316 replies to this topic

[CrouchingTonyHiddenPena]

On the day of the in-store VZW iPhone 4 launch, AT&T has announced new plans for anyone with an unlimited messaging feature already on their account, or would want one. It's called the "Any Mobile" plan.

It's a new unlimited mobile-to-mobile voice plan which includes ANY carrier now, not just AT&T-to-AT&T unlimited. Also, as a result, with not many using landlines these days, and here's the gorgeous kicker, you can add this feature with no minimum voice plan required. It will cost $20/mo on an individual plan and $30/mo for any FS plan, but you'll save a ton by going down in monthly minutes on your plan.

In short, as I already has a FS plan with the $30/mo unlimited messaging plan, I just converted to the new plan with CS and was able to lower my monthly total minutes plan from the 1400/$109 per month to the bottom plan of 700/$69 per month plan. Thanks to VZW getting the iPhone 4, we just saved $40/mo from this point on. The only catch is it eliminates the A-list feature, but who the hell needs it with unlimited minutes to any mobile number on any carrier now? Just awesome.

For those who will stick with AT&T and their iPhones, I HIGHLY recommend calling now to switch over to the new "Any Mobile" plans to save some serious 'semolioooooons'.

[The Four Peters]

Wait, I don't understand. I currently have the lowest amount of minutes (450) plan, but unlimited texts. Would I still save by switching?

[CrouchingTonyHiddenPena]

Wait, I don't understand. I currently have the lowest amount of minutes (450) plan, but unlimited texts. Would I still save by switching?

No, you would be the only demo that wouldn't, but it still makes far more sense to do so as the 450 minutes you have would go a LOT further being able to call any number on other carriers for free as well, as opposed to those calls eating into your minutes. It's basically the equivalent of unlimited voice calling without having to worry about minutes, unless you call landlines all of the time.

Also, should this thread now be combined with the Apple iPhone Thread II at this point? There will be nothing but equal footing with regard to topics and post material with the device on both carriers now that launch has come and gone.

[mt8thsw9th]

Also, should this thread now be combined with the Apple iPhone Thread II at this point?

Yeah, I figured we'd start using that thread once the Verizon hype died down.

[CrouchingTonyHiddenPena]

Yeah, I figured we'd start using that thread once the Verizon hype died down.

Or we could rename this one to 'Part III' and continue on from here. New year, new iPhone thread for all.

[The Four Peters]

Done and done.

Yeah I use maybe 100 minutes total monthly on voice, so I doubt I'll switch. I also have thousands of carryover minutes that will never get used.

[bowiac]

So I have a 3GS, which is out of warranty, and my vibrator switch is broken. By this I mean it's super sensitive when the switch is set to vibrate, and usually treats itself as being out of vibrate. I've been dealing with this by turning off all the volume, which is mostly fine, but still has a few kinks... A couple questions:

1. I assume this sort of flaw totally tanks any resale value my phone would have, right? The phone itself works fine otherwise.

2. Is there any way to fix this? I had this happen to me before, back when the phone was under warranty, and they just gave me a refurbished phone when I took it in for service. I would pay a bit to get it fixed, but I don't want to drop $200 for service either (which is what Apple would want). Are 3rd party vendors any good for this sort of thing?

[weeba]

Just switch on ATT as well to unlimited any mobile. It's not saving us any money (we're on 700mins family plan) and we have 2 years of rollover minutes saved up; BUT it will show us how many actual minutes we'd use a month once we move over to VZW later, by showing us the difference in last months minutes (paying for calls to VZW networks) to next month (calls to VZW networks are free).

Or at least a ballpark

[Future Sox Doc]

I did this today too. Fantastic. We have 4 people on a family plan (700 minutes), and have less than 500 rollover banked minutes in a year because we always come so close to the limit. This cost nothing to add as we already had unlimited messaging, and DOES NOT extend the contract. It's great.

[Tony C]

Got my Iphone4 today. All good on calls today (but just had a few) and was encouraged that they didn't get the lines they were expecting. My one fear was that after a crush of new IPhone users the superior performance that reviews are noting would fade once the hordes are added..

My only comment beyond a reprise of all the comments made last summer when the 4 debuted about speed and screen is just how much I love the form. On the other thread had a back-and-forth about getting this or waiting for the IPhone5. One of the things I neglected to mention is that since the IPhone4 came out I've been in love with its industrial slab look. Many of the rumors about the iPhone5 are that it'll "catch-up" to Androids in terms of a bigger screen size and being thinner. Oddly, I guess, that'd actually be a drag for me -- I see no reason for a bigger screen and prefer a smaller phone even if thicker. Love the way it looks and feels. Lord knows the 5 will likely have a super cool look, too, as Apple are design masters, but just on pure aesthetics I really love this phone.

FWIW (likely not much).

[ThePrideofShiner]

On the day of the in-store VZW iPhone 4 launch, AT&T has announced new plans for anyone with an unlimited messaging feature already on their account, or would want one. It's called the "Any Mobile" plan.

It's a new unlimited mobile-to-mobile voice plan which includes ANY carrier now, not just AT&T-to-AT&T unlimited. Also, as a result, with not many using landlines these days, and here's the gorgeous kicker, you can add this feature with no minimum voice plan required. It will cost $20/mo on an individual plan and $30/mo for any FS plan, but you'll save a ton by going down in monthly minutes on your plan.

In short, as I already has a FS plan with the $30/mo unlimited messaging plan, I just converted to the new plan with CS and was able to lower my monthly total minutes plan from the 1400/$109 per month to the bottom plan of 700/$69 per month plan. Thanks to VZW getting the iPhone 4, we just saved $40/mo from this point on. The only catch is it eliminates the A-list feature, but who the hell needs it with unlimited minutes to any mobile number on any carrier now? Just awesome.

For those who will stick with AT&T and their iPhones, I HIGHLY recommend calling now to switch over to the new "Any Mobile" plans to save some serious 'semolioooooons'.

If I add this plan (taking away my unlimited minutes), will it take away my grandfathered unlimited data plan?

Or does this only pertain to voice minutes?

Also, is this for all AT&T iPhones or only the iPhone4?

Edited by crakerraker, 11 February 2011 - 12:55 AM.

[weeba]

I have a 3G and was able to change my plan. You're only changing your messaging package

[sfip]

Some iPhone 5 rumors

[mt8thsw9th]

I don't really like the larger screen rumors, in my opinion the iPhone's screen is the perfect size. I hate the 4" and larger Android screens, the phones are just too big.

[Tony C]

yep, i agree, it really is in the sweet spot for size right now. those oversized phones are just too clunky, would hate if Apple went with that model.

[bowiac]

I don't really like the larger screen rumors, in my opinion the iPhone's screen is the perfect size. I hate the 4" and larger Android screens, the phones are just too big.

This is just a mockup, but according to this one, the phone doesn't get any bigger - they just use more of the "dead space" on the phone. That would be great for me at least.

[mt8thsw9th]

I apologize for continually raving about this, but I unplugged yesterday morning and I'm still going strong 30 hours later.

Edited by mt8thsw9th, 18 February 2011 - 02:03 PM.

[Leon Trotsky]

I apologize for continually raving about this, but I unplugged yesterday morning and I'm still going strong 30 hours later.

My iphone 4 is phenomenally better battery-wise than my 3g. They really made some great strides on battery life.

[mt8thsw9th]

Picked one up for my wife this morning. I love my droid, but she really wanted an iPhone.

My main question (and the one feature she's sad isn't included) is turn-by-turn navigation. Is there a good app for this that people would recommend? Does it cost a bunch?

The Mapquest app works great (including spoken turn-by-turn directions) and is free. Try that first before shelling out on the $$$ apps.

I tested this out the other night when I took a cab from Medford to the Fenway. Seemed alright, though I prefer the look of Google Nav. Free is free, though. I'll come back with a better review when I head to LA next month.

-----------------------------------------------------

So I've been using my Droid as an alarm clock, and I unplugged it last night and had it sitting in my living room. It's basically a paper weight right now, but wifi was turned on (nothing else, though). Beating a dead horse by now, but my iPhone has been unplugged for 21 hours now (and has actually been used), with wifi on and off (depending where I've been), GPS on, and I have more of a charge left than the idle Droid (53%).

[Carmine Hose]

Got mine Friday and I coudn't be happier. Of course, I was suffering with a Samsung Omnia waiting for Verizon to go iPhone. My work pays for the thing and there's not much choice for us in the Droid arena given our security requirements.

I don't do much with it besides normal smartphone stuff, so all the features are a treat for me, even if they would be underwhelming for others.

[Three10toLeft]

So I've leapt back to the lovely iOS world and it feels great.

I recently got a new car and can stream music via bluetooth in vehicle and when I set up the bluetooth on the iPhone, I noticed that it continued to search for devices to pair with the phone even after I had paired the phone up with my stereo.

It seems like their is a bug in the OS. Anybody else come across something like this?

[weeba]

Ars review:

http://arstechnica.c...to-the-test.ars

[bowiac]

Rumors circulating that the iPhone 5 is a September device, not a June/July device.

[NortheasternPJ]

Looks like the guy "analyzing" the situation has no clue what he's talking about:

http://seekingalpha....r-strikes-again

The Loop says no delay:

http://www.appleinsi...eled_false.html

[GlenMorangie]

Anyone care to comment on the Verizon iPhone4/Gmail integration? My wife has a Droid Incredible and it works flawlessly. Now it's my turn for a new mobile and I'm thinking iPhone4. We're heavy Gmail/Gcal users and I want to be sure the iPhone integrates well with both.

Anyone here using Gmail/Gcal on iPhone? Any "gotchas" to know about? I see a number of Google apps out there for iPhone. Anyone using any of them, or is the native iPhone mail & calendar good enough to work well with Gmail?

I am impressed with the iPhone's battery life and screen, but most of all I want it for the iPod functionality. Tried DoubleTwist on the Incredible and found it cumbersome.

[czar]

Anyone care to comment on the Verizon iPhone4/Gmail integration? My wife has a Droid Incredible and it works flawlessly. Now it's my turn for a new mobile and I'm thinking iPhone4. We're heavy Gmail/Gcal users and I want to be sure the iPhone integrates well with both.

Anyone here using Gmail/Gcal on iPhone? Any "gotchas" to know about? I see a number of Google apps out there for iPhone. Anyone using any of them, or is the native iPhone mail & calendar good enough to work well with Gmail?

I am impressed with the iPhone's battery life and screen, but most of all I want it for the iPod functionality. Tried DoubleTwist on the Incredible and found it cumbersome.

GMail integration in the default mail app is fantastic-- it's stupid easy to set up push, auto-fetch, or manual fetch. It used to be that pushing (automatically getting pings from the server) was a negative for battery life, but I haven't seen that with my phone-- I think this is the preferred method of syncing now (through Microsoft's Outlook protocol ironically).

It's pretty easy to sync the phone's calendar with Google Calendar. I don't recall exactly how I did it, but it took ~5 minutes. It's the only device I actually get notifications on for that because it's the most foolproof way to reach me. The only annoyance is that there is no way to see significant detail outside of the daily calendar. For example, in monthly view, you only see a small dot below the calendar date indicating you have something scheduled for that day; however, that is the only form of notification you get unless you click on the day itself.

I use a third-party app for Google Tasks (GeeTasks?) and gChat (Beejive). I recommend both, but things like that which aren't directly supported through iOS are totally a matter of personal preference.

[Three10toLeft]

I'm really not seeing the incredible battery life that I heard everyone talking about when the iPhone 4 came out. I know that on a CDMA network it might not be quite as battery efficient as it is on AT&T but it's still kinda concerning.

I've been researching battery cases but I can't really find any in my area. And I'd really prefer trying the case on in person before ordering it through amazon or whatever. Does anyone have any recommendations for battery cases?

[Jnai]

Anyone care to comment on the Verizon iPhone4/Gmail integration? My wife has a Droid Incredible and it works flawlessly. Now it's my turn for a new mobile and I'm thinking iPhone4. We're heavy Gmail/Gcal users and I want to be sure the iPhone integrates well with both.

Anyone here using Gmail/Gcal on iPhone? Any "gotchas" to know about? I see a number of Google apps out there for iPhone. Anyone using any of them, or is the native iPhone mail & calendar good enough to work well with Gmail?

I am impressed with the iPhone's battery life and screen, but most of all I want it for the iPod functionality. Tried DoubleTwist on the Incredible and found it cumbersome.

The appleMail/gmail integration is not as good as an Incredible's gmail app. I have an Incredible and my wife has an iPhone; the incredible does a much better job in this area.

It is easy to set up on the iPhone, but the interface is noticeably different.

[mt8thsw9th]

I'm really not seeing the incredible battery life that I heard everyone talking about when the iPhone 4 came out. I know that on a CDMA network it might not be quite as battery efficient as it is on AT&T but it's concerning.

What smartphone are you switching from?

[Three10toLeft]

What smartphone are you switching from?

The Droid X. I just always heard people telling me how heavily they use their iPhone 4 and how they could sometimes go a day and a half without a charge. I just don't seem to be yielding the same results. I just ordered the Exogear battery case from Amazon and it should be here by Friday. I'll take some pics and post a review for it over the weekend.

[Fisks Of Fury]

The Droid X. I just always heard people telling me how heavily they use their iPhone 4 and how they could sometimes go a day and a half without a charge. I just don't seem to be yielding the same results. I just ordered the Exogear battery case from Amazon and it should be here by Friday. I'll take some pics and post a review for it over the weekend.

I use a Mophe Juicepack case for my AT&T iPhone 4, mainly when I'm traveling and using it for voice guided turn-by-turn directions. Other than that usage, I don't see the battery draining unreasonably fast.

And for me, the built-in mail app works great for providing a single interface for my GMail, AOL Mail, and corporate Exchange mail accounts.

Your mileage may vary, of course.

[weeba]

The Droid X. I just always heard people telling me how heavily they use their iPhone 4 and how they could sometimes go a day and a half without a charge. I just don't seem to be yielding the same results. I just ordered the Exogear battery case from Amazon and it should be here by Friday. I'll take some pics and post a review for it over the weekend.

Do have all of the features turned on (wifi, bluetooth, location etc)?

[crow216]

I'm a very heavy iPhone 4 user and the only thing that truly drains my battery are games. I can watch videos, call, text, browse the internet and make it to 8pm with about 20-40% left on average (I wake up at 6). That's usually including a game or two while i'm on the subway for about 90 minutes a day.

[mt8thsw9th]

I'm over a day with a full charge. It wasn't until late this morning that I got down to 20%, and it had been unplugged for over 24 hours.

Standby is truly standby on this phone. With my Droid, in "standby", so many processes would be running (that I'd constantly have to kill), I'd be down to about 50% by the end of the work day if I didn't even touch the thing (and wifi and GPS were turned off). I've heard the Droid X was a lot better in this regard, though.

My battery life has been more comparable to my enV than any of my BlackBerry or Android devices.

[Three10toLeft]

No GPS or excessive bluetooth. I have it paired with my car and listen to some music via streaming but not for any long periods of time. And at my house I have great reception.

I just seem to be getting the same usage out of the phone that I got with the iPhone 3Gs. I might consider bringing it back to Best Buy to swap it out for a new one if I don't see it getting any better with a few more battery cycles.

[crow216]

No GPS or excessive bluetooth. I have it paired with my car and listen to some music via streaming but not for any long periods of time. And at my house I have great reception.

I just seem to be getting the same usage out of the phone that I got with the iPhone 3Gs. I might consider bringing it back to Best Buy to swap it out for a new one if I don't see it getting any better with a few more battery cycles.

the change from my 3gs to 4 in battery life was not drastic, nor did Apple advertise it to be. I believe in terms of data and all non-phone/ipod, it performs nearly identically. The difference had to do with talk time.

However, as someone said above, standby mode is incredible with the iPhone. If you click the lock button on top every time you put the phone in your pocket, you will save a ton of battery life, depending on your light settings. I would be that in standby mode the iPhone could last 2-3 days.

[sfip]

Consumer Reports doesn't recommend Verizon iPhone 4

[weeba]

Wonder if Apple/VZW will be offering the free bumpers as they did for ATT

[Jimy Hendrix]

Wonder if Apple/VZW will be offering the free bumpers as they did for ATT

Probably not, last time this was a major thing across all media outlets, this time I haven't heard a peep out of anyone anywhere except for CR as a lone voice on this one.

[czar]

Consumer Reports doesn't recommend Verizon iPhone 4

My colleague was unable to reproduce the death grip with his VZW iPhone; I've never been able to with my AT&T, and I use it exclusively without a case/bumper.

I still don't get what all the fuss is/was about.

[mt8thsw9th]

Consumer Reports doesn't recommend Verizon iPhone 4

I suppose this is one way to proclaim to the world they don't get technology.

So basically if you're stupid enough not to use any protection for a $700 device and hold it like a mongoloid, you'll lose signal.

[Foulkey Reese]

I suppose this is one way to proclaim to the world they don't get technology.

So basically if you're stupid enough not to use any protection for a $700 device and hold it like a mongoloid, you'll lose signal.

Not one person that I know who got the iPhone with Verizon has had a problem compared to the multiple AT&T people that I know who did.

[czar]

I suppose this is one way to proclaim to the world they don't get technology.

So basically if you're stupid enough not to use any protection for a $700 device and hold it like a mongoloid, you'll lose signal.

I use invisible shields on the glass surfaces, but find the bulk from having a case uncomfortable and excessive. Plus, I like the look and feel of my phone-- if it gets a couple cosmetic dings and dents along the way, oh well-- it might cost me $50 in resale value in 2 years-- I'll live. As someone whose iPhone has hit the floor multiple times, it's a pretty robust product. Not to say it's stupid to HAVE a case, but I don't see where it's a strict necessity with the iPhone line.

My real gripe is that this whole "death grip" thing was only repeatable by a few AT&T subscribers-- and (given the response in tech blogs) seems to be a tremendously minuscule problem with the new VZW design.

The only reason Apple offered the bumpers last year was to quell the overblown media response-- and they only went that far is because their bumpers cost like $1.30 each to produce (how people pay $30 for those is beyond me, but that's another point altogether...)

Edited by czar, 26 February 2011 - 06:45 PM.

[mt8thsw9th]

Sorry, that was a touch of hyperbole on my part. I have a very thin case that's largely there to protect against any scratches because I plan on selling the phone when the iPhone 5 comes out. I'm really not a fan of the bulky cases like the Otterbox. Part of the phone's appeal is the size.

[Three10toLeft]

When I had my Droid X I had a case on it for the honeymoon phase, but after a while I just ditched it. I rarely drop my phone, but with the iPhone it feels different... It may be able to survive a drop but I don't want to push my luck.

Gotta say I love being back with the iPhone. So many awesome apps, no more concern about Android fragmentation etc. I must say though, I can't wait for Apple to figure out how to implement a new notification system along with WiFi/GPS/Bluetooth setting control. With how smooth the OS is, I would think they would have found a way to polish such an important part of it by now.

And for the record, I haven't had a single reception/death grip issue with this phone. Consumer seems to have its head up its ass.

[Tony C]

I use invisible shields on the glass surfaces, but find the bulk from having a case uncomfortable and excessive. Plus, I like the look and feel of my phone-- if it gets a couple cosmetic dings and dents along the way, oh well-- it might cost me $50 in resale value in 2 years-- I'll live. As someone whose iPhone has hit the floor multiple times, it's a pretty robust product. Not to say it's stupid to HAVE a case, but I don't see where it's a strict necessity with the iPhone line.

My real gripe is that this whole "death grip" thing was only repeatable by a few AT&T subscribers-- and (given the response in tech blogs) seems to be a tremendously minuscule problem with the new VZW design.

The only reason Apple offered the bumpers last year was to quell the overblown media response-- and they only went that far is because their bumpers cost like $1.30 each to produce (how people pay $30 for those is beyond me, but that's another point altogether...)

yeah, i've never understood the case fetish -- big part of the cost is combo of aesthetic appeal and feel of the phone in your hand -- i see no reason to cover that up. as for reception, have had 1 dropped call so far on Verizon, compared to constant drops on A T & T.

[cutman1000]

Rumors that Verizon will drop the unlimited data plan:

http://www.macrumors...as-this-summer/

[BillMuellerFanClub]

the "unlimited" data plan for verizon has always been limited to 5 GB per month.

[Tony C]

The appleMail/gmail integration is not as good as an Incredible's gmail app. I have an Incredible and my wife has an iPhone; the incredible does a much better job in this area.

It is easy to set up on the iPhone, but the interface is noticeably different.

you know, seemingly randomly when I check my gmail account on the iphone 4 I'll get a message saying 'can't retrieve mail/incorrect password' -- or words to that effect. i've re-entered the password, but still won't work. and, then, the gmail will work again. I don't see a pattern as to when it works/doesn't work

....anyone?

[zenter]

I use invisible shields on the glass surfaces, but find the bulk from having a case uncomfortable and excessive. Plus, I like the look and feel of my phone-- if it gets a couple cosmetic dings and dents along the way, oh well-- it might cost me $50 in resale value in 2 years-- I'll live. As someone whose iPhone has hit the floor multiple times, it's a pretty robust product. Not to say it's stupid to HAVE a case, but I don't see where it's a strict necessity with the iPhone line.

My real gripe is that this whole "death grip" thing was only repeatable by a few AT&T subscribers-- and (given the response in tech blogs) seems to be a tremendously minuscule problem with the new VZW design.

The only reason Apple offered the bumpers last year was to quell the overblown media response-- and they only went that far is because their bumpers cost like $1.30 each to produce (how people pay $30 for those is beyond me, but that's another point altogether...)

One nitpick - the "death grip" was poorly-named, at best. The attenuation problem was frequent, repeatable and reported by many, including reputable sources. Simply putting a finger on the little black line on the lower part of the volume edge (creating a link between the two metal pieces) causes trouble. I was able to repeat it on my iPhone4 with a pinky. In fact, that's why Apple was giving away cases (and why I have one - a Speck jobbie). I understand that there were minor changes in the construction of the phone post-October 2010, resolving the touch-attenuation problem. Death grips cause problems on all phones.