Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Would Like to Finally get an iPhone..

I need some help if I am to succeed in getting an iPhone since I am pretty much a retard when it comes to getting a new "computer," especially in a phone. ,I just ran out my data and cell phone contracts so I have the New Every Two at Verizon for both the cell phone and the data. I heard I can combine them if I just want a cell phone with internet access. is the internet access n the iPhone by 3G or how? I am tired of reading from Verizon and sprint about get the new 4g model of this and that when there is not even a decent 4G network up with any decent coverage yet.

Any recommendations on the latest iPhone or other smartphone that has a good selection of apps that will make my life easier--not into games, just stuff like doing my taxes n the new app for taxes and sending it right in.

I love to learn and I am worried that the learning curve for the iPhone 4 will be too much for me, but I am ready to try because my contracts at Verizon are up.

Thanks for any help, suggestions, places to learn the basics of the iPhone, how it hooks up to the internet, would I need both 4G and the internet?

thanks.

Reply 1 : Would Like to Finally get an iPhone..

An iPhone is not a computer. An iPhone is easy to learn. An iPhone is a phone. An iPhone accesses the Internet wirelessly via your provider's network. It will also access hot spots and home networks. As far as apps, there are over a million, I believe, or something close. If you can't find something you like there, your standards are a tad high.

I have the 3G and it meets my needs. Daughter has the 4G and she likes it. Wife has the Edge and she's happy.

It all depends on what you want and what you expect. But I don't believe you can go wrong with an iPhone. And since all vendors will allow a return after a time, get one. If you don't like it, take it back.

Last I read, AT&T's network is faster than Verizon's, and AT&T allows running apps and talking at the same time. Verizon does not. In short, AT&T's network is better. I've been around for a long time, and have tried them all. AT&T is hard to beat, I have it and have no intention to change.

Reply 2 : Would Like to Finally get an iPhone..

The iPhone is very close to a computer, it is just a matter of semantics.
as far as "just bring it back," that is not as easy as you make it sound either. sounds like you need to experience this type of return and see how much it costs. When the iPhones first came out I fell for the "just return it" not thinking about the fees and the usage fe, etc. After it was all said and done, ATT w anted $nearly $350 from me. this was for the phone use (I had it for 3 days), the few text messages, trying the internet, activation fees, restocking fees, and whatever they had on there. I fought it and fought it until they just gave up and trashed the whole bill.

still looking, can't make much sense out of the 3G/4G Verizon map because the reds are so close but it looks like most of Salt Lake City is in the 4G LTE Extended area.

Reply 3 : Would Like to Finally get an iPhone..

When the iPhone 4 is made available for use w/ Verizon in February it will not support 4G data networks. Perhaps when the iPhone 5 is introduced it will, but not in February.

Reply 4 : Would Like to Finally get an iPhone..

i was not saying I could not find an app I was confused if I did not get an iPhone what apps would work with what phones (outside of the iPhone). for example, I saw some apps and it said for the iPhone go here and for the Droid with % something or above go here and that was it.

the iPhone is a LOT more than a phone. that is my dilemma. I have learning problems and it takes me forever to learn new things especially techy stuff. In a recent major study that I do not know where the URL is now, Verizon won hands down over ATT for National calls (less dropped over ATT) but for international, ATT won . With the iPhone coming from Verizon soon you will be able to tether but I do not think you can teether with the iPhone yet. It will use the 3G initially and the 4G as it grows into some kind of "network." this is my understanding.

Reply 5 : Would Like to Finally get an iPhone..

I there I just wanted to let you know that I am an Iphone 4 users and the love it to pieces. I run my online business directly from my Iphone I can check clickbank affiliate commissions, email, internet banking and you can download a variety of apps from the app store. I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting a smartphone with internet, music and use of apps.

Reply 6 : Would Like to Finally get an iPhone..

is the iPhone 4 your first phone?

How do you keep track of everything making sure you do not go over your limits and get charged double?

Did you learn to use it on your own? Where to you go to get your apps? do you stay with apple "certified" apps or do you take your chances with any app?
Is your through ATT?

Reply 7 : Would Like to Finally get an iPhone..

1. ATT is the ONLY supplier of the iPhone 4, until February
2. The only Apps that work on the iPhone 4, unless you jailbreak your phone, come from the iTunes store
3. Buy the unlimited data plan and you do not go over your limits


P

Reply 8 : Would Like to Finally get an iPhone..

Hey dude, here is one out of many websites (I will let you look elsewhere for yourself) that has NOTHING to do with iTunes that sells over 30,000 apps. Some from Apple, some from 3rd parties and some from just the average person who knows how to make an app. check it out and that will be all the teaching I will give you on this topic. You obviously have a lot to learn.
http://www.apple.com/iphone/apps-for-iphone/

makes you think I did not know that ATT is the only supplier of the iPhone4? Well that is not entirely true, you should watch the way you word it. Radio Shack was a"supplier" of the iPhone 4. If you want a carrier in this case you will need to go to ATT or Verizon in February. Got it!! just a few weeks ago. they had a big deal and my sister got lucky and came home with an iPhone 4?YES for $29.99. Do you homework if you want more.

No there are many apps that will work on the iPhone. There are some that have been approved by Apple and most have not because of the extensive work. There are a lot of people who get their app from a person or supplier that has nothing to do with the iTunes Store..

why would you jailbreak your phone when you can go to many pages on the internet, some from Apple thayt sell thousands Apps. The ones on ITunes usually costs. Go to the website that has thousands of apps that has nothing to do with iTunes. some are approved by Apple, some cost, some do not. I thought I knew little.

You can still buy the unlimited data plan and STILL go over your limits. data plans are not indefinitely, or people would be downloading tons of movies and the network would be constantly shut down. that is how hackers work sometimes to take down a website.

Would you go for the new Sprint EVo or the iPhone 4 or iPhone 5 or the latest Verizon smartphone. Is Droid only from Verizon? what is the latest Droid version?

Reply 9 : Would Like to Finally get an iPhone..

I can only speak for At&t and Verizon, but both carriers have multiple free methods to check voice/data/messaging usage.

1. call customer service (free call)
2. the phone has a special number saved that you call and a free text msg is sent (fee call)
3. access your online account

As stated, these are all free and is probably available on all US carriers.

Reply 10 : Would Like to Finally get an iPhone..

most if not all carriers have this free service. but if you do not get texts you cannot even validate a Facebook account because they will not send you over the phone a security code. I have always had text both in and out blocked from my Verizon phone and the only way I can do what you are talking about is if I call 611 and wait, press the right numbers and wait for the verbal account info.

why can you only speak for ATT and Verizon? Did Sprint put you on their do not call list? lol

Reply 11 : Would Like to Finally get an iPhone..

I can only speak about Verizon and At&t because those are the only providers I have experience with. I won't pretend to know how Sprint or T-mobile operate without some knowledge. I only offer an opinion. Take it for whatever it is worth or just ignore it. Your choice.

Reply 12 : Would Like to Finally get an iPhone..

thanks bro

Reply 13 : Would Like to Finally get an iPhone..

was learning how to use an iPhone 4 hard? what carrier do you have? If it is ATT? approx. how much is your monthly bill? Is your iPhone 4 hooked up to 3G in anyway? Will it be to 4G when that network is established? How can the iPhone 4 tether? Do they need 3G or 4G to tether? How does the i{Phone hook up to the WIfI when you are out and about driving in the desert? I do not understand how the iPhone uses the internet like if you are traveling out of the nation or out of state? does it only work if you find a hotspot? If so, why do they charge you for a network connection?

with all the charges for the iPhone you have to have an internet (WiFi) charge, right? Where does it get that WiFi? I do't understand why the smartphones do not advertise about the 4G network? it seems like such a rip off that Sprint has ben advertising the 4G phones and connections for a year and they are less advanced in their 4G network than Verizon. Seem s like false advertising.

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Post 15 of 29

More answers for you

by mrmacfixit Moderator - January 21, 2011 5:09 AM PST

In Reply to: studio by Kooler1

The iPhone 4 is hooked to the AT&T 3G and 4G network.
The Verizon iPhone 4 is hooked to the Verizon 3G & 4G network
Both iPhones will hook up to a WiFi signal from a hotspot. I doubt there are any in the desert so WiFi will not be available there.
Both iPhones connect to the internet via the 3G or 4G wireless network provided by the AT&T or Verizon. You have to have a data plan from the carrier. This is NOT a choice, you must have one.
If there is a wireless hotspot available, both phones will will use if to connect to the internet. There is NO charge for this, unless the Wifi hotspot owner charges for its use.
The Data Plan charge is NOT for Wifi. It is to use the carriers 3G or 4G wireless network to download data from the internet.

Currently there is no set standard for 4G. Phone companies seem to be free to call their networks 4G even if they have only tweaked it a little.
There is a standard for 3G though and carriers have to meet that standard before they can call their networks 3G.

P

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Post 16 of 29

One of the advantage of the iphone over

by orlbuckeye - January 21, 2011 12:27 PM PST

In Reply to: studio by Kooler1

android phones is the ease of use. Android is harder to learn. The applications run a little different from computer applications. You go to the app store and select install and it installs. One install you touch the widget and it runs. If the application need anything it will basically ask you yes or no question. One thing said above which isn't true anymore is unlimited data isn't available from At&t. I believe they have 200 MB for 15 a month ans 2 gig for 25 a month. I have unlimited because it was available when I got my 3gs but I believe I will have to switch once this contract runs out. I'm leaning on going to Sprint with the Evo with unlimited everything for 69.

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Post 17 of 29

you do not have to switch once your contract runs out

by mrmacfixit Moderator - January 21, 2011 5:16 PM PST

In Reply to: One of the advantage of the iphone over by orlbuckeye

you will just keep going, and paying the bill, until you change your phone.

The carrier is not allowed to change your contract unless you change something, like the phone.

I have an iPhone (first generation) and have unlimited data, 200 text and umpteen minutes and still pay the same price as I did on day 1.

Keep the 3Gs and you keep the original contract/prices


P

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Post 18 of 29

fixit

by Kooler1 - January 21, 2011 10:48 PM PST

In Reply to: you do not have to switch once your contract runs out by mrmacfixit Moderator

but i do not want to keep the 3G moto phone, I want to move up in the world of phone service. lol

I am looking at the Verizon iPhone, which I assume is the same as all other iPhone 4's. Except the Verizon iPhone will use something like CDME and not 4G, whatever that means.

does the iPhone on ATT use what I read Verizon will use and it was something like CDME?

I just remember when I had the iPhone when they first came out, I had 30 days to try it and I tried it for 15 days and the "try it for free" came to $about $400 total for activation fees, minutes I used or the unlimited portion of the service, and whatever, that is when I started a crusade to get that down to $0.00 because the ATT lady told me if I did not like the phone I would owe nothing. so after a month and talking to the ATT rep at the store, I got them to take the balance away.

But now the keyboard is slightly larger (despite what fixit says) and I can almost hit one key.

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Post 19 of 29

Terminology.

by mrmacfixit Moderator - January 22, 2011 6:04 AM PST

In Reply to: fixit by Kooler1

The reference to keeping the old phone and continuing to pay for the unlimited data was directed at orlbuckeye and not at you or your 3G moto phone.

The Verizon iPhone 4 is the same as the AT&T iPhone 4 with the exception of the way it handles wireless (not Wifi) phone calls and data.
The Verizon iPhone 4 uses CDMA, (Code Division Multiple Access) to handle calls. This is not cutting edge technology and the US is just about the last country to continue to use it. For this reason, the phone cannot be used overseas.
I believe it is also the reason why the Verizon phone cannot do Voice and Data at the same time. (I could be wrong there)

The AT&T iPhone uses GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) which is used in most other major countries.

You appear to be confused over the 3G/4G thing too. As already stated, 3G is a wireless standard which specifies the speed at which voice and data travel over a wireless phone network.
4G, when it is finished, will also specify the same thing but, right now, there is actually NO 4G standard. This means that a phone company can tweak their network and safely call it 4G without fear of false advertising.
Currently, 4G is whatever speeds the phone company want it to be.
For instance, at the 2011 CES, AT&T rolled out their 4G network by renaming their 3G network! Go figure!

P

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Post 20 of 29

Please See Above Email

by Kooler1 - January 23, 2011 10:54 PM PST

In Reply to: Terminology. by mrmacfixit Moderator

as you will see from my email sent on 1/21 Verizon's iPhone 4 is using CDMA technology. I am not sure if you repeating me is your way of ?.I have no idea, but you are repeating what my email said.

If CDMA is that bad, Verizon would not be using it. I have no idea if I should get the iPhone 4 from Verizon or from ATT. ATT has worse customer feedback and many more dropped calls in the States than Verizon. I would like to get an IPhone 4 but I am not happy with Verizon either,, especially if they are using an outdated technology.

I cannot imagine that a major player would start taking on iPhone 4s and be using an outdated technology like you say. If ATT had such good technology, they would not have come out much lower in customer satisfaction and dropped calls than Verizon.

does ATT have unlimited data transfer (internet access)?

With the app that allows one to find their phone, if they do not have Mobile Me can they still use that app? I read about it on Apple.com and they made it sound like you need Mobile Me to be able to send the signal out, since the phone that might be lost has the App that tracks the phone is lost.

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Post 21 of 29

I read that the you can

by orlbuckeye - February 4, 2011 8:10 AM PST

In Reply to: Terminology. by mrmacfixit Moderator

keep the unlimited data plan even if you upgrade your phone and start a new contract. You can't go back to the unlimited data plan if you change it.

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Post 22 of 29

One more thing,

by mrmacfixit Moderator - January 23, 2011 3:58 PM PST

In Reply to: fixit by Kooler1

the new Verizon iPhone 4 will only be doing 3G and NOT 4G

Just thought I'd mention that


P

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Post 23 of 29

check above

by Kooler1 - January 21, 2011 10:42 PM PST

In Reply to: One of the advantage of the iphone over by orlbuckeye

buckeye-

It has not been said?? look above for the comment on data transfer limits. There has not been unlimited data for sometime on any carrier that I am aware of.

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Post 24 of 29

Wifi is using a wireless network

by orlbuckeye - January 21, 2011 12:30 PM PST

In Reply to: studio by Kooler1

in your home, Mc Donalds or local bar. The 3G is available to a larger extent based on your cell phone providers coverage. I've seen cnet test on speeds and Sprint 4G blow everything away in downloads speeds.

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Post 25 of 29

But Sprint

by Kooler1 - January 23, 2011 10:57 PM PST

In Reply to: Wifi is using a wireless network by orlbuckeye

But Sprint is far behind in their 4G network even more than Verizon. have you looked at Sprint's 4G network Map? You might be fooled and looking at their 3G map.

Spend a couple minutes in Sprints forum and see how unhappy most people are with their 4G network because it is hardly anywhere unless you are in a hugh city and right under one of their transmitters. or an airport that carries Sprint 4G.

do you have the Apple iPhone?

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Post 26 of 29

buck

by Kooler1 - March 14, 2011 2:50 AM PDT

In Reply to: Wifi is using a wireless network by orlbuckeye

they might blow it all up in download speeds but to really know what the customers are experiencing is to go into the forum a few days a week for a month to get a good idea of the complaints. it was pretty eye-opening. Their network is farther behind then Verizon and they have been working on theirs twice as long.

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Post 27 of 29

Yes i have an Iphone 3gs.

by orlbuckeye - February 4, 2011 8:18 AM PST

In Reply to: Would Like to Finally get an iPhone.. by Kooler1

I live in Orlando and they do have Sprint 4G in orlando. I have unlimited still because I had it when AT&T changed their plans. The changes was for new customers only. The biggest issue i have with the iphone is I have to delete emails 2 or 3 times. I delete them and they come back. Then I have to turn the phone off and on in order to delete them. I also get the emails that say they are from NO SENDER and i have to turn the phone off and on to beable to delete those. The other big issue is the lack of flash.

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Post 28 of 29

Thanks

by Kooler1 - February 4, 2011 5:54 PM PST

In Reply to: Yes i have an Iphone 3gs. by orlbuckeye

you might want to look a Gmail and change your email (the main one from Gmail) to IMAP. With this way of dealing with email, gmail will synch all the places you receive email (if it is the gmail address). For me the Gmail change to IMAP has been a lifesaver and I do not even have an iPhone. Just the fac that it will synch Gmail no matter what computer I use and the Mail program that ios on my computer, it synchs them all so what is on the main Gmail server, it looks the same on the other Mail programs you have linked to your Gmail account.
I know also the service if you have the Apple plan (MobileMe) it will also synch all of the places you get your email.

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Post 29 of 29

Thanks - New!

by Kooler1 - March 15, 2011 1:23 AM PDT

In Reply to: Thanks by Kooler1

what if I have 2 gmail address. I have one hooked up with Macs Mail program and set to IMAP, but the other gmail address I do not have it set to gmail but I have it set to IMAP. will it do anything if I do not have it configured in Mail? Can I have more than 1 gmail account configured in Mail? Do you know how to configure the 2nd gmail account with Mail? the first gmail account did it all on its own when I turned the MacBook Pro on for the first time. it was odd but it set it up all correct, I assume.

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