Tag: iPhone 3G S

Posted on

iPhone 3GS: The First Seven Days

iPhone 3G S officially went on sale on Friday June 19th, 2009. Three days later, Steve Jobs is reported to clock in for work for the first time after his medical leave of absence. Strangely, the iPhone 3G S was renamed to iPhone 3GS on the same day. From this then on, it shall be known as iPhone 3GS.

Things that I discovered after using iPhone 3GS for the first seven days:

  • The iPhone 3GS in general is much faster than the iPhone and iPhone 3G.
  • iPhone 3GS renders a considerably complex web page faster on 3G than iPhone/iPhone 3G on a Wi-Fi. I was on a fast network. This shows the processing power of the iPhone 3GS CPU. This makes web-browsing a much more pleasant experience on iPhone 3GS.
  • I really like the “tap-to-focus” feature. This is one feature that should be implemented in digital camera and camcorders.
  • I never cared for recording video using any phones before. Now I can’t stop using it on the iPhone 3GS. OK, I was wrong before.
  • The Compass doesn’t work well in the car. Too much electromagnetic interference.
  • Battery life is noticeably better than the iPhone 3G.
  • There are still some lags when switching from landscape to portrait and vice-versa. Could it be the hardware design that caused this?
  • The speaker is noticeably louder.
  • Voice Control works well with the phone but not with the iPod function.
  • Physically iPhone 3GS is identical with iPhone 3G, so all the cases and screen protectors can be used with both.
Posted on

Anything Goes: June 22nd, 2009 Edition.

It’s Monday and I feel fine. It’s not even close to the end of the world.

News from the series of tubes:

to be continued…….maybe

Posted on

iPhone 3G S: Reports from Orange County, California.

People are arriving at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa around 4:00 in the morning. The doors are not open yet, so people are lining up outside.

Doors open, people are walking in.

The line is split in two. One for those who had started the process online (reserved line) and the other for those who have not done so.

Side note:
A glitch during the reservation process did not save my reservation. I pre-ordered one on June 8th, 2009.

So close and yet so far.

Apple Store Concierge is helping customer starting the pre-qualification process.

A reporter asking people some questions.

The store opens earlier than scheduled. People are getting their iPhone 3G S.

Posted on

AT&T Revises Upgrade Pricing For iPhone 3G Early Adopters

AT&T announces today that iPhone 3G early adopters will get the $199 and $299 pricing for iPhone 3G S starting June 18th, 2009. In an open letter and YouTube Video, AT&T explains the change in the upgrade policy.

AT&T was flooded with complaints from iPhone 3G early adopters for their upgrade policy. The iPhone 3G was originally released on July 11th, 2008and early adopters are only 23 days away from fulfilling their first 12 months of their 2-year contract. According to AT&T, iPhone customers who spend more than $99 a month per line generally are eligible for an upgrade between 12 and 18 months into their contract.

AT&T iPhone 3G S Upgrade Eligibility Announcement

All of that said, we’ve been listening to our customers. And since many of our iPhone 3G customers are early adopters and literally weeks shy of being upgrade eligible due to iPhone 3G S launching 11 months after iPhone 3G, we’re extending the window of upgrade eligibility for a limited time.

“We’re now pleased to offer our iPhone 3G customers who are upgrade eligible in July, August or September 2009 our best upgrade pricing, beginning Thursday, June 18.”

AT&T could have handled this matter better earlier. For example, most day-one iPhone 3G customers are eligible for upgrade pricing on July 12th, 2009. AT&T could have given them the upgrade pricing but still extend their contract based on the July 12 date.

Previously I contacted AT&T regarding their upgrade pricing policy and an AT&T representative stated that the iPhones are the only phone AT&T does not have control over pricing, including the upgrade pricing. At&T representative was adamant that Apple mandated the iPhone pricing policy. I contacted Apple shortly after, and an Apple representative said that it is up to AT&T discretions to set the upgrade policy. AT&T subsidizes iPhone 3G and iPhone 3G S prices.

I do not know who tells the truth, but AT&T and Apple representatives were telling me two conflicting statement. Personally I tend to think that AT&T representative was not stating the fact.

Posted on

Who Sets The iPhone 3G S Upgrade Pricing, Apple or AT&T?

Let’s cut to the chase. Who sets the iPhone 3G S upgrade pricing, Apple or AT&T? Early adopters of iPhone 3G are finding out that they are not eligible for the advertised price until as early as July 12th, 2009. Instead of getting the $199/$299 price point, iPhone 3G early adopters have to pay $399/$499 for iPhone 3G S.

iphone3gs_upgrade

I called AT&T regarding their upgrade pricing policy, simply asking if they would give iPhone 3G early adopters a “24-day” reprieve. AT&T representative simply stated that they would not make any exceptions for iPhone 3G S because Apple mandated the upgrade pricing policy. According to another AT&T representative the iPhones are the only phones that AT&T can not make exceptions in the pricing.

I then called Apple regarding the upgrade pricing policy of iPhone 3G S. I was not surprised when an Apple representative said that AT&T is the one who set the upgrade pricing. Contradictory to the statement from AT&T representative, Apple does not have the authority to enforce the upgrade price.

So what is the problem here?

Early adopters who want to be the first to get the latest and greatest gadget often pays more. The price of the original iPhone was cut 69 days after its release. It caused a huge uproar.

It is not a problem to wait until July 12 to get the iPhone 3G S. It is only 24 days away for a $200 price difference. It is a problem when one company is pointing the finger to the other. AT&T says it’s Apple’s policy and Apple says it’s AT&T’s policy. Someone is definitely lying.

AT&T can easily gives their “loyal” customers a little break. After all, they only wants to get the shiny iPhone 3G S and stay with the carrier. In the past, customers could terminate their wireless phone service after the 11th month without having to pay any termination fees. Those days were long gone. AT&T is making money, hand over fist with iPhone service plan. Now they say that they couldn’t be more flexible because Apple’s mandate? It’s only 24 days, AT&T. You’re gonna keep those customers when you’re giving them the loyalty bonus. Maybe AT&T doesn’t care about keeping their customers happy. Is it true that AT&T won’t be happy until their customers are unhappy?

I don’t know who is telling the truth. The fact is that AT&T and Apple are contradicting each other.

It would be great if people in the United States refrain themselves from buying the iPhone 3G S until July 12. Obviously, it only happens in my fantasy.

I’d be calling AT&T again and call on their bluff, armed with the statement from Apple representative.

I’d suggest everyone to go to http://www.apple.com/feedback/iphone.html and tell them what you think regarding the iPhone 3G S upgrade pricing policy.

Posted on

iPhone 3G S: Early iPhone 3G Adopters Have To Pay $200 Extra.

Dear AT&T,

Haven’t you taken enough of my money? I’ve bought the original iPhone, then the iPhone 3G. Now you want me to pay extra for iPhone 3G S? In addition to that you want a new two-year contracts with it. Not to mention the upgrade and activation fee. You definitely suck, AT&T.

Call AT&T and tell them that you want the $199/$299 price or you’d go to Sprint and get Palm Pre!!!!

iphone3gs_upgrade

iphone3gs_upgrade2

Posted on

WWDC 2009: iPhone 3G S

Apple introduces iPhone 3G S with support for the 7.2Mbps HSDPA network.

iPhone 3G S features:

  • Digital compass
  • 16GB and 32GB flash drive
  • 3 megapixel camera with autofocus
  • Video recording, VGA (640×480) up to 30fps with audio
  • Voice Control (finally)
  • VoiceOver

What’s in the box:

In the box

  • iPhone 3G S
  • Apple Earphones with Remote and Mic
  • Dock Connector to USB Cable
  • USB Power Adapter
  • Documentation
  • SIM eject tool

iPhone 3G S will first launch on June 19th, 2009 in the following Countries:

  • United States
  • Canada
  • France
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Switzerland
  • United Kingdom

iPhone 3G S will launch in other Countries sometimes in July 2009.