I've been reading the forum in anticipation of the iPhone release on 6/29 in search of information. It's been a big help. But after thinking a great deal about waiting in line all day/night to purchase one, I've come to an important conclusion that I haven't seen much discussion on.
Specifically, AT&T/Cingular is well in the process of rolling out their 3G network all over the US and will supposedly be nearing completion by the end of the 2007 (per the Cingular hold music while waiting for their rep). If this is the case, and the initial release of the iPhone supports EDGE only, then everyone who buys one is signing on for a two year contract, purportedly including a data plan, on a phone that will very likely be replaced by a version that supports 3G in only six months. 3G is supposedly dramatically faster than EDGE and thereby better justifies the monthly data plan rate. But if, by purchasing an iPhone that supports EDGE only, you're committed to a 2 year contract, and six months later, you want to buy the new 3G iPhone to keep up with technology, then you're looking at another two years on top of your initial 2 year commitment or 3 1/2 years at that point. Plus, your initial expense of $499-$599 is then nearly unrecoverable as resale prices will plummet for the older EDGE only phones.
In summary, given the above, I'm seriously thinking of waiting until the 3G phone is available to purchase. That said, if no data plan is required, I'll buy one on 6/29 just for the coolness factor.
Something to think about.
Specifically, AT&T/Cingular is well in the process of rolling out their 3G network all over the US and will supposedly be nearing completion by the end of the 2007 (per the Cingular hold music while waiting for their rep). If this is the case, and the initial release of the iPhone supports EDGE only, then everyone who buys one is signing on for a two year contract, purportedly including a data plan, on a phone that will very likely be replaced by a version that supports 3G in only six months. 3G is supposedly dramatically faster than EDGE and thereby better justifies the monthly data plan rate. But if, by purchasing an iPhone that supports EDGE only, you're committed to a 2 year contract, and six months later, you want to buy the new 3G iPhone to keep up with technology, then you're looking at another two years on top of your initial 2 year commitment or 3 1/2 years at that point. Plus, your initial expense of $499-$599 is then nearly unrecoverable as resale prices will plummet for the older EDGE only phones.
In summary, given the above, I'm seriously thinking of waiting until the 3G phone is available to purchase. That said, if no data plan is required, I'll buy one on 6/29 just for the coolness factor.
Something to think about.
TV, which I have, it will be updated as time goes on. They just need to make sure there are no kinks in the system. I also wish they were a little bigger in Data capacity. In regards to AIM, they can easily give you an update via Itunes and bam, you can use it. It shouldn't be that difficult. It won't be the future phone where you see the other person, but just chatting it up on AIM would be sweet, voice chat or even texting via it. And the 3G would be a nice addition but the Wi-Fi is all I'll need. Hopefully no data plan for me. 