iPhone 4 officially announced for July

[Julius Seeker]

And June in limited markets.

It looks fairly interesting so far.

-1GHz A4 CPU
-960 by 640 resolution
-10 hour battery life for app usage, 40 for music (and the batteries they use are VERY good in terms of durability; my 3G may be down about 20% at most after many hundreds of hours of hours of use)
-5Mpx front camera with an LED flash which can also be used during 720p 30fps video recording.
-lower Rez face camera
-$199 with a 2 year contract for the basic 16GB model, $299 for the 32GB.

[Flip]

Yeah it looks pretty legit. Im curious to see how the new OS is, too. I've come to like my GF's iPod touch for quick quick fact lookup kind of surfing and some of the games on it are mindless fun.

[Kupek]

I want to get a smart phone when I graduate and get a real job, and I think the iPhone is the best one out there. The iPhone 4 looks very, very good. But, man, AT&T. I might end up going with an Android phone just because I don't want to switch away from Verizon, which in my experience has very good signal coverage.

[Shellie]

Hate to be an Android fangurl, but I love my Hero. I just upgraded my rooted phone to a custom Android 2.1 ROM. My phone can be used as a hotspot, which is awesome for traveling with a netbook, or when we go to to my mother's who doesn't have internet.

I'm pretty sure once I'm eligible for an upgrade, I will get the Evo 4G.

[Louis]

I've been trying to find an EVO in stock in Louisville with no luck. They want me to pay for it and wait how ever long it takes for the back orders to come in. I could order it from the Sprint web site, but who wants to mess with rebates?

[Shellie]

Yep, rebates suck, especially when Best Buy will do the same savings without doing rebates!

[Anarky]

Hate to be an Android fangurl, but I love my Hero. I just upgraded my rooted phone to a custom Android 2.1 ROM. My phone can be used as a hotspot, which is awesome for traveling with a netbook, or when we go to to my mother's who doesn't have internet.

I'm pretty sure once I'm eligible for an upgrade, I will get the Evo 4G.

I'm not crazy about the 2.1 ROM I seem to have more issues and slowdowns then I did prior to the upgrade

[Shellie]

Which one are you using? I have Fresh 2.1.2 and I dont have any slowdowns. Im still running a very old Baseband version though, so I need to upgrade that.

My ONLY complaint about the phone is the delay in making a call.

[Anarky]

Which one are you using? I have Fresh 2.1.2 and I dont have any slowdowns. Im still running a very old Baseband version though, so I need to upgrade that.

My ONLY complaint about the phone is the delay in making a call.

That's my problem I used the Sprint 2.1.... I think I'm gonna see if I can root it and go to the rom you're using.

[Anarky]

Just put Fresh 2.1.2 on my phone, I like it so far.

[SineSwiper]

Yep, rebates suck, especially when Best Buy will do the same savings without doing rebates!

The true definition of irony...

Also, successful threadjack is successful. Android FTW, boyzzzzz!

[Julius Seeker]

I want to get a smart phone when I graduate and get a real job, and I think the iPhone is the best one out there. The iPhone 4 looks very, very good. But, man, AT&T. I might end up going with an Android phone just because I don't want to switch away from Verizon, which in my experience has very good signal coverage.

I would get off of Verizon ASAP and pick a GSM carrier if I were you. While they have ~100 million customers; they're also behind the times on the selection of phones available.

1. You're locked into one phone at a time, you can't just swap sims and try another phone on for size like you can with GSM phones.

2. The best phones are GSM; and you'll always be able to easily and painlessly switch out if you want a different one. The GSM market is a whole lot larger.

3. You can only get the iPhone on a GSM network; these are the best ones - the touchscreen on the iPhone is the best by far (The best Android phones still have lag, accuracy, and response issues; touching the screen also effects performance in some apps that utilize it, I am not sure the reason - but accelerometer based apps also seem to suck on Android phones too, even though I do think they're supposed to be the same). The best applications by far can only be found on the iPhone; at best, you'll only find inferior BREW versions of iPhone apps, and ports from those versions on other platforms (I do know the Storm 2 is available, but it's terrible if you ask me; the screen is a giant button - the clicking makes it feel broken).

4. The unlocked phone market for GSM is very good; you can sell your old phones for more than your purchase price a lot of the time (just set the "Buy Now" option higher than your purchase). In the case of the iPhone, you can unlock it and sell it for way more than the price you paid your carrier - even a year after purchase.

The bottom line is the freedom with GSM phones. With Verizon you're stuck with heavy limitations. They're similar to Telus and Bell up here (although they're now moving towards GSM).

Aside from the iPhone, Sony Ericsson and Nokia always have some very interesting phones available and upcoming (On the Euro and Asian market; and with English software); which you'll only be able to use with GSM carriers. Honestly, Verizon is a little primitive; the vast majority of phones are remakes of older GSM phones, or ripoffs of Nokia phones.

[SineSwiper]

Wow, an Apple -AND- AT&T fanboy. I didn't even know those existed in the wild.

[Louis]

If it wasn't for AT&Ts pricing scheme plus my "Corporate Partners" discount with Sprint I would probably lean towards the iPhone rather than the EVO. $100+ per month or $60 per month with Sprint. That is a $40 difference per month. $480 per year. That starts adding up.

[Shrinweck]

Wow, an Apple -AND- AT&T fanboy. I didn't even know those existed in the wild.

BOTH of my parents work for AT&T and my Dad still put me on US Cellular when I moved to Blacksburg (although my Mom told me that she got some, like, extremely small discount on the iPhone plan.. I can't remember if it was as pathetic as 5% or 15% but I still remember laughing pretty hard... she would not be successful with that phone). US Cellular (somehow?) still owns all the towers in the area and Verizon rents available bandwidth from them. Since Verizon is still the biggest carrier around here this pretty much means my phone works no matter what craziness is going on. Good stuff. AT&T not so much. Everyone with an iPhone in this town is either a tech junkie or foolish.

[Kupek]

Seeker, you think I care more than I do.

[Julius Seeker]

Wow, an Apple -AND- AT&T fanboy. I didn't even know those existed in the wild.

Just because: I like the iPhone, like GSM networks, don't agree with you that Android is as good of a platform as you think it is, and that I won't touch a CDMA carrier, does not make me an Apple or AT&T fanboy.

#1. AT&T is an American company, I don't deal with them. GSM does not mean AT&T, it's the network type that the rest of the world uses, and AT&T uses it too in the US. Contracts are tied to sim cards which can be swapped between thousands of different phone models; as opposed to CDMA which locks a contract to one phone.

#2. I am an iPhone fan, not because I am a fan of Apple, but because I love the iPhone line:
A. The iPhone will remain the first priority for mobile developers - it will have the top version of applications
B. Unlike other platforms, all applications created for iPhone will work with the latest version.
C. The latest iPhone will always be one of the top 3 available phones.
D. iPhone's touchscreen interface remains the best available.

No one else can offer that combination of things.

For the record, I don't hate Android (I would be using one with the Snapdragon chipset, like the Nexus One or Desire, right now if iPhone didn't exist. The Evo, which Louis is getting also has a Snapdragon chipset); it just seems like I do in contrast to your fanatical view of the Android platform and Google. I also know you hate the iPhone (probably because you hate Apple) - if it weren't for Android, you'd probably be chanting about Windows Mobile right now.

[SineSwiper]

For the record, I don't hate Android (I would be using one with the Snapdragon chipset, like the Nexus One or Desire, right now if iPhone didn't exist. The Evo, which Louis is getting also has a Snapdragon chipset); it just seems like I do in contrast to your fanatical view of the Android platform and Google. I also know you hate the iPhone (probably because you hate Apple) - if it weren't for Android, you'd probably be chanting about Windows Mobile right now.

Actually, no. I don't have a fanatical view of Android or Google. I have a fanatical view of open source and standardization. (Windows Mobile is almost dead, and I hate Microsoft, too. So, no on that also.)

I'm against the closed controller model that Apple has been a part of the almost 25 years. Apple's philosophy has always been to control the hardware, software, and every aspect of the devices they create to make sure that it fits their mold of perfection and to make sure it doesn't crash (or at least the illusion of that image). After all, they cannot control third-party apps, so they made the iPhone not able to multitask, because several of those programs might use up too many resources and crash the phone. They care more about this ideal of the "perfect device", rather than openness or expandable ideas. Apple specifically went with AT&T because only they would agree with the draconian contract that basically said Apple would control every aspect of how things were sold, how it was marketed, etc. Control, control, control. Apple are the ultimate control freaks. If they had enough developers, they would have scrapped the whole idea of the iPhone Store and make everything themselves. Just to make sure that the applications didn't look different or had a less chance of crashing.

The problem is that level of control is slow. It's only one company. Android has an uphill climb, but Apple won't be able to keep up with the speed that Android is going.

[Kupek]

For the record, the next iPhone OS ("iOS") will allow arbitrary multitasking.

But for the most part, I agree with Sine's assessment, and yet I like Macs and I find the iPhone appealing. When it comes to my personal computer and devices, I'm not a tinkerer. I want it to work and I don't want to fuss with it. Apple does a pretty good job with that.

[Zeus]

For the record, the next iPhone OS ("iOS") will allow arbitrary multitasking.

But for the most part, I agree with Sine's assessment, and yet I like Macs and I find the iPhone appealing. When it comes to my personal computer and devices, I'm not a tinkerer. I want it to work and I don't want to fuss with it. Apple does a pretty good job with that.

It's true. If you go for the exact experience Apple is providing and don't attempt to mess with it at all or expect anything other than what they're providing you, it's a wonderful experience. But if you EVER look at something on a rival platform and say "hey, that's neat, I want that", you're up shit creek without a paddle

[SineSwiper]

Rival platform? Hell, they can't even get basic features. Every time they make a device, it's missing the most basic of features. (SMS messaging, copy & paste, multitasking, etc.)

[Julius Seeker]

SMS messaging is the only basic feature you mentioned, and iPhone always had that; now you're just making stuff up. Copy-Paste and multi-tasking are not supported by most phones; and currently the iPhone does both of those better than any other phone. Actually; for multi-tasking, with the ease and methods that tasks can be grouped with the iPhone, possibly better than all other current computer electronics.

Due to stability issues, most of the other phones that can multi-task, shouldn't.

[SineSwiper]

Blackberry has had all of those features for years.

[Zeus]

Blackberry has had all of those features for years.

The Crackberry's problem has been the relative poor surfing UI. If they can actually correct that with the new upgrade to the OS, the only thing Apple will have over them is the Apps.

[Julius Seeker]

Copy-Paste and multi-tasking are not supported by most phones

Blackberry has had all of those features for years.

I wasn't aware that Blackberry accounted for most mobile phones.

[SineSwiper]

And Android. And many other phones. Or is your argument impossible to actually prove because "most phones" = "some figure including iPhones"? I guess including the next two most popular brands of phones just doesn't count as "most phones".

[Julius Seeker]

I wasn't aware that Android phones were around before the iPhone, let alone having established basic standards by this point. I also wasn't aware that an E-series Nokia phone was equated to many other phones.

Which version of the iPhone didn't have SMS messaging? Refresh my memory please.

[Louis]

I think he meant MMS.

But really you could just send your media via email. You just couldn't send it to someones phone that didn't have e-mail capability.

[SineSwiper]

Actually, I was referring to MMS, copy and paste, and for the most part, multitasking.

Of course, I'm arguing with Seeker. Again. I have to stop doing that.

[Julius Seeker]

Actually, I was referring to MMS, copy and paste, and for the most part, multitasking.

Of course, I'm arguing with Seeker. Again. I have to stop doing that.

Before you can even claim to have an arguement, you should at least have one established point; which you do not.

Hmm, SMS MMS; Osama Obama. To paraphrase Jon Stewart: It's easy to make a mistake like that, you know, because SMS and MMS are so close.

[Louis]

So I guess I should disclose something. My current Sprint phone (Moto Q) is on its last legs and only works like 50% of the time. I can't find the damn Evo anywhere. So I gave in.

I'll be the new owner of an iPhone 3GS 32GB in 3-5 business days. And apparently I'm eligible for plan discounts because of my employer and / or since I'm a college student. I'm not going to wait 2-3 months to finally get my hands on the iPhone 4G or even the Evo. I'm not going to be video chatting and Louisville (and surrounding areas) don't have 4G.

[SineSwiper]

I'll wait until October when my 2 years are up (and my Blackberry is on its last legs), and get either an Evo or maybe a Nexus One.

[Zeus]

I'll wait until October when my 2 years are up (and my Blackberry is on its last legs), and get either an Evo or maybe a Nexus One.

See if that new OS RIM developed changes anything

[Flip]

I can't find the damn Evo anywhere.

Sprint is starving for phones, i remember that when i was with them a few years ago. I didnt have any issues with their service, coverage or customer, and only switched to Verizon to get on a family plan with the GF.

Anyways, i didnt realize the EVO was mammoth. Looks like the Droid X will be, too, and i wonder if i would prefer something like that. Not sure, but its an interesting shift in the industry to offer bigger, even more functional phones. Is it supposed to satisfy those who kinda want a tablet?

[SineSwiper]

As long as it fits my pocket, I don't care.

[Flip]

http://iphonehold.tumblr.com/

http://i46.tinypic.com/x3e6vc.jpg

[SineSwiper]

These are great:

http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full ... -president
http://gizmodo.com/5572624/the-latest-i ... me-buttons

[SineSwiper]

[Kupek]

Not this shit again...

[SineSwiper]

Not this shit again...

Yes, I say that every time Apple decides to release another shit hot product. I have to deal with all of the fanboies at my office raving about how they stood in line opening day to get their iPhone. Or how everybody on their street has that black and white box on their door. I even know that in order to get the iPhone delivered, you have to leave a note saying that it's okay to leave it on the door. I know this because either people tell me or people tell other people next to my cube.

Or how people talk about how awesome the video conferencing is (which only works on Wifi because AT&T's network would suck cocks on the first frame), even though it's already been out for Android, and hell, video conferencing has been around for 10 years. Or people bitching about how the accessories weren't going to be available until opening day; nevermind the fact that they have to buy all new accessories which equals big $$$ to Jobs. Or people buying out a bunch of the old iPhones to sell for $200 on eBay. (Selling it to people who are too stupid to realize that you can get one for $99+contract. Why do I know that? Because people at work told me.)

Or the stories about not being able to get an iPhone because they are out-of-stock. Even though every Apple product since the history of man always been out-of-stock on opening day and Apple just looks dumbfounded EVERY SINGLE TIME like they've never thought to plan ahead. Merge that with all of the people raving about their iPad they bought a month or two ago.

So, yes, I feel all warm and fuzzy inside when their fourth-generation iPhone has some incredible stupid antenna flaw that a monkey with half-a-brain could have tested and found the problem. (And the scratches on a "scratch proof glass". And the swapped volume buttons.) It also feels awesome when Steve Fucking Jobs tells his Apple fanboies that it's a "non-issue" and they should "just avoid holding it in that way". Really? Are you fucking serious? Despite your own commercials showing everybody holding it that way, you hypocritical cock?! So, what that REALLY means is that everybody is forced buy a $30 rubber band that is now a requirement to use the phone. (And since the old accessories don't work, you HAVE to buy it.)

You Apple people are like battered wives, talking to the officer for the tenth time, "I LUV my husband! Dont put em in jail! Their aint nuthin goin on!" It's like some widely-accepted technological version of Stockholm's Syndrome. You people get fucked over and over again, and yet you still come running back about how awesome the products are and you will still pay through the nose to get them.

Oh, and enjoy your fucking multitasking. Me and my Blackberry have enjoyed it for years.

[Julius Seeker]

You Apple people are like battered wives, talking to the officer for the tenth time, "I LUV my husband! Dont put em in jail! Their aint nuthin goin on!" It's like some widely-accepted technological version of Stockholm's Syndrome. You people get fucked over and over again, and yet you still come running back about how awesome the products are and you will still pay through the nose to get them.

Wow, you really ARE insane.

You know, Blackberry's give off fairly high levels of radiation; after all those years you might want to get your head checked out.

[Lox]

The antenna issue seems like a pretty big deal. I played with the new iPhone and it's very nice, but the few guys at work who snagged one are having big reception issues because of it.

My one coworker said that he loses almost his entire signal if he holds the phone naturally. That just seems like a huge design oversight. And to tell customers that they're holding the phone wrong? Come on.

(And remember, I'm not anti-Apple. Just calling it how I see it)

[Julius Seeker]

Apparently they were testing the phone with a case on it to conceal the phone, making it appear like a regular 3GS; and in that case this issue can't be reproduced since the user isn't in close enough contact with the antena. I use handsfree anyway, so issues like this don't generally effect me. My Nexus One has a similar issue, if you have your hand on the back at the bottom the reception takes a nosedive.

[Sephy]

I come from the other side, I went from a Palm to a 3gs just over a year ago, and it was great - then. Now, as I want to do more with my phone the amount of lockdown from Apple is just freaking frustrating. Its annoying that I can't just put a file on my phone - I don't even have access to the directories! I can't just load a PDF file on there normally and open it, I have to go through some inane process involving dropbox or some other hosting service to import it into a freaking reader. That's just so crazy. I hate that I have to deal with how itunes syncs and can't just control what goes on my phone and when. Also, why they don't have a Wifi sync option is also crazy - there is a third party available while jailbreaking.. so it can obviously happen. For all the talk and desire for something to "just work" - well - it might not work how you want it to. I wouldn't mind handholding if they gave me the option to use things as I want under some advanced mode or something.

On that topic, it is so bizarre that they purposely limit this stuff. All these abilities have been in the phone since the beginning - MMS, copy/paste, multitasking, lockscreen/widgets, quickreply to texts, and they won't let people use them, especially through third parties. Its become cumbersome to do what I want to do with my phone, and even more annoying that its there if you jailbreak but I can't right now (because of some bizarre restriction with 3gs already upgraded to OS4).

I won't dispute the app store, as there are plenty of apps - and it is clear that iphone is the #1 platform for developers. But there is a lot of crap out there, and the Android store has many of the same apps (that are worth using) in one form or another.

And I am all for GSM, as I prefer the sim system, but there's no disputing that the 2 US GSM carriers are the worst in service quality. AT&T has been nothing but horrible and inconsistent for me. Incredibly overpriced for the service you get. And T-Mobile - there's a reason they have the cheapest service. Plus, their phones are the worst, save the Nexus One.

So, walloftext, but I plan to grab a Droid X next month and pay the fee for ATT. If it was just the phone I'd keep it, but damn does the service suck. FWIW, it is much thinner than the Evo and less wide, and only a couple mm longer. Much better feel in the hand/pocket from all the reviews.

[Louis]

I have to agree about the Apple fanaticism in our office (well, Sine works in a different suite, but our departments interact quite a bit). People freaking out because we can't get any more iPads shipped to our address. People freaking out because they can't get their new iPhone 4 even though they just got a 3GS like a year ago.

I just want a phone that works. From what I've heard, the 3GS works pretty well so that is what I went with. I'm not a bleeding edge tech person that has to have every new gizmo on the market.

[Imakeholesinu]

Bloomberg is reporting that Verizon will have the iPhone in January.

[Sephy]

Well that would remove part of the problem (and all of it for some people).

[Flip]

Well that would remove part of the problem (and all of it for some people).

When are you going to get rid of that survivor chick from 8 seasons ago as your sig? Flaming heads ftw.

[SineSwiper]

Bloomberg is reporting that Verizon will have the iPhone in January.

Either this will get pushed back (as it already has in the past), or they will launch with a bunch of mistakes. Given that Apple is very wary of Android's grip in the market, it may end up being the latter.

Frankly, I think by the time that happens, it would be too late, and Android would be an even more established standard than ever.

[Flip]

This rumor has been around so many times, but this one does seem to be the most legit.