I don’t get it! Considering the only 10% of the US is actually able to use a 3G phone, why are the new iPhone and Blackberry 3Gs such a big deal?

I have an iphone because it’s cool.  I can watch youtube videos anywhere!  and the freeway traffic maps are invaluable, to put a practical spin on it.  Battery life could be a lot better.

I got my iPhone (Edge) when they first came out simply because they are so much better than standard cell phones and allow me to stay productive when I am on the road.

I am not getting a new iPhone 3G because we don’t have 3G service in my area and my “old” iPhone still works very nicely.  I even got the update to 2.0 working so now my iPhone works even better than before with lots more very cool goodies.

I’m from Canada, and we just got the iphone here last week.
Currently I have the HTC Touch which is just like the iphone, but a windows version. I’ve had my phone for 8 months, yet I still am going to get an iphone.
Because it’s just sooo cool! :P
...That’s the only reason why people get iphone’s - because it’s “cool”.
When we alllll know a standard cell would do use all fine!

I just can’t wait to get my hands on this one :)

I’m not planning on getting an iPhone, or any smart phone, at the moment.  The iPhone’s plans just cost too darn much here in Canada, and I kinda hate cell phones anyway! :) I have to admit, though, the cool factor is totally tempting.

Gail Carmichael - 18 July 2008 01:11 PM

I’m not planning on getting an iPhone, or any smart phone, at the moment.  The iPhone’s plans just cost too darn much here in Canada, and I kinda hate cell phones anyway! :) I have to admit, though, the cool factor is totally tempting.

I always hated my cell phone.  I carried it mostly so my kids could contact me.  It was hard to use and I hated have to scroll through what seemed like endless menus selecting the proper number and if I miss typed I had to start over.  It was terrible.

My iPhone is a vast improvement.  In addition to the cool factor, it is easy to use.  I can use every feature on my phone, including the conference call feature.  The plans for the iPhone (especially on the family plans are not much higher than the regular plans and I get a discount through my university.

KnockItOff - 18 July 2008 02:01 PM

I always hated my cell phone.  I carried it mostly so my kids could contact me.  It was hard to use and I hated have to scroll through what seemed like endless menus selecting the proper number and if I miss typed I had to start over.  It was terrible.

To be fair, it’s not that I hate the usability of cell phones (though many aren’t so great in that department).  I just hate using it, period! I don’t like being so reachable.  The only reason I have one is for emergency situations, especially when I’m riding my motorcycle.  I rarely use it otherwise, and everyone knows I probably won’t answer it unless it’s been prearranged.  Kind of strange in this day and age, I know.  I would so love an iPhone but I just don’t want to pay for the service nor do I need it for what it’s made for (making calls).  Now an iPod Touch on the other hand…

I have a phone with windows mobile that i HATE. I’ve had it for about 6 months and already i’m on the second one, as the first was irreparable after only a few months. I don’t know many people who have an iPhone at the moment, but if i had a choice i’d certainly give it a try. I am hoping for some good reviews, after the original iPhone reviews were so negative. I’m also holding out for a lower price!!

Well, I had a phone with limited internet access and the battery life was terrible so I traded up to the iphone.  Now I’m trying to figure out how to move all my palm info onto the iphone....

No iphone for me.  I rarely answer my cell phone as it is, I’d much prefer to text message.  I think a phone is a phone and doesn’t need to be used as a PDA, stereo, TV, etc.  I like the features these new phones have but I don’t have the time or need fot that type of technology.  My husband is getting a blackberry for use in his new job and I know I’m going to have to train him how to use it as he can’t figure out even a simple cell phone.  He is NOT technically inclined.  I’m sure that once I learn how to use his blackberry, I will probably change my mind and give into the technology.

I don’t understand all the fuss. I have the iphone just cause it’s the last but only the 8gb. I can’t even fill up the memory half way. To the average american the 3 G is so much memory. Unless you are total business person or a music fanatic then the 3G really isn’t that big. What’s next a 16G? It’s just memory.

Gail Carmichael - 18 July 2008 02:11 PM

KnockItOff - 18 July 2008 02:01 PM

I always hated my cell phone.  I carried it mostly so my kids could contact me.  It was hard to use and I hated have to scroll through what seemed like endless menus selecting the proper number and if I miss typed I had to start over.  It was terrible.

To be fair, it’s not that I hate the usability of cell phones (though many aren’t so great in that department).  I just hate using it, period! I don’t like being so reachable.  The only reason I have one is for emergency situations, especially when I’m riding my motorcycle.  I rarely use it otherwise, and everyone knows I probably won’t answer it unless it’s been prearranged.  Kind of strange in this day and age, I know.  I would so love an iPhone but I just don’t want to pay for the service nor do I need it for what it’s made for (making calls).  Now an iPod Touch on the other hand…

I should be fair.  I do not like talking on the phone at all and avoid it if I can.  But, I really like all the different features of the iPhone and the fact that they are all so easy to use.  I also really like that I only have one gadget to carry and it is my phone, pda, iPod and camera (because I am also not big on carrying a big purse).

And, the coolest thing I have done with my iPhone so far is use it to look up the square mileage of the state of Indiana to answer one of my boy’s question about how big the state is—while we were traveling.

I’m with Gail - I don’t like having a cell phone because I don’t feel the need to be tethered. As a computer consultant I have to be near a computer and phone from 9-6 Monday through Friday. When I am out, I really don’t feel a need to be texting or messaging people.  This has lead to a lot of times when I have forgotten to charge my cell phone for week’s at a time. OK - I didn’t forget - I just didn’t want to charge it. 

My fiance is tethered to his phone and wants an iPhone. Not sure when he plans on upgrading. I am sure he will use all the features though!

Just an aside - I’m a fairly senior “nerdgirl” so I hope you guys don’t mind my hanging around.  :-)

Anyway, I’ve had a cell phone since about 1992 but only gave numbers out to family for many years.  Now my students call/message a lot and it is a great way to keep in touch.  I can see instantly who is calling and ignore the call if I am busy.  Of course, I don’t have cell phone coverage in my house and I never answer in the car so that helps a lot.  I also turn off the ring on my home phone in the bedrooms.  I’m not an introvert but sometimes I like to hide!  The features on the iphone make my house and office phones seem - well - so 20th century.

In the US, 3G just seems to be a great buzz word to the marketing people. My phone is 3G, sure I’m in an area where 3G services cannot be accessed, but it’s 3G! Kind of like having a standard-ready device. I can’t have it yet, but I’m ready!

It does make me feel that the US is behind the times with all its 3G-buzz. China started releasing 4G devices quite awhile ago. (Admittedly the difference between 4G and 3G is much, much smaller than the difference between 3G and 2G.)

susanruiz - 18 July 2008 05:30 PM

No iphone for me.  I rarely answer my cell phone as it is, I’d much prefer to text message.  I think a phone is a phone and doesn’t need to be used as a PDA, stereo, TV, etc.  I like the features these new phones have but I don’t have the time or need fot that type of technology.  My husband is getting a blackberry for use in his new job and I know I’m going to have to train him how to use it as he can’t figure out even a simple cell phone.  He is NOT technically inclined.  I’m sure that once I learn how to use his blackberry, I will probably change my mind and give into the technology.

i also never call people with my cell phone. i prefure to use mt full key board. and the cost of buying the iphone and switching networks is to costly because i my faimly gets a discount on verison by the university.