DISQUS

william mattocks · 3 months ago

do you think sprint would get the iphone ?

GuestComment · 3 months ago

Don't underestimate Android. Fact is, Apple overcharges. Expect pushback.

Jon · 3 months ago

While I agree they overcharge on their computer offerings, I belive their phones have been reasonably priced (compare to the $600 nokia N97).

dilipramachandran · 3 months ago

Gene Munster is an AAPL analyst. I think he is biased as he spends most of the time with them. The iPhone is doing very well in the US smartphone market but there is a world outside the US where it is in the shadow of other products.

There are some really great pieces of equipment out there. For the moment let's put aside a detailed tech comparison and just look at price. It is a matter of time until other manufacturers get subsidies from operators as you can see with the Pre, Touch Pro 2, Magic, Hero etc..
I don't disagree that is is a very easy and well designed product.

32GB iPhone 3G|S = $299 w/ 24 month contract
32 GB Nokia N97 = $599 unlocked

You need to include the cost of the contract to really gauge the difference in price especially as it is on the AT&T network. With AT&T, with the congestion of 3G, 2G is as good as 3G. With the iPhone you're forced to get a data plan that for me sets me $15 more per month, and that for 24 months is $360. And I'm not even accounting the flexibility of switching carriers whenever I want or even use the phone outside the US without worrying about trying to unlock it.

So if you do the math, the iPhone is not really cheaper. Like the computer offerings, once you buy into Apple, you get locked in and get charged for lot more than you thought.

James Cain · 3 months ago

Personally I hope the IPhone moves to the competition just to shut up all the AT&T haters. Yes AT&T has its share of problems, but a Verizon, Sprint, or T-Mobile IPhone is not the promised land everyone thinks it will be.

Randy · 3 months ago

I have the Iphone 3g and live in Oakland CA. The Iphone is great, and other companies know this and seek to copy everything about it. Unfortunatly ATand T is not so good. Often the 3g has signal but does not work. Especially in big city or crowded areas, AT and T simply doesnt care to provide enough service for the demand. There was a Telecommunication confrence, one where cell phone companies advertise, and people could not make a call on their AT and T phones. Talk about embarassment. The last couple days of the show they scrambled to add new service to the area. Typical AT and T. I hope apple signs with Verizon, they know how to provide service.

cartoonasaur · 3 months ago

I've used 'em all - they all drop calls, they all have areas with little or no coverage, and especially, they all lie right to your face and have horrific customer service.... They are all the devil. But one thing about the devil - there's no escaping him! LOL

Mike Mike · 3 months ago

Gene Munster is a complete douche...I have gotten so sick of the hype bastard, I just can't deal anymore. This is the guy that tells you a tablet is coming out really soon on Verizon...this is the guy that tells you that Apple will have AppleTV with a 50 inch scree and its own apps, not television stations as its backbone. This dude is paid by Piper Jaffray to make money for Piper Jaffray, never mind the facts, let him suggest anything he wants. I doubt this guy owns any AT&T stock, due to his love affair for Verizon, but bias on Wall Street will live far longer than I will, so I'm probably best served saying this: Someday, I guarantee it, the iPhone will be on another carrier...impressive, aren't I?

MM

Turbo · 3 months ago

ATT has only one problem regarding the iPhone and that being it hasn't turned on MMS. I have friends on other carriers, like Verizon and Sprint, that are seriously debating changing to ATT for better service. Whenever a big product becomes popular everyone wants it on their carrier. Verizon and Sprint fail to ATT, I live in NYC and get service in buildings that people with other carriers can't.

Mike Mike · 3 months ago

I hope apple signs with Verizon, they know how to provide service.

Ha Ha!

Look, they have a decent calling network (as long as you don't ever talk at the same time, but come on, their data network (3G, for a long time now) sucks. Their speeds are not good, not consistent, their devices are crippled, they allow for zero outside influence, Verizon has serious issue in letting anyone have any control of their control. Apple will want this, Apple will not play with Verizon without a huge check up front, believe it or not, Apple doesn't need Verizon.

Look, Apple has less than 15% of the computer market, you know, what they are known for along with iPod and now the iPhone, but Apple has done really well at not being in first place. The people that are clamoring for this device, the iPhone that is, are the same people that can cross the street and get one now at their local AT&T store...it's the same thing if the LG Chocolate was the "mind bending experience" and people from AT&T wanted it, but Verizon owned the exclusivity agreement. Look, if you want it, cross the street and get it. AT&T in San Francisco and New York is where the majority of the criticism comes from, look, Verizon is huge in these areas, so be it...Verizon turned down a winner due to not wanting to give any control to Apple, do not be surprised if they turn it down again if the money ain't right and the terms aren't right.

Verizon is as bad at customer relations as Sprint, but the problem is people don't get bumped from the network every five seconds like Sprint...but Verizon first instituted these lovely practices that all our lovely telecom companies follow now:
1. If you have a data device, you must have a data plan (around November 2008)
2. 5GB cap on data cards (around January 2008)
3. Making you sign a contract even if you bring in your own device (just happened to an acquaintence, again even though they told us they wouldn't be doing this as of Jaunary 2008)

Look, I don't know why people love Verizon, but they do...it has something to do with pride and little to do with Verizon's service (customer service that is)

nmtechs · 3 months ago

I have been with Verizon for over 3 years now. Their customer service has been a headache at times (like when I purchased a Wifi card and was assured that it would "work all-over Manhattan", and then got resistance when I tried to return it within the allotted time, but I have stuck with them.

However, a few months ago I was almost tempted to change to AT&T when I tried out the new 3G. If Verizon gets rights to the 4G I will definitely be one of the ones waiting on the long lines when they arrive!

Iphone Application Developers · 3 months ago

Personally I hope the IPhone moves to the competition just to shut up all the AT&T haters. Apple have reliable technology then others. I love apple.