: 1
  
  Yup, and convenience. But who wants that?
  
  --
  Saying Android is a family of phones is akin to saying Linux is a family of PCs.
49. Re:The good and bad... by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 05:34 · Score: 0
  
  I use it daily. Once you have it, you don;t want to loose it.
  What if you want to tighten it?
50. Re:The good and bad... by oryan_dunn · 2011-01-11 05:36 · Score: 1
  
  Say you're making use of the new hotspot feature on you're new iPhone and get a call.
51. Re:The good and bad... by squiggleslash · 2011-01-11 05:36 · Score: 2
  
  People whose car breaks down in the middle of nowhere are renowned for their ability to remain calm and logically think every step through in advance... ;-)
  
  --
  You are not alone. This is not normal. None of this is normal.
52. Re:The good and bad... by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 05:37 · Score: 1
  
  Sir, I sincerely hope you are speaking in jest.
53. Re:The good and bad... by I8TheWorm · 2011-01-11 05:41 · Score: 1
  
  Two things. One, it's the network that doesn't allow simultaneous communication. So if you hadn't planned your entire trip and cached it, you're unable to do anything about it without getting off the phone first.
  Second, iPhone's multi-tasking is really nothing more than push and background services. So if something has happened to that cache you had in the meantime, it's gone and unrecoverable without data services.
  
  --
  Saying Android is a family of phones is akin to saying Linux is a family of PCs.
54. Re:The good and bad... by ThermalRunaway · 2011-01-11 05:41 · Score: 1
  
  There are a couple of instances where this sucks for me. I have a Droid X as my personal phone
  
  The worse is when your GF is yammering on and on about whatever and you don't have a data connection to play poke or check the scores or otherwise entertain your brain
55. Re:The good and bad... by NJRoadfan · 2011-01-11 05:42 · Score: 1
  
  Yes, people don't realize that UMTS phones have multiple radios. Its not magic to support both voice and data on them. A future LTE enabled iPhone will likely do it too, since it will have two radios (one for 850/1900Mhz CDMA2000 voice/3G EVDO data and one for 700Mhz LTE 4G data)
56. Re:The good and bad... by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 05:49 · Score: 0
  
  This is a huge deal. I travel for a living off the 3G network the ATT iPhone does not do voice/data either. Everytime a land some where and this us true it has a large impact on me.
  I'll frequently turn on my verizon hotspot so I can use the wifi and voice.
57. Re:The good and bad... by aclarke · 2011-01-11 05:51 · Score: 1
  
  Why?
  
  Clearly, the GP has "too much to do" to sit around waiting for conference calls all day in his/her office.
  
  Seriously, expand your mind about how a lot of business is done. Or don't. Meanwhile, the rest of us will be out enjoying our lives and our work too.
  
  --
  
  www.clarke.ca
58. Re:The good and bad... by commodore64_love · 2011-01-11 05:52 · Score: 1
  
  Yep! I used less than 10 minutes, no texts, and zero MB data.
  I'm on the $0/month plan.
  And 20 c/minute.
  
  --
  "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." - historian Evelyn Beatrice Hall
59. Re:The good and bad... by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 05:53 · Score: 0
  
  just because it's not useful for you doesn't mean that it's not useful for lots of other people.
60. Re:The good and bad... by DrgnDancer · 2011-01-11 05:54 · Score: 4, Interesting
  
  I'm not going to say "I've never have had this happen", because in the nearly five years I've owned an iPhone it has... three times I think. It's not actually all that common because of a factor you're not considering. You can simultaneously use voice and wifi. Usually (not always obviously, but usually) when I need to reference Internet stuffs while on the phone I'm in a static location where there's wifi. I wouldn't complain about the problem going away, mind you, but it's not really a huge issue most of the time.
  
  --
  I don't need a million points of light, just two points of multi-mode fiber and a 10 Gig-E router.
61. Re:The good and bad... by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 05:55 · Score: 1
  
  True. But if you're on the phone and they say "Sending you the email now", you're boned. You'll have to hang up, allow the data transmission, and then call them back.
  And if there is a wifi network around, more likely I'm using a laptop and not my phone.
  Who modded this up? Does the mail server run on the phone?
62. Re:The good and bad... by Lumpy · 2011-01-11 05:57 · Score: 0
  
  Yes completely boned... Because if you hand up the person on the other end of the phone will die. You cant hang up! OMG! OMG! OMG!
  
  --
  Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.
63. Re:The good and bad... by jonbryce · 2011-01-11 05:59 · Score: 1
  
  You would get phone calls. Based on my experience with EDGE, when a phone call comes in, it would immediately hang up the internet connection. Then when the call is finished, you need to wait a few seconds for it to dial back into the internet, and a few seconds more for the app to realise there is a connection again.
64. Re:The good and bad... by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 06:03 · Score: 0
  
  Lack of simultaneous voice/data isn't as bad as it seems.
65. Re:The good and bad... by jeffmeden · 2011-01-11 06:03 · Score: 1
  
  Want to reference an email in Gmail while on a phone call? Doesn't work. Want to look at Google Maps to give directions while you're on the phone with someone? Doesn't work. Yes, no data/voice simultaneously is a big deal.
  O rly. Do you think the caller really wants to sit there on 'hold' listening to your fingers plod away on your phone's screen as you navigate around checking your email and pinch zooming google maps? No. Hang up and call them back. Not to mention the fact that gmail and google maps both cache all the data they need, so unless something happened AS you were talking, the data is already on your phone and you don't really need to download any more.
  Yes, there are use cases where simultaneous voice and data are integral. No, those use cases are not experienced by more than 1% of smartphone users. I bet less than 10% even know this is a limitation, having never even bothered to try it before.
66. Re:The good and bad... by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 06:04 · Score: 0
  
  The worse is when your GF is yammering on and on about whatever and you don't have a data connection to play poke or check the scores or otherwise entertain your brain
  The first part of the situation you describe being completely theoretical, of course.
67. Re:The good and bad... by Minwee · 2011-01-11 06:05 · Score: 1
  
  Want to reference an email in Gmail while on a phone call? Doesn't work. Want to look at Google Maps to give directions while you're on the phone with someone? Doesn't work.
  It seems to me that the solution to the problem is to store your email and maps on the phone. That works just fine for me. Why do you need to complicate the network instead?
68. Re:The good and bad... by jeffmeden · 2011-01-11 06:06 · Score: 1
  
  I hear people constantly bringing this up, but I fail to see why it's such a big deal. Be honest, AT&T iPhone owners: how often do you really use this feature?
  My car broke down and I had to call my insurance company. They wanted to know the street address of my location. I was broke down outside a McDonald's. I had to leave my car, walk into the restaurant, and ask for the manager, since none of the underlings knew the street address. If I lived in a 3G area instead of Edge, I would have used that feature in a heartbeat.
  So your answer is... one time? and because you were too incompetent to conjure a street address based on local signage OR simply access it before making the call? Wow. Deal breaker.
69. Re:The good and bad... by jeffmeden · 2011-01-11 06:09 · Score: 1
  
  I beg to differ. As a Blackberry user with this limitation I find it incredibly annoying. This is my ONLY phone device and I frequently spent 4-6 hours / day in con-call meetings. When someone says "here... I'll send you that number (or whatever)..." I can't get it until hanging up.
  While I agree that the lack of simultaneous voice/data will not impact everyone, don't discount the importance of that in the business world.
  Apparently, the bajillion blackberry subscribers on Verizon and Sprint have, as you say, "discounted" that feature. Maybe it's because if you are mobile and serious about business, you have a usb or built-in 3g data device for your computer anyhow.
70. Re:The good and bad... by Tharsman · 2011-01-11 06:09 · Score: 1
  
  True. But if you're on the phone and they say "Sending you the email now", you're boned. You'll have to hang up, allow the data transmission, and then call them back.
  And if there is a wifi network around, more likely I'm using a laptop and not my phone.
  If you use Skype to handle your voice calls, though, you will always be running under "data" and be able to go to your email without hanging. I know it's an extra cost but I already pay it to have "home phone" off sorts in my computer. I think Google Voice is now offering a similar tool completely free, have not bothered to try it out.
71. Re:The good and bad... by Overzeetop · 2011-01-11 06:10 · Score: 1
  
  With most of my stuff in "the cloud," any time I have to look up something other than (say) a calendar date, I connect to the network to access it. Evernote, Livedrive, Dropbox, Mail (okay, not the bit that's already there, but if I have to search gmail...).
  Does it happen often? Not excessively, but then again I rarely hit 500 minutes a month and 70MB in data - but usually when I need it, I really need it.
  The only thing I will envy is the hotspot, though it will prbably cost so much it won't be worth it. I expect it will require the "high data" plan and a hotspot fee when the full rate sheet comes out. I'm not willing to shell out the extra $360/yr to do it on ATT ($10 extra for 2G plan plus $20 tethering fee), I wouldn't pay that much for it on Verizon.
  
  --
  Is it just my observation, or are there way too many stupid people in the world?
72. Re:The good and bad... by dkuntz · 2011-01-11 06:10 · Score: 1
  
  I know with Sprint, as long as you're using EVDO RevA, you can do data and voice (I've received emails while on a voice call, with wifi turned off). Now anything lower than EVDO RevA, and you have to wait until the voice call has stopped before data starts coming in. I dont know if Verizon supports that, though.
  
  --
  OMG... I have a sig?
73. Re:The good and bad... by ivogan · 2011-01-11 06:10 · Score: 1
  
  My car broke down and I had to call my insurance company. They wanted to know the street address of my location. I was broke down outside a McDonald's. I had to leave my car, walk into the restaurant, and ask for the manager, since none of the underlings knew the street address. If I lived in a 3G area instead of Edge, I would have used that feature in a heartbeat.
  This.
  Just 10 years ago people would have been grateful to have broken down outside a McDonald's. Something about how easy it was just to walk in and get the address.
  So continues our skid...
  
  --
  Who was that pointy-eared bastard?
74. Re:The good and bad... by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 06:11 · Score: 0
  
  I do not see what the problem is. Stay with AT&T then. Of course the calls drop so frequently then you might as well not have the simultaneous voice and data but who's counting.
  All the android people on verizon already live with this and are perfectly content they will remain so on the iPhone
75. Re:The good and bad... by 93+Escort+Wagon · 2011-01-11 06:11 · Score: 1
  
  I have a Nexus One on T-Mobile and voice and data work together just fine, and the situation I presented as occurred before.
  You're on T-Mobile - we're talking Verizon. The problem here isn't the phone; it's an inherent issue with Verizon's chosen network tech. Data and voice can't be used simultaneously.
  
  --
  #DeleteChrome
76. Re:The good and bad... by RandomJoe · 2011-01-11 06:19 · Score: 2
  
  Who says they're "on hold"? With a bluetooth headset, or with the iPhone just plug in the earphones w/mic provided with the phone, and you can tap away while continuing the conversation. They certainly won't hear your fingers unless you're trying to bash a hole in the screen.
  I never even thought about simultaneous voice/data, until I realized one day that was exactly what I was doing. Talking with a friend, some topic came up and I pulled up the browser to do a search. Sure, if I'm sitting in the office or at home, the computer might be handier but if I'm - say - waiting on someone at a restaurant or client site, the computer isn't convenient and wifi is normally not available. (Few have "free wifi" around here, if they have it at all they have it locked down.)
  Now that I'm aware of it, I realized I use that "feature" all the time - it would be annoying not to have it.
77. Re:The good and bad... by Coren22 · 2011-01-11 06:21 · Score: 1
  
  Out of curiosity, what didn't you like about the Storm? Mine has a minor issue with sweat from my leg if I keep it in my pocket messing with the touch screen, but beyond that I can't complain at all.
  
  --
  APK likes to ask for responses to the same things over and over. Maybe he just likes the responses?
78. Re:The good and bad... by Ritchie70 · 2011-01-11 06:25 · Score: 1
  
  Next time ask to look at a receipt instead of asking the help - or buy a cup of coffee. It'll be printed on there.
  
  --
  The preferred solution is to not have a problem.
79. Re:The good and bad... by MrLogic17 · 2011-01-11 06:26 · Score: 1
  
  Yes. At least on EDGE, if you're actively using data, your phone won't ring. Surfing, Pandora, YouTube- whatever. If you're using your phone, it won't ring while you're on an EDGE network.
  Don't believe me? Google for it. Lots of us have this problem.
  (mumble-mumble-I-hate-AT&T-mumble-mumble)
80. Re:The good and bad... by nomadic · 2011-01-11 06:32 · Score: 1
  
  Yes, I understand, but on my iphone I have never been able to look up directions while I'm on the phone talking to someone. People here are saying they can, but it's never worked for me.
81. Re:The good and bad... by Lugae · 2011-01-11 06:33 · Score: 1
  
  I'd say that them finding the location based on major landmarks would also be a good assumption. Addresses on highways or just outside of official city limits can be tricky to track down, that's for sure. I'd also agree that it's always nicer to have an extra tool than not, because, just like in your situation, things just don't always work out as planned.
  Contrarily, I called a towing company in Chicago about a year ago at like 1:00 am. I used my phone to bring up a map of the area, and proceeded to tell the driver what street I was on in a particular suburb. He called back a while later, confused. Apparently, I told him the WRONG suburb. The statement that I was by a PF Chang's and a certain theater are what got him to me in the end, as well. ;)
82. Re:The good and bad... by hitmark · 2011-01-11 06:33 · Score: 1
  
  or mail them the map "url"?
  
  --
  comment first, facts later. http://chem.tufts.edu/AnswersInScience/RelativityofWrong.htm
83. Re:The good and bad... by s73v3r · 2011-01-11 06:33 · Score: 2, Insightful
  
  Presumably those who are already on Verizon have been aware of this limitation on their smartphones for a while, and have already adapted to it.
84. Re:The good and bad... by metrometro · 2011-01-11 06:34 · Score: 1
  
  I'm sorry, as an iPhone owner, new Android developments do not penetrate my reality distortion field.
  Good for Android, actually. I'm not shocked that Google isn't in a hurry to develop new features for iOS.
85. Re:The good and bad... by hitmark · 2011-01-11 06:36 · Score: 1
  
  You can potentially get the same issue on UMTS/GSM if you walk out of UMTS coverage.
  Tho i think EDGE can handle voice and data at the same time if the phone and cell tower is up to the task, by basically jumping between the two. Don't know how many phones support that tho (not really advertised on the spec sheets), nor networks.
  
  --
  comment first, facts later. http://chem.tufts.edu/AnswersInScience/RelativityofWrong.htm
86. Re:The good and bad... by jeffmeden · 2011-01-11 06:49 · Score: 1
  
  Who says they're "on hold"? With a bluetooth headset, or with the iPhone just plug in the earphones w/mic provided with the phone, and you can tap away while continuing the conversation. They certainly won't hear your fingers unless you're trying to bash a hole in the screen.
  I never even thought about simultaneous voice/data, until I realized one day that was exactly what I was doing. Talking with a friend, some topic came up and I pulled up the browser to do a search. Sure, if I'm sitting in the office or at home, the computer might be handier but if I'm - say - waiting on someone at a restaurant or client site, the computer isn't convenient and wifi is normally not available. (Few have "free wifi" around here, if they have it at all they have it locked down.)
  Now that I'm aware of it, I realized I use that "feature" all the time - it would be annoying not to have it.
  I guess my "let me prove you wrong with wikipedia" skills just aren't elite enough to warrant such a feature. In over 2 years of having a personal/work smartphone, the number of times I have said "here, use my phone, it works out here" (to people with "superior technology") has VASTLY outnumbered the occurrences which I have muttered "drat, can't download that right now, I'm on the phone".
87. Re:The good and bad... by Caerdwyn · 2011-01-11 07:02 · Score: 1
  
  Bad: No simultaneous voice/data.
  I hear people constantly bringing this up, but I fail to see why it's such a big deal. Be honest, AT&T iPhone owners: how often do you really use this feature?
  I do. I use my iPhone as a moving-map GPS in a holder on the dash using Google Maps, often while on the phone (yes, through a headset, spare me the lecture). Google Maps pulls the map data live.
  When I move to Verizon, I'll need to get a full GPS app, but it's worth it. I frequently need to drive to San Francisco, and let me tell you, the stories you hear about AT&T 3G being almost unusable in SF are true. A slow network that works all the time is better than a fast network that doesn't, and voice-or-data is better than no-voice-or-data-at-all.
  And as for the lack of simultaneity for voice and data? VOIP is a possible solution, if I really need to. It will all depend upon what latency and jitter are like on Verizon's CDMA network.
  
  --
  Everybody gets what the majority deserves.
88. Re:The good and bad... by brkello · 2011-01-11 07:05 · Score: 2
  
  Will that be true once LTE is rolled out? Considering LTE is a 3GPP standard (which is what AT&T uses) it should be able to support both.
  
  --
  Support a great indie game: http://www.abaddon360.com
89. Re:The good and bad... by MorpheousMarty · 2011-01-11 07:06 · Score: 1
  
  I want to be in an uproar about this, but I think I've spent 10 minutes on the phone the last 60 days, whereas I use the 3g all the time. For 99.9% of my use, I would get better performance with no loss.
90. Re:The good and bad... by MorpheousMarty · 2011-01-11 07:08 · Score: 1
  
  Anyone have an explanation why they don't just convert the voice to data on the fly? The iPhone phone app could work more like Skype than traditional phone calls, and work around this limitation.
91. Re:The good and bad... by Kozar_The_Malignant · 2011-01-11 07:13 · Score: 1
  
  Good: Free tethering. Bad: No simultaneous voice/data.
  Also Bad: CDMA
  
  --
  Some mornings it's hardly worth chewing through the restraints to get out of bed.
92. Re:The good and bad... by wootcat · 2011-01-11 07:15 · Score: 1
  
  I hear people constantly bringing this up, but I fail to see why it's such a big deal. Be honest, AT&T iPhone owners: how often do you really use this feature? I'm sure there are certain folks (mostly those who use the iPhone for business purposes) where that's a big deal...but come on, for the average person, they will rarely if ever even notice.
  Why can't you realize that some people may have smartphone needs that don't match your own? What? Are these posts about the lack of simultaneous voice and internet usage made up? Is everyone who doesn't like this lack of functionality liars? Were the *multiple* questions following the news presentation regarding the lack of this capability just so the reporters could hear themselves talk?
  People are different. Needs are different. It's great fodder for debate, but some people need to realize not everyone is exactly like them, and that's not a bad thing.
  
  --
  I'm really a low 5-digit Slashdotter, but this ID is where I am now.
93. Re:The good and bad... by AshtangiMan · 2011-01-11 07:16 · Score: 1
  
  Maybe the parent gave a bad example, but I do find myself using voice and data together a lot. I won't be moving to Verizon for just that reason. Before I got a smart phone (iPhone 3G, which I can't wait to get rid of) I did not think it would be a very big issue, but quickly found it to be very convenient. I am happy for those who find ways to work around this issue.
94. Re:The good and bad... by tomz16 · 2011-01-11 07:21 · Score: 1
  
  I use this feature all the time. I have a nice modidied Dension cradle in my car and I stream pandora and other media perpetually when I'm in the car. On Verizon, I'd never get a phone call when in the car.
  In my experience the call will still come in. The data transfer will just be paused until you finish the call.
95. Re:The good and bad... by TooMuchToDo · 2011-01-11 07:23 · Score: 1
  
  I'm aware, I was just highlighting that I've never run into the problem, not that the problem doesn't occur.
  While it's an issue with CDMA on VZW, the issue should be moot once they switch over nationwide to LTE.
96. Re:The good and bad... by TooMuchToDo · 2011-01-11 07:25 · Score: 1
  
  Most of the time I'm on the phone *receiving* an email from someone who hasn't sent it beforehand. Very few of the calls I take are while I'm in front of a computer. So, should I park myself in an office all day? Or use technology so I can get more work done during each stretch of work period than I might otherwise be able to get done sitting in front of a computer?
97. Re:The good and bad... by Anubis+IV · 2011-01-11 07:26 · Score: 1
  
  They never said free. In fact, I can't seem to find any reference to pricing plans at all that isn't rumor or conjecture. And the hotspot feature is actually coming as an iOS update, so it's entirely possible that it may roll out on other carriers around the world at the same time that the Verizon iPhone launches.
98. Re:The good and bad... by kko · 2011-01-11 07:27 · Score: 0
  
  If you can't send an email to your friends while they are on the run, you need new friends.
  
  --
  No, seriously, I just come here for the articles.
99. Re:The good and bad... by TooMuchToDo · 2011-01-11 07:29 · Score: 1
  
  Once LTE is rolled out, no, this issue goes away.
100. Re:The good and bad... by xjerky · 2011-01-11 07:30 · Score: 1, Interesting
  
  Without simultaneous voice and data, if I stream Pandora or Last.fm on my hour-long train ride home (as I usually do), then I would not be able to receive any phone calls during that time, and people calling would be dumped to voicemail. That's a pretty serious issue.
  
  --
  A sentence you'll never see on an Internet discussion board: "You know what? You're right."
101. Re:The good and bad... by TooMuchToDo · 2011-01-11 07:31 · Score: 1
  
  Because, clearly, I should select my friends by income level or technology comfort level. Brilliant.
102. Re:The good and bad... by TooMuchToDo · 2011-01-11 07:35 · Score: 1
  
  Just because your business needs don't dictate people need the feature, doesn't mean it's not necessary. I value being able to use my Nexus One as a Wifi Hotspot to SSH into a box while on the phone with someone related to the problem.
103. Re:The good and bad... by TooMuchToDo · 2011-01-11 07:37 · Score: 1
  
  I'm not sure how I'm complicating the network by using a basic feature of most cellular networks. T-Mobile 3G/HSPA already supports this (where I use it), as does AT&T. Only CDMA and 2/2.5G GSM networks have this problem (and those networks won't have the problem after they migrate to LTE).
104. Re:The good and bad... by cnj · 2011-01-11 07:37 · Score: 1
  
  Yes. At least on EDGE, if you're actively using data, your phone won't ring. Surfing, Pandora, YouTube- whatever. If you're using your phone, it won't ring while you're on an EDGE network.
  Don't believe me? Google for it. Lots of us have this problem.
  (mumble-mumble-I-hate-AT&T-mumble-mumble)
  It's not that I don't believe you--there are lots of phone and network combinations--but this isn't a necessary EDGE limitation. Take a look at the GRPS classes (specifically class A or class B) and DTM.
  Even when I was stuck on GPRS and later EDGE using a class B phone, most have an option to ignore incoming calls if you're using data. If you don't have that option checked, your data connection will be suspended during an incoming call. I've had a number of DUN sessions suspended because of incoming calls--and even had SSH sessions resume beautifully if I kept them short enough. That goes back to the first Bluetooth and GPRS enabled phone I owned back in 2003 and through several models I've owned since.
  
  --
  Never trust anyone over 90000.
105. Re:The good and bad... by Belial6 · 2011-01-11 07:39 · Score: 1
  
  Or, maybe it is because when blackberry was pretty much the only option (or the best available), most people just got used to it, so the idea that it is no longer acceptable is foreign to them. It is quite common that people don't update their expectations as new technology comes out.
106. Re:The good and bad... by kko · 2011-01-11 07:41 · Score: 0
  
  You're going to tell me you have friends you get in touch with using smoke signals, ham radio and telegraph, rite?
  
  --
  No, seriously, I just come here for the articles.
107. Re:The good and bad... by jeffmeden · 2011-01-11 07:45 · Score: 1
  
  Let me reiterate: I fully accept that you are among the group that has a good case for simultaneous voice/data. However... To say that everyone, or a majority, or even more than a tiny slim little pocket of users fall into that category as well is a huge overstatement. It's like saying (get ready for the bad analogy) that every car sold needs 4 wheel drive. Sure, for those that use it well it is essential. But to say that a car is worthless without it is pretty short sighted.
108. Re:The good and bad... by XxtraLarGe · 2011-01-11 07:52 · Score: 1
  
  Maybe the parent gave a bad example...
  Not sure what was wrong with my example. OP asked if people actually use this feature, and I gave an example of where it would have come in useful. It's not the only time I would have liked to use it, just one of the most useful times.
  
  --
  Taking guns away from the 99% gives the 1% 100% of the power.
109. Re:The good and bad... by prockcore · 2011-01-11 07:53 · Score: 1
  
  Google's turn by turn caches the navigation instructions locally.
  Besides, as an AT&T iPhone owner, I can't believe that anyone wouldn't prefer verizon over AT&T for car trips.. "oh you can't use data & voice at the same time" versus "no signal at all".
110. Re:The good and bad... by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 07:55 · Score: 0
  
  Well, for starters, you can't get phone calls while the thing is tethered. For seconds, you can't get texts and emails while on the phone.
  I means seriously. This is something I could do with my RAZR, and maybe even my Samsung $29 job before that.
111. Re:The good and bad... by TooMuchToDo · 2011-01-11 07:55 · Score: 1
  
  I do have friends who don't have smartphones, and I do have friends who don't have data plans because of the cost. But heh! Recessions over right?
  A smartphone/data plan is not essential. #firstworldproblems.
112. Re:The good and bad... by Bing+Tsher+E · 2011-01-11 07:57 · Score: 1
  
  I remember on the few instances when I went to LUG meetings that there were a few bears looming up in the last few rows of seats in the auditorium.
113. Re:The good and bad... by Andy+Dodd · 2011-01-11 08:05 · Score: 1
  
  If I recall correctly, that is part of the EDGE standard as an optional feature - few phones or networks implement it.
  It is required for UMTS, so all phones/networks support it when on a UMTS network.
  
  --
  retrorocket.o not found, launch anyway?
114. Re:The good and bad... by rwven · 2011-01-11 08:28 · Score: 1
  
  Uh...Why? If you were doing any internet related activity over a wifi tether, and any time your phone rang it disconnected...you'd be irritated.
  Mine happens to be WoW, so I kindly ask you to get off your high horse.
115. Re:The good and bad... by stokessd · 2011-01-11 08:33 · Score: 1
  
  With AT&T and my 1st gen iPhone, all calls would go to voicemail if I was using a streaming data connection. I would have loved it if they didn't but the unreliability was very reliable.
  3G fixed that in my case.
  Sheldon
116. Re:The good and bad... by aztektum · 2011-01-11 08:35 · Score: 1
  
  In 3-4 years talking on your phone while surfing the web on your phone has become a big deal? You might want to look into your priorities.
  
  --
  :: aztek ::
  No sig for you!!
117. Re:The good and bad... by tomz16 · 2011-01-11 08:36 · Score: 1
  
  This is not the case with my verizon droid. Voice calls always go through regardless of what the data connection is doing.
118. Re:The good and bad... by TooMuchToDo · 2011-01-11 08:39 · Score: 1
  
  I own a small business that does ~$12 million/year, and spend most of my time on the phone for it. I think my priorities are pretty well in order.
  Not everyone is trying to play Angry Birds while on a call.
119. Re:The good and bad... by cayenne8 · 2011-01-11 08:45 · Score: 1
  
  "if you're on a conference call like that, you should either be at a computer, (thus presumably on a real phone) or too busy focusing on the call so you can say "I'll send you that e-mail once we're done here"
  Kinda hard to do in a parking lot...or barreling down the highway to meet another client...
  
  --
  Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.........
120. Re:The good and bad... by pr0nd3xtr · 2011-01-11 09:12 · Score: 1
  
  Do you even have Verizon? The call would come through, although your Acid Girls stream would pause while you were on the phone.
121. Re:The good and bad... by MaestroRC · 2011-01-11 09:19 · Score: 1
  
  Not true - AT&T and the iPhone (I've had a 3G and currently have a 4) DOES allow simultaneous voice/data. The only caveat is when on EDGE/GPRS (E or o next to the bars), it does NOT work. On 3G, however, you have full ability to do both.
  I have many instances where I tether with my laptop while on a call, send/receive email, browse the web, use google maps, update reddit, etc, simultaneously.
  If it's just after getting signal again, you may not be waiting long enough for your phone to switch to 3G before trying to do both (generally it will scale up, and you'll initially hit EDGE then bump to 3G).
  
  --
  I hate sigs...
122. Re:The good and bad... by MaestroRC · 2011-01-11 09:23 · Score: 1
  
  It's not about having pandora or youtube going while in a call. It IS entirely about maintaining a tethered connection, verifying that the email/SMS your client/boss/wife/etc sent you while you were on the phone was received, checking the weather, SENDING your wife/boss/client/etc an email/SMS, or a sundry other things that you can't do without simultaneous voice/data.
  As an iPhone 4 (previously 3G) user that lives in an area that frequently switches between 3G and EDGE (which doesn't support simultaneous voice+data), I notice it a LOT when it's not available. Also, as a VZW blackberry user (work phone), I frequently get annoyed that it is just not possible on there.
  
  --
  I hate sigs...
123. Re:The good and bad... by picoboy · 2011-01-11 09:28 · Score: 1
  
  True. But if you're on the phone and they say "Sending you the email now", you're boned. You'll have to hang up, allow the data transmission, and then call them back.
  Fortunately for Verizon, AT&T chose to level the playing field a little with their network's periodic auto-hangup feature.
124. Re:The good and bad... by Sylak · 2011-01-11 09:32 · Score: 1
  
  why are you sending e-mail from your phone on the highway?
125. Re:The good and bad... by aztektum · 2011-01-11 09:34 · Score: 1
  
  That's still a small business?
  How did you get by pre-2007?
  
  --
  :: aztek ::
  No sig for you!!
126. Re:The good and bad... by TooMuchToDo · 2011-01-11 09:37 · Score: 1
  
  6 people is a medium-to-large sized business now?
  Started in 2006, grew extremely quick, everyone works remotely/from home.
127. Re:The good and bad... by wygit · 2011-01-11 09:51 · Score: 1
  
  I don't see what the problem is either.
  I guess I am staying with AT&T then.
  I must be one of the only people in America who doesn't have a problem with dropped calls.
  The only times I've ever had dropped calls is while talking to my sister when she's in her car and she goes through a Sprint dead zone that she knows about, and she warns me "I'll probably lose the call somewhere around here, If so, I'll call you back.".
128. Re:The good and bad... by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 10:24 · Score: 0
  
  Wrong. I have had Verizon for years, I have a 2 year old Android phone. The Droid Eris. I talk on the speaker phone and send txt messages and e-mails and surf the web all at the same time ALL THE TIME. OH by the way, I am doing it right now. Don't believe marketing hype. Stop being an AT&T fan boy. All the networks are abou tthe same. Coverage depends on where you are. DUH.
129. Re:The good and bad... by zuperduperman · 2011-01-11 10:28 · Score: 1
  
  I think the reason most iPhone users struggle to understand the utility of this is that they've been deprived of multitasking for so long that they've actually adapted all their workflows to the assumption that they can only do one thing at a time on their phone.
  I use the internet almost reflexively while on the phone. It's almost to the point of being a bad habit. Usually I'm talking over bluetooth so the phone is in front of me and I'm googling every things they say or looking up prices of things they mention or finding movie times or reviews or grabbing their profile from linked in so I can seem that little bit more informed about them (or to put it the other way, a little bit less rudely ignorant of everything I should know about them but blissfully forgot), or checking my calendar or adding appointments to it for things they mention.
  I think once people get used to having the ability to multitask on their phones it will slowly come to be seen as an essential feature and network connectivity will be a presumption, so discovering that half the features on their phone are "broken" while their on a call will be a bit of a rude shock eventually.
130. Re:The good and bad... by tgibbs · 2011-01-11 10:47 · Score: 1
  
  The inability to use voice and data simultaneously is a major handicap. Sounds like I'll be sticking with AT&T unless the Verizon unlimited data plan turns out to be substantially cheaper than my grandfathered AT&T unlimited data plan.
131. Re:The good and bad... by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 11:32 · Score: 0
  
  Maybe he's not the one driving. Why are you so contrary?
132. Re:The good and bad... by SimonTheSoundMan · 2011-01-11 11:54 · Score: 1
  
  Yes, LTE != 4G.
  LTE Advanced is 4G, but you're not going to be seeing that for a couple of years. I live in Birmingham in England, we have LTE-A trials going on in some parts of the city, it's fast, in the hundreds of mega bits fast. No phone handsets or USB dongles yet, just large black metal boxes.
  The advertising push in America is going to hurt 4G — While us in Europe and Asia say we have true 4G that is LTE-A or 802.16m, America will be having 3.9G being advertised a "4G". It's going to be confusing for consumers who read news, blogs or tech sites wanting to know about the latest "4G" phones to find that in Europe they are not "4G" but 3G.
  Is 3.5G or 3.75G also being advertised to be "4G" in America?
133. Re:The good and bad... by voidptr · 2011-01-11 13:03 · Score: 1
  
  Even the original iPhone could pull up another app in the foreground while on a call, though you had to be on WiFi for remote data access until the 3G came out. Multitasking in 4.0 only applies to 3rd-party apps.
  The people in this thread "struggling to find the utility" of simultaneous voice and data seem more like existing Verizon customers who have never had the ability than the poor misguided existing iphone users you're trying to defame.
  
  --
  This .sig for unofficial government use only. Official use subject to $500 fine.
134. Re:The good and bad... by Wovel · 2011-01-11 13:03 · Score: 1
  
  No less then 5 times a day on a weekday , the average is over 10 I am sure.
135. Re:The good and bad... by Wovel · 2011-01-11 13:04 · Score: 1
  
  Has worked for me since I got my 3GS, only did not work on original iPhone because it was Edge. Has always worked on 3G+
136. Re:The good and bad... by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 13:22 · Score: 0
  
  Jeez. Can you not just wait ten seconds to get a phone number? What are you going to do with it while you're on the phone anyway? That's right, nothing. You would have hung up anyway to make that second phone call or write that email or whatever.
  Remember, there's really no such thing as human multi-tasking in business (reading while shitting doesn't count). You're still only able to do ONE THING at a time, mortal. Doesn't matter what phone you use.
137. Re:The good and bad... by gmhowell · 2011-01-11 13:46 · Score: 1
  
  Wow. Troll? I mean, commodore_64_love is owed a troll mod whenever he opens his mouth, just on general principles, but answering the GP's post succinctly is a troll?
  
  --
  Jesus was all right but his disciples were thick and ordinary. -John Lennon
138. Re:The good and bad... by gmhowell · 2011-01-11 13:47 · Score: 1
  
  Or, he knew that he could do this on the phone, so why take the time to figure out his location?
  
  --
  Jesus was all right but his disciples were thick and ordinary. -John Lennon
139. Re:The good and bad... by gmhowell · 2011-01-11 13:49 · Score: 1
  
  I couldn't care less what some Indian phone support person wants to hear.
  
  --
  Jesus was all right but his disciples were thick and ordinary. -John Lennon
140. Re:The good and bad... by SETIGuy · 2011-01-11 13:58 · Score: 1
  
  I don't pay for tethering on my Droid. I installed EasyTether Pro and it just worked. My phone is not rooted.
  
  --
  Support SETI@home
141. Re:The good and bad... by Dynedain · 2011-01-11 14:31 · Score: 1
  
  Once LTE is rolled out, AND there's an LTE iPhone.
  
  --
  I'm out of my mind right now, but feel free to leave a message.....
142. Re:The good and bad... by Miamicanes · 2011-01-11 15:53 · Score: 1
  
  Here's the deal: officially, CDMA2000-EVDO can't simultaneously do voice and data. Specifically, it's impossible to simultaneously have an EV-DO data session and circuit-switched CDMA voice call using the equipment Verizon and Sprint purchased from Qualcomm. However, the line has gotten a little blurred lately, especially with rooted Android phones (and almost certainly, jailbroken CDMA iPhones by summer). Five years ago, the answer to "Can you do simultaneous voice and data with EVDO" was unambiguously "No, it's impossible." Now, it's more like, "well... it depends. Do you have a rooted/jailbroken phone? Are you OK with spending another $10-25/month for thirdparty VoIP service? Good. In that case, the answer is, "Yes, kind of."
  There are a few projects to enable users with thirdparty VoIP service and rooted Android phones to use it with their phones. Basically, here's how it works:
  * You sign up for VoIP voice service, get a phone number, and configure it to forward incoming calls to your cell phone's number.
  * You run an app on your phone that intercepts "incoming call" notifications when there's an active EVDO data session.
  * When the app sees an incoming call, it checks to see whether it's from the VoIP number. If it is, it quickly establishes its own VoIP session over the EVDO data connection, launches the VoIP phone app, and lets you take the call without losing your data session.
  The catch is, the apps (AFAIK) can't do traffic-shaping on your local network connection, so it's up to you to make sure that nothing else running on the phone saturates it and causes it to drop too many UDP packets. The last I checked, they were still kind of raw, unpolished, and required Android phones that were rooted to really work reliably (or at all)... but I don't see any obvious insurmountable reason why they couldn't work just as well with a jailbroken Verizon iPhone.
143. Re:The good and bad... by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 16:04 · Score: 0
  
  According to the VZ FAQ, LTE won't be supported on the iPhone 4.
144. Re:The good and bad... by Miamicanes · 2011-01-11 16:26 · Score: 1
  
  Argh. Accidentally deleted an entire section and didn't notice until it was too late.
  As far as how incoming calls are handled when there's an active data session, it depends entirely on the phone. The CDMA2000 standard itself has a perfectly good way for phones to poll for incoming calls, text messages, and voicemail notifications when there's an active EVDO data session. The problem is that historically, most phones get it wrong and totally fuck up the implementation.
  Example: Sprint PPC-6700 and its evil twin, the Verizon xv6700. The original radio firmware took a long time to switch between EVDO and CDMA voice, so Microsoft (or whomever was customizing Windows Mobile 5 for the phone) decided to handle incoming voice calls during EVDO data sessions by pre-emptively breaking the data connection, then lamely asking (too late) whether you wanted to end the data session to take the call. Angry users eventually figured out how to hack the phone to make it refrain from breaking the connection until after you told it whether you wanted to take the call. Unfortunately, that hack caused lots of calls to end up going to voicemail at the last second, because the phone couldn't switch to CDMA voice mode in time to take the call. You'd get the alert, acknowledge that you wanted to take the call, and have it go to voicemail anway. The arms race continued, and we figured out how to make the phone poll the tower for incoming calls more frequently. It only increased the time we had to accept the call by about a half second... but that half second was enough to keep the majority of calls from falling through the crack and going to voicemail.
  Enter the Sprint Hero. In its virgin 1.5 glory, it didn't even bother to ask whether you wanted to take the incoming call... if you had an active data connection, the call would silently go straight to voicemail. Worse, you wouldn't even find out about it until you laid off the data use long enough for the phone to close the EVDO session and go back into 1xRTT mode. After lots of hatred from angry customers, Sprint made it less bad sometime around Thanksgiving so calls still went straight to voicemail, but at least the phone properly polled for new text messages and voicemail notifications during active EVDO data sessions. As far as I know, Sprint's official ROMs *never* fixed the problem entirely, but I quit caring the day I discovered AOSP anyway (which did, in fact, fix the problem).
  The Epic4G mostly seems to handle the situation properly... if you get an incoming voice call while you have an active EVDO session, it notifies you immediately, but it doesn't break the data connection unless you actually take the call. And if your data session is via wifi or wimax, it continues to work.
  Truth be told, I'll be shocked if the iPhone DOESN'T handle this situation gracefully. Where things get sticky is how it will handle the opposite scenario (user tries to make outgoing phone call while running one or more networked apps). I suspect American apps will handle it better than European apps, just because EDGE and GPRS are facts of life in the US, but you can allegedly go kayaking through the fjords in northern Scandinavia, take pictures of a real reindeer, and share them with your friends 8,000 miles away via UMTS, even if the cell site HAS to be solar-powered because the nearest power line is 100km away ;-)
145. Re:The good and bad... by bill_mcgonigle · 2011-01-11 16:26 · Score: 1
  
  Voice calls take priority--any data needs are paused while on a call.
  This was rolled out c. 2005-2006 across the Verizon network (I used a Treo 650 at the time and the boards were ecstatic about it). It used to not do that, so there may be some confusion out there.
  
  --
  My God, it's Full of Source!
  OUTSIDE_IP=$(dig +short my.ip @outsideip.net)
146. Re:The good and bad... by gollito · 2011-01-11 16:52 · Score: 1
  
  It should. My EVO, when on WiMAX, allows me to browse and talk at the same time.
147. Re:The good and bad... by 1u3hr · 2011-01-11 16:57 · Score: 0
  
  If you're making conference calls and sending emails while "barreling down the highway" you should be lcoked up. And try to cut down on the cocaine too, while you're at it.
148. Re:The good and bad... by 1u3hr · 2011-01-11 16:59 · Score: 0
  
  Most of the time I'm on the phone *receiving* an email from someone who hasn't sent it beforehand.
  Wow, emails from the future. No wonder you're impatient with our primitive 21st century technology.
149. Re:The good and bad... by 4phun · 2011-01-11 17:31 · Score: 1
  
  I guess my "let me prove you wrong with wikipedia" skills just aren't elite enough to warrant such a feature. In over 2 years of having a personal/work smartphone, the number of times I have said "here, use my phone, it works out here" (to people with "superior technology") has VASTLY outnumbered the occurrences which I have muttered "drat, can't download that right now, I'm on the phone".
  TRANSLATION
  I used and outdated cellular network therefore I can't download while I am on the phone, this isn't AT&T.
150. Re:The good and bad... by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 19:42 · Score: 0
  
  Google Voice anyone?
151. Re:The good and bad... by bsDaemon · 2011-01-12 03:19 · Score: 1
  
  First, I'm pretty sure the garbage collection is defective on it, since the longer i let it run, the less responsive it would get. I didn't even really run any third-party apps on it other than google maps and a twitter client. This is probably why, even though Objective-C 2.0 supports garbage collection via reference counting, it only does so on the Mac and not on the mobile stack for i(Phone|Pod|Pad).
  The touch screen was not particularly accurate and typing was a bitch.
  The phone is not phone shaped, and thus difficult to talk on and hear people on at the same time.
  These are just off the top of my head. There were others, but I've been spending the last year trying to block the experience from my memory.
152. Re:The good and bad... by Deliveranc3 · 2011-01-12 05:02 · Score: 1
  
  Noticed the same thing myself.
153. Re:The good and bad... by cayenne8 · 2011-01-12 05:42 · Score: 1
  
  Some people can (and have to) multi task.
  
  --
  Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.........
154. Re:The good and bad... by aztektum · 2011-01-12 07:15 · Score: 1
  
  You must get off on only presenting partial info to try and make the other person look like a jackass, huh?
  Yeah, you're a CEO alright.
  
  --
  :: aztek ::
  No sig for you!!
155. Re:The good and bad... by aztektum · 2011-01-12 07:19 · Score: 1
  
  It's possible to do this on CDMA networks. The problem is the chipsets that enable it use too much power. There was work being done to reduce this and it would have shown up in EVDO Rev. C, but VZW and Sprint decided to focus on 4G and stopped work on EVDO rollouts at Rev. A.
  
  --
  :: aztek ::
  No sig for you!!
156. Re:The good and bad... by TooMuchToDo · 2011-01-12 07:22 · Score: 1
  
  Partial info? What more were you looking for?
  I'm not the CEO, I'm an infrastructure wrangler who just happens to own the place and pay everyone else well while giving them a chunk of the company. But don't let that stop you from judging someone through one-dimensional Slashdot postings ;)
157. Re:The good and bad... by idlehanz · 2011-01-13 09:28 · Score: 1
  
  iPhone users will finally be able to move from the provider with the worst network, to the provider with the worst customer service.
  I don't see how this could possibly go wrong.
  
  --
  Changing the world... one research project at a time.
158. Re:The good and bad... by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-16 07:32 · Score: 0
  
  That's because GPRS/EDGE baseband doesn't support simultaneous voice+data, because there's only one transceiver.
  Not true. If the GPRS/EDGE device supports Dual Transfer Mode (DTM, some people call it class A although it's not 100% equivalent), then the device can have a simultaneous CS voice call and GPRS/EDGE data transfer with a single tranceiver. This naturally requires network support.
  For example, Vodafone UK has DTM support in its 2G network. Also, several devices from several vendors support DTM aswell (e.g. most if not all Nokia 2G/3G phones).
  Ref:
  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dual_Transfer_Mode
  http://www.3g.co.uk/3GForum/showpost.php?s=98d8f1a1b6657fe1b1940cacbc6ab2b7&p=436254&postcount=23
  http://www.wirelessforums.org/uk-telecom-mobile/iphone-4-o2-vodafone-98366.html#post403161
  So, it's really not a matter of the devices, but network support. Not many carriers talk about this, which is understandable as it'd be making their own (lack of) service visible...
159. Re:The good and bad... by Cellular+Expert · 2011-01-16 09:39 · Score: 1
  
  Yes, people don't realize that UMTS phones have multiple radios. Its not magic to support both voice and data on them. A future LTE enabled iPhone will likely do it too, since it will have two radios (one for 850/1900Mhz CDMA2000 voice/3G EVDO data and one for 700Mhz LTE 4G data)
  I'd say most of UMTS phones do not have multiple radios (if by this it is meant that the device can simultaneously use services from more than one cellular system). in UMTS (WCDMA) actually the device can operate several radio bearers (RAB's) of which one can operate CS services such as speech and others PS services i.e. data transfer over WCDMA "basic" channels or over HSPA channels. This is a built-in feature of the UMTS system. My understanding of the Verzion iPhone version is such that data services are run over LTE (if available) and voice calls are placed over the CDMA 1xRTT system. And, during a voice call, data transfer is not possible (LTE is dormant/turned off). At least according to (http://voiceoverlte.typepad.com/voice-and-sms-over-lte/2011/01/verizon-ltes-phones-still-no-voice-over-lte.html) this would be the case. I admit I'm not too familiar with the CDMA stuff.
160. Re:The good and bad... by Cellular+Expert · 2011-01-16 09:48 · Score: 1
  
  When the iphone first launched on at&t it had the same restriction. The problem I had was that when using data (which I do a lot) incoming phone calls would go straight to voicemail. No idea if Verizon works the same way, but it was incredibly annoying at the time.
  That's because GPRS/EDGE baseband doesn't support simultaneous voice+data, because there's only one transceiver.
  Not true. If the GPRS/EDGE device supports Dual Transfer Mode (DTM, some people call it class A although it's not 100% equivalent), then the device can have a simultaneous CS voice call and GPRS/EDGE data transfer with a single tranceiver. This naturally requires network support.
  
  For example, Vodafone UK has DTM support in its 2G network. Also, several devices from several vendors support DTM aswell (e.g. most if not all Nokia 2G/3G phones).
  
  Ref:
  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dual_Transfer_Mode
  http://www.3g.co.uk/3GForum/showpost.php?s=98d8f1a1b6657fe1b1940cacbc6ab2b7&p=436254&postcount=23
  http://www.wirelessforums.org/uk-telecom-mobile/iphone-4-o2-vodafone-98366.html#post403161
  
  So, it's really not a matter of the devices, but network support. Not many carriers talk about this, which is understandable as it'd be making their own (lack of) service visible...
161. Re:The good and bad... by Cellular+Expert · 2011-01-16 11:20 · Score: 1
  
  a correction to above... Naturally the Verizon iPhone does not have LTE. Instead it should say EVDO for data data.
Bah! by TheCRAIGGERS · 2011-01-11 04:41 · Score: 0, Offtopic

I'd rather have an Atrix in February on Verizon.
ZOMG by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 04:42 · Score: 0

ZOMG.....This is as good as Pink Ponies Slashdot!
Best by NEDHead · 2011-01-11 04:42 · Score: 1

Unlimited data plan? Hopefully will spread to all phones/carriers
1. Re:Best by XxtraLarGe · 2011-01-11 04:44 · Score: 4, Insightful
  
  Unlimited data is cool, but in the 6 months or so I've had my iPhone, I've never even come close to using the 2GB data limit. WiFi is so ubiquitous, even where I live out in the sticks.
  
  --
  Taking guns away from the 99% gives the 1% 100% of the power.
2. Re:Best by Scutter · 2011-01-11 04:47 · Score: 1
  
  Unlimited data plan? Hopefully will spread to all phones/carriers
  Sprint has had unlimited data for some time now. They even include unlimited texting, which the other carriers inexplicably charge a criminally-marked-up amount for.
  
  --
  
  "Tell me doctor, with all of your defenses, are there any provisions for an attack by killer bees?"
3. Re:Best by darrylo · 2011-01-11 04:55 · Score: 2
  
  Actually plan pricing is yet to be announced, and so Verizon could still drop the unlimited data, or charge a higher-than-current fee for it. (Personally, I do hope the plan structure for current smartphones is used.)
4. Re:Best by wygit · 2011-01-11 04:57 · Score: 0
  
  Same here.
  When AT&T came out with the two tiered option last June (June?) I checked, and in the past year neither milady nor I had ever used more than 80MB/month.
  I dropped to the 250MB plan.
5. Re:Best by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 05:00 · Score: 0
  
  I've had unlimited data and text on Verizon with my Android phone for some time. This is not new for Verizon.
6. Re:Best by FlopEJoe · 2011-01-11 05:03 · Score: 1
  
  Unlimited data is cool, but in the 6 months or so I've had my iPhone, I've never even come close to using the 2GB data limit. WiFi is so ubiquitous, even where I live out in the sticks.
  Interesting... I've had unlimited data from RoadRunner at home and haven't come close to using that limit either!
7. Re:Best by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 05:15 · Score: 0
  
  It is nice that Sprint offers both of its customers unlimited data. I don't think that is going to have a big influence on what AT&T and Verizon do though.
  What is really frustrating to me is the extremely high cost of metered data (if it is available at all). I'd much rather pay a sensible per megabyte charge
  than have unlimited data.
8. Re:Best by I8TheWorm · 2011-01-11 05:44 · Score: 1
  
  I like Sprint's plans. If they weren't CDMA, and had better coverage where I live (where I work coverage is excellent) I'd consider them.
  
  --
  Saying Android is a family of phones is akin to saying Linux is a family of PCs.
9. Re:Best by I8TheWorm · 2011-01-11 05:45 · Score: 1
  
  Verizon and AT&T grandfathered those of us who already had unlimited data plans. All new contracts get the tiered option.
  Sadly, every time I switch between my iPhone and either my Blackberry or Android, I have to convince AT&T I already had an unlimited plan so I can keep it. Their customer service is a bit lacking.
  
  --
  Saying Android is a family of phones is akin to saying Linux is a family of PCs.
10. Re:Best by Tharsman · 2011-01-11 06:15 · Score: 1
  
  Your case is likely to be the most common scenario, carriers have openly stated most users don't ever use that much data. Most months, I don't. But once in a while I must take a long road trip and depend exclusively on my phone for internet connection. Some situations also can force me to depend on cellphone exclusively, like moving to a new place and waiting for incompetent comcast to take 3 weeks to finally install your internet.
  There are many cases that can force you, a couple times a year, to go way over the limit. If you are remotely likely to encounter these twice a year, it's very likely the light difference in monthly fee is more than worth it, as should it happen with a capped plan, you will be sodomized with a big fat bill.
11. Re:Best by jonnythan · 2011-01-11 06:20 · Score: 1
  
  I don't have an iPhone, but I've used up to 4GB of data in a month on my Evo.
12. Re:Best by Coren22 · 2011-01-11 06:44 · Score: 1
  
  Verizon never stopped offering the unlimited plan for smartphones, check their site for yourself: www.verizonwireless.com
  
  --
  APK likes to ask for responses to the same things over and over. Maybe he just likes the responses?
13. Re:Best by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 07:01 · Score: 0
  
  Try streaming internet radio at about 92kbps for an hour each day, and you'll see how fast you approach that 2GB limit.
14. Re:Best by I8TheWorm · 2011-01-11 07:02 · Score: 1
  
  Sorry, was just going by my business partner's word... he's on Verizon. I misunderstood though. After verifying, Verizon's 3G will stay unlimited, but LTE will be laddered.
  
  --
  Saying Android is a family of phones is akin to saying Linux is a family of PCs.
15. Re:Best by Totenglocke · 2011-01-11 08:57 · Score: 1
  
  Must suck having a phone that doesn't DO much. Hell, I've gone through over 4 GB of data in one night using my Evo 4G. If you've never come close to 2 GB on a smart phone, it really brings into question whether or not you should be spending the money on having a smartphone.
  
  --
  "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." ~Thomas Jefferson
16. Re:Best by Overzeetop · 2011-01-11 09:16 · Score: 1
  
  What the fuck are you "doing" on your phone that would use 4GB of data? Streaming HD video to an SD phone is about the only real use I can see, short of being stuck without a landline based network and having to tether to do the same or download entire OSes. Hell, my DSL maxes out at 1GB/hr.
  If you are regularly out of wifi range and use streaming audio or similar, yeah - you can rack up the GBs quickly.
  The only time I've gotten close to my 200MB "limit" on the AT&T cheap plan was when I was in NY for a week and the hotel wanted $10/day for wifi. I had the family with me, and they were tired by 6pm so we sat around the hotel and I surfed for 2-3 hours a night on my phone (which sucks on a 4" screen, no matter how you slice it).
  Other than that I've never broken 100MB, but I have wifi at home and at work that I use, and there is no public transportation so I don't need to "kill" a couple hours a day. I regularly download files via Evernote and Livedrive to get work done, and I check my mail/googl voice/facebook way more than enough to be considered "working" most of the time.
  Sure, usage patterns vary, but based on numbers that AT&T published last year, I'm solidly in the mainstream, and you occupy the top fraction of a percent of data users. Any carrier would be glad to see you go.
  
  --
  Is it just my observation, or are there way too many stupid people in the world?
17. Re:Best by Overzeetop · 2011-01-11 09:24 · Score: 1
  
  I get 50 days (41MB/hr, though I usually stream Pandora free at 48-64kb), so if you're doing it on your commute, you can stream music for 2 hours a day, every work day, and still have 400MB for emails and casual surfing...which is about 8x what I go through in a month.
  
  --
  Is it just my observation, or are there way too many stupid people in the world?
18. Re:Best by MaestroRC · 2011-01-11 09:40 · Score: 1
  
  I was grandfathered in on an unlimited plan (as was my wife).
  That also means I can *cough* tether *cough* without regard. I DO come close to 2GB when tethering, and my wife comes close to it when streaming Pandora a lot in a month.
  Even with me tethering (which I do frequently), it's generally under 2GB. But to save $5/month and then have to watch it like a hawk to make sure I don't go over 2GB, it's not worth it to me.
  
  --
  I hate sigs...
19. Re:Best by Totenglocke · 2011-01-11 10:14 · Score: 1
  
  That was 4 GB of data in one evening. For that month as a whole, I went through like 11.5 GB. As for what I was doing? Well you see, with Android, I can tether without being charged an extra $30-$50 per month for a measly 2 GB of data. As such, I use it on my laptop when I'm not home (work, grad school) and I also use the nice 700 KB/sec 4G speeds for bittorrent.
  However, long before I started tethering my Evo, just downloading apps, doing email, web browsing, and the occasional youtube video I was going through around 3GB per month.
  My question is, how little are you "doing" on your phone that you ONLY use 100 MB per month? My email alone (which isn't tons) comes out to way more than that a month.
  
  Sure, usage patterns vary, but based on numbers that AT&T published last year, I'm solidly in the mainstream, and you occupy the top fraction of a percent of data users.
  Yes, because as with the majority of gadgets, most people buy them to get in on the craze and then never use them much after the first couple of months. This is true for the majority of people with computers, game consoles, smart phones, and any other gadget - once the "cool new toy" factor wears off, most people stop using it. Only a small percent of people play their game console as much today as when they bought it 5 years ago.
  
  Any carrier would be glad to see you go.
  Well of course! Why would they have someone like me who pays them money in exchange for service when they could have someone like you who pays them money and then (essentially) never uses the service? That's free money in their pockets from you - every business would prefer if people just walked up, handed them money, and then left without incurring any cost to the business. However, I virtually never make calls on my phone (I used 5 minutes last month), so they make up for it there.
  
  --
  "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." ~Thomas Jefferson
20. Re:Best by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 15:57 · Score: 0
  
  I haven't been keeping up with Verizon TOS politics for a couple of years now, but by "unlimited", do they still mean "5 gigs"?
Competition is good by XxtraLarGe · 2011-01-11 04:42 · Score: 1

It will be interesting to see if this helps to even the playing field between the iPhone & Android. The only question is how many Verizon customers will hold out until the next gen because you can't talk & surf at the same time on Verizon's 3G network?

--
Taking guns away from the 99% gives the 1% 100% of the power.
1. Re:Competition is good by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 05:24 · Score: 0
  
  None. This is a minor inconvenience, but not a "big deal."
2. Re:Competition is good by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 05:30 · Score: 0
  
  None. If they currently use verizon, they can't do voice/data with their current phone, so there's no loss. If they really needed it (and the iPhone), they would have switched to ATT.
3. Re:Competition is good by Tharsman · 2011-01-11 06:24 · Score: 1
  
  I think this wont even the playing field, but instead give a the iPhone nitro speed for the race. Up to now things have been very competitive between the two platforms despite the iPhone only having 25% of the market to play with, this will open it's potential market to 52%, more than doubling it's current potential user base. This is not counting any lures that may be willing to leave TMobile or Sprint.
  As for the voice/data, if you use VOIP service like Skype, or Google Voice (have not tried, not sure of it's limitations) your voice will be moving through data and therefore you will be able to do both.
Not free tethering - WiFi hotspot, unknown price by SuperKendall · 2011-01-11 04:43 · Score: 4, Interesting

They didn't just say they would support tethering, they said you could use it as a hotspot - about time.
BUT what I don't think was stated, was how much (if anything), this will cost... it might be free but I don't think the price of anything was made clear. They also didn't talk about unlimited data plans even though that was a rumor, and the Verizon data plan page says there is a 2GB cap on smartphone plans.

--
"There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
disconnect by Danathar · 2011-01-11 04:43 · Score: 3, Interesting

What actually happens when a call comes in? Obviously any data streams stop, but if I have a laptop tethered will TCP connections get reset or is it like all of a sudden having dropped packets?
1. Re:disconnect by AcidPenguin9873 · 2011-01-11 04:46 · Score: 1
  
  They get a busy signal? :)
2. Re:disconnect by yincrash · 2011-01-11 04:52 · Score: 1
  
  I imagine it is similar to someone picking up a landline phone while you're on dial up.
3. Re:disconnect by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 04:54 · Score: 0
  
  Why aren't you using Skype?
4. Re:disconnect by renek · 2011-01-11 04:56 · Score: 5, Informative
  
  What actually happens when a call comes in? Obviously any data streams stop, but if I have a laptop tethered will TCP connections get reset or is it like all of a sudden having dropped packets?
  That's exactly what happens. I travel a great deal for business and given that most hotel's WiFi tends towards the sucktastic side of speeds I tether my Droid constantly. When a phone call comes in the radio kills any data coming through it. The connection doesn't get a reset, the packets just stop coming.
5. Re:disconnect by sadboyzz · 2011-01-11 05:05 · Score: 1
  
  Yes, that is basically what happens. As soon as you start a call or when a call comes in, the data packets will not get through. And if your call lasts long enough eventually your connections will time out.
6. Re:disconnect by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 05:14 · Score: 0
  
  is it like all of a sudden having dropped packets?
  Yes
  So as long as the phone call lasts less than the timeout of the connection (and the application reacts well enough) everything should keep going just fine after the call.
  I've had SSH sessions going that stay up through a 10 minute call (as long as you don't type in them).
  Although, it's a good reason to just wait until LTE devices come out as they won't suffer from this problem.
7. Re:disconnect by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 05:19 · Score: 0
  
  What actually happens when a call comes in? Obviously any data streams stop, but if I have a laptop tethered will TCP connections get reset or is it like all of a sudden having dropped packets?
  Ummm, one of the big advantages of 3G cell networks is that you can support simultaneous voice & data.
  In fact, I think it's a requirement...
8. Re:disconnect by PhotoJim · 2011-01-11 05:26 · Score: 1
  
  3G GSM (UMTS/HSPA), yes. 3G CDMA (EvDO), no.
9. Re:disconnect by Caratted · 2011-01-11 05:30 · Score: 1
  
  Interestingly, this may have a backlash effect of inducing more traffic on the network. At least, when I pull a device off my network that has quite a few simultaneous connections going on, there is relatively large spike of traffic on the network itself, attempting to re-establish those keepalive packets.
10. Re:disconnect by KarmaMB84 · 2011-01-11 05:37 · Score: 1
  
  CDMA is 3G but it does not support simultaneous voice and data.
11. Re:disconnect by Registered+Coward+v2 · 2011-01-11 05:44 · Score: 2
  
  You lose the connect and need to reconnect. I tethered with VZW a few years ago - every time a call came in it broke the data connection - just like pulling an ethernet plug. A real PITA.
  
  --
  I'm a consultant - I convert gibberish into cash-flow.
12. Re:disconnect by I8TheWorm · 2011-01-11 05:49 · Score: 1
  
  Strangely the term 3G is a bit ambiguous, much as 4G is. As a matter of fact, nothing currently produced is actually 4G, which demands 1000mbps at a minimum. It's new and shiny, so the carriers like to use it (some are saying 3G+).
  My "4G" Clear dongle is capped at 10mbps... I wish they'd stop calling it that, even though 10mbps is plenty for my laptop.
  
  --
  Saying Android is a family of phones is akin to saying Linux is a family of PCs.
13. Re:disconnect by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 06:19 · Score: 0
  
  Wow, that is incredibly lame. Verizon is STILL using a CDMA network? They need to get with the times.
14. Re:disconnect by MachineShedFred · 2011-01-11 08:10 · Score: 1
  
  Someone gets an earful of hurt?
  
  --
  Slashdot still doesnâ(TM)t support Unicode after it was added to the HTML standard in 1997.
"Journalistic" Integrity by markkezner · 2011-01-11 04:44 · Score: 0

Now the bloggers will have to fabricate stories about something else.

--
Dangerous, sexy, turing complete: Femme Bots
1. Re:"Journalistic" Integrity by morgan_greywolf · 2011-01-11 04:50 · Score: 1
  
  Maybe the iPhone 5, featuring Apple's new iLapDance technology?
  
  --
  My blog
Lame press conference by jandrese · 2011-01-11 04:46 · Score: 4, Informative
They refused to talk about the data plans? What is this, I don't even.

Anyway, there were exactly 3 things of interest at the press conference:
1. Verizon is getting the iPhone
2. It will be CDMA only (no LTE, no simultaneous voice/data)
3. It will allow a 5-person WiFi hotspot
That's it. I would think if they're going to bother holding a press conference like this that they would be willing to talk a bit more about the device first, but no, it's was only the most minimal sip of information they could get away with divulging.
--

I read the internet for the articles.
1. Re:Lame press conference by fermion · 2011-01-11 05:19 · Score: 2
  
  Veriozon 3g is said to be slower than ATT.
  We get a new iPhone every summer. Who in their right mind who has waited all these years to get an iPhone, or has a current iPhone, is going to plunk down money for a phone that will be old tech in 4 months.
  The possible bit of good news from this conference is that tethering might be included in a data plan, or a lower price than ATT. This might force ATT to lower the tethering price, offer an unlimited voice plan.
  What we don't know is how Verizon network will handle the data. T-Mobile has cut usage, and Verizon is starting with firm data limits, something that older iPhone owners do not have to deal with. When Verizon starts rolling out 4G, and let iPhone users on it, this may be even more of an issue. If they are promoting the phone as a Wi Fi hotspot, then it is certain that many peopel will use it as such.
  
  --
  "She's a scientist and a lesbian. She's not going to let it slide." Orphan Black
2. Re:Lame press conference by NJRoadfan · 2011-01-11 05:47 · Score: 1
  
  Veriozon 3g is said to be slower than ATT.
  On the flip side, EV-DO is available on Verizon's entire network. Verizon still has unlimited smart phone data plans. What they do to handle network capacity remains to be seen.
3. Re:Lame press conference by I8TheWorm · 2011-01-11 05:50 · Score: 1
  
  5 people on 1mbps is going to be funtastic!
  
  --
  Saying Android is a family of phones is akin to saying Linux is a family of PCs.
4. Re:Lame press conference by cant_get_a_good_nick · 2011-01-11 06:31 · Score: 1
  
  1) Apple tends to be tight lipped about these things, though Verizon is understandably pumped. This seems to be a compromise "Let Verizon stock rise but keep Steve happy"
  2) They don't want to talk about LTE. They don't want people waiting for the LTE phone.
  As it is, I'd love an LTE iPhone now. If it was coming out in 6 months, I'd wait, which is not what they want. As it is now, we'll probably switch my wife's Sprint/Centro to Verizon CDMA iPhone now, and maybe upgrade her if an LTE iPhone comes out, and I'd get the CDMA one.
5. Re:Lame press conference by Coren22 · 2011-01-11 06:50 · Score: 2
  
  As the Verizon CIO said...the network can handle it. It isn't like the iPhone is the first smart phone on VZ's network, they have had really good phones with very few complaints about speed for years.
  
  --
  APK likes to ask for responses to the same things over and over. Maybe he just likes the responses?
6. Re:Lame press conference by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 11:58 · Score: 0
  
  What we don't know is how Verizon network will handle the data. T-Mobile has cut usage, and Verizon is starting with firm data limits, something that older iPhone owners do not have to deal with. When Verizon starts rolling out 4G, and let iPhone users on it, this may be even more of an issue.
  T-Mobile UK has cut usage, in the recent /. story you probably saw. T-mobile USA, which is for all purposes but branding completely separate, has done no such thing. They had no 3G for the longest time, but when the AWS spectrum became available and they finally were able to roll out 3G, they got it right, with adequate capacity. I get the impression from Verizon users with smartphones (that's most of them, BTW) that their network is also done right -- barring a truly ridiculous mass exodus of AT&T customers, they should be able to run exactly how they have been running.
Too late. by orphiuchus · 2011-01-11 04:47 · Score: 3, Insightful

This took way too long. I already caved and got myself a Android phone, which I'm very happy with.
1. Re:Too late. by Chapter80 · 2011-01-11 04:49 · Score: 2
  
  This took way too long. I already caved and got myself a Android phone, which I'm very happy with.
  Agreed! Actually, I'd say "Too little, Too late"
2. Re:Too late. by SoupIsGoodFood_42 · 2011-01-11 05:00 · Score: 2, Interesting
  
  Too late for you, perhaps, but there will be many who will dump their Andriods for an iPhone.
  Should be interesting to see what effect this has on marketshare.
3. Re:Too late. by Coren22 · 2011-01-11 06:51 · Score: 0
  
  Wow, that's like dropping your car for a mo-ped...I would be very disappointed in any Android user that went "oo shiney" and downgraded to an iPhone.
  
  --
  APK likes to ask for responses to the same things over and over. Maybe he just likes the responses?
4. Re:Too late. by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 08:09 · Score: 0
  
  Not me. My son has an iPhone 4 and I have a Droid2. I'm perfectly happy with how things worked out. I think it's funny how I can always tell when someone is calling me from an iPhone. The sound quality always sucks in exactly the same way, and I am amazed at how AT&T customers seem to be perfectly okay with that. They are happy to put up with atrocious voice quality phone service just to be able to enjoy the "cool" factor of using an iPhone.
5. Re:Too late. by oh_my_080980980 · 2011-01-11 08:20 · Score: 1
  
  Yeah, whatever lets you sleep at night.
  
  But not for the millions of Verizon subscribers that have been waiting for the iPhone. Not too mention for the millions of Sprint and T-Mobile customers who want the phone too.
6. Re:Too late. by ergo98 · 2011-01-11 09:49 · Score: 1
  
  Yes, it should be interesting to see what effect this has on marketshare. I recall that in the months leading up the iPhone 4's release, all of the talk was that Android's advances were only temporary, all just waiting for the iPhone 4. Of course that turned out to be utter bunk. So then everyone moved onto the Verizon ruse.
  People dedicated to getting an iPhone have long moved to AT&T (which paid off handsomely for AT&T, which is why they paid heavily for exclusivity). For all of the anti-AT&T chatter, in most empirical tests it has a faster network, it uses global bands, and it has better support. Now instead people are supposed to rush to a company with worse support, slower real world speeds, a network that works on one provider in one country on the planet, and no simultaneous data and voice, to get a phone to be replaced in mere months?
  Give me a break. In two months you and others breathing the same nonsense will have to somehow find some new spin. Ah yes -- it's just the calm before the iPhone 5 storm!
  Note also that AT&T, in losing their exclusivity, is suddenly becoming far less enamored with the iPhone. Not only are they getting some premiere devices like the Atrix, they're actually starting to promote them. They might even stop gimping them quite as much.
  This is big news for a couple of days because it was so anticipated for so long. Yet it really is too-little, too-late. If Apple makes a killer iPhone5, which is entirely possible, then the game changes, but for this it's just the pent up nature that has so much hoopla. Once people sober up I think the reality will set in.
7. Re:Too late. by SETIGuy · 2011-01-11 14:05 · Score: 1
  
  Too late for you, perhaps, but there will be many who will dump their Andriods for an iPhone.
  Yep, all those people who are afraid of the freedom of choice allowed by the Marketplace. Steve will help them decide what apps they can run.
  
  --
  Support SETI@home
8. Re:Too late. by gmhowell · 2011-01-11 14:34 · Score: 1
  
  Give me a break. In two months you and others breathing the same nonsense will have to somehow find some new spin. Ah yes -- it's just the calm before the iPhone 5 storm!
  The common refrain I've seen in this thread is "what, no LTE?"
  
  --
  Jesus was all right but his disciples were thick and ordinary. -John Lennon
9. Re:Too late. by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 14:53 · Score: 0
  
  Who gives a shit, and how is this 'insightful'?
10. Re:Too late. by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 15:34 · Score: 0
  
  I already dumped my iPhone for an Android phone and I'm on AT&T. Unlike everyone else (or so I hear) I've never had an issue with the connectivity on AT&T - although my work phone through Verizon is awesome because all the calls end themselves. Well, awesome for a work phone anyway.
11. Re:Too late. by SoupIsGoodFood_42 · 2011-01-11 22:22 · Score: 1
  
  All I know is that where I live, AT&T doesn't exist. And I've seen far more iPhones out in the wild than Android phones.
  You say too little, too late. I say wait and see. Especially since the last stats were for 3 months ending in November, before Christmas sales.
  As for no simultaneous voice and data, that probably isn't a big deal for most people, yet. And I'm sure Version aren't sitting on their asses anymore.
12. Re:Too late. by SoupIsGoodFood_42 · 2011-01-11 22:28 · Score: 1
  
  There seems to be more choice in the App Store than there is in the Marketplace at the moment.
13. Re:Too late. by SoupIsGoodFood_42 · 2011-01-11 22:31 · Score: 1
  
  Prepare to be disappointed in some of your fellow comrades.
14. Re:Too late. by SETIGuy · 2011-01-12 06:33 · Score: 1
  
  What's the best tethering app in the App Store? The best SEGA Genesis emulator? The best Commodore 64 emulator? The best web browser? The best VOIP app that can work over the cellular network? The best Flash viewer? The best video chat app for the cellular network? The best interface to non-Apple app stores? The best porno app? The best BASIC interpreter?
  
  --
  Support SETI@home
15. Re:Too late. by SoupIsGoodFood_42 · 2011-01-12 14:19 · Score: 1
  
  The built-in tethering works just fine for the couple of times I've played with it.
  Don't care about old emulators.
  Safari.
  Skype works over the cellular network last time I checked, although I could be wrong there since I don't use VOIP -- at least not when there's no free WiFi. Haven't tried Viber yet.
  Don't care, in fact, I support the lack of Flash as a protest to how crap it is.
  I don't use video chat since I only have an iPhone 3G.
  App Store works fine for me.
  For sex addicts, there is plenty of porn on the internet.
  What's a BASIC interpreter and why would I want one on my phone?
16. Re:Too late. by SETIGuy · 2011-01-13 12:08 · Score: 1
  
  Well, wouldn't those answers challenge the idea that there is 'more choice in the App Store than the Marketplace at the moment'. Choice isn't measured by the number of things you want or by the illusion of choice Steve gives you.
  
  --
  Support SETI@home
17. Re:Too late. by SoupIsGoodFood_42 · 2011-01-15 13:19 · Score: 1
  
  Choice isn't measured by the number of things you want or by the illusion of choice Steve gives you.
  To me, it sure is measured by the number of things I want. Otherwise, why would I care how much choice there is?
  For you it appears to have less choice, for me it has more.
18. Re:Too late. by SoupIsGoodFood_42 · 2011-01-15 13:21 · Score: 1
  
  Choice isn't measured by the number of things you want or by the illusion of choice Steve gives you.
  To me, it sure is measured by the number of things I want. Otherwise, why would I care how much choice there is?
  For you it appears to have less choice, for me it has more.
Looks like that wifi hotstpot will be useful by jandrese · 2011-01-11 04:48 · Score: 1

No simultaneous voice/data? I guess the best way to make calls on the thing will be to use Skype over the WiFi hotspot.

--

I read the internet for the articles.
1. Re:Looks like that wifi hotstpot will be useful by ceoyoyo · 2011-01-11 05:01 · Score: 1
  
  Or Skype over the cellular data connection. I'm not really sure why you'd want to use the voice channel. Too bad the cell companies still insist on charging you for it.
2. Re:Looks like that wifi hotstpot will be useful by WelshRarebit · 2011-01-11 06:45 · Score: 1
  
  It's an iPhone, it's not designed to make calls. :)
How popular? by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 04:49 · Score: 0

Interesting that there are almost as many query hits on "iPhone 4" and "Verizon" as there are on "iPhone 4" and "AT&T". http://bingmatrix.cloudapp.net/go.aspx?t=&a=%2B(%22iphone+4%22+or+%22iphone4%22)&k=verizon%3Bat%26t%3Bt-mobile%3Bsprint&s=*%3Bengadget.com%3Bgizmodo.com%3Bcnet.com%3Btwitter.com%3Bfacebook.com
Why... by Slash.Poop · 2011-01-11 04:50 · Score: 1

Why if you are going to copy the first few paragraphs of the article would you change "February 10th" to "early next month"?

Maybe the article changed or something but it just seems strange to remove the exact date.

--
I'll try anything once. Twice if it tastes good
Quote from the conference by TheL0ser · 2011-01-11 04:51 · Score: 1

"If the press writes about something long enough and hard enough, eventually it comes true"
They have that kind of superpower and are using it for an iPhone? What about cold fusion, hovercars, faster-than-light travel, and decent tasting frozen dinners?
Oh, and that world peace stuff, too, I guess.
1. Re:Quote from the conference by geekoid · 2011-01-11 06:39 · Score: 1
  
  I would assume a decent tasting frozen dinner would come with whirled peas.
  
  --
  The Kruger Dunning explains most post on /. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect
2. Re:Quote from the conference by sharkey · 2011-01-11 06:47 · Score: 1
  
  I'd hope for "honest, hard-working politicians" myself.
  
  --
  
  --
  "Outlook not so good." That magic 8-ball knows everything! I'll ask about Exchange Server next.
3. Re:Quote from the conference by bigpat · 2011-01-11 06:55 · Score: 1
  
  "If the press writes about something long enough and hard enough, eventually it comes true"
  They have that kind of superpower and are using it for an iPhone? What about cold fusion, hovercars, faster-than-light travel, and decent tasting frozen dinners?
  Oh, and that world peace stuff, too, I guess.
  There was a vote and management went for the iPhone. Something about higher margins on the iPhone versus fusion, hovercars and FTL. And they figured nobody would buy world peace.
Re:Not free tethering - WiFi hotspot, unknown pric by imamac · 2011-01-11 04:51 · Score: 1

Sorry--I equate tethering and hotspot even though they are of course two compeltely different things. (Same result though.) And the impression of the news media (from what I'm reading) is that there was no additional cost.
LTE by darjen · 2011-01-11 04:51 · Score: 1

3g is done. I'm waiting for a good 4g phone when my Droid's contract runs out.
1. Re:LTE by danaris · 2011-01-11 05:00 · Score: 1
  
  Hope your Droid's contract doesn't run out for another year and a half or so—or you live in one of the few big cities where LTE is being rolled out early—because otherwise, you're not going to find much out there. Or rather, you'll be able to get a bleeding-edge phone that supports LTE, but your service will still be entirely 2g/3g.
  Dan Aris
  
  --
  Fun. Free. Online. RPG. BattleMaster.
2. Re:LTE by darjen · 2011-01-11 05:37 · Score: 1
  
  It's not up till November. So there should a few decent choices by then. My city is supposed to have Verizon and T-mo 4g. As long as it works at my office downtown I will be happy.
3. Re:LTE by I8TheWorm · 2011-01-11 05:57 · Score: 0
  
  Check the 4G specs.. there's NOTHING on the market that's actually 4G. And Clear "4G" is 10mbps (real tests are 3-6mbps) while AT&T and tMobile 3G is 7.2mbps (I've tested AT&T many times and get 7). Verizon's LET is expected to get 8-15mbps and gets that in early testing.
  Plus, AT&T's HSPA+ is widely distributed, while Verizon is in the process of rolling out LTE.
  So I think "done" is way off base.
  
  --
  Saying Android is a family of phones is akin to saying Linux is a family of PCs.
4. Re:LTE by Coren22 · 2011-01-11 06:54 · Score: 1
  
  I saw at the VZ store a Droid 2 with LTE, and they said there were Incredibles and Xs coming out with LTE soon too. I live in Baltimore, so I am pretty sure we have LTE.
  
  --
  APK likes to ask for responses to the same things over and over. Maybe he just likes the responses?
5. Re:LTE by ozgood · 2011-01-11 08:08 · Score: 1
  
  All of the NFL markets get Verizon LTE first.
Hmmm, bait and switch... by bhunachchicken · 2011-01-11 04:54 · Score: 1

Sorry to sound negative, but I wonder how long it will be before Verizon remove both the unlimited data and the free tethering plans..? I suspect this will be something they offer only in the short term, to get people on board.
It wouldn't surprise me if they bring a 500MB cap to the data plans in 2012 and also began charging for tethering, much like how providers such as Orange have done in the UK...
I can live with 500MB, myself, but I know this annoys the living hell out of a lot of other people.

--
THE HONOUR OF THE KNIGHTS - CC Licensed Sci-Fi Novel
1. Re:Hmmm, bait and switch... by vlueboy · 2011-01-11 05:21 · Score: 1
  
  It wouldn't surprise me if they bring a 500MB cap to the data plans in 2012 and also began charging for tethering, much like how providers such as Orange have done in the UK...
  Wow, that's very plausible. They could be hoping to get all the anti-AT&T folks onboard with the soon-to-be-dead iPhone4, into a 2 year contract. Then before that contract ends, they throw in the cap. Terms in the US can be changed randomly, and I'm no smartphone user, but /. has been an indication that VZ loves nickel&diming people for even *viewing* "basic" GPS data that the phone collects by law anyway (to enable emergency 911-tracking services)
  A juicy thought from Bloomberg TV I haven't seen here yet:
  VZ iPhone 4 is out in Feb 2010 ... the usual AT&T iPhone 5 comes out shortly after... will version 5 be an AT&T exclusive?
2. Re:Hmmm, bait and switch... by radish · 2011-01-11 05:59 · Score: 2
  
  You mean the unlimited data and free tethering they haven't even announced yet? AFAIK all the reports around plan pricing are pure conjecture, I haven't seen anything official.
  
  --
  ---- Den ene knappen er powerknapp, den andre er Bender voice knapp "Bite My Shiny Metal Ass"
3. Re:Hmmm, bait and switch... by erroneus · 2011-01-11 06:16 · Score: 1
  
  Depending on the state you live in, when the terms and conditions change, you have a window in which you can exit your agreement without penalty. If your state does not support this kind of consumer protection, then you need to start talking to your state representative to ask why it's okay for companies to abuse "their constituents" with changes in the agreement that you did not sign to.
4. Re:Hmmm, bait and switch... by Coren22 · 2011-01-11 06:57 · Score: 1
  
  GPS data with the VZnavigator app is not free, Blackberrys at least have the free GPS functionality in Google maps and BB Maps. Not sure about Android phones though. Though bhunachchicken is inaccurate about the free tethering plans, Verizon announced nothing of the sort, tethering costs $20. Also, unlimited hasn't gone away yet for VZ, I don't look forward to them removing it, so please don't jinx it dude.
  
  --
  APK likes to ask for responses to the same things over and over. Maybe he just likes the responses?
Did they change the iPhone4 for Verizon? by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 04:56 · Score: 0

Did they change it besides just changing the radio? The picture at apple.com looks a tiny bit different than my AT&T iPhone4. There is a line above the silent switch that appears to show a break between two antennas. My iPhone4 doesn't have a break there.
1. Re:Did they change the iPhone4 for Verizon? by Pojut · 2011-01-11 05:01 · Score: 1
  
  They briefly touched on that...it's likely a minor redesign due to the differences between CDMA and GSM.
  More here.
  
  --
  Living With a Nerd
2. Re:Did they change the iPhone4 for Verizon? by msauve · 2011-01-11 05:19 · Score: 1
  
  ATT & Verizon both use the 800 MHz (traditional cellular band) and 1900 MHz ("PCS" band) frequencies, just with different protocols (CDMA vs. GSM). There was no need for new iPhone antennae based on the frequencies they have to handle. Any Apple claim that it was done because of CDMA is just marketing BS.
  
  --
  "National Security is the chief cause of national insecurity." - Celine's First Law
3. Re:Did they change the iPhone4 for Verizon? by Pojut · 2011-01-11 05:25 · Score: 1
  
  Why else would they have done it? In theory, it would just make the dreaded grip of death WORSE, since there would now be two possible grips that could cause it rather than just one.
  If it's just BS, why don't you enlighten us as to the real reason why?
  
  --
  Living With a Nerd
4. Re:Did they change the iPhone4 for Verizon? by Yvan256 · 2011-01-11 05:33 · Score: 1
  
  I'm guessing CDMA antenna at the top, GSM antenna at the bottom and the sides are not antennas.
5. Re:Did they change the iPhone4 for Verizon? by msauve · 2011-01-11 05:46 · Score: 1
  
  Because Verizon said they had to fix the antenna issue which AT&T users complained about, obviously. It's not because of CDMA, it's because they had to design new phone anyway, and while doing so fixed the problem. The feature set/iOS may be fundamentally the same, but it's new phone.
  
  But, marketspeak-wise, Apple can't come right out and say they fixed a problem they claimed they never had.
  
  --
  "National Security is the chief cause of national insecurity." - Celine's First Law
6. Re:Did they change the iPhone4 for Verizon? by schnell · 2011-01-11 05:54 · Score: 1
  
  I'm guessing CDMA antenna at the top, GSM antenna at the bottom and the sides are not antennas.
  The Verizon iPhone is CDMA-only ... no GSM at all.
  
  --
  "95% of all Slashdot .sig quotes are incorrect or completely fabricated." -Benjamin Franklin
7. Re:Did they change the iPhone4 for Verizon? by Pojut · 2011-01-11 06:40 · Score: 1
  
  ...again, there are MORE places for a grip-of-death on the CDMA iPhone vs the GSM iPhone (one gap on one side at the bottom of the GSM phone vs one gap on BOTH sides at the bottom of the CDMA iPhone.)
  If anything, the "revised" design makes grip of deaths more likely, not less likely...how would you consider that a "fix"?
  
  --
  Living With a Nerd
8. Re:Did they change the iPhone4 for Verizon? by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 06:50 · Score: 0
  
  Two antennas, death grip one and the other one takes over.
9. Re:Did they change the iPhone4 for Verizon? by msauve · 2011-01-11 07:06 · Score: 1
  
  So, you have some inside knowledge of exactly which piece of edge metal does what - which are trim, which are antennae. Please share, or your claim makes no sense. What does make sense is that both Verizon and Apple were aware of issues with the GSM iPhone design, and would want to make changes to correct that.
  
  --
  "National Security is the chief cause of national insecurity." - Celine's First Law
10. Re:Did they change the iPhone4 for Verizon? by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 07:29 · Score: 0
  
  No SIM card tray present, so definitely no GSM compatibility on the VZW iPhone.
  This basically means you have an iPod Touch the second you step out of the US.
Re:Not free tethering - WiFi hotspot, unknown pric by SuperKendall · 2011-01-11 04:57 · Score: 1

The only reason I made the distinction, is that having a hotspot is a lot more flexible than just tethering support...
I agree the impression is that it is free. But that's because they are too giddy and for some reason, actually trusting a wireless carrier.

--
"There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
Mums the word. by 140Mandak262Jamuna · 2011-01-11 04:58 · Score: 1

There is no way they are going to disclose what would be really interesting.
What Verizon promised to give up to get iPhone? Most likely dropping or at least hobbling android. But no one would say how soon or how much.

--
sed -e 's/Chuck Norris/Rajnikant/g' joke > fact
1. Re:Mums the word. by MistrBlank · 2011-01-11 05:15 · Score: 5, Interesting
  
  They promised to give up the one thing that Verizon has held out on all this time, Verizon branding all over the phone.
  It will be verizon free, free of all the extra apps and crap they want installed on the system. It will remain an Apple device, exactly what Apple has always wanted and only AT&T would agree to.
  It hasn't been an exclusive agreement or Apple's will that kept the phone on AT&T, it's Verizon's vanity and need for control over a device that is yours to use.
  With LTE coming up, they didn't want to miss out on an iDevice for another generation of wireless data.
2. Re:Mums the word. by Americano · 2011-01-11 05:24 · Score: 1
  
  Stupid FUD is stupid. Verizon isn't going to "drop" Android phones any more than AT&T is going to drop the iPhone from their lineup now that it's not an exclusive AT&T phone.
  The only way they'll drop Android phones is if *everybody on Verizon* decides that all they want is an iPhone and they stop buying Android phones.
  I think we all know that's not even remotely likely.
3. Re:Mums the word. by h4rr4r · 2011-01-11 05:29 · Score: 1
  
  No way, for one they already hobble some of the phones for two it is their biggest seller. My bet is AT&T just stopped paying for the exclusive deal.
4. Re:Mums the word. by UnknowingFool · 2011-01-11 05:32 · Score: 1
  
  The most important thing is lack of Verizon control of the device. That means no Verizon only specific Apps (which Verizon could insist), Verizon only ring tones (which Verizon has done in the past), etc.
  
  --
  Well, there's spam egg sausage and spam, that's not got much spam in it.
5. Re:Mums the word. by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 05:38 · Score: 0
  
  [citation needed]
6. Re:Mums the word. by ejtttje · 2011-01-11 05:57 · Score: 1
  
  God I hope so. Verizon lobotomizes their phones, removing features like vibrate-then-ring for no apparent reason. Others are apparent, like removing bluetooth file transfer to force you to pay to send it through their network. I hate them with a passion, but I'm stuck on a cheap family plan... for now.
7. Re:Mums the word. by Tharsman · 2011-01-11 06:55 · Score: 1
  
  There is no way they are going to disclose what would be really interesting.
  What Verizon promised to give up to get iPhone? Most likely dropping or at least hobbling android. But no one would say how soon or how much.
  I think its going to be more subtle than that. The iPhone will cost them, as iPhones do are pricey and they still sell them for 200 bucks subsidizing the rest. Depending on how well the phone sells, they may be forced to cut costs somewhere else to be more stable. The most likely cutting department will be Android marketing. The iPhone sells itself, and should it make them enough money they may actually figure the huge amount of money spent on marketing droid is unnecessary. There are two reasons for this. For one, Android marketing from Verizon is not just selling Verizon phones, it's selling Androids on every carrier.
  It may not sound like a big deal, but Verizon has been a strong contributor to Android's marketing. If they cut back in that department (be it due to convenience, obsolete need to compete with iPhones, agreements with Apple, or pure whims) it will deal a huge punch to the Android growth, at least in the US.
8. Re:Mums the word. by LodCrappo · 2011-01-11 07:37 · Score: 1
  
  "...Verizon's vanity and need for control over a device that is yours to use."
  um.. you do realize that *Apple's* vanity and need for control over a device that is yours to use is the reason Verizon's vanity and need for control was an issue in the first place?
  
  --
  -Lod
9. Re:Mums the word. by dbc · 2011-01-11 08:17 · Score: 2
  
  You are absolutely correct. Now let me point out that the choice is between being force-fed lame, expensive crap that doesn't work well together by Verizon, or being only allowed to use things that meet meet the minimum design standards of a walled-garden. In this case, Apple's good design wins over Verizon's bundle of goofs. Neither is a great option, but Verizon is the worse option.
10. Re:Mums the word. by dhovis · 2011-01-11 08:27 · Score: 1
  
  They promised to give up the one thing that Verizon has held out on all this time, Verizon branding all over the phone.
  It will be verizon free, free of all the extra apps and crap they want installed on the system. It will remain an Apple device, exactly what Apple has always wanted and only AT&T would agree to.
  It hasn't been an exclusive agreement or Apple's will that kept the phone on AT&T, it's Verizon's vanity and need for control over a device that is yours to use. With LTE coming up, they didn't want to miss out on an iDevice for another generation of wireless data.
  If that were true, we've have seen the iPhone on T-Mobile or Sprint by now. This was AT&T's exclusivity expiring. AT&T knew it was coming. That is why AT&T was so generous with people upgrading from the 3GS to the 4, even though it had only been a year. It let them lock people into contracts through 2012, knowing that the Verizon version was coming in just a few months.
  
  --
  --
  The internet is the greatest source of biased information in the history of mankind.
Re:Not free tethering - WiFi hotspot, unknown pric by rwven · 2011-01-11 05:02 · Score: 0

tuaw has details about the pricing of their (unlimited) data plans as well as the hotspot app.
Use it all the time by SuperKendall · 2011-01-11 05:05 · Score: 1

Be honest, AT&T iPhone owners: how often do you really use this feature?
I use this all the time. The most common use is looking at maps while talking to someone. The next is looking up something on the web (like a menu for a restaurant) while I'm talking to someone.
Also while on a hands-free call on the phone, I prefer to leave Waze (free navigation app) running - that requires a network just like Google Maps.
The very first iPhone had this issue on Edge, and I found it annoying. It's not a huge deal and I don't think it will stop a lot of people from getting phones but it is a pretty useful feature.

--
"There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
Yes it does... by SuperKendall · 2011-01-11 05:06 · Score: 4, Insightful

Sure it does, I can look at google maps when on the phone, on an iPhone, on AT&T.

--
"There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
1. Re:Yes it does... by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 06:35 · Score: 0
  
  If you'd bothered to RTFA, you'd see that it's a network limitation, not a phone one. Verizon's CDMA can't do voice and data at the same time.
2. Re:Yes it does... by The+Wooden+Badger · 2011-01-11 06:43 · Score: 1
  
  If you'd bothered to RTFA, you'd see that it's a network limitation, not a phone one. Verizon's CDMA can't do voice and data at the same time.
  If you look at the post, that's exactly what SuperKendall was saying.
  
  --
  Heroscape, it's like legos combined with anachronistic wargames.
There's an update for that! by bornagainpenguin · 2011-01-11 05:07 · Score: 1

This took way too long. I already caved and got myself a Android phone, which I'm very happy with.
That's okay, there's an update that will fix that for you...

--
Have a Virgin Mobile USA smartphone? Give VMRoms.com a try!
Why do phone manufacturers do this? by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 05:07 · Score: 0

I could never understand the logic behind locking in a popular phone with one vendor. There have been several phones I would have gone with in the past that became non-options because they were locked in with one vendor. I know the service providers pay a pretty penny for exclusivity, but I have to question how accurate their cost analysis is. Additionally, when things go wrong you look even worse. AT&T killed themselves with their woeful 3G pipe and I imagine there's going to be a flood of people going to Verizon as soon as their 2nd contracts are up.
1. Re:Why do phone manufacturers do this? by PhotoJim · 2011-01-11 05:30 · Score: 1
  
  The real issue is that no competing carrier had technology easily compatible with AT&T's. (T-Mobile does in 2G but the 3G band they use is not on the current iPhone.).
  In Canada, Bell and Telus built 3G GSM HSPA+ networks and Apple signed contracts with them. We have three carriers selling the iPhone now (in addition to incumbent Rogers), and a regional carrier (SaskTel), while it doesn't sell the iPhone, has a new network that works with it (so you can buy an unlocked iPhone - also available in Canada - and use it there).
  Apple didn't have the same options in the US. Still, I'm surprised to see a Verizon iPhone before a T-Mobile one because the latter would be useful with other carriers (e.g. Wind in Canada) and would be only a minor variation from the existing hardware.
2. Re:Why do phone manufacturers do this? by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 06:07 · Score: 0
  
  I'd like to see a T-Mobile iPhone as well. I'm not dealing with Verizon or ATT.
3. Re:Why do phone manufacturers do this? by UnknowingFool · 2011-01-11 06:10 · Score: 1
  
  You mean besides money? If you are locked to a phone, you are not as likely to switch networks due to the cost of accessories and such. If you do switch networks, you'll have to pay money to get new ones which benefit all the carriers. If you're moving from AT&T to Verizon or vice versa, you'll have to pay one of them for new accessories. Verizon and AT&T just has to make sure they get more incoming than outgoing customers.
  
  --
  Well, there's spam egg sausage and spam, that's not got much spam in it.
Awesome. by seebs · 2011-01-11 05:15 · Score: 3, Informative

You may confidently assume that I'm counting the months on my AT&T contract, and will hop to Verizon when it's over.
I really do value the iPhone in a number of ways, but dealing with AT&T has been a nightmare. I had tons of trouble with them in the past, but the most recent one is still fairly typical:
My last payment to them apparently didn't make it. Now, I can show that the other three checks I mailed out the same night all got cashed, but whatever. Could be the post office, could be their mailroom, no one is ever likely to find out.
1. The letter to me was hostile and sort of rude. I've never missed a payment before. Heck, I don't think I've had ANY payments late, for anyone, in the last four or five years. I don't think the first letter you send to a customer with a flawless payment record should make the assumption that it's their fault that you didn't get paid. I deposited the payment in the US Mail in a timely manner, assholes.
2. So I called in. Navigated through a voicemail system. Which hung up on me.
3. So I called in again. Navigated through a voicemail system. Got someone who made meaningless noises a lot but implied that things were all good.
4. So I went to the web site to online-bill-pay it, and kept getting dropped on a page saying "the function you've selected isn't available". Turns out you have to have JavaScript on or the login page doesn't work. Noticed a late payment charge, which the previous rep had not mentioned.
5. So I called in again, navigated through the same voicemail system, and got someone to ACTUALLY reverse the late payment fee.
That was an awful lot of hassle given that the most likely explanation is that their mailroom lost something. No one I dealt with during the process seemed friendly.
I call T-mobile sometimes, and they're always pleasant to talk to.

--
My blog: http://www.seebs.net/log/ --- My iPhone/iPad app: http://www.seebs.net/seebsfrac/
1. Re:Awesome. by characterZer0 · 2011-01-11 05:29 · Score: 2
  
  You think Verizon is going to be better?
  hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha *gasp*
  hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
  
  --
  Go green: turn off your refrigerator.
2. Re:Awesome. by log0n · 2011-01-11 06:04 · Score: 1
  
  Stop being a Luddite, turn on Javascript.
3. Re:Awesome. by Americano · 2011-01-11 06:27 · Score: 1
  
  I call T-Mobile sometimes, and they're always pleasant to talk to.
  Really? You can just call them up and chat? I should try that sometime when I'm feeling lonely.
  "Thanks for calling T-Mobile, this is Mark, how can I help you?"
  "Hey Mark, what's going on? Did you catch the Bruins game last night? Pretty great play in the 3rd, huh?"
4. Re:Awesome. by aschlemm · 2011-01-11 06:59 · Score: 2
  
  You still write checks for payments? I set up payments on my bank account and so I just login to ATT's website or use the ATT application on my iPhone to see how much I owe.
5. Re:Awesome. by Tharsman · 2011-01-11 07:05 · Score: 1
  
  Time for a rude awakening: all carriers will give you very similar treatments in such cases. I have AT&T. My younger brother had Sprint (temporarily, got so sick he paid the cancellation fee and moved back to AT&T). Older brother has Verizon. My wife has TMobile. We all had hell at one time or another with customer service, and Verizon seems to have the worse (or my older brother really knows how to use hyperbole effectively.)
  As for JavaScript... almost every single site these days uses it extensively. I just had to enable it to even be able to look at Verizon Wireless main page.
  I never had an issue with late or un-received payments, from anyone. But then again, I no longer use checks. That's why banks websites allow me to do online payments. Handwritten checks not only have a higher chance of getting lost in the mail (due to handwriting sometimes being interpreted wrong by the postman) but also has a high chance of being illegible to the person that enters the payment in their system. Better let the bank print and mail a nice and legible check instead.
6. Re:Awesome. by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 07:19 · Score: 0
  
  That was an awful lot of hassle given that the most likely explanation is that their mailroom lost something.
  Strange how that's also the explanation that relieves you of any financial obligation. Lucky for you!
7. Re:Awesome. by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 07:31 · Score: 0
  
  My last payment to them apparently didn't make it. Now, I can show that the other three checks I mailed out the same night all got cashed, but whatever. Could be the post office, could be their mailroom, no one is ever likely to find out.
  Wait...you have an iPhone, so you obviously have some way to access the Internet...but you pay bills by mailing in checks?
  And then you complain that those little pieces of paper you're trying to pay with get lost. Boggles. The. Mind.
8. Re:Awesome. by osgeek · 2011-01-11 07:57 · Score: 1
  
  Verizon is consistently rated tops in coverage, network quality, and customer service by Consumer Reports and other sources.
  They're more expensive, but having used AT&T and Verizon, I notice a big difference. I'm anxious to get back to Verizon if their iPhone doesn't have too many compromises.
  
  --
  Why are you letting these clowns ruin our country?
9. Re:Awesome. by BrianRoach · 2011-01-11 08:29 · Score: 1
  
  You're using one of the most technologically advanced portable devices available on the planet ... and mailing paper checks to the phone company to pay for it.
  That's awesome.
10. Re:Awesome. by seebs · 2011-01-11 09:23 · Score: 1
  
  No, the explanations on offer are that AT&T lost it or the post office lost it. Both are possible, and either way, I'm off the hook. I deposited the envelope in the US mail with adequate postage, I'm done.
  However, I've had a lot more trouble with AT&T over the years than I have with the post office.
  
  --
  My blog: http://www.seebs.net/log/ --- My iPhone/iPad app: http://www.seebs.net/seebsfrac/
11. Re:Awesome. by seebs · 2011-01-11 09:24 · Score: 1
  
  Last time I looked at bill-paying online, it cost more than stamps did. I'm a bit of a luddite at times.
  Anyway, checks getting lost has happened, uhm. Twice, maybe, in my entire adult life. Always with companies that I didn't trust to be telling me the truth about what happened in the first place.
  
  --
  My blog: http://www.seebs.net/log/ --- My iPhone/iPad app: http://www.seebs.net/seebsfrac/
12. Re:Awesome. by seebs · 2011-01-11 09:26 · Score: 1
  
  No, I call for stuff like "one of our phones broke, we're switching to a replacement, can you kick the back end of the sidekick stuff so the new phone will work", or "we'd like to transfer this number to this other guy's account", or whatever. Whatever it is, they're usually pretty good to work with and they solve problems.
  Sprint was unbelievably bad, AT&T's consistently annoying. Some people hate Verizon, but they also get some positive reviews. I looked at the list of carrier ratings in Consumer Reports. :)
  
  --
  My blog: http://www.seebs.net/log/ --- My iPhone/iPad app: http://www.seebs.net/seebsfrac/
13. Re:Awesome. by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 09:57 · Score: 0
  
  What are these 'checks' you speak of?
14. Re:Awesome. by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 10:34 · Score: 0
  
  Holy crap, you are in for a big surprise with Verizon!
  At least with AT&T it was your mistakes that initiated the problems (seriously, who sends checks or disables javascript and can't figure out why the page does not work!), with Verizon you won't have to, they will make the problems for you!
15. Re:Awesome. by gmhowell · 2011-01-11 14:36 · Score: 1
  
  If they're like most tech support, you'd be better off asking them about a cricket match.
  
  --
  Jesus was all right but his disciples were thick and ordinary. -John Lennon
16. Re:Awesome. by gmhowell · 2011-01-11 14:39 · Score: 1
  
  Call AT&T. Punch in debit card number. Bill paid. Job done. No stamps, no online bill pay fee. Minutes are free, and AT&T eats the merchant charge for Visa.
  
  --
  Jesus was all right but his disciples were thick and ordinary. -John Lennon
17. Re:Awesome. by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 17:03 · Score: 0
  
  ahahahahahhahahahahahhahahahahahahahahha *gasp*\
  hahahahahahahahahaha.... awww... poor baby. just because you can't see through their map on the commercial doesnt mean its actually good. i have been f*ed for hundreds on verizon... some of which has been reversed by COURTS (which translates to a subpar check sent to me) while at
  AT&T, I haven't had a billing problem at all. occasionally service is reduced, but generally speaking its pretty damn good. i think the reality is that because of the time/frequency style of multiplexing, the V is better that the A in deep cities. downtown san fransisco works ok for me on the A, but i don't live there, so i am only subject to it in bars or cars.
18. Re:Awesome. by Uberbah · 2011-01-11 17:44 · Score: 1
  
  Verizon is consistently rated tops in coverage, network quality, and customer service by Consumer Reports and other sources.
  Saying Verizon is the best American cell phone company is like talking about the best kick in the balls that you've ever had. It might have had a more pleasant outcome than the others you may have received - but it's still a fucking kick to the balls.
19. Re:Awesome. by yeshuawatso · 2011-01-11 18:30 · Score: 1
  
  This is going to reverse my mod points, but it's worth it. Yes, you can call t-mobile and simply talk to the reps about ANYTHING. I once called and held a conversation about call centers for over an hour before I informed them that I was a customer. They're like Canadians or beings from friendlyville. T-Mobile's network is terrible, 2G, 3G, and 4G; however, long standing customers will tell you that they treat your shit like gold. I've been through AT&T before and after the Cingular purchase, Cingular, Sprint, and Alltel (before the VZW buyout), and all of their customer service, especially Sprint, can't touch T-Mobile.
  When people ask me why I use T-Mobile, I simply dial 611 from my mobile, say customer service (sometimes 2x at the most) and within seconds I have a rep. My best friend once raced me against AT&T, and he finally got a rep after 5 minutes of hold time. It's just that simple.
Re:Not free tethering - WiFi hotspot, unknown pric by spinkham · 2011-01-11 05:17 · Score: 1

Where? I see where they quote the prices of the current Droid plans, but no datails on iPhone plans..

--
Blessed are the pessimists, for they have made backups.
Cost: by wiredog · 2011-01-11 05:19 · Score: 1

$199 for a 16-gigabyte version, $299 for the 32 GB model. Comes in white or black.

--

Best Slashdot Co
Re:You can lessen your bandwidth usage (here's a w by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 05:23 · Score: 0

oh dear Ghod, can't you at least take the time to tailor a complete HOSTS troll? Or just copypasta the origna .
Go haggle with ATT. Right now. by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 05:24 · Score: 5, Interesting

After the announcement, I called ATT and asked for incentives to keep me on their network. I told them about the Verizon announcement, and offered to renew my contract if they would upgrade me to the iPhone 4 at no cost, and knock $15 off my month rate. They accepted the deal. ATT know the threat Verizon poses, and are eager to stop the bloodletting. I would encourage everyone who is willing to stick around to haggle.
1. Re:Go haggle with ATT. Right now. by kimvette · 2011-01-11 05:46 · Score: 4, Insightful
  
  Do better than that.
  Verizon will be allowing their iPhone to be a wifi hotspot (so it allows tethering) AND are offering unlimited plans.
  Demand the same from AT&T. I'm still on my unlimited plan but I cannot change ANYTHING else I will lose it; I can't change my phone number (which I want to do because clients keep calling me directly), I can't upgrade or downgrade minutes, add tethering, or change any other plan features or I will lose my unlimited data. I'm hoping AT&T will get a clue and bring back their unlimited plan and also allow the phone to be used as a wifi hotspot.
  Yes, I know you can tether via SSH (requires jailbreaking), but it's not the same and it is a bit of a pain.
  There is a huge down side to Verizon's iPhone though; it is CDMA so you won't get simultaneous voice and data. This means no surfing the web or checking email while waiting on hold with their customer disservice.
  
  --
  The Christian Right is Neither (Christian nor right). See: Matthew 23, Matthew 25, Ezekiel 16:48-50
2. Re:Go haggle with ATT. Right now. by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 05:54 · Score: 0
  
  I wanted to avoid overshooting. The customer service people probably take notes. I figured the handset and discount were well-within the possible.
3. Re:Go haggle with ATT. Right now. by Overzeetop · 2011-01-11 06:03 · Score: 1
  
  I think you just got trolled. I seriously doubt AT&T cares enough about keeping their customers to fork over $560 to keep someone with an old 3G(S) handset.
  Unlimited data and hotspot? Talking about bringing a carrier to its knees. Of course, without LTE, the speed limitation will keep the overall traffic in check, and they can weed out the "abusers" before they have an LTE handset.
  
  --
  Is it just my observation, or are there way too many stupid people in the world?
4. Re:Go haggle with ATT. Right now. by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 06:09 · Score: 0
  
  and then you find out to drop the 15 dollars off your monthly rate they downgraded your unlimited $30 data package to a $15 200MB package :X
5. Re:Go haggle with ATT. Right now. by sidragon.net · 2011-01-11 06:11 · Score: 1
  
  It does not cost the carrier $560. And they stand to gain much more than that in service charges (in this case, about $1,800 over the next 24 months). Extrapolate that across the massive defection they could suffer to Verizon, and it is easy to understand their willingness to deal.
6. Re:Go haggle with ATT. Right now. by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 06:24 · Score: 0
  
  I switched from iPhone 3G to WP7 (Samsung Focus) and was able to keep my unlimited dataplan with ATT. Just go to an real ATT store and demand it. It wasn't a problem -- I wouldn't trust dealing with an ATT rep over the phone, but in person you can ask them to print out the details and verify that you still have unlimited.
7. Re:Go haggle with ATT. Right now. by geekoid · 2011-01-11 06:41 · Score: 1
  
  Call them and tell them that's what you want, or you will be looking at switching to Verizon. Keep your problems with the Verizon service to yourself.
  Who knows?
  
  --
  The Kruger Dunning explains most post on /. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect
8. Re:Go haggle with ATT. Right now. by dbcad7 · 2011-01-11 07:06 · Score: 1
  
  You should have held out for an Atrix
  
  --
  waiting for ad.doubleclick.net
9. Re:Go haggle with ATT. Right now. by Tharsman · 2011-01-11 07:14 · Score: 1
  
  Demand the same from AT&T. I'm still on my unlimited plan but I cannot change ANYTHING else I will lose it; I can't change my phone number (which I want to do because clients keep calling me directly), I can't upgrade or downgrade minutes, add tethering, or change any other plan features or I will lose my unlimited data. I'm hoping AT&T will get a clue and bring back their unlimited plan and also allow the phone to be used as a wifi hotspot.
  I'd double check that (if you have checked on it at all.) My best friend has AT&T and changed his phone number (due to a stalking ex) and he didn't loose anything on his contract, nor was he forced to renew or extend his contract. He did had to pay a fee to do the change, I don't remember but think it was around 29.99 (or something like that.) On a similar note he has changed some services over time without having his contract affected. Things like switching from a local state only unlimited call plan (that charged roaming charges out of state) to a more expensive national call service, to plainly upgrading from iPhone 3G to iPhone 4 with a contract renewal that didn't change the unlimited terms.
10. Re:Go haggle with ATT. Right now. by kimvette · 2011-01-11 07:21 · Score: 1
  
  I'd double check that (if you have checked on it at all.)
  That's what they told me when I called AT&T prior to purchasing the iPhone4, because I had the unlimited data with my 3GS. I can upgrade my phone and keep the unlimited data, but I can't make any changes to the plan at all.
  
  --
  The Christian Right is Neither (Christian nor right). See: Matthew 23, Matthew 25, Ezekiel 16:48-50
11. Re:Go haggle with ATT. Right now. by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 07:39 · Score: 1
  
  I can't change my phone number (which I want to do because clients keep calling me directly)
  Record your phonemail greeting in spanish. Tell friends and family you're learning spanish and thought it would be fun to have your greeting in spanish. Everybody else that calls will think you got a new number and some spanish speaking dude got your old number.
12. Re:Go haggle with ATT. Right now. by Tharsman · 2011-01-11 07:44 · Score: 1
  
  I'd double check that (if you have checked on it at all.)
  That's what they told me when I called AT&T prior to purchasing the iPhone4, because I had the unlimited data with my 3GS. I can upgrade my phone and keep the unlimited data, but I can't make any changes to the plan at all.
  Go to a store, talk to some one there. And if you have not upgraded yet to your iPhone 4, read this article about Haggling for your next cellphone. If you already have the iPhone 4 and want to change something, you can still use that article to get yourself the change you want. Key is to remain cool and be polite and friendly, even if you are enraged.
13. Re:Go haggle with ATT. Right now. by mlts · 2011-01-11 07:57 · Score: 1
  
  The one thing I would like to see is that AT&T dumps the 2GB/month plan and offer truly unlimited access again. That is the biggest thorn in my side right now. Having the Mi-Fi ability wouldn't be bad either.
14. Re:Go haggle with ATT. Right now. by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 08:39 · Score: 0
  
  Just got off with AT&T retention, and they claim they can't change the upgrade price on iPhones because it's set by Apple. They also weren't willing to further discount my rate plan (I already get a corporate discount). So ultimately I asked if there was anything they were willing to do to keep from losing customers to Verizon, and was basically told there was not. Way to hold on to your $150/month AT&T.
15. Re:Go haggle with ATT. Right now. by smokinburt · 2011-01-11 09:01 · Score: 0
  
  That's not completely true. I have the grandfathered unlimited data plan too. I haven't had an problems change both my my minutes and my text messaging plan. You can't add the tethering though. I ended up jailbreaking and using MyWi.
16. Re:Go haggle with ATT. Right now. by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 09:22 · Score: 0
  
  What number did you call to do this, and how did you word it? I just tried doing this by calling 800-331-0500, pressed whatever key for iPhone service and was eventually transferred to someone in smart phones. When I brought this up, they keyed in a few things and shot me down, but that could be because I was asking for two free iPhones (myself and the wife).
  In any case, I'd love some more tips, because this is a great deal if you can pull it off.
17. Re:Go haggle with ATT. Right now. by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 09:32 · Score: 0
  
  That's the response I got as well; I'm the annonymous coward below asking for the phone number. Ridiculous.
18. Re:Go haggle with ATT. Right now. by Overzeetop · 2011-01-11 09:34 · Score: 1
  
  I meant that if the GP was right, AT&T gave up at least $560 in revenue over the next two years. 24 months x $15 = 360, plus the $200 they could have gotten for the phone otherwise - $560.
  Sure, they keep the customer, but it also sets a dangerous precedent. Have you seen the FatWallet or SlickDeals guys swarm on CS agents? It gets ugly fast.
  
  --
  Is it just my observation, or are there way too many stupid people in the world?
19. Re:Go haggle with ATT. Right now. by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 09:44 · Score: 0
  
  Actually, you can changes your minutes per month and keep the unlimited data plan.
  As for the Verizon iPhone's unlimited data plan and tethering - the plan details have yet to be announced. The price point for these services have yet to be defined.
20. Re:Go haggle with ATT. Right now. by dmetzcher · 2011-01-11 14:47 · Score: 1
  
  You can change your minutes. You can change other plan features (add or remove them). I've done this. The only thing you can't change if you want to keep your grandfathered, unlimited data is your data plan itself. This includes adding tethering through AT&T. I've confirmed this with AT&T. Friends of mine have also confirmed this on their own.
21. Re:Go haggle with ATT. Right now. by gmhowell · 2011-01-11 14:49 · Score: 1
  
  Missing out on a few points. First, they might lose $560 of revenue, but they are earning however much revenue GP will pay over two years. $2400 or so? Second, they got him from out of contract back to locked in for two years without subsidizing a phone. A savings of perhaps $200 (I have no idea what Apple charges AT&T for the phone). If those figures are correct, the NPV of the $560 two year stream of revenue might be equal to the $200 AT&T didn't spend on this guy. And of course the profit on the services he IS paying for.
  
  --
  Jesus was all right but his disciples were thick and ordinary. -John Lennon
22. Re:Go haggle with ATT. Right now. by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 15:32 · Score: 0
  
  Jailbreak + Skype?
Canada? by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 05:26 · Score: 0

Not all regions in Canada have 3G access, not all carriers offer 3G services. Will this new iPhone be available up north in a few weeks?
Comment removed by account_deleted · 2011-01-11 05:35 · Score: 5, Informative

Comment removed based on user account deletion
Where is the CES coverage? by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 05:44 · Score: 0

I mean there were some damn awesome phones that were unveiled there with actual new, interesting technologies and ideas.
I'm not saying don't cover iPhone coming to Verizon - its stuff that matters - but damn, just look at the Atrix from CES. That looks just amazing in comparison and that's news for nerds.
$20 tethering, $30 unlimited data by SuperKendall · 2011-01-11 05:50 · Score: 1

Where? I see where they quote the prices of the current Droid plans, but no datails on iPhone plans.
The assumption would be that the iPhone plan would cost the same as the Droid plans (I can't see them making it cheaper, can you?)
So the cost is then - $30/month unlimited data, $20 extra for hotspot (tethering) use.
That makes the iPhone somewhat cheaper on AT&T, where you can use tethering with a 2GB plan for $45/month.

--
"There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
1. Re:$20 tethering, $30 unlimited data by spinkham · 2011-01-11 05:56 · Score: 1
  
  That's my point, so far all I've seen are assumptions at the moment. There is no announced unlimited plan, and no announced pricing. The claim
  
  tuaw has details about the pricing of their (unlimited) data plans as well as the hotspot app.
  is false as far as I can tell, and we have only (educated) guesses at this point.
  
  --
  Blessed are the pessimists, for they have made backups.
2. Re:$20 tethering, $30 unlimited data by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 09:23 · Score: 0
  
  VZW sees a smartphone as a smartphone. It doesnt care what name brand it is. All the Android, BB and Win Mobile phones can have the unlimited $30 data plan. The only thing different about the iPhone is that it has an Apple logo on it. Its still a smartphone.
No need on an iPhone by SuperKendall · 2011-01-11 05:51 · Score: 2

Block out another "bandwidth killer": Online adbanners!
Often blocked already because the iPhone does not support Flash.
No configuration required.

--
"There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
1. Re:No need on an iPhone by aztektum · 2011-01-11 08:28 · Score: 1
  
  Does it block it from downloading it? Or does it still cache it to the device (it is content on the page afterall) but simply not display?
  
  --
  :: aztek ::
  No sig for you!!
Pretty sure they will support it by SuperKendall · 2011-01-11 06:07 · Score: 1

WiFi hot spot is built into the iPhone (or it is with the version of iOS they are demoing) so I'm pretty sure AT&T will support that.
Good point about losing the unlimited plan if you add tethering though, I'd call and demand you get to keep it.

--
"There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
Re:Not free tethering - WiFi hotspot, unknown pric by Coren22 · 2011-01-11 06:16 · Score: 2, Informative

Tethering on Android costs like $10 a month, I doubt they would remove that cost from the iPhone. Also, I don't know what you are reading, but Verizon has unlimited smartphone plans by default, there are 2 GB caps on the portable hotspot devices.
According to the VZW site, the plans are $15 for 150 MB or 29.99 for unlimited.

--
APK likes to ask for responses to the same things over and over. Maybe he just likes the responses?
Re:PERFECT SUMMARY by akume325 · 2011-01-11 06:27 · Score: 1

http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/11/atandt-iphone-4-vs-verizon-iphone-4-whats-changed/ this link shows a side by side comparison between the ATT and Verizon iPhone. The hotspot/tethering will require $50 and that gets you unlimited data for the phone and 2Gb for the tethered device.
Hate to say it... by rAiNsT0rm · 2011-01-11 06:34 · Score: 1, Interesting

I ran into a close friend of mine at the mall the other day and she was excited about her new Windows phone. (we are both artsy/designer types). I was taken aback since she was an AT&T customer, she then hit me with a point I hadn't thought of: The Windows phone is cleaner and more artistic in design. Instead of a jumble of unchangable icons on the iPhone the tiles are either all one color or can be customized with photos, etc. to create a really beautiful look. In about an hour from her getting her new phone it was actually a beautiful thing... I looked down at my iphone and realized it was horribly ugly in comparison.
I still like the function and overall design of the iPhone but I also won't begrudge MS when they get something right.

--
http://teasphere.wordpress.com - A little spot of tea
1. Re:Hate to say it... by geekoid · 2011-01-11 06:54 · Score: 1
  
  I don't own an iPhone, and I haven't owned an Apple computer since the Apple IIc.
  I state that to show I am not a fan boy.
  Your designer friend doesn't know jack shit about design or human interface design.
  I'm even thinking of getting one for XBox integration. It's not a bad design, but the iPhone icons set up and implementation is far easier and graceful to use.
  Again, it's one of the best UI's on the Market, but in practicality it isn't close to the iPhone.
  I use a G1. In likely hood I will continue to use an android device because it gives me things no other Smart Phone does at this time.
  
  --
  The Kruger Dunning explains most post on /. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect
2. Re:Hate to say it... by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 07:07 · Score: 1
  
  Having a pretty GUI is nice...when the actual underlying WinCE technology actually works. We just went over this yesterday.
3. Re:Hate to say it... by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 19:07 · Score: 0
  
  There is a simple way to make your iPhone more beautiful:
  1) Arrange your icons as you want at the screen level.
  2) For each screen, sort by color. Start with all your dark icons at the top left, then rainbow to the lower right.
  It makes a big difference, and it looks quite attractive.
Re:Not free tethering - WiFi hotspot, unknown pric by amRadioHed · 2011-01-11 06:35 · Score: 1

The only reason I made the distinction, is that having a hotspot is a lot more flexible than just tethering support...
Generally true, but I'm glad to have both as an option on my phone. If I'm not sharing the network with anyone else I generally use the USB tether since it uses way less power.

--
We hope your rules and wisdom choke you / Now we are one in everlasting peace
Wow, if you think that's bad Verizon is worse by tekrat · 2011-01-11 06:43 · Score: 4, Informative

Verizon is a phone company that doesn't know how to answer a phone, transfer a call, make a three-way call, or anything else involving phones.
Their billing department plays games, randomly changing your bill by a few extra cents each month, even if you're on a set-amount negotiated by contract. Their CSAs (when and if you get through to one) will *say* they are doing everything to resolve your issues, but nothing happens.
And then of course, my favorite: Sales guy swears up and down on a stack of bibles that your bill is going to be $89.99, plus a few taxes and fees. He'll tell you "About $114" when all is said and done. And you ask him again. So that's *everything* right? I won't get a huge bill with set-up fees and crap? He says "No. I guarantee your bill won't be over $114". Three weeks later the first bill arrives and it's $250. You then get to spend the next 6 months fighting with them over that bill. You will threaten to take them to court. You will write the Attourney State General, your Senators, your Congressmen. You will speak to every Vice-President Verizon has, wasting over $1000 of your time and theirs. Finally, they will agree to credit your bill. Except that no credit ever appears and you get to start all over again, or give up.
That's the Verizon I know. I hope you faire better. All I know is that I wouldn't trust them to clean toilets, much less run critical infrastructure.

--
If telephones are outlawed, then only outlaws will have telephones.
1. Re:Wow, if you think that's bad Verizon is worse by Just+Some+Guy · 2011-01-11 09:07 · Score: 1
  
  You will
  ...write my state's Public Service Commission, which gets to tell utilities that they're in breach of contract and need to lock their doors, effective noon today. Why would you ever go through all that trouble yourself when your taxes have already bought you an agency designed to take care of it? I can only speak personally for a couple of states, but in my experience (and from stories my friends elsewhere have told me), the conversation usually goes like this:
  Me: I'm having trouble with a telco in this state.
  PSC: Ooh! Ooh! Which one? We hate telcos! Give us an excuse!
  Me: [explains problem]
  PSC: Hey, telco, we'd like you to resolve this in our citizen's favor.
  Telco: That might take a while.
  PSC: We understand. Close of business tomorrow will be fine. That is, of course, if you don't want us to shut you down the next day.
  Telco: Thank you sir, may I have another?
  
  --
  Dewey, what part of this looks like authorities should be involved?
2. Re:Wow, if you think that's bad Verizon is worse by gmhowell · 2011-01-11 14:37 · Score: 1
  
  Probably depends on what state he is in.
  
  --
  Jesus was all right but his disciples were thick and ordinary. -John Lennon
3. Re:Wow, if you think that's bad Verizon is worse by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 15:38 · Score: 0
  
  Agreed, this is why I will never give Verizon another dollar. Same thing happened to me. Customer support is non-existent. Screw the service. I was with ATT for the past 6 years and recently ditched my iPhone for a MyTouch4G on T-mobile. Couldn't be happier, phone is snappy, price is crazy good and the network so far has been outstanding.
  I've had the exact same experience with Verizon and their customer support.
The most asked question in all of tech by Anubis350 · 2011-01-11 06:44 · Score: 1

Isn't about the iphone...

it's "where is my bloody flying car!?!?"

--
"goodbye and hello, as always" ~Prince Corwin, from Zelazny's Amber series
troubleshooting your issue by SethJohnson · 2011-01-11 06:46 · Score: 1

verify this:

settings>general>network>enable 3G

If you are still set to edge, you won't be able to access google maps while talking on the phone.

Seth

--
$5 / month hosted VPS on linux = awesome!
1. Re:troubleshooting your issue by DJRumpy · 2011-01-11 08:53 · Score: 1
  
  That's incorrect. Even on Edge, you could access both data and voice. It was just slow.
  As to using the maps app while your on the phone, you simply switch to speaker mode, use the home button to go the desktop, and open the maps app (or using multitasking to switch to the maps app if you happen to already have it open). You should see a bar at the top of the screen to 'return to the call' which re-opens the phone app. You can continue talking the entire time of course.
  As an iPhone user, I use this all the time, and yes it is a big deal. Everything from peeking at a web site for various costs, phone numbers, locations, using a google app while on the phone, etc.
2. Re:troubleshooting your issue by nomadic · 2011-01-11 11:24 · Score: 1
  
  All I know is when I try to do both voice and google maps it doesn't work. Never has, in the 2 years I've had the phone.
3. Re:troubleshooting your issue by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 12:11 · Score: 1
  
  It pains me to say this, but are you holding it right?
4. Re:troubleshooting your issue by SethJohnson · 2011-01-11 18:35 · Score: 1
  
  I had a similar experience when switching from my first-generation iPhone to the iPhone 3GS. It turned out I had the SIM card from the first phone in the 3GS and was limited to only getting EDGE. I had to go to the AT&T store to get a new SIM card from them that supported 3G.
  
  You might check that possibility. But if you see a letter 'E' in the upper right, you're on EDGE. If you see a 3G, then that's what you're on.
  
  Seth
  
  --
  $5 / month hosted VPS on linux = awesome!
Re:Not free tethering - WiFi hotspot, unknown pric by SuperKendall · 2011-01-11 06:50 · Score: 1

True enough, the iPhone supports traditional tethering in addition to the WiFi mode.

--
"There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
Re:PERFECT SUMMARY by brkello · 2011-01-11 07:11 · Score: 1

Wow. I am just shocked they wouldn't introduce LTE in this version. I suppose it isn't rolled out yet and they will include it in the next generation. But they missed the opportunity on being able to say "we have the first true 4G iPhone".

--
Support a great indie game: http://www.abaddon360.com
Re:Not free tethering - WiFi hotspot, unknown pric by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 07:18 · Score: 0

Tethering on Android costs like $10 a month
....PdaNet costs $0 a month = tethering equals $0 a month
They stole my idea! by McTickles · 2011-01-11 07:26 · Score: 1

Believe it or not, the other day as I was showering I was picturing Steve Jobs arguing with Verizon on 4G service quality on the iPhone.
--
http://www.twilightcampaign.net/
1. Re:They stole my idea! by zbychu900 · 2011-01-11 09:56 · Score: 1
  
  Heh! And I thought it will look more like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBXPl4zBilo
Obligatory by Sancho · 2011-01-11 07:31 · Score: 2

This is where we post the obligatory iPhone vs Evo ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FL7yD-0pqZg ).
That said, I still say that the iPhone's UI is better, and I consider the app selection to be better. The Droid is more hackable, has fewer overall restrictions, and syncs much better with the cloud (I've wiped my Droid while out of town and been back to full working order without having to have a computer to restore my backups--that said, I never had to wipe my phone while I had an iPhone.)
Both phones are adequate. I switched to Android so that I could make a reasonable comparison and an educated decision. After a year, I think I'm ready to switch back.
1. Re:Obligatory by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 17:34 · Score: 0
  
  With the Evo, you're stuck with Sprint...
Re:Not free tethering - WiFi hotspot, unknown pric by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 07:57 · Score: 0

If you root your Verizon Android phone (which is easy enough), you can tether without the $10/month fee. Just sayin'
They may both be equally vane by Brannon · 2011-01-11 08:05 · Score: 1

But they are not equally pretty. Apple's user experience on a phone rocks the hell out of any garbage that Verizon has ever put together.
1. Re:They may both be equally vane by LodCrappo · 2011-01-11 08:17 · Score: 1
  
  my issue is with any corporation restricting what can be done on a device the consumer owns, not with the how pretty the cage is.
  
  --
  -Lod
Re:PERFECT SUMMARY by UnknowingFool · 2011-01-11 08:22 · Score: 1

Lower common denominator. LTE isn't available everywhere on the Verizon network only 30 or so major cities. That also doesn't include Europe and other parts of the world. CDMA however is available to the entire network. While LTE is supposed to be backwards compatible, I'm guessing that there isn't enough widespread adoption to make it part of this year's phone model. Next year may see a newer iPhone version with LTE.

--
Well, there's spam egg sausage and spam, that's not got much spam in it.
Can't use it out of country/USA? by antdude · 2011-01-11 08:23 · Score: 1

I heard this on the local news radio on my way to work this morning. Due to my bad/poor hearing, I think the interviewed lady/woman said it cannot be used out of country with its SIM(?) card or something.

--
Ant(Dude) @ Quality Foraged Links (AQFL.net) & The Ant Farm (antfarm.ma.cx / antfarm.home.dhs.org).
1. Re:Can't use it out of country/USA? by mrbrown1602 · 2011-01-11 09:34 · Score: 1
  
  It can be used in some foreign countries (those that support the CDMA standard)... however, most of the world uses the GSM standard, which includes most of Europe and Asia.
2. Re:Can't use it out of country/USA? by Dynedain · 2011-01-11 14:52 · Score: 1
  
  You can't even use it in the US on other CDMA networks (like Sprint), so it's not very likely you'll be able to find a compatible CDMA network overseas.
  
  --
  I'm out of my mind right now, but feel free to leave a message.....
3. Re:Can't use it out of country/USA? by Cimexus · 2011-01-12 02:48 · Score: 1
  
  Er considering nowhere else uses CDMA, and it's a CDMA-only phone with no GSM fallback ... then no, it won't work outside the US.
Takin' it back old school! by mattwilson247 · 2011-01-11 08:24 · Score: 1

Didn't we have the same issue with modems and call-waiting?! If you didn't disable call waiting, every time your grandma called the house it would disconnect you and that 10 meg shareware game takes 8 hours to complete on your 2400 baud modem would have to start over. Thanks Verizon for taking us back to the 80s/90s!
Nonononono! by Vyse+of+Arcadia · 2011-01-11 08:27 · Score: 1

I'm actually happy with my Android phone on Verizon! Now all those people with regular cell phones who have been holding out for the iPhone on Verizon are going to get one. I doubt this area will be able to handle all the extra data traffic gracefully, especially not when mommy and daddy start buying iPhones for their little incoming freshmen.
1. Re:Nonononono! by mlts · 2011-01-11 09:26 · Score: 1
  
  We will see if Verizon can live up to their ads and boasting about more data traffic than AT&T. Time will tell, especially the move to LTE in the upcoming months.
Re: 5 devices by tkprit · 2011-01-11 08:37 · Score: 1

That's what we thought -- 3 laptops, 2 desktops, 2 ipod touches...
Forgot about a few things (wii, 2 of those gameboys that use internet... a lot of crap. Had to set up new passphrase so they couldn't all auto connect)
Otherwise, works great. (We kill the hell out of the 10G/month limit though)
Re:Not free tethering - WiFi hotspot, unknown pric by Totenglocke · 2011-01-11 08:51 · Score: 1

Correction - tethering on Android costs $0 a month - all you have to do is download an app and you're using your unlimited data the way you want. See the beauty of an open app store? =)

--
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." ~Thomas Jefferson
Re:What about other ad banner types? by SuperKendall · 2011-01-11 09:18 · Score: 1

Since the goal is bandwidth reduction the other types don't really matter as much.
But the reality is that ost ad banners are Flash, with very little being non-flash ads. So it stops most things. Again, with no configuration.

--
"There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
Re:Not free tethering - WiFi hotspot, unknown pric by Prof.Phreak · 2011-01-11 09:18 · Score: 1

App? Doesn't android support tethering AND wifi thing right out the box? My NexusOne wr0ked great in that regard with different providers in many countries.

--
"If anything can go wrong, it will." - Murphy
Verizon is offering full price option by SuperKendall · 2011-01-11 09:20 · Score: 1

In the FAQ, Verizon stated explicitly people would either be able to purchase a phone with a contract or without.

--
"There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
Re:Not free tethering - WiFi hotspot, unknown pric by SuperKendall · 2011-01-11 09:22 · Score: 1

The iPhone also has tethering apps on Cydia. Or if you are a developer you just compile and run iProxy.

--
"There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
Re:Not free tethering - WiFi hotspot, unknown pric by mlts · 2011-01-11 09:51 · Score: 1

Yes, Android 2.2 supports it. But the cellular carrier can disable it, and US carriers tend to do that.
TUAW has a poll going by wygit · 2011-01-11 10:13 · Score: 1

at http://www.tuaw.com/2011/01/11/tuaw-poll-will-you-buy-the-verizon-iphone/
Will You buy the Verizon iPhone?
at the moment, out of 10,200 votes, it's 2500 'AYE', 7700 'NAY'
Out of 8 answers (3 Aye, 5 Nay), the largest chunk by far is the one I poked.
"I'm satisfied with AT&T at the moment and will wait out the terms of my contract before deciding whether or not to switch."
Re:Not free tethering - WiFi hotspot, unknown pric by jafac · 2011-01-11 12:09 · Score: 1

It's Verizon's standard "Unlimited Billing" plan.

--

These are my friends, See how they glisten. See this one shine, how he smiles in the light.
you forgot by ilmdba · 2011-01-11 12:23 · Score: 1

10. ability to actually make and receive calls
Re:Not free tethering - WiFi hotspot, unknown pric by SuperKendall · 2011-01-11 13:02 · Score: 1

Possibly, but even in the FAQ Verizon states that you need a data plan with the iPhone and that the pricing is not yet announced.
It leads me to think there will be some difference, possibly subsidized by Apple to gain marketshare.

--
"There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
MOD PARENT UP by SETIGuy · 2011-01-11 13:16 · Score: 1

Verizon will gladly let you pay for their "official" tethering on Android, but you can tether without paying by downloading a free app or a paid app if it offers features you want.

--
Support SETI@home
Re:Not free tethering - WiFi hotspot, unknown pric by Totenglocke · 2011-01-11 15:26 · Score: 1

Yes, but with Android you can do it without voiding your warranty.

--
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." ~Thomas Jefferson
Re:Not free tethering - WiFi hotspot, unknown pric by Totenglocke · 2011-01-11 15:32 · Score: 1

Yes, Android supports it, but in the US they disable it unless you pay a monthly fee (usually around $30). However, you can get free apps that let you tether without paying anything.

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"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." ~Thomas Jefferson
They can infect you, they matter. They have size by Anonymous Coward · 2011-01-11 15:52 · Score: 0

"Since the goal is bandwidth reduction the other types don't really matter as much." -
They matter. How do I know? The speed gain I see using a custom adbanner + known malware sites/servers blocking HOSTS file is quite literally, double, vs. surfing with adbanners active (turning off scripting is another booster for speed too of website page rendering).
APK
P.S.=> Only question is, how much do they matter? Would it be enough to save a chunk on bill as you use type plans that seem to be sprouting up, or vs. bandwidth caps, to any decent extent?
See, again, from experience?
Well - I do know is that webbrowsing is IMMENSELY sped up by going lean on javascript usage (only where DB access is needed during say, ecommerce) & using HOSTS to block out adbanners... your speed DOUBLES!
(That's GOT to mean a fairly appreciable savings, if the speed gains are indicative of anything!)... apk
Cutoff occurs even if you don't answer the call? by daboochmeister · 2011-01-11 16:17 · Score: 1

Do the connections freeze when the phone rings, even if you don't answer? Or is the message that a call is incoming somehow non-disruptive? I would think that would make mobile hotspot very limited in utility, if so -- if at any time connections could freeze (and stay frozen -- and no doubt timeout -- if it's an important call that I have to answer).

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"Ahh! I see you're in that indeterminate Schrodinger state where - oh, uh ... never mind." Dave Bucci
Re: 5 devices by Fareq · 2011-01-11 17:06 · Score: 1

Is there a reason you can't put a router with NAT behind the mifi?
Re:Not free tethering - WiFi hotspot, unknown pric by SuperKendall · 2011-01-11 17:35 · Score: 1

I can do either without voiding my iPhone warranty.
I can compile anything I like without question of warranty, because the app sandbox prevents my application from destroying the system in ways that would add support issues.
If you jailbreak you simply restore the phone to the factory OS before turning it in for repair.
In neither case do you lose the warranty; that's a myth weak-minded Apple Haters like to try and spread (despite the failure to take hold). You aren't weak-minded, are you?

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"There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
Re:Not free tethering - WiFi hotspot, unknown pric by Totenglocke · 2011-01-11 22:00 · Score: 1

As someone who had a jailbroken iPhone long before getting an Evo, I can tell you that it DOES void your warranty. Yes, if you're lucky and you don't have an issue that prevents you from getting your phone reset to defaults, you can get around this, but it doesn't change that it still voids your warranty. But hey, who needs facts when you can troll?

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"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." ~Thomas Jefferson
Re:Not free tethering - WiFi hotspot, unknown pric by FredFredrickson · 2011-01-12 07:53 · Score: 1

FYI, for droid 1, barnacle is the best. but you have to root.

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Belief? Hope? Preference?The Existential Vortex
Re:Not free tethering - WiFi hotspot, unknown pric by SuperKendall · 2011-01-12 08:19 · Score: 1

The facts are that if you restore the OS your warranty is intact. If tested in court an attempt to claim your warranty was invalid would run afoul of the Magnuson–Moss act.
As also noted, if your hardware is so borked you can't restore it, they cannot check if it's jailbroken or not!
Since I have done this also and have never had issues with warranty being questioned, I obviously know what I am talking about here.

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"There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
Re: 5 devices by tkprit · 2011-01-12 10:59 · Score: 1

I'm working on it :) ..got to, because otherwise any network traffic (reg. file sharing/syncing) counts towards the 10gig cap, which is ridiculous. I've got several routers laying around just begging to be used; just need the time and some peace & quiet ::)