iPhone on Verizon

[Voodoo]

It is now official... The iPhone 4 is coming to Verizon.

http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/11/live-from-verizons-iphone-event/

http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/splash/iphone.jsp

[iHap]

Now if only I could switch from AT&T to Verizon with my current iPhone. I still got 1 1/2 year contract with AT&T still. :P

[Gorvi]

Interesting. My current contract with Sprint will be expiring in about 7 weeks and I've been wanting to get into this whole smartphone thing. This will be one to consider.

[Ink Asylum]

One half of Verizon customers cheered as they can now get the phone they want without switching to AT&T.

The other half of Verizon customers groaned as they anticipate a swarm of former AT&T iPhone users descending on their network like ravenous, bandwidth-hungry locusts.

As an AT&T customer with another year on his contract I look forward to some hopeful lessening of my network's strain as said swarm departs.

[Vanthar]

I'm slightly concerned about the network load, but I don't think it will be anything like the AT&T situation. Verizon already has a large number of data hungry smartphones on the network. I'm not sure how many AT&T people will drop $200-300 just to switch, but I imagine there are quite a few..

[Dukefrukem]

Still not interested.

Some interesting facts from the press.

The Verizon iphone will support hotspot / tethering up to 5 devices

You still will not be able to access data while on a phone call... (which really isn't a big deal but people like to point this fact out)

There's an interesting antenna design on the Verizon phone that sets it apart from AT&T

[johnperkins21]

Meh, my Droid Incredible is better than the iPhone 4 in pretty much every conceivable way. This might have been interesting a year ago, but Android is leaps and bounds better than iOS.

[Dukefrukem]

Meh, my Droid Incredible is better than the iPhone 4 in pretty much every conceivable way.

My response to that is this (http://www.droidforums.net/forum/droid-incredible-tech-issues/68013-possible-solution-low-space-notification.html). HTC has some real trouble on their hands with the Incredible.

[johnperkins21]

My response to that is this (http://www.droidforums.net/forum/droid-incredible-tech-issues/68013-possible-solution-low-space-notification.html). HTC has some real trouble on their hands with the Incredible.
I'm unaware of that issue.

It's not perfect, but neither is the iPhone. I've had some sync issues with the mail app, but in general it has worked almost flawlessly for me. And the huge bonus is that I never have to come into contact with iTunes.

[Mike Kelehan]

As a Nexus One owner, my opinion is still, "Keep it." DS has better games, Android is more useful.

[JayVe]

One of the saddest things about this is: AT&T probably owes a lot of their network problems to Apple's iPhone success.

The iPhone drove lots of people to AT&T, and those people were data hungry. The iPhone's success has pushed lots of content providers into the mobile space, delivering content to these iPhones. AT&T is stuck in the middle. They don't get the glory for the iPhone's success, just the blame for the connection failures.

For the record, I'm not an AT&T apologist. In fact, I loathe the Death Star company. But a broader perspective shows us that they got somewhat screwed by this iPhone deal. Their network is worse now that before the iPhone partnership, and now customers will flee after having been tied to the crumbling infrastructure.

AT&T has no friends

[Scull]

Well, at least half the iPhone users in my office sent up a cheer and are planning on jumping to Verizon ASAP. The Android users all shrugged and said "meh"

[Orca]

Why in the world would someone buy this when the new iPhone version will be out in the summer and they'll be locked out of getting it because of the contract? Wait six months and get the new one that might be LTE.

[JayVe]

By not making this a 4G phone, they can get people to upgrade in a year or two when they FINALLY release the iPhone 4G.

I knew people who purchased the iPhone 4 beacuase (http://www.colonyofgamers.com/cogforums/showthread.php?t=21198) they thought it was 4G. Yeah. It has a '4' in the name. Do you know what 4G is buddy?

Eyeroll please?

[Dukefrukem]

I'm unaware of that issue.

It's not perfect, but neither is the iPhone. I've had some sync issues with the mail app, but in general it has worked almost flawlessly for me. And the huge bonus is that I never have to come into contact with iTunes.

I'm experiencing it right now. Had the phone for 6 months. I currently do not have any access to my mail or google talk. It's so frustrating and there's no fix other than to wipe your phone.

[Zero]

So what happens when all these new customers sign 2-year contracts next month and they announce the iPhone 5 in June?

[johnperkins21]

One of the saddest things about this is: AT&T probably owes a lot of their network problems to Apple's iPhone success.
I agree entirely. It is somewhat sad that AT&T gets such a terrible rap for their network when a large portion of the problem was the insane demand for the iPhone. They made quite a bit of money though, so I'm not too bummed for them.

[Vandabo]

Had this happened a year or so ago I would have an iPhone now, but as it is I've got a droid and I'm happy.

[biosc1]

So what happens when all these new customers sign 2-year contracts next month and they announce the iPhone 5 in June?

http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/2491/explodingheade.gif


Really, the biggest problem I've had with Verizon is their lack SIM card usage...makes it harder to make the move between providers, no?

[JayVe]

Had this happened a year or so ago I would have an iPhone now, but as it is I've got a droid and I'm happy.

I think you'll find a lot of people in your camp. Expect more soon.

Me? I may be joining you guys soon if Palm drops the ball on Feb 9th (http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/04/hp-invites-press-to-an-exciting-webos-announcement-on-february).

[Banacek]

No LTE? No thanks. I can wait.

[johnperkins21]

I'm experiencing it right now. Had the phone for 6 months. I currently do not have any access to my mail or google talk. It's so frustrating and there's no fix other than to wipe your phone.
That would be frustrating. We have a user who had tons of sync issues with the mail app, but never that space issue. Eventually getting a replacement phone has helped him. I've had the phone since the day it was released, and have been very happy with it thus far, but I understand that my experience isn't universal.

One thing I do wish they'd fix is the bluetooth interface so that we can use the Wiimote app. And I am envious of all the cool accessories that the iPhone has.

[JayVe]

*REVOLTING*That may be the most disgusting GIF I've ever seen.

Would you mind putting some spoiler tags around it please?

[iHap]

That may be the most disgusting GIF I've ever seen.

Would you mind putting some spoiler tags around it please?

I guess you'd have to see the movie to not be disgusted.

[Kelegacy]

Being a Droid X owner, I am already super happy. No need to go backwards. Maybe in 2 years I will reevaluate but by then Android will probably be even more advanced.

[Stoke]

That may be the most disgusting GIF I've ever seen.

Would you mind putting some spoiler tags around it please?

Is that the first time you've seen that? I hate it too but it's posted on a regular basis both here and on other parts of the web.

[Bone]

You guys are getting grossed out by a gif from Scanners? Welcome to the amazing special effects of 1981!

[muddi900]

Why would anyone even compare HTC phones to iphone? There are great, solid built Android sets; none of them are made by HTC.

EDIT: Agree with Bone there. Seriously you guys? I wonder how you'll react to Videodrome.

[Suave Peanut]

I'll stick with Galaxy S for now, thanks.

[zarathstra]

I'm with a bunch of folks here. I've used iPhones in the past and found them "meh." I have a Droid, and I love it, and I don't see any reason to change.

[Jackel]

Why would anyone even compare HTC phones to iphone? There are great, solid built Android sets; none of them are made by HTC.

EDIT: Agree with Bone there. Seriously you guys? I wonder how you'll react to Videodrome.

I can't tell if you are serious or not, but the Nexus One, Evo 4G, and G2 are all great phones by HTC.

[Stoke]

You guys are getting grossed out by a gif from Scanners? Welcome to the amazing special effects of 1981!

Why would anyone even compare HTC phones to iphone? There are great, solid built Android sets; none of them are made by HTC.

EDIT: Agree with Bone there. Seriously you guys? I wonder how you'll react to Videodrome.

I didn't say I was grossed out, I just said I hated it. ;)

[Vanthar]

So what happens when all these new customers sign 2-year contracts next month and they announce the iPhone 5 in June?

You steal your family members upgrade and give them your old phone. I've been doing this for years.

[biosc1]

Just for you Stoke...more claymation nastiness!

k78TVkbrHHM

[OldJadedGamer]

I'm an Apple nut and have never really found a use for the iPhone after owning an iPod Touch. I was thinking of getting this new one with Verizion but the thought of a new iPhone just months away along with Ver. 2 of the iPad and I think I'll just keep my ghetto flip phone.

The best news about this finally being official? People will finally stop talking about rumors of it.

[Bone]

I just think it's funny because so many people declared it would NEVER HAPPEN. Just like the Nintendo DS would never appeal to anybody... anywhere.

[Widgetcraft]

That may be the most disgusting GIF I've ever seen.

Would you mind putting some spoiler tags around it please?

I dunno man... that thing is pretty tame. Maybe I just spend too much time on 4chan, but that gif didn't even make me blink.

[Grifter]

I just hope this finally allows AT&T to pull their head out of Apples ass and allow better smart phones on their network.

[Xerxes]

I can't tell if you are serious or not, but the Nexus One, Evo 4G, and G2 are all great phones by HTC.

I'm not to high on HTC myself, but these were all pretty decent phones. Even the mytouch lineup is decent enough for what they are. I do think some other folks out there are bringing a little more heat though.

At least it's not from Sony Ericsson. :(

[Banacek]

The best news about this finally being official? People will finally stop talking about rumors of it.

QFT. Maybe Engadget can get back to talking about tech that isn't cell phone related? Ah, I'm probably hoping for too much.

[burger]

QFT. Maybe Engadget can get back to talking about tech that isn't cell phone related? Ah, I'm probably hoping for too much.

They have tons of content from CES that isn't cell phone related

[Uatu]

I work for Verizon FNS and this has been confirmed internally for over a year. That said I still opted for a Droid X. There was no reason to wait.

Future thanks for all of you who are going to pad my year-end bonus with this crap, despite Verizon having an awesome line up of phones for quite some time now.

[Banacek]

They have tons of content from CES that isn't cell phone related

And they have 10 times more content then that that is cell phone related. If I could filter out cell phone tech I'd love that site. Now I just occasionally read it.

[Xerxes]

And they have 10 times more content then that that is cell phone related. If I could filter out cell phone tech I'd love that site. Now I just occasionally read it.

Funny, I read it more cause of cell phone tech. They could do a better job at leaving phone stuff on mobile.engadget as I feel like I'm double reading most things on the regular site.

[OldJadedGamer]

They also mentioned they would offer plans for the iPad soon as well.

[Chris_D]

I just hope iPhone comes to Docomo.
:p

[KamaItachi]

I just hope iPhone comes to Docomo.
:p

Who can you get an iPhone with at the moment? AU or Vodafone?

[Banacek]

Funny, I read it more cause of cell phone tech. They could do a better job at leaving phone stuff on mobile.engadget as I feel like I'm double reading most things on the regular site.

Right, that would work perfect for both of us.

[Wolvie]

Awe c'mon! I just got a new contract and phone! Fuckers! :mad:

Is there any way I can upgrade and get the tastey iPhone 4 with my current contract? Or am I stuck with paying retail?

[Chris_D]

Who can you get an iPhone with at the moment? AU or Vodafone?

Only Softbank (formally Vodafone). :(

[J Arcane]

I just hope this finally allows AT&T to pull their head out of Apples ass and allow better smart phones on their network.
Oh man, are they ever.

http://www.att.com/shop/wireless/devices/motorola-atrix.jsp#fbid=xEr7Ucj315n

[Xerxes]

Right, that would work perfect for both of us.

I'd read both of them anyways, so it wouldn't matter too much.
I think Apple is retarded, and just do the Samsung Galaxy thing. Release on all carriers at once.

[Scull]

Awe c'mon! I just got a new contract and phone! Fuckers! :mad:

Is there any way I can upgrade and get the tastey iPhone 4 with my current contract? Or am I stuck with paying retail?
I think Verizon gives you a 30 day grace period to return your phone and change your contract. Not 100% sure though. Couldn't hurt to give them a call and ask.

[Stoke]

Awe c'mon! I just got a new contract and phone! Fuckers! :mad:

Is there any way I can upgrade and get the tastey iPhone 4 with my current contract? Or am I stuck with paying retail?

You're stuck paying the big bucks most likely.

[Wolvie]

I think Verizon gives you a 30 day grace period to return your phone and change your contract. Not 100% sure though. Couldn't hurt to give them a call and ask.

considering I got my phone last March 2010(yeah I made it sound like I got it yesterday), I think that 30 day window has passed. Hopefully the big V will be so stoked to make iPhone sales they'll make a special upgrade period so people like me can get one... of course if they don't I won't be too bummed, I'd have to get a $30 data package and I already have a iPod touch.

[Stmfuller]

Call verizon customer service. 95% of the time I can talk them into giving me a new phone.
I'm due for a phone at the end of the year and I've got a couple of choices to make:
I'm really curious to see what HP/Palm does. They have annoucements coming early Feb. If Palm can't pick up a couple of developers that's start making stuff for the Pre...I'm out. But if they can pick up the slack, webOS is really a sexy phone OS and I'll stay put with the Pre2.

Other than that, it's iphone vs android:
$200 for a 16g iphone is right up my alley...and it's got killer support.
Android is open, and I love that.
Too early to make a decision right now, but I'm happy I've got choices.

[J Arcane]

I think Palm is pretty dead in the water now, no matter what HP does.

I think if you want a 3rd option at this point, you may look into WinPhone7, just don't do it on a plan with a bandwidth cap. (http://arstechnica.com/microsoft/news/2011/01/microsoft-looking-into-claims-of-massive-windows-phone-7-data-usage.ars)