The new iPhone's here...the new iPhone's here!!

[HudsonHawk]

Got mine today.  Looks remarkably like the old one.  I was surprised at the number of people lined up for a white one.  They only had 10 whites ones at the Best Buy in Midland.  Some people were disappointed.

[kevwun]

I can't justify getting a new one.  A compass and voice commands aren't that big of a deal to me.  I'm good on storage space.  The smudge resistant screen and a faster processor would be nice, but I'm gonna wait for the next model.

[HudsonHawk]

I can't justify getting a new one.  A compass and voice commands aren't that big of a deal to me.  I'm good on storage space.  The smudge resistant screen and a faster processor would be nice, but I'm gonna wait for the next model.

Smudge resistent screen?  This thing picks up fingerprints like that yellow shit they use in CSI.

[kevwun]

It's supposed to be better than earlier models.  I guess it's still not very good.

[HudsonHawk]

It's supposed to be better than earlier models.  I guess it's still not very good.

Well, I dont' have a lot for comparison.  It may be significantly better than the older models.  Limey would know.  But he's either a) standing in line at the Apple store, or b) still at the bar drinking himself thin.

[Limey]

All of the above.  Just finished syncing up my new iPhone.  It took about 10 mins to restore all the settings, contacts, apps, files, songs, photos and movies from the old one (there is still no better system than this when changing phones), and then about another hour to fill the additional 24 gigs with more of the above.

Screen still gets smudged, but wipes clean more easily (see leg, pant).  The speaker is definitely louder than my old one.  It's seriously zippier (and by that I don't mean more sarcastic).

[Limey]

Oh, and this one had GPS and a FUCKING COMPASS.  So, when you open Google Maps, it locates you, then swings the map around to orient it into the direction you're facing.  When visiting places like New Alk, this in invaluable*.

* Because I once had to get to 3rd from 5th, went the wrong way, but didn't know it because you cross about three avenues before you reach 6th.

[Alkie]

When visiting places like New Alk, this in invaluable*.

* Because I once had to get to 3rd from 5th, went the wrong way, but didn't know it because you cross about three avenues before you reach 6th.

Did it today in the Village.  30 seconds after giving directions to a tourist.  That's an awesome feeling.  Of fucktwittery.

[Limey]

3GS is seriously faster than 2G.  Seriously.

[HudsonHawk]

Oh, and this one had GPS and a FUCKING COMPASS.  So, when you open Google Maps, it locates you, then swings the map around to orient it into the direction you're facing.  When visiting places like New Alk, this in invaluable*.

Oh shit, I'm gonna hate that.  That may be good for the rabble, but for those who are used to reading maps, that's gonna suck beyond belief.  Can you turn that feature off?

[HudsonHawk]

3GS is seriously faster than 2G.  Seriously.

My 3Gs has been a bit slower than regular 3G, but perhaps that was just getting everything up and running, plus the traffic on the 3G this afternoon.

[Limey]

Oh shit, I'm gonna hate that.  That may be good for the rabble, but for those who are used to reading maps, that's gonna suck beyond belief.  Can you turn that feature off?

Yes.  You actually have to tap the "locate" circle a second time to turn this on.  Didn't realise that on my first post.   

[Limey]

Well, the battery life on the 3GS - albeit improved from the 3G - is significantly worse tjan my old 2G iPhone.  It didn't last the day today, and I've got the GPS turned off.  Next I'm going to try with WiFi turned off to see how that goes.  Internet on the 3G signal is so fast, the need for WiFi is negated. 

If that doesn't do it, next to go will be Bluetooth, except for when I'm actually in my car.

I knew that 3G was a real battery hog for any phone but, until you see it...

Still, calls are definitely clearer, and you still get data when using the phone and vice versa. 

[Limey]

Turning off WiFi is the trick.  I don't miss it because 3G is do fast, and I'm posting now with about a third left on the battery meter, and it's been off the teet since 6:30am.

[HudsonHawk]

Turning off WiFi is the trick.  I don't miss it because 3G is do fast, and I'm posting now with about a third left on the battery meter, and it's been off the teet since 6:30am.

I've yet to turn WiFi on...what does WiFi do that 3G doesn't?

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

I've yet to turn WiFi on...what does WiFi do that 3G doesn't?

WiFi is linking wireless to a broadband (DSL, Roadrunner, Starbucks... Whatever) 3G is going through cells.

[Gizzmonic]

I've yet to turn WiFi on...what does WiFi do that 3G doesn't?

It's much faster for the Internet.  Also, I dunno if AT&T/iPhone supports this, but T-mobile has certain plans where if you use wifi instead of the cell signal for a call, it doesn't count against your minutes.

[Gizzmonic]

Also, OMG Apple dropped the space in the iPhone 3GS name!  Report the shit out of that shit!

[HudsonHawk]

WiFi is linking wireless to a broadband (DSL, Roadrunner, Starbucks... Whatever) 3G is going through cells.

I know what it is, I'm asking is there anything that it can do that 3G can't?

[Andyzipp]

I know what it is, I'm asking is there anything that it can do that 3G can't?

No.  It's a billing issue.  Don't remember about the AT&T contract, but T-Mobile and Verizon both don't charge you for minutes used on calls if you're taking advantage of WiFi networks.  I assume it's the same.

Also, WiFi may be faster, depending on several factors, for data transfers.

[Limey]

I've yet to turn WiFi on...what does WiFi do that 3G doesn't?

Runs marginally quicker at my house.  That's about it.  Needed it when I had only the Edge data speeds, now it's unnecessary.

WiFi becomes important when travelling internationally, as you have to turn off 3G and data service to avoid a million dollar bill the next month.

[Limey]

No.  It's a billing issue.  Don't remember about the AT&T contract, but T-Mobile and Verizon both don't charge you for minutes used on calls if you're taking advantage of WiFi networks.  I assume it's the same.

Also, WiFi may be faster, depending on several factors, for data transfers.

iPhones have unlimited data over the cell network so, with the 3G and WiFi speeds being close enough so as not to bother me, I can turn off WiFi without any negative impact (apart from maybe 1 or 2 seconds extra to load a page).  The Edge network couldn't handle calls and data at the same time, so WiFi was important both for data speed and for being able to get a call whilst surfing for porn geopolitical news.

Not sure if you can Skype over the cell network or if that is WiFi only but, as the saying goes, there is an app for that.

[HudsonHawk]

WiFi becomes important when travelling internationally, as you have to turn off 3G and data service to avoid a million dollar bill the next month.

So why would I have a million dollar bill?  The data are unlimited.  Or are you talking strictly about making calls from international?

[Bench]

So why would I have a million dollar bill?  The data are unlimited.  Or are you talking strictly about making calls from international?

The data is only unlimited nationally.  Don't know about iPhones, but when I take my blackberry to another country, I get international data charges. 

[HudsonHawk]

The data is only unlimited nationally.  Don't know about iPhones, but when I take my blackberry to another country, I get international data charges. 

I didn't know that.  I thought the data were unlimited period. 

[Limey]

So why would I have a million dollar bill?  The data are unlimited.  Or are you talking strictly about making calls from international?

The iPhone is more addicted to the internet that even anyone here, including Alkie.  It is pinging away constantly even when you're not using apps and, when you are, it's grabbing data blocks like Carlos Lee at Fogo de Chao.  If you take it across an international border, any international border, you no longer have free unlimited data, so you get charged per kilobyte.  When the first iPhone came out, people bought them, took them overseas, and showed off to everyone by opening web pages and playing YouTube clips.  All at outrageous roaming data rates.  Voila!  Monster bill.

There's a setting (under Settings / General / Network) to set data roaming to "Off".  Do it now!  It won't afect you in the U.S. but, if you go anywhere - Mexico - anywhere, your iPhone will stay off the internet unless you tell it that it's ok.  It'll save you a fortune.  If you want to check your mail or whatever, find a WiFi hotspot or turn data roaming on, do what you've got to do, and turn it back off.

PS  This Settings page is also where you can turn off 3G, which may also be necessary in foreign climes and/or to save battery power, but I'm not sure what the deal is for international 3G service.

PPS  I have an international data plan that gets me 20 megs of international data roaming for a set price per month.  When I leave the country, I reset all the counters.  That way, I can keep track of how much data I've used and stay within my allowance.

[HudsonHawk]

The iPhone is more addicted to the internet that even anyone here, including Alkie.  It is pinging away constantly even when you're not using apps and, when you are, it's grabbing data blocks like Carlos Lee at Fogo de Chao.  If you take it across an international border, any international border, you no longer have free unlimited data, so you get charged per kilobyte.  When the first iPhone came out, people bought them, took them overseas, and showed off to everyone by opening web pages and playing YouTube clips.  All at outrageous roaming data rates.  Voila!  Monster bill.

There's a setting (under Settings / General / Network) to set data roaming to "Off".  Do it now!  It won't afect you in the U.S. but, if you go anywhere - Mexico - anywhere, your iPhone will stay off the internet unless you tell it that it's ok.  It'll save you a fortune.  If you want to check your mail or whatever, find a WiFi hotspot or turn data roaming on, do what you've got to do, and turn it back off.

PS  This Settings page is also where you can turn off 3G, which may also be necessary in foreign climes and/or to save battery power, but I'm not sure what the deal is for international 3G service.

PPS  I have an international data plan that gets me 20 megs of international data roaming for a set price per month.  When I leave the country, I reset all the counters.  That way, I can keep track of how much data I've used and stay within my allowance.

Thanks for the tip.  I had no idea.  I just checked mine, and the default for roaming is set to "off".  There's even a little message that tells you to remember to set it to off if you go international.

[T. J.]

Runs marginally quicker at my house.  That's about it.  Needed it when I had only the Edge data speeds, now it's unnecessary.

WiFi becomes important when travelling internationally, as you have to turn off 3G and data service to avoid a million dollar bill the next month.

Wifi also supposedly gives you better battery performance.  Apple estimates 9 hours of browsing on wifi, 5 on 3g.

I'm in the iPhone club now also.  Love it so far.

[kevwun]

If you are in an area with spotty or no 3g coverage, your battery will last much longer if you turn off 3G.  Otherwise, your iphone will waste battery power constantly searching for 3g.

[Craig]

If you are in an area with spotty or no 3g coverage, your battery will last much longer if you turn off 3G.  Otherwise, your iphone will waste battery power constantly searching for 3g.

Thanks, I didn't know that. We still don't have 3G here though supposedly it's being installed now. My wife hates cellphones and was highly skeptical of my iPhone when I got it last fall. But she was convinced after she saw how handy my phone is, and we picked up her new white iPhone today.

[Limey]

Wifi also supposedly gives you better battery performance.  Apple estimates 9 hours of browsing on wifi, 5 on 3g.

I think this only works if you turn off 3G.  If you don't, it's still using both transmitters and so will get battery life somewhere in between the two.  Apple - the same as other phone manufacturers - give battery life figures based on using that one thing, and that one thing only.  So, for example, video/music playback time is measured with everything else turned off, which is probably only ever the case on an aeroplane.

FWIW, with WiFi off I now get a full day's use out of the phone, without any threat of going into the red.  Last weekend, it was off the juice from 6:30am Saturday and finally died mid-afternoon Sunday.

Oh, and welcome to the club.

[Outlawscotty]

We are currently using AT&T service with the Tilt SmartPhones at our place of business.  Our biggest concern of switching to IPhones is the functionality of the Microsoft Push used in conjunction with Microsoft Exchange server.  If this doesn't work as well as advertised (or as good as the Tilt, which uses Windows Mobile 6.1), then there is no point of upgrading.  Is there anyone who is currently using this scenario, and if so, how is it working out?

[MRaup]

We are currently using AT&T service with the Tilt SmartPhones at our place of business.  Our biggest concern of switching to IPhones is the functionality of the Microsoft Push used in conjunction with Microsoft Exchange server.  If this doesn't work as well as advertised (or as good as the Tilt, which uses Windows Mobile 6.1), then there is no point of upgrading.  Is there anyone who is currently using this scenario, and if so, how is it working out?

We're using some Iphones through Exchange/OWA.

It woudln't work initially, but it was mostly to do with old software compatibility.

Just find someone with an ipod touch and set it up through that to test it.

Once we got the software setup correct, it works like a champ.

[austro]

We are currently using AT&T service with the Tilt SmartPhones at our place of business.  Our biggest concern of switching to IPhones is the functionality of the Microsoft Push used in conjunction with Microsoft Exchange server.  If this doesn't work as well as advertised (or as good as the Tilt, which uses Windows Mobile 6.1), then there is no point of upgrading.  Is there anyone who is currently using this scenario, and if so, how is it working out?

Many folks at my office use iPhones with our Exchange backend, and they all seem very happy.

[Outlawscotty]

We're using some Iphones through Exchange/OWA.

It woudln't work initially, but it was mostly to do with old software compatibility.

Just find someone with an ipod touch and set it up through that to test it.

Once we got the software setup correct, it works like a champ.

I'm thinking this was the case when we initially checked into this (1st generation IPhones).  OWA is not what we're after, nor syncing with a standalone Outlook on a desktop.  We currently have it where the emails come in as they hit the Exchange server itself (most of the time even before they are delivered to the individual mailbox).  This requires the 3G connection to be active all the time however which is fine I guess, but eats battery.  It also syncs contacts, calendar, etc.  Just checking to be sure as the phone people don't seem to know and won't commit to an answer.  Thanks.

[MRaup]

I'm thinking this was the case when we initially checked into this (1st generation IPhones).  OWA is not what we're after, nor syncing with a standalone Outlook on a desktop.  We currently have it where the emails come in as they hit the Exchange server itself (most of the time even before they are delivered to the individual mailbox).  This requires the 3G connection to be active all the time however which is fine I guess, but eats battery.  It also syncs contacts, calendar, etc.  Just checking to be sure as the phone people don't seem to know and won't commit to an answer.  Thanks.

Ours run through our OWA. So far, we haven't had any problems.

[drew corleone]

Wifi is much better than 3G when watching video.

[Waldo]

Don't know what AT&T does encryption-wise over 3G, but connecting to any websites over a public WiFi network makes you susceptible to eavesdropping.

[SaltyParker]

Meanwhile, back at the iPhone plant.........http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D99JBF881&show_article=1

[Limey]

Don't know what AT&T does encryption-wise over 3G, but connecting to any websites over a public WiFi network makes you susceptible to eavesdropping.

I believe everything on the iPhone is encrypted, which was part of the 3.0 software upgrade, so hacking an iPhone over WiFi shouldn't be a problem.

[Waldo]

Do they offer refunds on iPhone 3.0?  Is it possible to downgrade?  Ever since I upgraded my iPod, Safari runs slower and occasionally locks up, requiring a hard reset of the iPod (I thought Safari was supposed to be improved with 3.0) and the iPod no longer automatically connects to my home wifi.  It remembers other networks just fine, but not the one at home.  I am a little pissed.

[HudsonHawk]

Do they offer refunds on iPhone 3.0?  Is it possible to downgrade?  Ever since I upgraded my iPod, Safari runs slower and occasionally locks up, requiring a hard reset of the iPod (I thought Safari was supposed to be improved with 3.0) and the iPod no longer automatically connects to my home wifi.  It remembers other networks just fine, but not the one at home.  I am a little pissed.

Impossible.  Apple knows all, sees all, does all.  It increases both length and girth.  The problem must rest with you, young man.

[Astroholic]

Impossible.  Apple knows all, sees all, does all.  It increases both length and girth.  The problem must rest with you, young man.

That’s the PC's way of getting you back for being a trader.  Hi Dave!!!

[HudsonHawk]

That’s the PC's way of getting you back for being a trader.  Hi Dave!!!

A trader?

[MusicMan]

Apple knows all, sees all, does all.  It increases both length and girth.

I know that Limey has a hard-on for Apple, but this is a little much.

[Astroholic]

A trader?

Yes, one that trades sides....oh nevermind.

[kevwun]

My iphone is much slower since the 3.0 update also.  I believe something similar happened when the 2.0 update was first released and apple fixed it with the next update.  It would be nice if they would fix the speed problem before releasing it.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Do they offer refunds on iPhone 3.0?  Is it possible to downgrade?  Ever since I upgraded my iPod, Safari runs slower and occasionally locks up, requiring a hard reset of the iPod (I thought Safari was supposed to be improved with 3.0) and the iPod no longer automatically connects to my home wifi.  It remembers other networks just fine, but not the one at home.  I am a little pissed.

Mine has locked up twice, the first time was in church when I was trying to surreptitiously play SnS trivia, so I blamed it on divine intervention, I was able to reset network settings and restore it. However, when it happened a second time I was at work (also on Safari at SnS) and the whole thing locked up, I had to plug it into my laptop and restore from iTunes. Pain in the ass, hope it is not an ongoing thing.

[Limey]

Safari has locked up on me a couple of times lately, which is weird because there hasn't been a software update to make any changes.  Each time it crashed, the rest of my iPhone worked fine, but I had to reboot to get Safari back.

I haven't noticed any slowdown since 3.0, but then I only had that on my old iPhone for acday or two before upgrading to a 3GS.   

[JackAstro]

I don't have an iPhone, but because I care, here's an entry on how to force-quit apps under 3.0:
http://www.theiphoneblog.com/2009/06/13/force-quit-iphone-30/

If I happen to run into anything else in my daily rounds, I'll post it here.

[BUWebguy]

I upgraded from a 2G to 3GS, and everything has been greater -- much faster network and processing speed -- EXCEPT for the iPod app, which often drags slow, so that when you press a button (say, skip to the next song) it takes 2,3,4,5 seconds to do the change (play the next song) and another several seconds for any related actions (pulling up song title/album artwork). I've spend a couple of hours on the phone with Apple, even tried swapping it for a new phone, and the same problem keeps resurfacing.