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klhk

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Feb 9, 2010
2
0
I really want an iphone! It has so many fantastic features. Here is my dilemma: I live where there is absolutely NO 3g coverage. Only edge. AT&T and Verizon are the only service providers in the area. So my question to all you iphone 3gs users out there: would you buy an iphone if all you could get was edge service? If you could share your experiences on edge- how it would affect trying to access internet pages, send photo messages, etc... it would be greatly appreciated! I'm afraid of spending a ton of money and purchasing a 2 yr contract to find out it's not worth it. I think I can live with things being a little slow, if all the features will work. Thanks for your help!!
 
2G edge service is decent, I wouldn't call it unbearable.
I used it when the first iPhone came out for over a year.
If you got acess to wifi when home or
places that you frequent it will make things faster.
 
Yeah i would. I actually live in Southern California where 3G coverage is "everywhere" and im using a 2g 16gb iphone. Havent ever had any problems with reception or anything like that. Where i work, I actually get more bars than the people with 3G in certain areas. I always usually have wifi connected so everything is fast for me, so hopefully you do also.
 
As mentioned, EDGE speeds aren't terrible but the other thing is that AT&T will still force their 3G data plan down your throat. No 3G? Too bad. I can tell you that if I didn't have 3G here, I seriously doubt I'd have an iPhone or AT&T service. You better REALLY like the iPhone!
 
EDGE speeds are very bearable, youtube streaming might take a little longer and be of less quality, browsing is decent, and messaging/calls should all be fine.

Although I would wait for iphone 4 if I was you... now is not a good time to buy an iphone. In fact 2009 was not a good year to buy an iPhone IMO
 
EDGE speeds are very bearable, youtube streaming might take a little longer and be of less quality, browsing is decent, and messaging/calls should all be fine.

Although I would wait for iphone 4 if I was you... now is not a good time to buy an iphone. In fact 2009 was not a good year to buy an iPhone IMO

+1. Also, if you insist on buying one now, EDGE is better for your battery. It's kind of a catch 22, EDGE/better battery but slower downloads vs. 3G/worse battery but faster downloads. Also, if 3G is not great wherever you might be, EDGE can be faster. Most of us use wifi as much as possible, since there are a number of free hotspots.
 
hmm OP, not sure if money is a factor

but it seems like a waste to pay the $30 bucks a month for an iphone 3g data plan with not 3G
 
well...that 3g makes your battery worse phrase that you mentioned, can be reversed....3g and better battery than any other iphone....go to this website, they sell cases with a portable battery charger built into the case!

juicepack.co.uk
 
EDGE speeds are very bearable, youtube streaming might take a little longer and be of less quality, browsing is decent, and messaging/calls should all be fine.

Although I would wait for iphone 4 if I was you... now is not a good time to buy an iphone. In fact 2009 was not a good year to buy an iPhone IMO

I completely agree with you. Want an iPhone, wait for the new one to come out. That would be the right time to purchase one as the prices would be revised too. I can't wait for the new iPhone with an OLED screen to come out. :)
 
How about buying an iPhone 2G since you won't use 3G? It'll save you more money compared to buying a 3G/3GS.
 
As mentioned, EDGE speeds aren't terrible but the other thing is that AT&T will still force their 3G data plan down your throat. No 3G? Too bad. I can tell you that if I didn't have 3G here, I seriously doubt I'd have an iPhone or AT&T service. You better REALLY like the iPhone!

The separate data plan for the 3G/3GS doesn't having anything to do with getting 3G (HSDPA) data, though AT&T or Apple might like you to believe that. AT&T subsidizes the 3G & 3GS, therefore you get the higher priced data plan to make up the difference.
 
Thanks for all the input! I'm still not sure what route to go at this point, still considering all the options. Thanks again.
 
How about buying an iPhone 2G since you won't use 3G? It'll save you more money compared to buying a 3G/3GS.



+1. That's exactly what I would do. You can buy them really cheap now. You don't have a contract which is beneficial if your life changes and you have to cancel like with what happened to me. Another benefit is that the 2G looks more elegant IMHO.
 
I only have 2G (edge) service in my area, but I have wifi at home. I rarely surf the web when I'm out and about, but when I do its not unbearable. I wouldn't suggest wathing U Tube or anything of that nature.
 
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