Should I get an iPhone?

[sapito318]

I am really really tempted to get an iPhone... They can do anything from chop wood to cook your dinner and even.... Well, nevermind that but they are just awesome!

At only $99 for the 3G since the 3Gs just came out, the only thing that is holding me back is... The monthly bill.

At near $80/month I just dont know if it is worth it. Currently I pay no monthly bill for my cell phone, as it is a pay as you go type from Verizon. Not the greatest deal, but right now it is the cheapest option out there.

Any iPhone users/not iPhone users please feel free to explain your reasoning/justification if you dont mind

Thanks!

 

[Leche]

I checked out a friends. He had the original and now the newer one which he likes much better. Honestly I had zero use for this phone. I use my phone to talk and send text messages to a few friends, so it made no sense. I would look at it from that angle. They have another device that looks like the iphone but it is not a phone. I think its called an itouch. Connects to the internet via wi-fi.

 

[mdunn]

I got one free and sold it on ebay for like $700.

I think theyre very, very cool - but the cost to acutally use them is too expensive at the moment. Until data charges come down I dont think theyre cost effective.

 

[stobes21]

I have had one for about 3 months and like it a whole lot. I use the data function a lot more than I thought I would. There are a ton of great apps (many are free) and it works quite well as a music player as well as a phone. The lack of an actual keypad is a bit annoying at times, but you get pretty used to the touch screen pad. The monthly cost though is pretty high if you're not used to data plans.

I think if the upcoming update includes turn by turn GPS as promised it'll be absolutely spectacular. The current GPS works, but leaves a lot to be desired.

 

[MAK]

I am really really tempted to get an iPhone... They can do anything from chop wood to cook your dinner and even.... Well, nevermind that but they are just awesome!

At only $99 for the 3G since the 3Gs just came out, the only thing that is holding me back is... The monthly bill.

At near $80/month I just dont know if it is worth it. Currently I pay no monthly bill for my cell phone, as it is a pay as you go type from Verizon. Not the greatest deal, but right now it is the cheapest option out there.

Any iPhone users/not iPhone users please feel free to explain your reasoning/justification if you dont mind

Thanks!

I know quite a few folks that have them and they all love them. The one big constraint is the monthly bill. If this isn't a problem, then go for it. If it is a problem, stick with your pay as you go plan. A cool gadget is fun, but don't forget that almost $1000/year privilege to use it.

 

[_JP_]

I have an iPhone and really like it, but the coverage provided by AT&T has not worked well for me. I have situations where the signal doesn't exist, and there have been times where even in the best areas for coverage the signal drops out.

You may want to wait a couple of weeks for the iPhone 3Gs model to come out.

 

[Brodirt]

Yes, they're great.

Disclosure....I am an Apple share holder.

 

[mretzloff]

Wait until Apple releases the iPhone for Verizon. I would never be caught using AT&T again.

 

[kwk285]

What would you use it for.

If you are just going to make calls don't get it.

If you would use it to get on the internet a fair amount, it could be an option for you.

I have an Iphone. I use it a lot for work. There are several job related websites that I can access very easily with it. So it is worth it for me.

 

[professorchaos]

Depends on what you want to do with it. All I need out of a phone is the ability to make calls, obviously, and the ability to send and receive emails. In this regard, Blackberries leave little to be desired. Also, a plethora of (mostly) unnecessary apps doesn't get me too excited.

How is the battery life on the latest? The abysmal performance on earlier models would have been a deal breaker for me.

 

[Rughi]

I'm reading B&B on my iPhone, so it must be worth it!

For me, it replaced a phone, PDA, iPod, watch, calculator, paperback book, and it's good enough as a computer substitute that I'd often rather use it on the couch than sit at the desk to use the desktop for checking mail or websurfing.

Roger

 

[instpasr]

I've had an iPhone since they came out and I got the 3G version a couple of months ago. I am tethered to 4 email accounts (Business and personal) so as far as i'm concerned this is the best thing since sliced bread. I also use the internet quite a bit. I think it's only about $30 for the data and then whatever voice plan your on. We've been with At&t for so long that the voice plan were on is no longer offered. All told we have 5 lines and our cost is in the $130 range. Not bad.

 

[stobes21]

How is the battery life on the latest? The abysmal performance on earlier models would have been a deal breaker for me.

With normal use I typically get 2-3 days on mine (though I try to remember to charge it every night). Use of the internet doesn't eat the battery too bad, especially is you connect on wifi. And I've run the music player for hours straight without noticeable drop in the battery indicator. The only thing I've seen really drain the battery is the GPS.

As for the apps mostly being worthless, that is very true. However, there are so many of them that even if only a very small percentage are relevant to your needs you still get a nice selection of apps.

 

[wakeboarder4402]

I have one and love it. I will be upgrading to the 3gS when it comes out. For $100 more its well worth it, you get double the storage, a processor thats 2x as fast as the 3g, the ability to tether a laptop, and a built in compass that basically allows your maps to turn with you while using your turn by turn GPS.

 

[castlecraver]

I'm seriously considering it. Will probably wait about a month though. I'm not as excited about it as I thought I'd be, but my iPod is on it's deathbed and I'm close enough to the end of my AT&T contract (whom I've been completely satisfied with, believe it or not).

 

[nikkuchan]

If you think it’s going to become an all-purpose device for you, think again. It’s amazing as it can do many things; great GPS, high-speed internet, ipod mp3 player, a huge multitude of programs, including many e-readers like Kindle, and so much more, but you’ll soon grow reluctant to use many of these features much because they kill the battery FAST. Listening to music will kill the battery in about 3 hours. So much for listening to music on those long trips…

 

[_JP_]

Wait until Apple releases the iPhone for Verizon. I would never be caught using AT&T again.

When is that supposed to happen? Verizon works in the areas where I haven't had coverage. I've been hearing rumors about the switch.

 

[Gruder]

When is that supposed to happen? Verizon works in the areas where I haven't had coverage. I've been hearing rumors about the switch.

Seems I read the iPhone contract with AT&T ends in 2011.

 

[sapito318]

Thanks for all your advice gents, I think I may end up holding off for now, till the data plan is more reasonably priced, or I make more $dinero$, whicever comes first

 

[Rughi]

If you think it’s going to become an all-purpose device for you, think again. It’s amazing as it can do many things; great GPS, high-speed internet, ipod mp3 player, a huge multitude of programs, including many e-readers like Kindle, and so much more, but you’ll soon grow reluctant to use many of these features much because they kill the battery FAST. Listening to music will kill the battery in about 3 hours. So much for listening to music on those long trips…

I haven't found this to be a problem, although in theory it would be.

If I have the opportunity to plug in overnight and sometimes once during the day, I don't have to deny myself its use. If you often spend the whole day in places where you can't supplement an overnight charge (i.e school to transit to non-office work to transit, etc.) it could be a big issue. I keep a cord at home and at work, and bring one along when I travel on business.

Roger