| waynerd |
I need a bit of advice on what to do here....
I was in the market for a new cell phone with a camera, since mine doesn't have one, and I now find it'd be darn handy when the kids are being too cute and no camera is within reach.
When I was in the "real" world, I carried my FranklinCovey planner everywhere. But since becoming a stay-at-home dad, I found I didn't need to use it that much anymore, plus it's a pain to lug around a book everywhere, along with all my other kid stuff. I've been using iCal for scheduling, but my "to-do" lists are growing out of control. I don't want to go back to the paper planning, so I figured, get an iPhone and have iCal, as well as replace my iPod.
Trouble is, it seems like an iPhone for me would be such a waste, since I get about 10 emails a day, mostly jokes, etc from my brother, cousin and neighbor. And when I'm out and about with the phone, I would rarely ever have time for "browsing" with 2 kids under 5 in tow.
Plus, somebody told me the camera feature on the iPhones takes pretty lousy photos.
Then the kicker for me was, since I mostly use my iPod classic directly wired via a Neo adapter in the van, I'd have to use the iPhone in airplane mode to avoid reverb through the speakers...basically not have a phone in the van. I could keep my old iPod in the van, but then the iPod feature on the iPhone seems to be a waste.
Sooooo, my next thought was to get a new cell phone with camera, and getting an iPod touch. That way I can use the iPod in the van without problem, have my iCal, and a decent camera/phone. I'd put my old iPod in the kid's playroom.
I thought it seemed a bit excessive, but adding up the cost of the devices and 24 months of service, this option is about 1/2 the cost of the iPhone.
Am I missing something here? |
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| robrecht |
Another possible fearure to consider is GPS. If you don't have GPS in your car and think you might like it, there's some other phone/PDAs out there now that can offer you that option as well.
BTW, I have 3- and 5-year-old boys and they love to watch YouTube cartoons or TiVo or DVDs on my phone sometimes. If you don't mind learning Windows Mobile Professional, there's still additional functionality on our side of the pond. |
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| jay |
The iPhone is optiimized for YouTube, so don't go there. It's the Hillary of iPhones, ready to lead and play YouTube videos on day one! ;)
And Google Maps does a great job as a GPS-lite. The real time traffic data is worth the admission price. :p |
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| robrecht |
quote:
Originally posted by jay
The iPhone is optiimized for YouTube, so don't go there. It's the Hillary of iPhones, ready to lead and play YouTube videos on day one! ;)
And Google Maps does a great job as a GPS-lite. The real time traffic data is worth the admission price. :p
Have they finally caught up with YouTube? Good. But you're still stuck with that slow data connection. Don't recommend GPS-Lite unless you only want to get within 1.6 miles of your destination.
BTW, the iPhone is Barack Obama, ie, thin and mostly hype and delusion. |
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| waynerd |
I was also considering a Blackberry Curve, which figuring the cost of the device and service plan, costs as much as the iPhone. It has the GPs Feature, but, its another feature I think I'd rarely ever use.
The kids are more into Elmo and Thomas the Tank engine (free downloads on iTunes!) than anything else.
I've got all Macs, and I'm not returning to the dark side anytime soon. I am, however, looking at Microsoft Outlook in lieu of iCal for tasks/calendar stuff. Anybody use Outlook on a Mac? How 'bout any add-ons to iCal?
Figures, this'd turn political! I'm already taking this election as choosing the "lesser of the two weasles". |
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| jay |
| If you're okay carrying two devices, your iTouch plan seems like the way to go. |
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| colorider |
Moved to Off-topic.
:) |
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| robrecht |
quote:
Originally posted by jay
If you're okay carrying two devices, your iTouch plan seems like the way to go.
I have to agree with Jay. Since you're both already well immersed in the iTunes universe it doesn't really make sense to consider WMP for your current needs. Personally, I would still favor the integrated iPhone over the iTouch for those times when it will allow you to stay connected with a single device. I would also keep your current iPod in your car or buy one of the newer cheap ones and just keep it connected in the car for ease of use and thereby limit the two device juggle factor. It would be a 2nd device in the car but it would be a semi-permanent dedicated device that would elminate the need to hook and unhook every time you get in and out of the car. And when your kids are teenagers they can demomstrate to you the technological inferiority of Apple's current mobile solutions. :7: |
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| jay |
But back to something else you said about the Neo adapter an airplane mode. Is the Neo adapter a dock connector?
I just use a Belkin cable to connect my iPhone to the aux jack on my radio, and keep it in phone mode. It has a quite long battery life for music, so I don't even bother plugging in a power adapter.
You're certain you have to put the iPhone in airplane mode in your setup? |
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| robrecht |
| Also, I heard 2-3 weeks ago that another price drop on the iPhone was expected soon. Not sure if it's happened yet. I'm anxious to see what the improvements will be with the iPhone II, or maybe we should call it the iPhone ii? I trust Jay can fill us in on what all the revolutionary changes will be, all the while maintaining how completely unnecessary they were last summer, of course. :p |
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| ramirami |
quote:
Originally posted by robrecht
Also, I heard 2-3 weeks ago that another price drop on the iPhone was expected soon. Not sure if it's happened yet. I'm anxious to see what the improvements will be with the iPhone II, or maybe we should call it the iPhone ii? I trust Jay can fill us in on what all the revolutionary changes will be, all the while maintaining how completely unnecessary they were last summer, of course. :p
I still cannot understand why its taking aapl so long to come out with the 3G iphone... |
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| jay |
quote:
Originally posted by robrecht
Also, I heard 2-3 weeks ago that another price drop on the iPhone was expected soon. ...
Bogus rumor from what I can tell. |
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| jay |
quote:
Originally posted by ramirami
I still cannot understand why its taking aapl so long to come out with the 3G iphone...
Battery life, I'd expect. And maybe the chipset won't yet fit in the form-factor.
I have mixed emotions about 3G. I had a Samsung Blackjack that was 3G, and even with the extended battery, I was hard pressed to get through a day of light use when it was in a 3G area. When I was in the office, it spent most of the day tethered to wall power.
And frankly, the 3G just wasn't so overpoweringly speedy. Edge on the iPhone is a better overall internet experience, IMHO. |
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| waynerd |
The Neo is a dock connector that I wired into the XM pre-wire under the dash. It was a quick install once I figured out where I wanted to run the wires.
According to the "advisor" at the Apple store I visited last weekend, you can't use the iPhone on a dock adapter in the vehicle or the cell waves will cause feedback in the speakers. I'm not sure about using an FM transmitter, but I ditched that piece of trash a year ago. I also have a Belkin adapter in the Subaru that runs to the cassette player.....but no cassette in the Ody EX-L.
The 2 device "thing" isn't a big deal for me, since that's what I'm essentially doing now, and it works alright. The cell I'm thinking about has music capabilities, so if I ever want to listen to some of MY music instead of Sesame Street or Veggie Tales while going for a walk or watching the kids play, I have that option, without needing 2 devices.
And, yes, the kids have already commandeered Mommy's old iPod shuffle ( the original stick type) and will probably want their own Blackberries or iPhone or implanted cell technology before they even reach puberty. |
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| jay |
I just tried my iPhone in my Bose SoundDock, and it tossed up a menu asking if I wanted to go into airplane mode to reduce audio interference. I just touched "no," and the iPhone is playing away, and sounds great.
Do you have any friends with iPhones willing to let you test it in your setup? |
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| ramirami |
quote:
Originally posted by jay
And frankly, the 3G just wasn't so overpoweringly speedy. Edge on the iPhone is a better overall internet experience, IMHO.
my most extensive use of iphone was using my sisters in SFO... real flaky and slow connections atleast out there.. great while on WiFi....
when I compare that to my Verizon Blackberry.. well no comparision.. |
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| jay |
quote:
Originally posted by ramirami
...
when I compare that to my Verizon Blackberry.. well no comparision..
I agree no comparison. No native html support on the BB.;) |
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| waynerd |
Nah, I don't know anyone with an iPhone, yet.
An e-mail to Neo is probably in order. |
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| robrecht |
quote:
Originally posted by jay
Bogus rumor from what I can tell.
In some places you can get a refurbished iPhone for $200 and $250. Link |
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| waynerd |
I called Neo yesterday, and the tech rep I spoke with said that indeed the iPhone CAN be used with the adapter! The only hitch is, it has to be used in "direct" mode, instead of advanced mode. That means I only have volume control from the steering wheel buttons, but not be able to change the song track, or be able to change the playlist from the radio buttons. All changes to the ipod have to be done on the ipod itself. Not a big deal.
He said several of the techs there had the iPhone hooked up to their adapter and never had any problems. The dude at the store must have thought I had an FM transmitter when I said I had my iPod wired to the "radio".
FYI, here's the link to Neo |
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| waynerd |
| The pin connector is under the dash near the fuse panel. The female was just hanging out, wrapped with blue tape. I just used double-stick tape and mounted the controller beneath the steering column on a metal brace along the bottom of the dash. I ran the cable behind the side panel of the center stack and into the bottom bin. I hang the iPod from the belt clip on the "not an ashtray" door. Piece of cake! |
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| jay |
quote:
Originally posted by robrecht
In some places you can get a refurbished iPhone for $200 and $250. Link
Refurbished at a lower price, yes. You can do that at the online Apple Store. But that's not the same as the rumored price drop. |
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| robrecht |
quote:
Originally posted by jay
Refurbished at a lower price, yes. You can do that at the online Apple Store. But that's not the same as the rumored price drop.
I know but still thought some might be interested. |
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| waynerd |
| Why would there be refurb'd ones already? Unless they're ones that had been dropped or something and they've been repaired "like new". I dunno. Then again, I bought a used iBook and nothing's wrong with it. |
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| robrecht |
quote:
Originally posted by waynerd
Why would there be refurb'd ones already? Unless they're ones that had been dropped or something and they've been repaired "like new". I dunno. Then again, I bought a used iBook and nothing's wrong with it.
Some people, like me, bought one to try it out and returned it after realizing that it was not quite capable enough to replace a current phone. Here was my initial assessment after using one for two weeks last July. |
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| rocky |
Interesting thread. As someone who has an all singing all dancing email/outlook coordinating/phone etc Nokia 9300, I'm looking forward to ditching the email part but keeping the rest.
Sure email/blackberrys have their uses, but they are also a distraction |
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| dgipalo |
One thing none of the posts in this thread seemed to point out - the iPhone is tied to AT&T. Based on a number of independent surveys, their coverage, customer service, and general policy and pricing consistently rank toward the bottom of the available providers. Another thing about the first issue of the iPhone is that it's based on the older wireless network spec, which is not exactly the speed demon the Apple adds make it out to be.
Whatever the merits of the handset, the usability of such a device is ultimately related to the quality of the network provider. The coolest gadget will be but a boat anchor and a cause of frustration when tied to a crappy network provider. |
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| jay |
quote:
Originally posted by dgipalo
One thing none of the posts in this thread seemed to point out - the iPhone is tied to AT&T. Based on a number of independent surveys, their coverage, customer service, and general policy and pricing consistently rank toward the bottom of the available providers. Another thing about the first issue of the iPhone is that it's based on the older wireless network spec, which is not exactly the speed demon the Apple adds make it out to be.
Whatever the merits of the handset, the usability of such a device is ultimately related to the quality of the network provider. The coolest gadget will be but a boat anchor and a cause of frustration when tied to a crappy network provider.
I've had an iPhone since the day after they were released, and I like it, the service, and the customer support. And as I've said before, having used a 3G phone, meh, no great shakes on the 3G on a crappy device.
But it's all relative since I migrated from a Palm 700p on Sprint. :p Mumm, Mumm, can I get another glass of the kool-aid. :5: |
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| robrecht |
quote:
Originally posted by jay
I've had an iPhone since the day after they were released, and I like it, the service, and the customer support. And as I've said before, having used a 3G phone, meh, no great shakes on the 3G on a crappy device.
But it's all relative since I migrated from a Palm 700p on Sprint. :p Mumm, Mumm, can I get another glass of the kool-aid. :5:
I liked AT&T's customer service much better than Sprint's but Sprint's prices are much better--they're losing a ton of money so I'm kind of worried that that might not last. You really should not continue to compare the iPhone with Palm or WM Standard devices--if you really want to compare the iPhone to a a 3G device, you should be looking at WM Professional devices, eg, Sprint's latest version of the Mogul with integrated GPS and EVDO Rev A speeds. Even with Sprint's EVDO Rev 0 speeds, I would not bother switching to my hone WiFi network because the network was so fast. Now it's even faster. iPhone is r e a l l y s l o w in comparison. |
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| jay |
quote:
Originally posted by robrecht
I liked AT&T's customer service much better than Sprint's but Sprint's prices are much better--they're losing a ton of money so I'm kind of worried that that might not last. You really should not continue to compare the iPhone with Palm or WM Standard devices--if you really want to compare the iPhone to a a 3G device, you should be looking at WM Professional devices, eg, Sprint's latest version of the Mogul with integrated GPS and EVDO Rev A speeds. Even with Sprint's EVDO Rev 0 speeds, I would not bother switching to my hone WiFi network because the network was so fast. Now it's even faster. iPhone is r e a l l y s l o w in comparison.
Like I said, it's all relative. You like yours, I like mine, we like ours, what's not to like.
But the real question in this thread is what's waynerd going to do? :cool: |
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| waynerd |
I dunno:8:
Part of me says pay the $20 a month and have an all-in-one device. I was in church this morning and wanted to make myself a note. If I'd had an iPhone or Crackberry, I could just do it and be done. Having a phone and iPod touch, I wouldn't have normally had the Touch with me. So I just jotted the note on a corner of the bulletin and stuck it in my wallet....like I've always done.
My options:
1. iPhone- Plus side:COOOOOLness, only one thing to carry around, plus tick my Apple-gadget loving neighbor off.:D Minus side: I don't really need the browser or e-mail, but they come with the phone. Camera is a VGA, not a MegaPixel.
2. Crackberry Curve- Plus side: One device, and a MP camera. Minus side: Browser and e-mail, again. Keep the iPod in the van.
3. Camera phone and iPod Touch- Plus side: cheaper services over contract. Minus side: carry two devices.
I'm still mulling....I'm also trying to find a new calendar/to-do program I like. That will influence my final decision, too.
Stay tuned:2: |
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| jay |
| For the Blackberry you can get The Missing Sync for $40 and sync it with the calendar and address book on your Mac. |
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| robrecht |
quote:
Originally posted by jay
Like I said, it's all relative. You like yours, I like mine, we like ours, what's not to like.
But the real question in this thread is what's waynerd going to do? :cool:
I just thought you we're giving a false impression of 3G devices & networks based on your experience with WM Standard smartphones, which are not at the same level as WM Pro PocketPC phones. |
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| robrecht |
quote:
Originally posted by waynerd
I dunno:8:
Part of me says pay the $20 a month and have an all-in-one device. I was in church this morning and wanted to make myself a note. If I'd had an iPhone or Crackberry, I could just do it and be done. ... Minus side: I don't really need the browser or e-mail ...
Maybe your church is really interesting but where I come from Internet & email would definitely enhance the experience. :D |
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| waynerd |
| With a 2 year old and a 4 year old, I spend most of my church in the back chasing the 2 year old up and down the handicapped ramp! |
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| waynerd |
Well, I've pretty much made up my mind just to get a camera phone. I'd rarely use the browser or e-mail, and since I'd have to dock/undock an iPhone about 12 times an average day, I'd keep on using my existing iPod in the van, so I'd rarely use that feature.
Then, I trashed my last 3 cell phones by wearing them on my belt....just where I'd have to wear a $500 iPhone. The phone I'm looking at is super slim, and I can carry in my front pants pocket.
As for my planner, I'll keep my read-only calendar on my iPod and lists and to-dos on a slip of paper in my wallet until I figure something else out.
Yah, boring, I know, but I'm being practical. If I were in the "real world", I'd have an iPhone in a heartbeat. Where I am in life, it seems like having an iPhone would be like having a Ferrari to go down the driveway to the mailbox. |
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| CMasten |
Couple of thoughts.
The IPhone is really not a Phone per se.. its a portable Mac OS-X computer, and if you need the other items on it, there is nothing like it. As a phone its WAY ahead of my razr for things like conference calling, voice mail etc and syncs to all my blue tooth devices just fine.
The 8 gig original can be had on Apples site as a "refurb" for 250.00 not 500.. and they are indeed new and carry the same warranty as new
The 2 megapixel camera may not be as good as a stand alone camera but I use it a lot..more than any other mult-device and have been quite happy with it.. took this pic at our WI office on a recent visit.
I have never had more fun or practical features on any device that I have carried with me in 25 years in technology, the IPhone is 2nd to none, I dont even take my laptop with me any more on vacation, the fact that in June we get firmware 2.0 and activesync means we will be opening it up to our corporate users as well, to this point I have totally enjoyed all of the features it has.
I bought one the day they were launched, have dents all over mine have dropped it about 10 times and its durable, the screen is delicate, but maybe I have been lucky there. Overall its holding up to my expectations even for a 600.00 phone |
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| waynerd |
Oh, I don't doubt its a GREAT device, I'm just doubting I'll get the additional $25/mo utility out of it, since I'll rarely use the browser and e-mail functions, and probably not the iPod much, either.
A friend from school bought one recently, and agreed it's the best thing he ever bought. But he travels at least one week a month, as well as uses it for some work related items, such as calendars, and e-mail. He says the Notes is becoming invaluable for all sorts of things. The weather feature is a bonus help for his travel and clients as well. He also doesn't have 2 preschoolers that helped in the demise of my last cell phone (but i was destroying cell phones long before the kids came along).
Oh, and I don't know where I got the information that the iPhone had a VGA camera:confused: |
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| CMasten |
Cant say I didnt try :)
Sounds like your application is pretty cell only centric. |
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| waynerd |
I was skimming some MacWorld news and came across this article about 3G in the iPhones.
iPhone 3G
BTW, I got my new camera phone this week...liking it! Wifey got a new Crackberry Curve, too. Once I figure it all out, I want to try the GPS function. |
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| macphanatic |
| Picked up a refurb 8gig iPhone at the AT&T store on Friday. Definitely the best smartphone I have tried in a while. Now that the SDK is out and Apple announce Exchange Server support around June of this year, the platform is only going to get better. |
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