Comments | woofpup: iPhone Advice Wanted

woofpup

iPhone Advice Wanted

Jun 14, 2009 08:45

My new employers doesn't provide cell phones for their on-call staff but expects them to have one of their own, which they can expense back to the company. I've always just used the company-provided pager or cell phone and have never owned one of my own. Since we've been going all Apple these past few years (iBook, Mini, MacBook, MacPro, iPod, ( Read more... )

technology, work

Comments 6

bigjohnsf June 14 2009, 18:16:12 UTC

I sent you a invitation for a refer-a-friend discount in case you move to AT&T.

I don't have an iPhone, but I have to say I've watched several people switch. They complain about the monthly bill, but other than that they love the phone. They all seem to get the AppleCare warranty which I guess covers most things.

My observation is also that the reception is not as good as other phones.

I'm sure you'll get lots of advice.

woofpup June 15 2009, 00:35:33 UTC

Thanks, I got the e-mail. I don't make calls or text much, so I'm hoping the bill's not too bad on a lesser rate plan, but I'm sure that I'll be using the data part a lot.

ricksf June 14 2009, 18:29:02 UTC

As a first and second (3G) iPhone owner, I've found the device solid, reliable and with a well deserved reputation for a user-friendly interface. I'd recommend the Applecare package as the phone is pricey and accidents do happen.

The most significant weakness of the iPhone is its battery in my experience. Depending on what you're doing and how often during the day, the battery can be drawn down fairly rapidly. The solution for me has been to use an outboard supplementary battery pack. There are several available at the Apple store. The neat thing is that while they add some mass, they also work well as a protective case for the phone.

The other advisory I'd offer is that the 3Gs cannot be used to tether to your laptop as a wireless modem. I gather that the phone has the capability but AT&T has chosen for the moment to turn off that feature.

Bottom line, the iPhone is one of the best on the market IMHO. Good luck!

woofpup June 15 2009, 00:46:52 UTC

Does AppleCare cover "accidental damage," like sitting on it or dropping it in the toilet, or is it just for manufacturing defects and support?

I've heard that the beast is a mad power gobbler. I'll see how long it last under my usage, and thanks for the tip on supplemental batteries.

The lack of tethering is a big drawback. My current company-supplied BlackBerry allows me to do that, which has provided me with a good deal of comfort and flexibility when I'm on-call that I'm loath to give up. My hope is that AT&T is quick to upgrade their network, but I'm also toying with getting a dedicated cell modem for when I'm on-call, since I don't think it will come quick enough for my needs.

Addendum ricksf June 15 2009, 04:28:59 UTC

No idea how generous Apple is when it comes to the definition of failures in "normal use". Never had to test an Apple warranty... yet.

I read somewhere that one of the theories why AT&T won't support tethering is that it'd compete with their laptop modem devices. But like many things, if it becomes a marketing defect, they'll change their minds quickly enough.

ozdachs June 15 2009, 19:01:24 UTC

We're very happy with our iPhones. redozdachs has the original, and I had to upgrade a couple months ago because my Gen1's touchscreen stopped working.

The only complaint we have is not with the phone, it's with AT&T's coverage in San Francisco. It's much worse than what we had with Verizon. I know people who cannot get an AT&T signal at all in their homes, and we find more dead spots going around town.

Still, he's ready to upgrade to a 3GS and to re-up for a two-year contract.