Apple and Macs: New products, iMacs, iWork, iLife

Danimal · Post by **Danimal** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 10:46 pm

So I am going to get a 3GS, my current original iPhone is a work one and I plan on leaving soon.

So is it best to order one from an Apple Store or online? When do the best Buys and what not get the newer models?

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 10:50 pm

Murph wrote:If the 3GS has a faster CPU and more RAM, can we assume there will be some newer game apps that won't work (or run extremely crappy) on the regular 3G phones?

I think most developers would make sure they support the installed base, which Apple claims runs to 40 million.

But today, they announced the new models support Open GL 2.0. So maybe they come out with 2 versions of games or the games are coded to just determine which model is running and just turn on more graphics features.

But the most popular iPhone games are casual and often just 2D. The market is also conditioned to cheap apps. So it may be that the big publishers aren't willing to release all their games, especially when even $10 is considered too much for a game by many iPhone users.

macsomjrr · Post by **macsomjrr** » Tue Jun 09, 2009 2:34 am

Murph wrote:If the 3GS has a faster CPU and more RAM, can we assume there will be some newer game apps that won't work (or run extremely crappy) on the regular 3G phones?

I would guess not. It's not a massive overhaul of the internal processor so I would guess there will be a speed bump but nothing huge. They have some bench marks on the Apple iPhone page.

Sport73 · Post by **Sport73** » Tue Jun 09, 2009 8:34 pm

Just a tip for those looking to upgrade to the 3GS but getting bad news from AT&T regarding the pricing.

I had the original iPhone which I handed down to my wife when I bought the 3g last year and put the two on a family plan. I visited the AT&T site to check on an upgrade to the 3GS, and found that both my iPhone 3g and my wife's original iPhone were listed as ineligible for the discounted upgrade pricing. Oddly, my wife's original iPhone said it couldn't be updated until next April, while my phone said it could be upgraded at the end of July. Either way, AT&T wanted $499 for a new 32GB 3GS.

I went to Apple's website and entered my wife's iPhone number to check for eligibility, and sure enough it came up as $299 for the 32GB 3GS. Ordered and secured for delivery on the 19th.

Bottom line, don't trust AT&T's site and try Apple as well; clearly the two systems aren't communicating perfectly and it might work to your advantage.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Tue Jun 09, 2009 9:24 pm

I was able to buy two today at the AT&T store for pickup next Friday. They just made me and my wife pay separately.

Murph · Post by **Murph** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 10:38 am

Murph wrote:If the 3GS has a faster CPU and more RAM, can we assume there will be some newer game apps that won't work (or run extremely crappy) on the regular 3G phones?

I found this article interesting:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/tec ... y_id=41407

"But the new hardware brings up a decision for application makers. Do they build an app or game that takes full advantage of the new hardware at the expense of older hardware like the 3G or iPod Touch, which may not be able to play the games? Keene said initially, ngmoco won't be building 3G S specific games but will try to incorporate some features that will allow 3G S users to get a fuller experience.

"We want to write software that can get on everything but take advantage of the extra horsepower," he said.

That could mean games that look better on 3G S games or throw in compass support for games as an additive feature. But it'll be interesting to see who goes out and build a 3G S specific game that can really take advantage of the hardware to the fullest. It'll mean a smaller selling opportunity but it could be selling point as well for adventurous game and app makers intent on making things that really pop on the new hardware. We'll just have to see."

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 1:19 pm

I'm assuming the 3G cases will work with 3GS. Any recommendations?

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 1:41 pm

Leebo33 wrote:I'm assuming the 3G cases will work with 3GS. Any recommendations?

Macally Metro
Power Support Crystal Jacket (in black matte)

Both just prevent the back from getting scratched really. Not for drop protection at all, but I never drop my phones anyway, so that's all I wanted.

And you'll need a screen protector...especially if you're like me and don't want to be cleaning fingerprints and grease from the thing at all times.

Power Support Anti-Glare is the way to go (they sell em at the Apple store). Distorts the screen slightly, but no glare and NO fingerprints. Can't beat em. They make a crystal version as well, but they show too many fingerprints for my tastes, plus you still get glare and reflections off em.

Spooky · Post by **Spooky** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 1:46 pm

You guys read this about the new 3GS:

- iPhone 3G S Oleophobic Screen Coating: A number of readers have pointed out that Apple's tech specs page for the new iPhone 3G S mentions that the device's screen includes a "fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating". Fingerprint smudges on the iPhone's screen have been a minor but frequent complaint from users.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 2:01 pm

Yeah, they always say they put coatings on screens. They never work. It's a selling "feature" for the spec sheet. That's all.

Murph · Post by **Murph** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 3:33 pm

dbdynsty25 wrote:Yeah, they always say they put coatings on screens. They never work. It's a selling "feature" for the spec sheet. That's all.

Fibbing in advertising? That's just crazy talk.

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 6:08 pm

Just upgraded my iphone to 3.0. Very nice.

Diablo25 · Post by **Diablo25** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 6:17 pm

10spro wrote:Just upgraded my iphone to 3.0. Very nice.

Ditto

macsomjrr · Post by **macsomjrr** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 6:42 pm

Diablo25 wrote:
10spro wrote:Just upgraded my iphone to 3.0. Very nice.
Ditto

Tritto:)

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 7:54 pm

How does 3G tethering really work? So I can use my iPhone now like a wireless modem and connect my laptop to it. And supposedly I don't have to pay Wi-Fi charges again when I'm in hotels, but data 3G roaming charges? Just curious.

macsomjrr · Post by **macsomjrr** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 7:57 pm

10spro wrote:How does 3G tethering really work? So I can use my iPhone now like a wireless modem and connect my laptop to it. And supposedly I don't have to pay Wi-Fi charges again when I'm in hotels, but data 3G roaming charges? Just curious.

I know AT&T doesn't offer that here in the US so I haven't looked into it. Maybe Canada does??? As far as charges go I'd be really careful. They probably have a maximum DL amount (say 4GB/mo) and they'll charge you if you go over.

greggsand · Post by **greggsand** » Sat Aug 01, 2009 7:20 pm

Anyone use MobileMe? Worth it?

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Mon Aug 03, 2009 1:30 am

greggsand wrote:Anyone use MobileMe? Worth it?

Yes. Real time sync to the web and/or your computer (mac or PC) of all of your contacts, calendars, emails, etc. It's fantastic. 100 bucks a year is worth it to me.

DivotMaker · Post by **DivotMaker** » Mon Aug 03, 2009 7:30 am

10spro wrote:Just upgraded my iphone to 3.0. Very nice.

3.01 is out and fixes an issue with SMS....

Danimal · Post by **Danimal** » Mon Aug 03, 2009 11:46 am

When exactly is AT&T going to support MMS messaging? They said this summer but summer is getting close to being over. I think it's a joke everywhere in the world can do this on the new iPhone but here.

AT&T is the biggest POS company I have ever dealt with, I hope Apple decides not to partner with them again.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Mon Aug 03, 2009 12:14 pm

Danimal wrote:When exactly is AT&T going to support MMS messaging? They said this summer but summer is getting close to being over. I think it's a joke everywhere in the world can do this on the new iPhone but here.

AT&T is the biggest POS company I have ever dealt with, I hope Apple decides not to partner with them again.

They will continue to partner with em, I just hope they expand to other carriers. An iPhone on Verizon's network has me semi-erect. I mean it's an outstanding device...It's just crippled here in So. Cal on At&t.

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Mon Aug 03, 2009 12:34 pm

AT&T may pay whatever it takes to keep them exclusive. They added 1.4 million new subscribers last quarter, vs. 1.1. million for Verizon.

If they lost exclusivity, they'd fall way behind Verizon.

Interesting that there is a rumored WCDMA iPhone intended for China Mobile. But it's missing Wifi, which Verizon probably wouldn't mind. If these turn out to be true, that would mean Apple made some concessions.

Verizon is famous for forcing manufacturers to cripple phones, like removing Wifi. If they demanded the removal of Wifi, would they allow things like VOIP, Sling or streaming video over their network?

If the tablet rumors turn out to be true, we'll see who gets the upper-hand. All the carriers have dubious policies.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Mon Aug 03, 2009 12:41 pm

I don't think At&t is going to be able to BUY their exclusivity again. I think Apple wants to dominate the world with their phone and the only way to do that is to branch out...regardless of carrier. You will not see an extension of that contract...they will be multi-carrier in 2010 at some point.

Rodster · Post by **Rodster** » Mon Aug 03, 2009 12:49 pm

dbdynsty25 wrote:I don't think At&t is going to be able to BUY their exclusivity again. I think Apple wants to dominate the world with their phone and the only way to do that is to branch out...regardless of carrier. You will not see an extension of that contract...they will be multi-carrier in 2010 at some point.

I don't think Apple wants exclusivity either. Verizon has been rumored as the next carrier to sell Iphones. Verizon has a damn good service but they aren't cheap. It'll be interesting to see if they land the Iphone next year.

I recently went the cheap route because of the economy and switched from Verizon to Boost Mobile. It's a decent service with everything including internet for $50 and that includes tax and fees.

Danimal · Post by **Danimal** » Mon Aug 03, 2009 1:23 pm

If you think verizon is expensive wait to you get hit with AT&T bills. I paid a fraction of what I am paying now for my iPhone and I had MMS, I could check emails and surf the web.

I couldn't go without my iPhone or else I would dump AT&T in a minute. Oh an I guess no one knows about MMS then right?