Verizon iphone anyone?

[VWL Mom]

So now that the announcement has finally been made, are you getting one? If you are, 16gb or 32gb?

I got my preorder email last night and asked my teen sons what they thought. Of course their answer was "go big"! I'm leaning toward the 32gb but not totally convinced. One of my Xmas presents was money to pay for it so money is not part of the decision process. What would you do?

[Ian]

If you want my advice, wait. First off, this version of the iPhone doesn't take advantage of Verizon's upcoming LTE (aka "4G") network. It still runs on their old CDMA network, which means it actually has less functionality than the AT&T version. For example, you can't surf the web or text while you're on a call, which is pretty limiting.

Additionally, the next-gen iPhone should be arriving in stores this June. So at a minimum, I'd hesitate to tell you to go ahead and buy a phone now knowing that in just five months a new one will be out.

If I was you, I'd wait until either the LTE network version is available or at least until the next-gen phone is out. Preferably both!

[jensantuit]

I am definitely going to get one , whether it is the 16 or 32 I'm not certain. I was wondering, how did you get a preorder email? Yesterday I went onto Verizon Wireless's website and submitted my email address for info but haven't received a preorder email.

[magicofdisney]

Regardless of when you buy, go with the MOST memory.

I've had to replace my iPod (and next up my iPad when the new ones are released) because my dear sweet husband went with minimum memory each time. So, when I was in the market for the iPhone I went with the 32mb, without hesitation.

I'm an AT&T customer so I can't comment on Verizon service or features. However, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my iPhone.

[Ruprect]

I couldn't agree with Ian more. What's worse is it seems unlikely that there will be an LTE iPhone until July of 2012 (based on the current rumors and reports). You're essentially getting a 6 month old phone that is already less powerful than other devices out there and locking yourself into it for 2 years.

I'm a current AT&T iPhone user and I'm pushing (and buying come April) the Motorola Droid Bionic that runs on Verizon's LTE network. At launch this phone will do data about 10 times the speed the Verizon iPhone does.

Just my opinion from working with these devices on a daily basis for my job.

[VWL Mom]

I am definitely going to get one , whether it is the 16 or 32 I'm not certain. I was wondering, how did you get a preorder email? Yesterday I went onto Verizon Wireless's website and submitted my email address for info but haven't received a preorder email.

The emails were (supposedly) to all current Verizon customers. It's actually an email that you sign-up if you are interested followed by a 2nd email that starts to explain what to do to get ready. There should be a 3rd email on Feb 3rd that you can actually order from.

[VWL Mom]

Additionally, the next-gen iPhone should be arriving in stores this June. So at a minimum, I'd hesitate to tell you to go ahead and buy a phone now knowing that in just five months a new one will be out.

If I was you, I'd wait until either the LTE network version is available or at least until the next-gen phone is out. Preferably both!

I couldn't agree with Ian more. What's worse is it seems unlikely that there will be an LTE iPhone until July of 2012 (based on the current rumors and reports). You're essentially getting a 6 month old phone that is already less powerful than other devices out there and locking yourself into it for 2 years.

I was thinking of waiting but I don't see it coming out as soon as rumors say. I'm also not so sure I'm ready to jump to LTE until they get the bugs worked out. Seems to be having some issues around here right now.

I do wonder why you can't text and talk with the iphone. I have an old env2 on CDMA and I can do that now.

Anyway, here's my plan. We have 3 phones available for upgrade, I will get the iphone now and when the next generation comes out I will pass it on to DS16 and get the new one for myself.

For once, mama comes first!

[DizneyRox]

I wouldn't "go big"...

I have a 16G 3GS with TONS of apps, including a 1.5G install of Navigon Navigation software and I still have like 11G free.

What I do is stream my music/movie collection to the phone using an application called Orb.

Save yourself some money and do the same. No need to sync your phone and manage play lists, etc. It's all just there!

With Verizon supposedly not doing the capped data plans like AT&T you really shouldn't have any trouble, and while I'm still grandfathered into the 5G AT&T plan, I've never even come close.

That said, I would wait to get better technology out of the iPhone on Verizon. I would be surprised if the 5G supports LTE, which means you're about a year 1nd 1/2 away from the possibility. And Verizon has stated, you'll be paying for the technology too.

BTW - Texting and Talking IS possible. It's data and voice that can't co-exist with Verizon's implementation of CDMA. I admit though, with AT&T I've only needed to do that once. Looking up and address online while talking to someone about the place I was looking for. It's a neat "feature" to be able to take advantage of.

[magicofdisney]

What I do is stream my music/movie collection to the phone using an application called Orb.

Do you need a separate device to use the Orb app?

[Basket Mommy]

I currently have the 16 GB iPhone and have been waiting for Verizon's announcement so I could get the heck away from AT & T.

I will be getting the 32 GB, because with all the music and apps I have run out of room. I can't keep all my apps on there at once, so I have to shuffle things around. I need more room for apps!

[princessjojo]

I've waited and waited for this iPhone, and after reading several articles, I'm not quite sure I want it after all. Sure, once you get something just a few months down the road something new and improved comes around. It's always going to have more bling than what you currently have. But the latest article I've read spoke about buying the Verizon iPhone and paying a premium for old technology. And Verizon has yet to speak about what the costs are going to be to operate the phone the way most want to use it.

It's also supposed to have the HotSpot feature, but they haven't spoken about any additional cost for this option either or if it would be inclusive of any other package.

Anyway, I love it, and want it, but will more than likely wait until June when the iPhone 5 is "supposed" to be released. Apple releases new products twice a year and June being that time. I'm torn between the iPhone and the Droid Bionic. We'll see at that time. Either way, I'm going to be quick to ditch the Blackberry....I hate that phone.

[joanna71985]

I'm probably going to get the Iphone but I'm going to wait before getting it.

[Ruprect]

The thing about the Verizon iPhone is this:

Will they have a LTE model in July? It's not likely. I think what we're likely to see then is the next iteration of the AT&T iPhone that supports HSPA+ (for all you non mobile geeks out there that is what T-Mobile refers to as 4G) which would provide data speeds at least 4x what Verizon 3G can offer.

I think if you have serious issues on AT&T it makes sense to switch otherwise I wouldn't go near the Verizon iPhone. It's slower, can't talk and use data at the same time and is already old technology.

Disclaimer: I don't have any actual inside information. I'm really just speculating

[Dsnygirl]

I agree w/ the folks who are waiting, as well as the ones who are torn b/w going for the iPhone and getting an HTC Android.

I've wanted an iPhone since they came out, but am a VW'less customer & have been patient. Now that the HTC phones are out, and are getting such rave reviews, I'm not sure I'm going to jump to an iPhone that runs on Verizon's network.

Like everyone else has mentioned, why go w/ a phone running on a 3G network, when I can get a faster phone on Verizon's 4G network? And why get a phone that will be essentially outdated this spring? Also, I have a feeling Verizon will have implemented some of it's famous "proprietary notions" into the phone, and that drives me crazy... a network controlling what I can & cannot download or access. If I'm going for something like an iPhone, I'm not sure I want Verizon controlling it. (But I also don't want to switch to AT&T, so there's the rub...)

I have quite a few friends w/ different HTC Androids, and I'm very impressed w/ them... so at this point, as excited as I was to hear the announcement, I'm going to wait and see how the transition goes and how the reviews look over the next several months and go from there.

[GoinGoofyPlanninThisTrip]

Additionally, the next-gen iPhone should be arriving in stores this June. So at a minimum, I'd hesitate to tell you to go ahead and buy a phone now knowing that in just five months a new one will be out.

I've read the next-gen version may not be coming to Verizon until January 2012.

[kakn7294]

My upgrade time isn't until August so I have plenty of time to decide. I'm debating between the iPhone, some other Android phone, or a Blackberry. I have an 8 GB iPod touch and I love it so I'm sure the 16 GB would be big enough for me but I'm not sure I want an iPhone / Android phone due to battery life. If they are anything like my iPod, they won't last me a full day and I don't like that thought. I think I'm leaning more towards a Blackberry. I want a phone that I can make phone calls, text, use the internet, check e-mail, take some pictures (it won't replace the camera), and play a few games.

[Basket Mommy]

I'm not sure I want an iPhone / Android phone due to battery life. If they are anything like my iPod, they won't last me a full day and I don't like that thought.

I have issues with iPod battery life as well, but I have not had a problem with my iPhone draining like an iPod does. I was amazed at how well the battery lasts (if you don't leave it backlit all the time).

[DizneyRox]

Do you need a separate device to use the Orb app?

You need the PC with your library on in your house with the "server" version of Orb (free). But no other proprietary hardware.

[kakn7294]

I have issues with iPod battery life as well, but I have not had a problem with my iPhone draining like an iPod does. I was amazed at how well the battery lasts (if you don't leave it backlit all the time).

Are you using your iPhone apps all the time? I use the ones on my iPod constantly - playing games, checking facebook and e-mail, using the internet, etc. I'm afraid if I did all that and used the iPhone as a phone with all the texts and calls, the battery would be dead in no time.

[RedSoxFan]

I would love to get the iphone; but my update isn't until 4/12. So for now, I'll stick with the droid x which I like and have no complaints.