New iPhone and iPod Software

[LouisEly]

I can't get 4G yet, but I really hated my old phone and decided that if I'm going to upgrade I'm going to go big. If I had a halfway decent phone I would have waited until I got 4G coverage but I'll need the GPS function and handy apps in a week and a half when I move and have no idea where I'm at or how to get around. A buddy of mine works for Sprint and he's been testing the 4G markets and has raved about the Evo. Got it yesterday and have been monkeying around with it - really cool so far. Sprint has a supplemental data charge for this phone of $10/month.

 

I'm sure you know, but you can connect the Evo to any WiFi hotspot with it and it surfs and downloads super fast that way. As for coverage, I've had Sprint for at least 10 years and never had a problem with it. There will always be little holes, as the reception in the lower level in my house isn't great (2 bars) but if I go upstairs it's much better (4-5 bars). I travel a lot for work and pleasure, and having a nationwide digital network like Sprint is nice because your phone works the same wherever you go. I have Verizon for my work Blackberry, and I was at my parents house outside of Fond du Lac and even though I had all four bars the download was slower than when I have only one or two bars here in LA. With other networks, all signal strengths may not be equal.

[davego]

I'm going to throw down for either an I-phone or a Droid this week. Any suggetions appreciated.

[1992casey]

I've played with both the iPhone and Droid, and both are cool. The iPhone would get a few points for being able to sync via MobileMe. Plus (for a cost), you can tether it now.

 

I were in the market, I think the deciding factors would be the provider and the monthly bill.

[chrisisoutrunning]

I just got my iPhone this past Saturday and I love it. Unless you hate AT&T, I don't think there's anything bad you can say about it (as long as you have a bumper or case for it if you want to bring up the antenna "issues").

[1992casey]

For me, it's not a matter of hating a provider. But Verizon has 3G where I live and AT&T doesn't. Another aspect for me to consider would be that I don't make a lot of calls. AT&T's rollover minutes would be nice.

[davego]

Is there anything to the urban legend that Verizon has so much better service in the Midwest?

[1992casey]

In northern Wisconsin, I think you'll find that Verizon generally reaches more places. That's former Alltel territory, and Alltel was very good at covering rural areas.

 

AT&T has gotten better since they went with GSM, though. And there would certainly be pockets where AT&T trumps Verizon.

 

In or near small towns, both should be fine. If you like to travel to a specific place (such as a cabin or favorite campground), I'd test and choose the provider that works better at that specific location.