Author Topic: HTC EVO - Has the smartphone gauntlet been thrown down? (Read 16407 times)

Waldo · « **on:** March 24, 2010, 12:58:24 am »

http://now.sprint.com/evo/

Being a Sprint customer in Austin, I am very, very excited about this.

This phone has some monster specs, including:

- First 4G WiMAX smartphone
- 4.3" screen (looks massive compared to the iPhone)
- 1.3-megapixel front camera, 8-megapixel rear camera with HD (720p) video recording
- HDMI output
- Mobile wi-fi hotspot for up to eight devices
- Flash support

Yowza.

Phil_in_CS · « **Reply #1 on:** March 24, 2010, 08:30:37 am »

We got HTC Tilts about a year ago at work. I'm less than impressed, though this one looks like an improvement.

MRaup · « **Reply #2 on:** March 24, 2010, 11:16:52 am »

Quote from: Phil_in_CS on March 24, 2010, 08:30:37 am

We got HTC Tilts about a year ago at work. I'm less than impressed, though this one looks like an improvement.

The newer HTC phones are pretty badass. All the open-source stuff leads to some pretty amazing software.

I'm a Blackberry guy through and through, but the new HTC coming out this summer is definitely tempting.

Gizzmonic · « **Reply #3 on:** April 29, 2010, 09:02:35 am »

Speaking of gauntlets being thrown down, did you hear, HP bought Palm?

This will give HP the tech to build a decent iPad competitor, and give Palm the money and muscle it needs to really force its way into the smartphone market. I'm a big fan of WebOS so I'm excited about it. Hopefully it will pull Palm out of its also-ran status.

Astroholic · « **Reply #4 on:** April 29, 2010, 10:24:18 am »

<Query><XMLData><teenage girl tantrum> I can't stand all of these pohne companies with their propritery phones. If I wanted an AT&T Droid I should be able to get one without paying 5 hundred fucking dollars. WAAAAAH! or WFW as coach would say. </Teenage Girl tantrum></XMLData></Query>

Jacksonian · « **Reply #5 on:** May 29, 2010, 06:39:02 pm »

Anyone have an opinion on the HTC Pure?

Waldo · « **Reply #6 on:** May 29, 2010, 08:37:10 pm »

Quote from: Gizzmonic on April 29, 2010, 09:02:35 am

Speaking of gauntlets being thrown down, did you hear, HP bought Palm?

This will give HP the tech to build a decent iPad competitor, and give Palm the money and muscle it needs to really force its way into the smartphone market. I'm a big fan of WebOS so I'm excited about it. Hopefully it will pull Palm out of its also-ran status.

We got a Pixi for my wife last month (it was free on Sprint's web site) and WebOS is fantastic.

My appointment to pick up my EVO is set for Friday at 9am...

Waldo · « **Reply #7 on:** June 02, 2010, 09:54:54 am »

AT&T's new data plans are certainly interesting...

Basically, the $30 unlimited plan is going away in favor of two options: a $15 plan for data < 200MB (+$15 for each additional 200MB), and a $25 plan for data < 2GB (+$10 for each additional GB). Tethering with any phone (including the iPhone w/ OS 4) requires the $25 data plan as well as an additional $20 monthly fee.

Sure, a lot of users that don't use much data will end up saving money. But any power users, and especially those that use tethering, are at risk of blowing right past that 2GB cap. But it's a pretty clear statement from AT&T that they want to discourage high data traffic on their network rather than improving the network itself.

BudGirl · « **Reply #8 on:** June 02, 2010, 09:56:47 am »

Quote from: Waldo on May 29, 2010, 08:37:10 pm

We got a Pixi for my wife last month (it was free on Sprint's web site) and WebOS is fantastic.

My appointment to pick up my EVO is set for Friday at 9am...

I'm really interested in your opinion on it. I plan on upgrading at the end of the summer.

MRaup · « **Reply #9 on:** June 02, 2010, 10:25:56 am »

Quote from: BudGirl on June 02, 2010, 09:56:47 am

I'm really interested in your opinion on it. I plan on upgrading at the end of the summer.

Our Sprint rep is dropping by today so we can check out the EVO.

I'll post any initial thoughts I have other than "Ohhhhh, pretty." after I see it.

BudGirl · « **Reply #10 on:** June 02, 2010, 10:28:12 am »

Quote from: MRaup on June 02, 2010, 10:25:56 am

Our Sprint rep is dropping by today so we can check out the EVO.

I'll post any initial thoughts I have other than "Ohhhhh, pretty." after I see it.

thanks!!

between you and Waldo I should be able to make a good decision.

MRaup · « **Reply #11 on:** June 02, 2010, 04:22:25 pm »

Quote from: BudGirl on June 02, 2010, 10:28:12 am

thanks!!

between you and Waldo I should be able to make a good decision.

Allrighty, just got out of my meeting with Sprint.

Here are my thoughts:

The picture on the screen is ridiculously sharp. The 8mp camera is pretty awesome, and it looks very pretty.

The phone is Iphone big. It's not super heavy, but it will be kind of bulky if you're used to a smaller phone.

The processor/4G speed on the thing is pretty impressive. It moves from app to app and renders the web really quickly, and handles everything I asked it to do without a lot of delay.

There are still some questionmarks as far as capabilities, but the phone itself looks like it is the up and coming super-badass phone. The OS on it runs smoothly, but it comes just absolutely crammed full of apps and crap that Sprint wants you to have. If you're comfortable removing the stuff you don't want/changing what's installed on it, that isn't an issue at all. But it was jammed full of Sprint based applications.

The App store is pretty awesome. There are a TON of free apps out there.

IF you've got any specific questions, ask away. This was just my 2 cents.

BudGirl · « **Reply #12 on:** June 02, 2010, 04:32:13 pm »

Quote from: MRaup on June 02, 2010, 04:22:25 pm

Allrighty, just got out of my meeting with Sprint.

Here are my thoughts:

The picture on the screen is ridiculously sharp. The 8mp camera is pretty awesome, and it looks very pretty.

The phone is Iphone big. It's not super heavy, but it will be kind of bulky if you're used to a smaller phone.

The processor/4G speed on the thing is pretty impressive. It moves from app to app and renders the web really quickly, and handles everything I asked it to do without a lot of delay.

There are still some questionmarks as far as capabilities, but the phone itself looks like it is the up and coming super-badass phone. The OS on it runs smoothly, but it comes just absolutely crammed full of apps and crap that Sprint wants you to have. If you're comfortable removing the stuff you don't want/changing what's installed on it, that isn't an issue at all. But it was jammed full of Sprint based applications.

The App store is pretty awesome. There are a TON of free apps out there.

IF you've got any specific questions, ask away. This was just my 2 cents.

So, if I got this phone then I could ask a friend do help remove the apps I didn't want? sounds like a pretty cool phone. I would have to get used to the size though. I have a small phone right now.

Limey · « **Reply #13 on:** June 02, 2010, 04:38:27 pm »

Quote from: BudGirl on June 02, 2010, 04:32:13 pm

I have a small phone right now.

Like this?

MRaup · « **Reply #14 on:** June 02, 2010, 04:55:23 pm »

Quote from: BudGirl on June 02, 2010, 04:32:13 pm

So, if I got this phone then I could ask a friend do help remove the apps I didn't want? sounds like a pretty cool phone. I would have to get used to the size though. I have a small phone right now.

After talking to a buddy I work with that has an older model Droid phone, he says removing apps is relatively simple, just requires being able to follow a few steps.

However, he also said that you'd be better served just hiding the apps instead, out of sight - out of mind style. They don't take up enough space to be a problem.

Limey · « **Reply #15 on:** June 02, 2010, 05:41:52 pm »

Quote from: MRaup on June 02, 2010, 04:55:23 pm

However, he also said that you'd be better served just hiding the apps instead, out of sight - out of mind style. They don't take up enough space to be a problem.

If you can have multiple pages of apps, it's probably simpler to move the unwanted ones to the last screen. Or, if you can make folders, just make a "Misc" folder and put all the unwanteds in it. OUt of sight, out of mind.

Lurch · « **Reply #16 on:** June 02, 2010, 06:46:02 pm »

Quote from: MRaup on June 02, 2010, 04:22:25 pm

Allrighty, just got out of my meeting with Sprint.

Here are my thoughts:

The picture on the screen is ridiculously sharp. The 8mp camera is pretty awesome, and it looks very pretty.

The phone is Iphone big. It's not super heavy, but it will be kind of bulky if you're used to a smaller phone.

The processor/4G speed on the thing is pretty impressive. It moves from app to app and renders the web really quickly, and handles everything I asked it to do without a lot of delay.

There are still some questionmarks as far as capabilities, but the phone itself looks like it is the up and coming super-badass phone. The OS on it runs smoothly, but it comes just absolutely crammed full of apps and crap that Sprint wants you to have. If you're comfortable removing the stuff you don't want/changing what's installed on it, that isn't an issue at all. But it was jammed full of Sprint based applications.

The App store is pretty awesome. There are a TON of free apps out there.

IF you've got any specific questions, ask away. This was just my 2 cents.

Did they address teathering at all? It came pre-installed with my HTC Touch Pro 2, so I'm hoping they stick with that policy rather than adopting the AT&T model

MRaup · « **Reply #17 on:** June 03, 2010, 12:12:06 am »

Quote from: Lurch on June 02, 2010, 06:46:02 pm

Did they address teathering at all? It came pre-installed with my HTC Touch Pro 2, so I'm hoping they stick with that policy rather than adopting the AT&T model

They actually laughed at AT&Ts new pricing structure/policy.

Tethering, I believe, was standard on the phone.

For an extra 29 a month, it can act as an 8 port wireless G router as well.

Waldo · « **Reply #18 on:** June 03, 2010, 10:13:08 am »

Yes, USB tethering is standard with the phone.

Quote from: MRaup on June 03, 2010, 12:12:06 am

For an extra 29 a month, it can act as an 8 port wireless G router as well.

Android 2.2 will introduce a couple of interesting factors. I read on a blog yesterday that based on what some Sprint reps are saying, Sprint may not remove/block the native wifi hotspot app that comes with 2.2. Hard to believe that they wouldn't, but they said they have not typically removed or blocked manufacturer-provided software in the past.

Also, based on the teardown that the iFixit guys did earlier this week, the EVO's wifi chip actually supports 802.11n. 2.1 doesn't support N but 2.2 does. So maybe it can also be a wireless N router?

Quote from: MRaup on June 02, 2010, 04:55:23 pm

After talking to a buddy I work with that has an older model Droid phone, he says removing apps is relatively simple, just requires being able to follow a few steps.

However, he also said that you'd be better served just hiding the apps instead, out of sight - out of mind style. They don't take up enough space to be a problem.

According to some Android forums I've been reading, you can't get rid of the Sprint apps without root. This also sucks because some of the Sprint apps load in the background on startup and take up RAM, which also affects battery life. A lot of people have reported better battery life when using Advanced Task Killer to kill some of the Sprint app processes.

Quote from: MRaup on June 02, 2010, 04:22:25 pm

The App store is pretty awesome. There are a TON of free apps out there.

Check out AppBrain - browse the Market on the web, choose the apps you want on your phone, then install AppBrain and it will automatically sync all the apps you picked. I've already chosen 10+ apps that I want.

Good God, I already sound like an Android fanboy and I don't even have the phone yet.

MusicMan · « **Reply #19 on:** June 03, 2010, 10:16:23 am »

Quote from: Waldo on June 03, 2010, 10:13:08 am

Good God, I already sound like an Android fanboy and I don't even have the phone yet.

I can already envision you and Limey in the geek version of pistols at 20 paces.

Waldo · « **Reply #20 on:** June 03, 2010, 10:25:45 am »

Quote from: MusicMan on June 03, 2010, 10:16:23 am

I can already envision you and Limey in the geek version of ~~pistols~~ lightsabre apps at 20 paces.

FIFY

Ebby Calvin · « **Reply #21 on:** June 03, 2010, 11:56:15 am »

I see your Schwartz is as big as mine....

Waldo · « **Reply #22 on:** June 04, 2010, 01:27:51 pm »

My very initial impressions (I've had the phone since 10am or so):

- The phone is big and a little weighty. I knew this going in, but holding it in my hand entering my contacts made my fingers/hand tired after a bit.
- Having not seen one in person before today, I was really not prepared for how nice the screen looks. It is amazing.
- The phone itself is lightning fast.
- I'm really liking Android compared to my experience on the iPod Touch. I especially like the arrow keys on the HTC keyboard; I always wished I had them on the iPod.
- I had 4G access briefly on my way back to work and it seemed pretty quick, but then my phone wanted to download an OTA update (presumably the fix for the SD card bug) and rebooted.
- After setting up Facebook sync, my calendar is now cluttered with birthdays. I do not like this and am looking for a way to undo it.

MRaup · « **Reply #23 on:** June 04, 2010, 01:46:52 pm »

Quote from: Waldo on June 04, 2010, 01:27:51 pm

My very initial impressions (I've had the phone since 10am or so):

- The phone is big and a little weighty. I knew this going in, but holding it in my hand entering my contacts made my fingers/hand tired after a bit.
- Having not seen one in person before today, I was really not prepared for how nice the screen looks. It is amazing.
- The phone itself is lightning fast.
- I'm really liking Android compared to my experience on the iPod Touch. I especially like the arrow keys on the HTC keyboard; I always wished I had them on the iPod.
- I had 4G access briefly on my way back to work and it seemed pretty quick, but then my phone wanted to download an OTA update (presumably the fix for the SD card bug) and rebooted.
- After setting up Facebook sync, my calendar is now cluttered with birthdays. I do not like this and am looking for a way to undo it.

There should be an option in the facebook app to disable the syncing of birthdays. At least there was one in all the other versions of facebook mobile.

Waldo · « **Reply #24 on:** June 04, 2010, 02:56:08 pm »

Quote from: MRaup on June 04, 2010, 01:46:52 pm

There should be an option in the facebook app to disable the syncing of birthdays. At least there was one in all the other versions of facebook mobile.

Figured it out. Just had to turn off the Facebook calendar in the Calendar app.

Limey · « **Reply #25 on:** June 07, 2010, 01:02:57 pm »

...aaaaaaand here comes the new iPhone: 24% thinner - thinnest smartphone available; 4x improvement in screen resolution; front-facing camera; flash added to rear camera which now 5MP with a backside illuminated sensor, a 5x digital zoom and HD video (720p at 30fps); noise cancellation built-in; new antenna system; improved battery performance (300 hrs standby, 7 hrs 3G talk, 6 hrs 3G browsing, 10 hrs wifi browsing, 10hrs video, 40 hrs music); dual mics; 802.11n WiFi; quad band HSDPA; 7.2Mbps and a fucking gyroscope. And Steve is still going...the foregoing representing 5 of the 8 improvements he's going to talk about today, out of the 40+ improvements he claims.

Oh, and a Netflix app that streams video over 3G, a Guitar Hero app and a Farmville app.

I think Stevie just told Android to suck his wrinkly cock.

In addition, AT&T are relaxing upgrade rules to allow most existing users to upgrade now, which adds credence to the rumours of a Ver-iPhone later this year.

BizidyDizidy · « **Reply #26 on:** June 07, 2010, 01:07:28 pm »

Quote from: Limey on June 07, 2010, 01:02:57 pm

...aaaaaaand here comes the new iPhone: 24% thinner - thinnest smartphone available; 4x improvement in screen resolution; front-facing camera; flash added to rear camera which now 5MP with a backside illuminated sensor, a 5x digital zoom and HD video (720p at 30fps); noise cancellation built-in; new antenna system; improved battery performance (300 hrs standby, 7 hrs 3G talk, 6 hrs 3G browsing, 10 hrs wifi browsing, 10hrs video, 40 hrs music); dual mics; 802.11n WiFi; quad band HSDPA; 7.2Mbps and a fucking gyroscope. And Steve is still going...the foregoing representing 5 of the 8 improvements he's going to talk about today, out of the 40+ improvements he claims.

Oh, and a Netflix app that streams video over 3G, a Guitar Hero app and a Farmville app.

I think Stevie just told Android to suck his wrinkly cock.

In addition, AT&T are relaxing upgrade rules to allow most existing users to upgrade now, which adds credence to the rumours of a Ver-iPhone later this year.

Limey can personally confirm this.

Lurch · « **Reply #27 on:** June 07, 2010, 01:17:23 pm »

An HD video camera and movie editing! That will probably do it for me.

Limey · « **Reply #28 on:** June 07, 2010, 01:18:16 pm »

Items 6 and 7 are the new OS, renamed iOS 4 (presumably because there are now 3 devices that run the software) and iBooks on the iPhone.

Limey · « **Reply #29 on:** June 07, 2010, 01:21:05 pm »

Quote from: Lurch on June 07, 2010, 01:17:23 pm

An HD video camera and movie editing! That will probably do it for me.

The thing about smartphones is that they're constantly improving but, because Apple stole a march on everyone, everyone is always shooting at the wrong target. They shoot for the current hardware and software combo, and then Apple moves the target further down range.

Limey · « **Reply #30 on:** June 07, 2010, 01:24:11 pm »

Okay...#8 is iAds. Not really a great boon for users, except that you won't lose your place by inadvertently tapping an ad. Big for developers though, which helps the app store, which helps stockholders... ;-)

Lurch · « **Reply #31 on:** June 07, 2010, 01:33:24 pm »

Video phone!

Limey · « **Reply #32 on:** June 07, 2010, 01:35:01 pm »

One more thing...video calls.

BUWebguy · « **Reply #33 on:** June 07, 2010, 01:36:53 pm »

Quote from: Limey on June 07, 2010, 01:35:01 pm

One more thing...video calls.

Woo hoo! The future! I assume that Nissan car in the iAd demo is my new flying car, too! Huzzah!

Limey · « **Reply #34 on:** June 07, 2010, 01:45:17 pm »

$299 for 32GB model, $199 for 16GB. Either black or white. Available June 24.

If your current contract expires any time in 2010, you can upgrade now.

Ty in Tampa · « **Reply #35 on:** June 07, 2010, 01:47:54 pm »

Quote from: Limey on June 07, 2010, 01:45:17 pm

If your current contract expires any time in 2010, you can upgrade now.

1/11. Looks like I'm iPhone 4.1

Limey · « **Reply #36 on:** June 07, 2010, 01:52:56 pm »

Quote from: Ty in Tampa on June 07, 2010, 01:47:54 pm

1/11. Looks like I'm iPhone 4.1

AT&T website "down for maintenance", which means crashed my fanboys checking their upgrade status. I got a 3GS last year, which was July (IIRC), which I think pushes me into 2011 too.

Limey · « **Reply #37 on:** June 07, 2010, 04:11:39 pm »

Quote from: Ty in Tampa on June 07, 2010, 01:47:54 pm

1/11. Looks like I'm iPhone 4.1

AT&T website says that I can upgrade to a 3GS right now for the full discount price subject new 2 year contract. I hope this carries over to the 4, which logic suggests it should.

HudsonHawk · « **Reply #38 on:** June 07, 2010, 04:21:55 pm »

Quote from: Limey on June 07, 2010, 01:52:56 pm

AT&T website "down for maintenance", which means crashed my fanboys checking their upgrade status. I got a 3GS last year, which was July (IIRC), which I think pushes me into 2011 too.

June 19th was the day 3GS came into being. I haven't even been on 3GS for a year yet, and already I have new iPhever.

Gizzmonic · « **Reply #39 on:** June 07, 2010, 04:28:04 pm »

That battery life claim is awfully impressive. I wonder how it will hold up in the real world.

Waldo · « **Reply #40 on:** June 07, 2010, 09:15:57 pm »

The new iPhone looks impressive. I particularly like the form factor/design, the dual mics/noise cancellation, and 720p 30fps (the video recording on my EVO is underwhelming).

The rest of it... eh. I personally don't really understand the need for the increased resolution on a screen that small. I thought the original screen looked fine, as does the screen on my EVO. I think the battery life and download speed claims are a bit lofty (especially the download speeds), but we'll see. A lot of the other features are already on my EVO.

Does it have a user-replaceable battery?

Quote

Oh, and a Netflix app that streams video over 3G

Because AT&T's 3G network wasn't slammed already. And even if the iPhone 4 does see 7.2mbps download, it won't do a whole hell of a lot of good when you hit your data cap that much quicker.

Limey, it's ironic that you mentioned the "moving target" of smartphone specs, because mobile data usage is also a moving target. This is precisely where AT&T's "65%" and "98%" claims become completely worthless because their customers' data usage habits are about to change dramatically. I can already hear the crying from the poor bastards that unwittingly sign up for the 200MB data plan and watch only a few hours worth of Netflix, only to find massive data overages on their next bill. You current iPhone users better hope that AT&T doesn't force you to dump your unlimited plan in the future.

Make no mistake: while I do not like iPhone OS and the restrictions Apple has placed on it, the iPhone 4's hardware itself looks awesome. But this new phone is going to be seriously hamstrung by the network it runs on.

Limey · « **Reply #41 on:** June 07, 2010, 11:25:24 pm »

Quote from: Waldo on June 07, 2010, 09:15:57 pm

The new iPhone looks impressive. I particularly like the form factor/design, the dual mics/noise cancellation, and 720p 30fps (the video recording on my EVO is underwhelming).

The rest of it... eh. I personally don't really understand the need for the increased resolution on a screen that small. I thought the original screen looked fine, as does the screen on my EVO. I think the battery life and download speed claims are a bit lofty (especially the download speeds), but we'll see. A lot of the other features are already on my EVO.

Does it have a user-replaceable battery?

Because AT&T's 3G network wasn't slammed already. And even if the iPhone 4 does see 7.2mbps download, it won't do a whole hell of a lot of good when you hit your data cap that much quicker.

Limey, it's ironic that you mentioned the "moving target" of smartphone specs, because mobile data usage is also a moving target. This is precisely where AT&T's "65%" and "98%" claims become completely worthless because their customers' data usage habits are about to change dramatically. I can already hear the crying from the poor bastards that unwittingly sign up for the 200MB data plan and watch only a few hours worth of Netflix, only to find massive data overages on their next bill. You current iPhone users better hope that AT&T doesn't force you to dump your unlimited plan in the future.

Make no mistake: while I do not like iPhone OS and the restrictions Apple has placed on it, the iPhone 4's hardware itself looks awesome. But this new phone is going to be seriously hamstrung by the network it runs on.

You'll get no debate from me about AT&T. I do think, though, that much of the technology is designed to (a) be used over wifi for now; (2) be in place for if and when AT&T get better; and (iii) be available if and when the iPhone comes to other platforms.

The screen resolution is for current and future apps. iBook is one that I can see using the screen resolution now, as it will improve the reading experience. HD video processing being another. There's also talk Apple's office suite coming to the iPhone (and why not as it's already on the iPad).

As regards battery life, those are achieved by doing one thing only with all unnecessary transmitters turned off. Real world usage will not be there, but it's the same method that all manufacturers use so they're useful benchmarks.

As usual, the selling point is the elegance with which the technology is deployed. With that in mind, here's some Apple porn.

Outlawscotty · « **Reply #42 on:** June 08, 2010, 06:41:55 am »

I believe I heard that video calling will only happen on a WiFi type network and not 3G (cellular). I've never had an issue with battery usage, and I connect to WiFi all over the place (mainly customers). My question is when I can get the new OS on my phone (3GS) for the use of multitasking? If AT&T is going to place limits on data usage, all these new Apps and features are useless to me. AT&T is wringing their hands together just waiting for the next billing cycle.

Andyzipp · « **Reply #43 on:** June 08, 2010, 08:25:05 am »

Quote from: outlawscotty on June 08, 2010, 06:41:55 am

I believe I heard that video calling will only happen on a WiFi type network and not 3G (cellular). I've never had an issue with battery usage, and I connect to WiFi all over the place (mainly customers). My question is when I can get the new OS on my phone (3GS) for the use of multitasking? If AT&T is going to place limits on data usage, all these new Apps and features are useless to me. AT&T is wringing their hands together just waiting for the next billing cycle.

Your current contract is your current contract. You won't have one of the limited data options until you sign a new one, which happens when you buy a your new iPhone. A software upgrade of your current equipment won't trigger a contract renewal.

Limey · « **Reply #44 on:** June 08, 2010, 10:22:07 am »

Quote from: outlawscotty on June 08, 2010, 06:41:55 am

I believe I heard that video calling will only happen on a WiFi type network and not 3G (cellular). I've never had an issue with battery usage, and I connect to WiFi all over the place (mainly customers). My question is when I can get the new OS on my phone (3GS) for the use of multitasking? If AT&T is going to place limits on data usage, all these new Apps and features are useless to me. AT&T is wringing their hands together just waiting for the next billing cycle.

You are correct that "Face Time" is only over WiFi, and only iPhone 4 to iPhone 4.

In addition to Zipp's comments: the new OS works on the 3GS, including multitasking. The 3G can be updated also, but some of the features won't work (multitasking being one). 2G's are SOL.

If you keep and/or re-up your existing contract, you can keep the unlimited data plan. For now.

Limey · « **Reply #45 on:** June 08, 2010, 12:41:20 pm »

To discover your upgrade eligibility, call *NEW# from your iPhone, and AT&T will send you a text with your status. Here's the press release which lays out the pricing for full upgrades, discounted upgrades and no upgrade for yous.

Ty in Tampa · « **Reply #46 on:** June 08, 2010, 12:54:27 pm »

I'm eligible to upgrade with a new 2-year contract and an $18 fee. You going to do it, Limey?

Limey · « **Reply #47 on:** June 08, 2010, 01:18:09 pm »

Quote from: Ty in Tampa on June 08, 2010, 12:54:27 pm

I'm eligible to upgrade with a new 2-year contract and an $18 fee. You going to do it, Limey?

Du-uh.

Craig · « **Reply #48 on:** June 09, 2010, 02:26:29 pm »

Quote from: Ty in Tampa on June 08, 2010, 12:54:27 pm

I'm eligible to upgrade with a new 2-year contract and an $18 fee. You going to do it, Limey?

Same for me. Since I've barely used any of the disk space in my 16GB 3G, I'll probably just go with the 16GB 4G.

Limey · « **Reply #49 on:** June 09, 2010, 03:04:00 pm »

Quote from: Craig on June 09, 2010, 02:26:29 pm

Same for me. Since I've barely used any of the disk space in my 16GB 3G, I'll probably just go with the 16GB 4G.

Which, with an internet that's 90% porn, I find hard to believe.

Limey · « **Reply #50 on:** June 22, 2010, 12:10:26 pm »

Installed iOS4 last night. It's spectacular! The switching between apps when multi-tasking is simple and - befitting Apple's chic - elegant. Double click the home button to call up icons for all the open apps, tap the one you want, and the current app rolls away as the recalled apps rolls in. Background complete is great too, and being able to create folders for apps really cleans up the home screens.

I know that this is a whole bunch of stuff that other phones can do already, but I doubt there are many (any) that do it so beautifully.

Outlawscotty · « **Reply #51 on:** June 22, 2010, 12:36:52 pm »

Is there a way to refresh the Safari browser without having to scroll to the top of the page and hit the tiny refresh button every time?

Limey · « **Reply #52 on:** June 22, 2010, 12:54:25 pm »

Quote from: outlawscotty on June 22, 2010, 12:36:52 pm

Is there a way to refresh the Safari browser without having to scroll to the top of the page and hit the tiny refresh button every time?

Not that I'm aware of. But, in case you didn't know, tapping the header bar whizzes you back to the top where you can access refresh (this works on most apps with scrolling screens).

Ty in Tampa · « **Reply #53 on:** June 22, 2010, 01:22:45 pm »

I've got 4.0 loaded on my 3G. Never could get the upgrade process to back up the phone (after many hours of waiting) so I crossed my fingers and relied on a backup I had done earlier in the day and just did a restore. Worked fine. It's a bit zippier and I can make folders, that's about it.

MusicMan · « **Reply #54 on:** June 22, 2010, 01:25:32 pm »

Quote from: Limey on June 22, 2010, 12:10:26 pm

Installed iOS4 last night. It's spectacular! The switching between apps when multi-tasking is simple and - befitting Apple's chic - elegant. Double click the home button to call up icons for all the open apps, tap the one you want, and the current app rolls away as the recalled apps rolls in. Background complete is great too, and being able to create folders for apps really cleans up the home screens.

I know that this is a whole bunch of stuff that other phones can do already, but I doubt there are many (any) that do it so beautifully.

So how do I actually CLOSE an app now?

EasTexAstro · « **Reply #55 on:** June 22, 2010, 01:45:31 pm »

Quote from: MusicMan on June 22, 2010, 01:25:32 pm

So how do I actually CLOSE an app now?

Two pound hammer should do it.

Ty in Tampa · « **Reply #56 on:** June 22, 2010, 02:06:18 pm »

Quote from: MusicMan on June 22, 2010, 01:25:32 pm

So how do I actually CLOSE an app now?

What I've read, from the multitask bar, press and hold on the app you want to close. There should be a minus sign to click and close.

ETA: Supposedly, the OS will close any app left open and idle for a period of time.

AtascAstro · « **Reply #57 on:** June 22, 2010, 02:08:43 pm »

Quote from: Ty in Tampa on June 22, 2010, 02:06:18 pm

What I've read, from the multitask bar, press and hold on the app you want to close. There should be a minus sign to click and close.

ETA: Supposedly, the OS will close any app left open and idle for a period of time.

that sounds an awful lot like DELETE...should be fun for some people.

Limey · « **Reply #58 on:** June 22, 2010, 02:09:47 pm »

Quote from: MusicMan on June 22, 2010, 01:25:32 pm

So how do I actually CLOSE an app now?

Double-click the home button to get the open app icons, touch and hold one until the red "no entry" signs come up, and click off the ones you want to close.

FWIW, background apps aren't running; they will complete the task at hand (like downloading a webpage) and then be suspended in place. Certain apps, like the iPod or Pandora keep running, but for the most part it's not necessary to worry about closing apps.

Ty in Tampa · « **Reply #59 on:** June 22, 2010, 02:10:07 pm »

Quote from: AtascAstro on June 22, 2010, 02:08:43 pm

that sounds an awful lot like DELETE...should be fun for some people.

I think that's why it's a minus sign and not an X.

MusicMan · « **Reply #60 on:** June 22, 2010, 02:34:00 pm »

Quote from: Limey on June 22, 2010, 02:09:47 pm

Double-click the home button to get the open app icons, touch and hold one until the red "no entry" signs come up, and click off the ones you want to close.

FWIW, background apps aren't running; they will complete the task at hand (like downloading a webpage) and then be suspended in place. Certain apps, like the iPod or Pandora keep running, but for the most part it's not necessary to worry about closing apps.

If all of this means that I can leave my FIFA 10 game running while I respond to a text, then it's a huge improvement.

Outlawscotty · « **Reply #61 on:** June 22, 2010, 02:39:00 pm »

Quote from: Limey on June 22, 2010, 12:54:25 pm

Not that I'm aware of. But, in case you didn't know, tapping the header bar whizzes you back to the top where you can access refresh (this works on most apps with scrolling screens).

Much better, but a refresh button on the bottom bar would be ideal.

Limey · « **Reply #62 on:** June 22, 2010, 03:11:10 pm »

Quote from: MusicMan on June 22, 2010, 02:34:00 pm

If all of this means that I can leave my FIFA 10 game running while I respond to a text, then it's a huge improvement.

There's not many apps that are written to take advantage of this background suspension, so most will "refresh" when you return to them. This will get better as more apps are updated for the new OS.

Ty in Tampa · « **Reply #63 on:** June 22, 2010, 03:27:00 pm »

Actually digging the folders. I'm down to 2 pages despite 70+ apps.

chandler44 · « **Reply #64 on:** June 22, 2010, 11:21:29 pm »

I love the iOS 4 update. It's nice to be able to finally have a background image, and the folders work beautifully. In some ways it feels like a different phone altogether. Now instead of sliding through pages and pages of apps, I was able to get them all done into the first page of folders.

Waldo · « **Reply #65 on:** June 23, 2010, 12:06:06 pm »

Just read Walt Mossberg's review (FWIW) of the iPhone 4. The thing that stuck out to me was that, even despite the phone being designed with better connectivity in mind, his real-world experience using the iPhone 4 as a phone was no better than previous iPhones.

Quote

Both Apple and AT&T told me they worked to make the iPhone 4 do a better job with AT&T's network. For example, the phone itself is surrounded by a prominent stainless-steel trim piece that acts as a large antenna. And Apple said it also tuned the phone to try to grab whatever band on the network was less congested or less affected by interference—to stress the quality of a signal over its raw strength. AT&T said it, too, made some changes to its network with the new iPhone in mind.

But, in my tests, network reception was a mixed bag. Compared with the previous model, the new iPhone dropped marginally fewer calls made in my car, both in Washington and in Boston, and was much louder and clearer over my car's built-in Bluetooth speaker-phone system.

Yet, in some places where the signal was relatively weak, the iPhone 4 showed no bars, or fewer bars than its predecessor. Apple says that this is a bug it plans to fix, and that it has to do with the way the bars are presented, not the actual ability to make a call. And, in fact, in nearly all of these cases, the iPhone 4 was able to place calls despite the lack of bars.

However, on at least six occasions during my tests, the new iPhone was either reporting "no service" or searching for a network while the old one, held in my other hand, was showing at least a couple of bars. Neither Apple nor AT&T could explain this. The iPhone 4 quickly recovered in these situations, showing service after a few seconds, but it was still troubling.

Just as with its predecessors, I can't recommend this new iPhone for voice calling for people who experience poor AT&T reception, unless they are willing to carry a second phone on a network that works better for them.

Limey · « **Reply #66 on:** June 24, 2010, 11:15:17 am »

The internets are busy with reports of a flaw in the new iPhone. Apparently, if you're touching the lower left corner and the right side (which happens when you hold it in your left hand to tap the screen with your right), it kills the cell signal.

Wow!

I have one reserved at the Apple Store, and I'm not going to pick it up today. Need to see how this pans out. Can't believe this never came up in testing.

ETA: One theory is that test phones, like the one left in a bar, had a skin around the edge to make it look like a current iPhone, and this may have insulated the antennae. It's also now a theory as to why Jobs had trouble during the WWDC demo. Apple = France?

gleach · « **Reply #67 on:** June 24, 2010, 11:23:30 am »

Quote from: Limey on June 24, 2010, 11:15:17 am

I have one reserved at the Apple Store, and I'm not going to pick it up today. Need to see how this pans out. Can't believe this never came up in testing.

Allison's reservation indicated that her reservation would only be held until the close of business today. She's in line now at The Woodlands. I'll let you know how it works out.

Limey · « **Reply #68 on:** June 24, 2010, 11:29:25 am »

Quote from: gleach on June 24, 2010, 11:23:30 am

Allison's reservation indicated that her reservation would only be held until the close of business today. She's in line now at The Woodlands. I'll let you know how it works out.

A reservation means you don't have to take it up. She might want to wait...at least until a little later in the day.

ETA: It seems that the new bumper case alleviates / eliminates the problem. I tend to carry my iPhone naked, so I'm going to wait until they fix the hardware before getting one. I'm enjoying iOS4 in the meantime, because it's like a new phone anyway.

Astroholic · « **Reply #69 on:** June 24, 2010, 11:38:46 am »

Quote from: Limey on June 24, 2010, 11:29:25 am

A reservation means you don't have to take it up. She might want to wait...at least until a little later in the day.

ETA: It seems that the new bumper case alleviates / eliminates the problem. I tend to carry my iPhone naked, so I'm going to wait until they fix the hardware before getting one. I'm enjoying iOS4 in the meantime, because it's like a new phone anyway.

to easy.

Limey · « **Reply #70 on:** June 24, 2010, 11:44:42 am »

Quote from: Astroholic on June 24, 2010, 11:38:46 am

to easy.

I felt safe saying that because Jackastro and his photo shop are currently AWOL.

Outlawscotty · « **Reply #71 on:** June 24, 2010, 11:56:15 am »

Quote from: Limey on June 24, 2010, 11:15:17 am

The internets are busy with reports of a flaw in the new iPhone. Apparently, if you're touching the lower left corner and the right side (which happens when you hold it in your left hand to tap the screen with your right), it kills the cell signal.

Wow!

I have one reserved at the Apple Store, and I'm not going to pick it up today. Need to see how this pans out. Can't believe this never came up in testing.

ETA: One theory is that test phones, like the one left in a bar, had a skin around the edge to make it look like a current iPhone, and this may have insulated the antennae. It's also now a theory as to why Jobs had trouble during the WWDC demo. Apple = France?

All the engineers were left-handed, because everyone knows that left-handed people are the only ones smart enough to create an iPhone.

Limey · « **Reply #72 on:** June 24, 2010, 11:59:53 am »

Quote from: outlawscotty on June 24, 2010, 11:56:15 am

All the engineers were left-handed, because everyone knows that left-handed people are the only ones smart enough to create an iPhone.

It's actually a right-handed problem too. Because us righties hold the phone in the left hand while ~~masturbating~~ typing.

Outlawscotty · « **Reply #73 on:** June 24, 2010, 01:06:17 pm »

Quote from: Limey on June 24, 2010, 11:59:53 am

It's actually a right-handed problem too. Because us righties hold the phone in the left hand while ~~masturbating~~ typing.

If you are ambidextrous you could prop the iPhone up and use both hands. But then again, you still have to type sometimes.

HudsonHawk · « **Reply #74 on:** June 24, 2010, 01:19:22 pm »

Quote from: Limey on June 24, 2010, 11:29:25 am

I tend to carry my iPhone naked...

I'm not even going to ask where you put it when it's not in use.

JimR · « **Reply #75 on:** June 24, 2010, 01:23:42 pm »

Quote from: HudsonHawk on June 24, 2010, 01:19:22 pm

I'm not even going to ask where you put it when it's not in use.

i am guessing the sun don't shine there.

Limey · « **Reply #76 on:** June 26, 2010, 11:10:46 am »

The iPhone 4 troubles, and Jobs' less than sensitive PR effort, has shaken the faith of even the most dedicated of Fanboys.

Waldo · « **Reply #77 on:** June 28, 2010, 10:18:32 pm »

Apparently the EVO is not without its own troubles, although this appears to be caused by bad programming on HTC's part.

My EVO was one of the unlucky ones. Back to being an average citizen until Best Buy gets more EVOs in stock next week...

Limey · « **Reply #78 on:** June 29, 2010, 10:20:10 am »

Quote from: Waldo on June 28, 2010, 10:18:32 pm

Apparently the EVO is not without its own troubles, although this appears to be caused by bad programming on HTC's part.

My EVO was one of the unlucky ones. Back to being an average citizen until Best Buy gets more EVOs in stock next week...

At least there a fix in sight for you. The iPhone issue is turning out to be a random thing, so people who didn't have the problem on day 1 have more than likely suffered from it since. Rumours abound that a software fix is on the way, about which I'm skeptical because as fair as I can tell the problem is basic physics: they explained the "notches" on the frame as being the separators between the two antennae, and left the users hand make the bridge anyway.

My mind is still boggled over how this gets all the way through R&D.

Astroholic · « **Reply #79 on:** June 29, 2010, 10:29:38 am »

Quote from: Limey on June 29, 2010, 10:20:10 am

At least there a fix in sight for you. The iPhone issue is turning out to be a random thing, so people who didn't have the problem on day 1 have more than likely suffered from it since. Rumours abound that a software fix is on the way, about which I'm skeptical because as fair as I can tell the problem is basic physics: they explained the "notches" on the frame as being the separators between the two antennae, and left the users hand make the bridge anyway.

My mind is still boggled over how this gets all the way through R&D.

Maybe Apple has gone to the Microsoft tried and true formula. Release and let the general public test.

Limey · « **Reply #80 on:** June 29, 2010, 05:06:30 pm »

Quote from: Astroholic on June 29, 2010, 10:29:38 am

Maybe Apple has gone to the Microsoft tried and true formula. Release and let the general public test.

This regression will not stand, man.

Waldo · « **Reply #81 on:** June 30, 2010, 10:37:15 am »

Quote from: Limey on June 29, 2010, 10:20:10 am

Rumours abound that a software fix is on the way, about which I'm skeptical

It's hard to say. The EVO had a couple of recurring problems for most people: bad wifi reception, and an apparent grounding problem where the very top of the screen only responded to touch if the phone was being held (i.e. not just sitting on a table). Both seemingly hardware-related, but the "brick" update was supposed to fix both of those issues. I'm guessing they cranked up the power on the wifi antenna. Maybe Apple can do the same thing with the iPhone?

kevwun · « **Reply #82 on:** June 30, 2010, 11:01:39 am »

I broke the screen on my 3g on Monday and ordered a 4, but the month long wait and the signal problems caused me to cancel it and get a 3gs instead. I started a thread on another board about it and so far 4 people who have the 4 have replied. All 4 can make their phone drop it's signal. Looks like Apple has one hell of a problem on their hands.

Noe · « **Reply #83 on:** June 30, 2010, 11:05:28 am »

Quote from: Waldo on June 30, 2010, 10:37:15 am

It's hard to say. The EVO had a couple of recurring problems for most people: bad wifi reception, and an apparent grounding problem where the very top of the screen only responded to touch if the phone was being held (i.e. not just sitting on a table). Both seemingly hardware-related, but the "brick" update was supposed to fix both of those issues. I'm guessing they cranked up the power on the wifi antenna. Maybe Apple can do the same thing with the iPhone?

I'm getting really interested in the Samsung Captivate (a Droid phone), however the lock out of independent apps is concerning me about my provider (AT&T). Plus, I have no earthly idea when they are going to release the darn thing and what the cost will be.

Limey · « **Reply #84 on:** June 30, 2010, 11:30:47 am »

Quote from: kevwun on June 30, 2010, 11:01:39 am

I broke the screen on my 3g on Monday and ordered a 4, but the month long wait and the signal problems caused me to cancel it and get a 3gs instead. I started a thread on another board about it and so far 4 people who have the 4 have replied. All 4 can make their phone drop it's signal. Looks like Apple has one hell of a problem on their hands.

Here is Steve Jobs demonstrating the problem. The two antennae for the phone wrap around the edge of the case, and are separated by insulating notches. As soon as you pick up the phone with anything other than two fingers, you connect the two sections and poof goes your signal.

Steve Job actually demonstrated the issue in his keynote speech, because he couldn't get the iPhone 4's WiFi to work properly (while it was working perfectly well on the 3GS next to it), and then got nothing when he switched to 3G...because he was holding the thing in the same way that everyone does when they use it. Anandtech did a study that showed the signal drop off when the iPhone is being held in different ways, and the drop on the iPhone 4 is massive - 10 times greater than with the 3GS.

This is a Chevy Corvair-sized fuck up. And it's a hardware problem that's probably too big to fix even with a massive recall, because the external antennae are an integral part of how the iPhone 4 is put together. I suspect they're already a reasonable way down the road with the iPhone 5, but if that's got the same antenna system - it's already fucked too. Apple have just listed a shitload of radio and antenna engineering vacancies - so I think they're scrambling behind the scenes while pulling a Tony Hayward in public.

kevwun · « **Reply #85 on:** June 30, 2010, 11:40:04 am »

I can't even begin to understand how this thing was allowed to go on sale. It doesn't seem possible that they didn't know about the problem, but why in the hell would they start selling it if they knew about it? Even worse is that they're still selling them.

BizidyDizidy · « **Reply #86 on:** June 30, 2010, 12:13:41 pm »

I guess I don't understand such consternation if it can be completely fixed with a cheap piece of plastic? Oviously its embarassing but why don't they just give away the bumper cases and call it a day. Whining bc you prefer the design that doesn't work better seems beyond the pale, even for apple fanboys.

matadorph · « **Reply #87 on:** June 30, 2010, 12:14:24 pm »

"I. I thi-ink I need to go chop off my own dick now. Yes, I think I will."

I don't have a horse in this race, let alone one of these smartphone gizzmos, but goddamn that is some funny shit.

kevwun · « **Reply #88 on:** June 30, 2010, 12:17:51 pm »

Selling them with the case included seems like they're best option. Not sure why they aren't doing it yet. Sticking with saying the problem isn't really a problem isn't going to work.

BudGirl · « **Reply #89 on:** June 30, 2010, 12:21:58 pm »

probably because people are paying for both separately at this time.

BizidyDizidy · « **Reply #90 on:** June 30, 2010, 12:25:51 pm »

Oh I agree with that - they should give them away. I just don't understand all this "oh, its an unfixable problem, blah blah blah". That bumper case probably costs about 80 cents to make.

MusicMan · « **Reply #91 on:** June 30, 2010, 12:32:23 pm »

Quote from: matadorph on June 30, 2010, 12:14:24 pm

"I. I thi-ink I need to go chop off my own dick now. Yes, I think I will."

I don't have a horse in this race, let alone one of these smartphone gizzmos, but goddamn that is some funny shit.

Holy mother of god, that's funny. Of course, xtra normal makes everything funnier.

Lurch · « **Reply #92 on:** June 30, 2010, 01:29:05 pm »

Quote from: MusicMan on June 30, 2010, 12:32:23 pm

Holy mother of god, that's funny. Of course, xtra normal makes everything funnier.

Did you see the suggested next video?

austro · « **Reply #93 on:** June 30, 2010, 01:40:44 pm »

Quote from: MusicMan on June 30, 2010, 12:32:23 pm

Holy mother of god, that's funny. Of course, xtra normal makes everything funnier.

"Now my god damn cat is homeless." Classic.

MusicMan · « **Reply #94 on:** June 30, 2010, 01:46:31 pm »

Quote from: Lurch on June 30, 2010, 01:29:05 pm

Did you see the suggested next video?

That would be funny's distant cousin, not funny.

Waldo · « **Reply #95 on:** June 30, 2010, 02:53:42 pm »

"It has an app that will build you an island and then it ^!@#ing turns into a jet and flies you there."

Quote from: BizidyDizidy on June 30, 2010, 12:25:51 pm

That bumper case probably costs about 80 cents to make.

If they're selling them for $10-30 each, what real incentive do they have to bundle the case with the phone? People are still going to buy the phone anyway just because it's an iPhone, so Apple's profit is not exactly in jeopardy.

kevwun · « **Reply #96 on:** June 30, 2010, 03:06:06 pm »

Because they're Apple. They're different. They're stuff just works.... as long as you don't do something crazy like trying to hold it.

Limey · « **Reply #97 on:** June 30, 2010, 04:10:23 pm »

Quote from: kevwun on June 30, 2010, 03:06:06 pm

Because they're Apple. They're different. They're stuff just works.... as long as you don't do something crazy like trying to hold it.

This is the big issue. Someone commented in this thread that Apple were following the MS biz plan of beta testing by customers - and that's the whole fucking point. If you set yourself up as superior, then take a nose dive into the same cess pool as everyone else, you're entire cache - the reason you can charge a premium and tell people like Adobe to go fuck themselves - is gone.

Astroholic · « **Reply #98 on:** June 30, 2010, 07:52:07 pm »

Quote from: Waldo on June 30, 2010, 02:53:42 pm

"It has an app that will build you an island and then it ^!@#ing turns into a jet and flies you there."

If they're selling them for $10-30 each, what real incentive do they have to bundle the case with the phone? People are still going to buy the phone anyway just because it's an iPhone, so Apple's profit is not exactly in jeopardy.

Waldo you can say Fucking on here. Just saying.