So, is the iPhone really worth the network switch?

[sammyskf33]

I'm thinking about getting an iPhone 3G for Christmas, and switching to AT&T. A few of my friends here in the lower part of South Carolina have iPhones, and they say they rock but complain about the service. I know AT&T is also pretty expensive, so this would be a really big switch. So, truly, is it worth it? If so, why? Thanks!

Sammy

 

[Kevlar]

I'm thinking about getting an iPhone 3G for Christmas, and switching to AT&T. A few of my friends here in the lower part of South Carolina have iPhones, and they say they rock but complain about the service. I know AT&T is also pretty expensive, so this would be a really big switch. So, truly, is it worth it? If so, why? Thanks!

Sammy

What do you want to use your phone for? Without details all people can say is if it does what they need not if it does what you want it to do.

 

[kas23]

And what current phone, carrier, and plan do you have now? You also have to think about if you want a family plan or if you get a work discount (FAN).

And of course, as everyone will point out, if you live and breath using MMS, don't get the iPhone. Sometimes I think that this phone is best as someone's first smartphone. This is my first smartphone (I had a regular, free POS phone before), so I really don't know of anything different. But, I do know what MMS is and dammit, I want it.

 

[sammyskf33]

I currently have a Blackberry Pearl and I hate it. I'm on the T-Mobile network as well. I really would like to be able to get onto my mac mail and gmail, only one of which I can do with the blackberry. Also, I can't even read entire e-mails a lot of the time. I text a lot, and I would really like to be able to go on forums with their actual format on my phone, which I can't do on my Blackberry. So, yeah. Thanks for the help.

 

[iblastoff]

I currently have a Blackberry Pearl and I hate it. I'm on the T-Mobile network as well. I really would like to be able to get onto my mac mail and gmail, only one of which I can do with the blackberry. Also, I can't even read entire e-mails a lot of the time. I text a lot, and I would really like to be able to go on forums with their actual format on my phone, which I can't do on my Blackberry. So, yeah. Thanks for the help.

be prepared for a lot of crashing on the iphone if you plan on going on full page forums.

 

[mkrishnan]

In terms of surfing websites, the iPhone is remarkably better than any Blackberry yet (dunno how much better the Storm will be).

In terms of texting, I'd have to say it's at best a wash... I actually liked this slightly better on the BB.

In terms of e-mail, I don't see any reason you shouldn't be able to receive both .Mac / MobileMe mail and GMail on your Blackberry. But you do definitely get rich text and HTML mail on the iPhone, which sounds like it would be a major plus.

Changing networks? People vary on this, but from what I've seen, a comparable AT&T smartphone plan is about $30-40/mo more than it is for T-Mobile... meaning, inclusive of taxes, I pay $70 now and as closely as I can estimate, I would be paying about $100-110 for comparable services on AT&T. And, of course, sign on for a contract again.

My choice was to stick with T-Mobile and use an unlocked iPhone with EDGE. That might be an option for you... For me, the money was a significant component -- I'd get 3G if I went with AT&T, but ... here I spent $250 for my phone (refurb) and $70/month; with AT&T the differential costs (+$50 for a new 3G iPhone, say +$30/mo for the contract) would be well over $700 in two years.

If the monthly charges aren't an issue, though, I'd probably get the iPhone 3G if I were you....

 

[kas23]

If you want to stay on T Mo, then take a very hard look at the G1. Go to the T Mo store and play around with it. Read Android forums. It is a responsive OS and it is an open-platform.

 

[jlake02]

People say this and that about this network and that network, but I've had Cingular/AT&T for YEARS and it's been great. I get signals in the middle of nowhere.. midwest, southwest, cities, mountains..

I'm not an AT&T fan by any means, but I can't complain. I've had many phones and never had issues. I think the AT&T network is solid. Sure, I'd like more 3G locations, but they're working on that too.

 

[soberbrain]

they say they rock but complain about the service. I know AT&T is also pretty expensive, so this would be a really big switch. So, truly, is it worth it? If so, why? Thanks!

I switched from T-mobile to AT&T and it worked for me because AT&T is better in my area. It would really depend on your area. The iPhone is great, but the phone part is a big feature and if the service is not good in your area it will get frustrating.

What kinds of issues do your friends have with AT&T? How often? Getting better or worse since the got their iPhones?

I agree with the previous post that an unlocked iPhone may be better for you if you really want an iPhone and T-mobile is a better service for you. Or get an iPod touch and stay with T-mobile. Or get the G1.

Bottom line with any product, it has to fit your needs.

 

[Aznsensation45]

I think it really depends on where you live. Where I live, Att service is amazing!! I get 5 bars practically everywhere!!

 

[7on]

I use my iPhone on T-Mobile and have no problems.

 

[tritogeneia]

I'll add a "ditto" to those who have said that it depends on your area. I just switched from T-Mobile to AT&T and find that my reception is stronger and more reliable in all of my usual hangouts (and I work 30 miles away from home).

The iPhone is my first smartphone, and I couldn't be happier. I'm not a heavy texter, and haven't had the opportunity to use a Blackberry, so I have no point of reference. That being said, I actually find myself texting a lot more now that I have the iPhone. It took less than a day for me to get the hang of the touchscreen keyboard. It sure beats the Motorola RAZR I used to use!

One last thing to consider – how many of your friends are on the AT&T service? Most of mine are, so it made sense for me to switch so I could enjoy the free mobile-to-mobile calls.

 

[ajohnson253]

it really depends on how the service is in you're area. Service is great for me where I am at. It could be for you too you never know. You have 14 days I believe if you don't like the service to return and get out of the AT&T contract. Then switch back to you're current service

 

[Digital Skunk]

It would depend on your service area... as well as some of the limitations YOU may have with the phone.

Check around and see what the phone can and cannot do, or what AT&T and Apple won't allow you to do with your iPhone.

Not to mention the strength of the device itself. It's by far the weakest phone I have ever held. I have slammed many a phone in blind rage only to put the battery and battery door back on and keep on talking. The iPhone is a very delicate luxury item.

And yes, AT&T will charge you out the @$$ for things other give for dirt cheap or nothing at all. And their 3G network doesn't come close to what they tell you it is.