HA, funny how people forget that. If they wanted a no commitment relationship they should have paid full price for their 3G... The same attitude got this country and the rest of the world with it into economic trouble. Signing a contract and getting a discount only to bitch and complain later.

As someone who had both AT&T and Sprint I disagree with people saying that Sprint's network is worse. But I guess that also depends on where you live, commute, work, and vacation at. Personally, I had a bad experience with AT&T and I would never go back. No matter how cool their phones are.

iPhone users are being ripped off. Expensive phone and ultra expensive plans. Shop and compare minutes and text and data plans and figure it out. If you can afford the plan to operate that silly phone then you can afford the buy the phone and quit complaining. Otherwise go get you a reg flip cell phone and a regular plan.

@Matt McDougall: Gosh darn....I would hate to go to a doctor and have to depend on the iPhone and especially that ATT 3gnetwork to save my life.

@ophmarketing: @ophmarketing: @Justin Duke: and pray tell what is the cost of that monthly device vs. buying a $5.00 compass and being done with it?? ATT rips off customers cause they fill that you can afford the phone, you can afford to pay more for the service to operate the phone....HaHaHa. Apple and ATT are eating this all up. Quick, upgrade and send them more money..LoL

It sounds like I'm stereotyping, but from my experience, the fanboys/girls have the whole iSmug thing going on and hence a sense of entitlement. Why wouldn't they expect special treatment?

And if you pre-order the new phone before June 18 and you purchased a 3G after May 9, you can exchange it on June 19 when the new one comes out (AS LONG AS YOU PREORDER!)

I just wish they'd stop nickeling and diming people to death with these fees, which are probably 100% pure profit.

The digital compass is probably magnetic and does not depend on the network, so it could potentially get you out of a sticky spot in the boonies if you had a general idea of which direction civilization was. Of course, there's always the question of how to recharge the phone.

There are solar chargers available, however, and there are apps that allow you to store and view topo maps on the device. Since the GPS on the phone is partially hardware based, you can still get some reasonably accurate positioning when out of network range. I'd still bring a regular compass and paper maps as a backup, however, just in case.

Android's user interface isn't up to the iPhone's, but it is very good. The ability to run background apps is the real killer feature. I get tweets, emails, weather alerts and more in real time, without having to cycle through apps tapping refresh.

I'd like to point out that the G1 is $159 not $179 through T-mobile and only $97 from Amazon.

I have a basic phone to use for calling and texting, and I get my gadget jollies with an iPod touch (it's basically an iPhone without the phone or camera - but it still does pretty much all the other iPhone stuff if you're within range of an available WiFi network).

Newsflash. Snipers use iPhone apps to calculate bullet trajectories and compensate for wind, etc. Doctors use iPhone apps to care for patients. It's a useful little device, and even if you only find three of the 50,000 apps useful, there are plenty of others who get a lot more out of it.

Why the hate for the bubble level app? Yeah if you use it to build a house, you're a moron, but it's handy for doublechecking that picture you just hung really is level, especially without having to trek out to the garage for the real level.

And while you're trolling here mocking everyone for their overpriced phone...let's not forget that you've got one, too. Though if you hate it so much, maybe you should go back to a RAZR.

I was with you until you recommended the Pre. I thought you were joking. Great software, but the hardware is terrible. It feels cheap and unoriginal.

Plus, there's that cheese-slicing video. The Pre's a lawsuit/recall waiting to happen.

Oh, and it's also on Sprint, who lose a million customers every quarter while their competitors all gain a million customers or so. That should tell you something right there.

Personally I'd like to see an option where you can pay, say, an extra $50 and be eligible for subsidized upgrade at 15 or 16 months, versus 18.

I also think Apple should maybe pay more attention to this with their release cycle and go to a 1.5-year cycle for new iPhone models.

It has nothing to do with Apple fans feeling like contracts do not apply to them, it has to do with the precedent set last year who the intro of the 3G.

Voice plan (whatever you want)
Unlimited data - $30 a line
Unlimited family text - $30 (covers both lines)

if you only want to upgrade one phone, you only need to pay $30 for the data plan and $15 for unlimited text, if you want it.

So if you pay $90 now, expect to add another $45 to $60 onto your contract, depending on whether you want data for one phone or two. Keep in mind also that you cannot have an iPhone without a data plan. They won't let you do it. Also, keep in mind that if you don't use your phones constantly, you may be able to switch to a lower minute plan (and rollover will take care of any time in which you may use your phone more).

Like when my contract expires since the differences between the 3G and 3GS seems to be pretty trivial and anything I'm vaguely interested in (MMS and Tethering) is apparently part of the 3.0 Software.

"Think The iPhone 3G S Costs Too Much? Don't Buy It"

That headline rocks my face off with its wisdom, simplicity and clarity. Bravo.

I'll be upgrading my 1st generation iPhone to the 3GS at launch, unless prior to that day Spring announces they will support data tethering via the phone at no additional cost. (unless it's a fixed one-time price for an application to do so)

You are required to add the $30 a month data plan when you use an iphone, and I would assume that you would want texting once you got your iphone.. if so it's $20 for unlimited, $15 for 1500 texts and $5 for 200, per month. Soo yeah... it's pretty expensive.

AKA why I got the Samsung impression instead. And I love it.

These people aren't mad because they're not getting the same price as a new customer. They're pitching tantrums because they're under the mistaken impression that they're entitled to instant gratification and contracts apply to everyone but them. This pricing scheme is the same as every other cell phone on the market. I'm a little disappointed that Consumerist is fanning the flames when there's nothing different or crazy about this at all, except that it's Apple's phone. I would have expected better, frankly.

@nakedscience: you're just bustling full of useful, relevant information also I see.

Are you going to trust the contractor you hired to remodel your kitchen using the iPhone bubble level app? Of course not, because it's a novelty. Meaning, it's not a precision instrument to be trusted beyond showing your drinking buddies how cool you are with your overpriced phone. It's a phone. Sheeeeesh.

@BZMedia: "You do understand that the compass in that phone is a novelty and should be treated as such, right?"

Er. What if you're on a hike? There are plenty of places to hike in Arizona where cell phone coverage exists.

You're annoying.

I qualify for the $99 phone upgrade option, but for I figure I would be outlaying $280 initially (2x(phone+upgrade+activation). I can save for that, but I am curious how much the required data plan will jump the monthly bill.

Do the old phrase "If you have to ask, you probably can't afford it" apply?

i think that is such a novel idea, if you think something is too expensive, don't buy it.

Same situation here, it's sitting in my cart right now as I debate to find out if I can get it without $36 worth of fees at an apple store.

Needless to say, not many people went with that option.

"consider the longevity of Apple machines"

There is no such thing. Any computer that has high specs now will run well 5 years from now. Any computer that has medium to crappy specs now will run crappily 5 years from now. What operating system you choose (windows/mac/linux) is irrelevant.

"Why do you have my wallet?"

"Do I have your wallet?"

"Yes, it's in your hand, right now."

"I guess I do have your wallet."

"Can I have it back."

"Sure."

@Sean Masters:

Those countries are a fraction of the physical size of the US. That is why our cell networks are behind and why we don't have fiber optic internet in many areas.

So then you should get rid of your computer and your toaster since they're not fully built into your phone. That's a ridiculous counterpoint considering that "compass" and camera are not anywhere close to being worth the cost of upgrade.

You also potentially have in your pockets / backpack at any given time, your keys, sunglasses, wallet, lighter, etc. You can consolidate further by downloading the Zippo lighter app I suppose, but I doubt it's going to actually replace your real lighter.

You do understand that the compass in that phone is a novelty and should be treated as such, right? How is your iCompass going to help you if you're lost in Death Valley, where I'm reasonably sure there is no AT&T coverage. Or perhaps somewhere more real-life like say, the windward side of any of the Hawaiian Islands where there is no coverage.

You're not fooling me dude. You're weakly trying to justify the fact that is very much IS status for you. All status.

@lpranal: My boss uses voice command ALL the time. It helps with that whole 'not careening off the road while calling me' thing. It's a godsend.

In fact she just told me to get her the new one.
I however will still be getting my own, personal regualr 3G.

re: I really don't understand all the "outrage" going on. Why does everyone feel they MUST upgrade, simply because it was released/announced? Wasn't your current phone perfectly acceptable to you before yesterday?

Agreed. I read the new features and thought "cool" - but saw no need to upgrade at all. I bought my 3G when it came out and love the maps, easy texting, internet, and all the other features.

The additional features the 3GS offers won't be enought to want me to fork over hundreds of dollars.

The switch from a Razrphone to a 3G last year made me happy enough.

iPhone 3G's purchase price is "subsidized" and recouped over the course of the contract with AT&T. Consumers are focusing on the upgrade discounts offered to iPhone 1.0 consumers, a handset that cost $399 up front and was not subsidized by the carrier. They were expecting/hoping to receive similar breaks.

That nuance doesn't matter to consumers! AT&T and Apple created the assumption that discounts were going to be offered for Apple loyalists.

Now, some of that "subsidy" is really just "profit" that AT&T is expecting over the lifecycle of an iPhone purchase and 2-year service agreement. Some of it is "profit" that Apple receives during the sale of the phone. If they want to continue to be profitable they will more carefully manage consumer expectations going forward, and a good start would be sacrificing some of that current profit to retain what has been a rabid, high-margin customer base.

Why do that? Cellphones, you see, aren't operating systems or mp3 players. There isn't one slow, easily-mocked competitor or an untapped consumer base here. This is a highly-penetrated market with many agile competitors who have begun to react with high-quality iPhone alternatives. One of the big analyst fears about Apple's performance in the cellphone market was how they would react to quality competition that is more willing to war on margins in exchange for market share. Those fears were transcended by a truly amazing device, but success will prove to be short-lived if they don't wise up.

The Pre looks sweet too, but like you said - Sprint isn't much better. Too bad Pre is exclusive with Sprint for, what, a year?

@pecan 3.14159265: Yes, but I think people are upset because there was a better upgrade option offered for 2G => 3G. When I upgraded I still had 16 months left on my contract, and this is what AT&T did: They tore up my current contract, made me sign a new 2 year contract, and gave me a subsidized price on a new 3G. That's what people want, I think.

I do have the original EDGE iPhone though, but I haven't found any wording that says this only affects people that have the 3G iPhone. It all makes it sound like this is any AT&T contract.

I think it's important to remember that smartphones, for better or worse, are far more subsidized than the regular phones. This is predicated on the supposition (sorry) that smartphone customers will pay more for their services AND that the phone will be kept for a longer period of time.

Here in Canada, Rogers has "spending" tiers that can qualify you for an upgrade as early as 12 months into a contract and 24 months on a smartphone.

I don't understand why people treat these companies like charities. I agree that they already make enough money to let this stuff fly and that, for the most part, they're rotten, money grubbing operations to the core.

Ultimately, all this stuff is a luxury, no matter which way you put it. I'd still claim that I couldn't run my business without my iPhone. Honestly though, I'd probably manage. And as much as I would like voice control, a video camera and *cough* a compass (maybe not), as Pecan Pi said, most of the 3.0 features are freely available to anyone with an iPhone.

@Joe Reilly: Right, get insurance, then drop your phone in a lake

@Etoiles: There's a 4-month difference because if you get a new phone, you sign a new contract. If they wait 'til the end of your contract, you may decide to get that new phone with someone else.

@hewhoroams: @pecan 3.14159265: Yeah, I have an original iPhone and didn't really feel the need to upgrade to the 3G, but am getting a 3GS since it actually has new features in addition to the 3G. If I had a 3G, I wouldn't upgrade, though.

It's obvious you're not a potential customer, but applying your set of values and what features you attach worth to as the universally correct way to purchase a cell phone is just arrogant.

Not everyone cares about status; some just like being able to have everything they want to carry on them in one device.

@lpranal: I don't think anyone really cares about your camera usage.

The people going "WAAAH TOO EXPENSIVE" are just as bad as the people gong "WAAAH I WON'T UPGRADE YOU ARE STUPID IF YOU ARE GETTING AN IPHONE!"

@pecan 3.14159265: That's how it works. I've always been eligible a few months before my contract is up to get a new phone. 4 months seems about right. They use it as a way to get you to sign a new contract. You can't change phone carriers for 4 months ... but looky! Eligible here for a brand new phone!

If your phone gets stolen/dropped in a lake, you DO have to pay the $500 to replace it, unless you have insurance. This is why some people pay $60/year + $50 deductible on phone insurance- to avoid the $500 hit when they break their phones.

You are always free to cancel your contract I guess (even without a broken phone), but then you get hit with the ETF + the subsidized phone price + new contract activation + you may lose your phone number since they may not let you port it from themselves.

Quit making shit seem so simple when its not.

They were all small things, but they really bothered me, esp. on top of the phone just being fairly large to begin with. I was hoping if anything, it would have felt overbuilt due to its size; instead it felt kind of cheap.

@max_k: Yeah, how did they manage to ignore that little fact? Maybe it's under the guise that it will pay for itself on a cheaper plan...

Not sure why there's that 4-month difference but it doesn't matter to me anyway (my fiancé and I use the same provider so we're rolling into a more cost-efficient family plan).

@Real Cheese Flavor:

Actually... on Verizon's network, you can get a new phone every year. If you get a new phone at the one year mark, you'll get a $50 discount. If you wait until the two year mark, you'll receive the same discount as if you were a new customer.

@Cocoa Vanilla:

Try the Samsung Omnia on Verizon's network. I love it. I'm not sure what all the hype is about the iPhone. It's got a slightly larger screen than the Omnia but that's it. The Omnia has a 5MP camera, video recording capabilities, tethering and all the other goodies. Now, if only the Samsung i8910 was in the States. That's a beast of a phone. 8MP camera, HD recording, HDMI port...

@BZMedia: Exactly! Though we shouldn't get too miffed at the people who are dying to get the latest and greatest product. Because of their ravenous consumerism I don't think I've paid more than $250 for any electronic I own and that includes an XBox360 and laptop computer. Paitence is a virtue. Excuse me while I go get my $99 Iphone...

And actually, I have fit my DSLR in my pocket before. Granted it was a cargo pocket on pants I use specifically for photography for that reason. But if I want to take pictures, I bring my D50. Only place I haven't brought it is swimming (though they make housings for it). My point was only that while the prospect of a shiny new toy is nice, it boils down to basically something "new" that doesn't really offer me, as a 3G user, anything of value, especially relative to the price.

I'll stand pat with Windows Mobile 6.1/6.5, thank you very much.

Don't Harsh my buzz, man! You don't own me!

[www.apple.com]

Show battery percentage:

Tap Usage and turn Battery Percentage on to display the percentage of battery charge next to the battery icon in the upper-right corner of iPhone [b](iPhone 3G S only).

At least that's the way it worked with Verizon and their "New Every Two" plan. Sprint seems to do the same thing too.

You're totally underselling the G1.

One of the main reasons the G1 is clunky is that it has a REAL keyboard and I don't mean the cramped, barely useable keyboard on the Pre. It's awfully hard to put a keyboard that size in a tiny package.

Basically with the G1 you get everything - physical keyboard AND onscreen keyboard, focusing camera, video recording, MMS, cut/copy/paste. And it's cheaper.

Pretty much the only reason not to get a G1 is the lack of good native Exchange support (thought there are add-ons) if that's a key factor for you.

If you don't care to have a physical keyboard, there are/will be other Android options, but at the moment none so cheap.

Quit making shit out to be so complicated when it's not.

And comparing the 3G (or 3GS) camera with a DSLR is ridiculous. You definitely can't tuck that camera into your pocket, can you? The camera on the iPhone isn't amazing, but you obviously shouldn't compare it to a DSLR that cost more than an unsubsidized iPhone.

Compass? If I'm lost, I'll use GPS. If I plan on doing any orienteering, I'm not going to rely on an iphone, I can tell you that.

Voice command. That's a cool feature. That makes you look like a dumbass.

What else is there? oh a faster processor. oh, ok. $400 so I can load email 1.3 seconds faster.

/snarky rant

I'm still using iPhone Gen 1 and have no desire or intention of upgrading at any time now or in the future because guess what: it works perfectly fine. If anything, I may consider downgrading back to a regular old cheap cell like the Razr. All this ridiculous ongoing expense for these phones is just wasteful. 20,000 apps of which 19,997 are completely useless and unnecessary, the rigid monthly plans, and most of all the overblown hype about every last detail, that really isn't that great to begin with.

Whether it's a 1st Gen or 3Gs, or any other phone for that matter, cameras in cell phones SUCK for anything but emergency traffic accident insurance photos. Want to take good pictures or video? Buy a CAMERA.
The 3Gs is faster you say? Okay... really? So what? How "fast" does your cell phone need to be? Will it allow you to dial numbers faster? Is it going to drastically increase your daily production to have your home screen load .00001 milliseconds faster than yesterday?
The compass? Really? You need a compass so badly that life cannot continue without upgrading to this phone? If you need one so badly, go to any sporting goods store and buy a compass for $5 bucks, or do it the soldier's way and use your watch.

Anyway, the point is I think there is way too much mania going on with all these phones, and this crazy notion that you MUST upgrade on every release at any cost is just insane. For most people I truly believe it's more about status with peers than any real new functionality.

A lot of people seriously need a reality check.

Regardless its a stupid argument, they want the iPhone just suck it up and wait it out. God forbid you not have CUTTING EDGE for 6-12 months.

I love my mac, but the one thing that ALWAYS pisses me off, is that Apple fans tend to have this complex where they NEED to one up each other with their machine.

I think what's going to happen here is that most iPhone users are going to tough it out 'til 18mos when they're eligable (and let's face it the 3GS isn't that revolutionary anyway, so this is going to be pretty tolerable), and the fanboys are going to pay for an upgrade right now.

The Pre is pretty interesting, but if there's any network crappier than AT&T's 3G disaster, it's Sprint, so at this point, I'm not sure I'd want to go from bad to worse.

Notwithstanding, it was pointed out that most will be eligible for the standard upgrade pricing (significantly lower) once they hit the 1 year mark on their contract. The iPhone 3G hasn't even been out for a year (will be in July for most), a point at which few if any carriers in the US will ever give you the subsidized pricing when you're in a 2 year contract.

Its insane that people think they CAN get it. I understand why the iPhone to iPhone 3G was different, one was subsidized, the other was not. But these are TWO subsidized phones now, totally different ballgame.

Why is that concept so foreign to some of these people?

The reasoning behind the higher price for anyone with more than six months left on their contract is because users typically aren't eligible for phone upgrades until about 4 or 5 months before their contract end date. So if you are eligible for an upgrade soon, it'll coincide with the last few months of your contract date and you can just wait a little while longer before you upgrade.

Um, yeah. That's how every cell phone company in the US works. You sign a contract, you get a subsidized phone. When the contract is up, you can get a new phone at the subsidized price. If you want a new one before that time, you pay more. How is this confusing?

I have nothing to contribute regarding the iPhone, but I was charged the $18 upgrade fee when I re-signed my contract & upgraded my phones. I called AT&T & asked them to waive the fee, and they did. Without a fight. Without even having to provide much of a reason, actually. I told them that I didn't know what the charge was for; when they explained it, I said I didn't like it. And then it was gone.

Sprint, of course, isn't that much better.