Comments on: Some waiting on iPhone improvements before buying

It may be this year's must-have device, but some potential buyers are waiting for an updated version.

[GGGlen]

"Some waiting on iPhone improvements"

And "some" are not.
Using the "I'm waiting for an update" argument, in consumer
electronics, means that you'll wait forever, 'cos there will always
be updates.
It's just like buying a computer.
Pick something that meets your needs, and looks like it'll meet
them long enough for you to be comfortable with your purchase,
or don't buy one at all.
You'll be sitting on the fence for a very, very long time if you're
thinking Intel or AMD doesn't have an update in 180 days (or
less!).

[skipperpma]

I partially agree

I partially agree. In the world of computers I absolutely agree, but with Apple and the iPhone I'd wait. I plan on getting one, however I'll be waiting for a hard-drive based version to come out. I don't mind paying for a replacement for my ipod and cell phone, but it has to be able to replace both of them. 8GB of storage isn't going to cut it.

[nicklecnet]

yes, i can't agree more

buy what you truely need,then use it. so it is important that wheather you know what you should buy. i bought wii for a serveral month and i enjoy the deal. i played it lots of time. and lots of my friends were still waiting for its grafical update. of cource when the update is coming , i will buy it too. but i those guys will still expact another update.

[skipperpma]

Service plans need to catch up to the iPhone

The iPhone really shines when it has internet connection. However, with ATT's currently available plans and policies, customers will have to purchase a voice plan and a separate data plan in order to use the iPhone to it's fullest potential. If you sign up for a decent service plan, figure on apx. $45 for voice, and another $45 for data. Customers will be paying around $90 a month for service, and that's pretty expensive.

[m.meister]

service plans are reasonable

If you look at the service plans (starting at $59.99) that includes
unlimited web/data, the plans are actually quite reasonable.

The $79.99 plan is just about $10 more than I was paying before
on Verizon (w/o data), so that's well within reason.

[meliasz]

Waiting on IPhone Improvement - VERIZON

I'd buy the IPhone today, but it does NOT run on Verizon network and I am not switching networks for a P-H-O-N-E. I am 23 year Mac owner and I use Verizon's wireless card in my Mac laptop, now I need the IPhone to work with Verizon.

Get rid of AT&T (or at least the exlcusivity deal)!

[m.meister]

blame Verizon

Apple went to Verizon first and Verizon chose its old business
model/approaches over something new and told Apple to take a
hike.

Their reactions point to the iPhone point to more of the same
attitude. Verizon Wireless were not ready to put their customers
first.

Apple is now locked into an exclusive 5-year deal, so if you are
hoping Apple will be on Verizon, you'll be waiting until at least
2012.

[kylegas]

Here here... AT&T gone is the upgrade I need...

Not to mention, did you see their plan pricing on this phone? Talk about price gouging. 99.00 for 1350 minutes? That's crazy.

Apple: diversify out of AT&T, quick. And Verizon, wake up! Stop being so draconian with your feature lockouts and UI and let users have what they want!

[GGGlen]

Orly?

You do realize, don't you, that if Verizon had signed on the
dotted line, that they'd have demanded Apple disable all
BlueTooth connectivity?
Guys... I've been with Verizon for years (because my employer
pays for them), but Verizon disables ALL BLUETOOTH file
transfers on ALL phones on their network.
You're supposed to PAY MORE and use Verizon's web services
for basic functionality.
Bite me, Verizon.

[ubnyan]

iPhone iWait

The new iPhone has amazing features and looks great, I am seriously considering getting one but I am going to wait until in depth reviews are out there. However, as amazing as it looks and sounds it lacks some important features other "cheaper" phones have. We already know a new version is in the works so I would rather wait for the next improved version. For now iPhone iWait, but if future reviews are high on the iphone I am definitely getting one... but for the money should I get a laptop instead? decisions, decisions...

[m.meister]

laptop?

a laptop won't fit in your pocket.

[spm82]

"Most other phones don't either"

"So what if it doesn't run on 3G? Most other phones don't either," Wu said, adding: "The faster the network, the higher the cost."
Most other phones don't cost $600 with a 2-year contract. Considering the cost and hype of this phone, using the "other phones don't do it" argument is a little ludicrous. I would imagine if you are dropping $500-600 on a phone, you would be willing to spend a little extra each month for a faster data network.

I would have been totally sold on the iPhone if it would be available on Sprint or even Verizon, both considerably faster and more reliable networks in my area.

As for the "always waiting for updates" argument posted above, what people are waiting on are the first batch of updates. What people are most concerned about are updates to fix any kinks, bugs and nuisances prevalent in the first iPhone release. They're talking about supposed "fixes" more so than "upgrades".

[kool_skatkat]

who to fight...

Why fight with apple. Verizon said it clearly, they don't want the iPhone. I'm sure it had to do with the easy activation part... or something else. Go ask Verizon, why couldn't they make a deal, too proud?

[pnickol]

How many times are you going to write the same story?

I am so tired of reading that the iPhone has a short battery life,
that the keyboard is unfriendly, that it's too expensive and that
the network is too slow. Stop already! You haven't even been
given one to actually use before reviewing it. Or is that the
problem? You weren't invited to the big kids' dinner table. So
you sit at the other table looking at what the big kids get to eat.
What ever will happen once the phone actually comes out? Then
what will we have left to talk about? I imagine empty pages of
blogs, sites un updated for lack of anything worth writing about
and dead airtime on television. All because of a little iPhone!

[rapier1]

Actually

Pogue also said the lack of as real keyboard pretty much sucks and he's been given the opportunity to play with one. For someone who is a big Apple fan he seems oddly... he's excited but there is a touch of trepidation as well. The iPhone is a risky proposition and while it is very interesting it is, by no means, the slam dunk some people are desperately hoping it will be.

[akura2]

Waiting for Unlocked

I'm on T-Mobile, and while network speed is important, it's as important as having decent service for a decent price. And while Cingular's plans are not THAT expensive, T-Mobile's are less so and I've been happy with what I have so far. SO... I'm not going to switch carriers just to get the latest phone no matter how much I want it. I think Apple is missing on a huge opportunity by not releasing it to the mass market, but I guess if the Cingular users are going to be the guinea pigs, I can wait and see what bugs pop up before the carrier lockout is over...

[kool_skatkat]

Unlocked? maybe not

It's multi-year and multi-device agreement. It might not happen soon. This marriage is build to last.

[sanjayb]

Waiting for the next IPOD

Forget the iPhone. What I am looking forward to is the next IPOD. I am hoping the next IPOD will be the iPhone minus the phone part.

[ChadS24]

Deal breakers

First off, the iPhone looks to be an awesome device and would love to have one, but the 2 key deal breakers for me are:

1.) No support for Blackberry / Exchange Activesync or even syncing with Outlook
2.) no 3G (UMTS or HSDPA)

Price really isn't a factor for me if the device works and works good. I am willing to pay a premium for a device that merges all the functions together like the iPhone does, but even more importantly that it does it well. Apple is essentially cutting out business users without at the bare minimum Blackberry or Exchange support. I still think the iPhone will be a success, just not as successful as it could be with a few added features.

[trisor]

Business users

I think Apple is specifically not tartgetting business users. Yes, business users could make it more successful but most of them are running on Windows systems anyway and have IT departments who are just getting used to RIM. I, like Wu, expect they'll sell all of them they make. If they 'only' sell a million, they'll make roughly a quarter of a billion profit just from that device.

[alqaqish]

Deal Breaker II

Although the iPhone won't sync with Outlook it is supposed to be able to sync directly with an Exchange 2003/2007 through direct push technology. So all your emails, contacts, and calendar should be available on your iPhone.

I agree with you about the downside of no 3G. I can't for the life of me understand why Apple would release the "worlds most advanced phone" on AT&T's Edge network instead of the faster and most current 3G network. Why????????????

One more item to add to your list, no replacable battery!

[edfaulkner]

BEWARE: previous poster said EMAIL PUSH - probably not

I've been watching the iPhone info for compatibility with Exchange Push technology, but have not seen it anywhere. I would strongly doubt it, too. However, if the previous poster has source info, please post it. That would change everything for me considering the iPhone.

[GGGlen]

PuhLeeze

Yahoo has said, from Day One, that they will push email to iPhone.
RLY.
Google it.

[goosedude]

I totally agree - LOSE AT&T

While the iPHONE = interesting tech....it has not WOW-ed me to the point I'd change phone providers.

It does make you wonder why when Apple offered the iPHONE to VERIZON & SPRINT why they politely declined??? Chances are as rumors say is that people requiring service will not be able to bring their units to AT&T/CINGULAR directly but have to mail them to APPLE.

[biceps20]

Apple blew it

Why would you marry what is arguably the world's most advanced
phone to a network that cannot do justice to its capability? Steve
Jobs: Location, location, location. You wouldn't build an
architectural dream house right under the final approach to a busy
airport runway right? Why put this phone on AT&T? Ugggh. My
Treo 755 is ringing. Gotta go bro.

[dansterpower]

How Wrong you Are

I will be trading in a Treo and Blackberry Pearl for two iPHones
tomorrow.

Oh and by the way, EDGE as of tonight is MASSIVELY faster --
yep, those reports flowing around the web about EDGE now
hitting about 150 to 200 kbs are true. Just tested it on my Pearl.

Sorry folks, the objections keep falling.

All this resistance to great new technology reminds me of when
my DOS friends told me how "nuts" I was to use a mouse.

Doh!