I phone 4 not worth the money.

childoflight · 20-07-2010, 01:50

So was very excited when I got an iphone 4 recently. That all changed when I opened it. The first thing I realised that my old sim did not fit which was annoying because it uses micro sims which you have to order online because you can't get them in shops easily. So searched on the internet finally found a template which I printed and put my sim on the template and cut an extra sim i had to size and put that in my iphone (make sure to back up contacts before doing this).

The next thing i had to do was to update my itunes which took ages on my laptop then update the software for my iphone 4 which took also alot of time. I had to then sync my iphone with itunes and yep you guess it more time waisted but this was not the end.

What I wanted to do now was to transfer all my contacts from my old mobile on to the iphone 4 well easier said then done as that turned out to be a hassel due to the bluetooth on the iphone being basically useless as it would not detect my old phone, where as my old mobile detected the iphone 4. Ended up doing this the old fashioned way of using a pen and paper.

After getting all this sorted found out that majority of the apps you have to pay for. The ones that are free are ok but most of them are trial versions with most features missing, or do not have them entriely. My brothers htc hero is great as he can get most of his apps free and they have extra features such as the "bump app" which on the htc has the ability to transfer apps to other htc mobiles, no such luck for iphone users.

The most infuriating aspect of the iphone was still to come as after I got the apps I wanted to try watching videos on youtube but noooooooooooooo it would not load them most of the time from you tube and sites like metecafe and Marvel it was not compatable with their videos.

There is also the issue with signaling problems and is why apple is offering a "bumper" (snazy word for a case bascially) to all iphone 4 owners which they say solves the signalling problem which i havent used the iphone 4 enough off to see whether i have difficulties with.

Moral of this rant dont buy the iphone 4 while i did'nt buy it (i got it as a gift) i will probably end up getting the new htc hero if the video problem is not sorted. Lets hope apple customer support can help.

lalaland · 20-07-2010, 02:11

I agree.

I've not really been a fan of the iPhone handsets but the 4 is laughable. Apple appear to have seriously cocked up here but can't bite the bullet, they appear to make excuses, sling mud and make their embarrassing situation even worse.

If you've got an iPhone 4 that you don't want I'd advise chucking it on eBay and trying an HTC such as the Desire. I don't think it will be too much longer before iPhones are replaced in the major popularity by HTC handsets, their more recent Android handsets are doing really well and people are starting to see them as a serious alternative to iPhones.

jamestm · 20-07-2010, 02:12

Did you know you were about to receive the iPhone 4 as a gift? If you did, then surely you did a bit of research?

It's common knowledge to anyone interested in the iPhone 4 that it takes micro-sims. All you'd have to do is walk into your local phone shop and they'd swap it all over for you.

There's no getting around having to update iTunes if you don't have a compatible version. This would also be listed in requirements when you did your research.

Do you have an address book on your PC (Outlook) or Mac (Address Book)? You can load your contacts that way.

Why would you expect apps to be free? It's not called an App Store for nothing, you usually buy things with money in stores. Plus, there are thousands of free apps that are just as good and even better than half the crap you can buy on there.

Many YouTube videos are compatible with iPhone, many are not. Just something you have to accept!

The antenna is an issue for some people but you've been offered a free bumper to sort this so you can't really argue the fact that you've bought a £500 phone that doesn't work as you were given it as a gift.

Finally, if you don't want it, I'll have it!

Gormond · 20-07-2010, 02:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by lalaland

I agree.

I've not really been a fan of the iPhone handsets but the 4 is laughable. Apple appear to have seriously cocked up here but can't bite the bullet, they appear to make excuses, sling mud and make their embarrassing situation even worse.

If you've got an iPhone 4 that you don't want I'd advise chucking it on eBay and trying an HTC such as the Desire. I don't think it will be too much longer before iPhones are replaced in the major popularity by HTC handsets, their more recent Android handsets are doing really well and people are starting to see them as a serious alternative to iPhones.

Yeah if you like phones that feel cheaply made and plasticy then I would also recommend the desire. Good luck on getting that 2.2 update faster than the hero got it's update...

neil79 · 20-07-2010, 02:24

I just walked into a O2 shop and they gave me a micro sim about a week before my i phone arrived. I had planned using O2 as I prefer their network, customer service is excellent as well.

As for You tube videos I have had no problem watching them on my old 3g or my new i phone4 so you probably need to look at your local network.

Why would you use bluetooth to try and transfer your contacts ?
Much easier and undoubtably faster to use the internet on a smartphone ?

From what I can see Apple has a far larger selection of free & paid for app's than the competion.

I have not had a chance to select a case yet for my new phone but so far signal is as strong as ever and the new phone is seriously faster than my old 3G.

Toilet-Duck · 20-07-2010, 02:28

I've got a 3GS so I think Im just going to stick with this for a few years.

Theres not much difference in the Iphone 4 I dont think apart from a low light flash (usless) and a better screen with a front camera for video calling but its certainly not worth £500 - £600 to upgrade from a 3GS.

lalaland · 20-07-2010, 02:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gormond

Yeah if you like phones that feel cheaply made and plasticy then I would also recommend the desire.

The Desire doesn't feel cheaply made at all. It certainly has plastic involved in it's construction, but that's not a bad thing at all.

The nice thing about the Desire is that it just works and feels great in the hand because you can hold it any way you want and unlike the iPhone 4 you don't loose signal strength or have to apply a bumper making it look cheap and plasticy just to ensure you get a signal

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gormond

Good luck on getting that 2.2 update faster than the hero got it's update...

Apparently 2.2 will be hitting the Desire before Christmas 2010. So according to HTC this should be in the next 5 months. The extras this will bring to an already excellent phone are looking good. I know previous HTC handsets got left behind, but officially HTC have announced this won't be the case for the Desire.

lalaland · 20-07-2010, 02:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toilet-Duck

I've got a 3GS so I think Im just going to stick with this for a few years.

Theres not much difference in the Iphone 4 I dont think apart from a low light flash (usless) and a better screen with a front camera for video calling but its certainly not worth £500 - £600 to upgrade from a 3GS.

Is it true that you can only use the front facing camera to make video calls when connected to a WiFi network and can't use it over the mobile network? I remember reading this around launch time and was shocked at such a decision, hopefully Apple have realised their error and changed this if it was true??

Toilet-Duck · 20-07-2010, 02:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by lalaland

Is it true that you can only use the front facing camera to make video calls when connected to a WiFi network and can't use it over the mobile network? I remember reading this around launch time and was shocked at such a decision, hopefully Apple have realised their error and changed this if it was true??

I'm not sure but I would think so video calling uses LOADS of bandwidth on the networks which would cripple it if everyone used the feature.

lalaland · 20-07-2010, 02:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toilet-Duck

I'm not sure but I would think so video calling uses LOADS of bandwidth on the networks which would cripple it if everyone used the feature.

Plenty of handsets allow you to make video calls over the networks though without using WiFi and have done for years now.

I've done a spot of googling. Appears the Apple app only allows you to use WiFi, but 3rd party apps allow you to use the mobile network such as FRING. The problem is that FRING has to be FRING to FRING calls, so unlike other mobiles that just make a video call to other video call compatible handsets, the iPhone 4 is only part of the way there where you have to have the same software on the other phone to receive the call. Seems typical of Apple to half implement an old idea.

Having said that it wouldn't matter much to me. I don't use video calls and neither do many others that I know these days so I opted for a phone that doesn't go video calls at all this time.

Toilet-Duck · 20-07-2010, 03:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by lalaland

Plenty of handsets allow you to make video calls over the networks though without using WiFi and have done for years now.

I've done a spot of googling. Appears the Apple app only allows you to use WiFi, but 3rd party apps allow you to use the mobile network such as FRING. The problem is that FRING has to be FRING to FRING calls, so unlike other mobiles that just make a video call to other video call compatible handsets, the iPhone 4 is only part of the way there where you have to have the same software on the other phone to receive the call. Seems typical of Apple to half implement an old idea.

Having said that it wouldn't matter much to me. I don't use video calls and neither do many others that I know these days so I opted for a phone that doesn't go video calls at all this time.

Yeah I tested this on a few mobiles but the quality was really bad much worse than a webcam plus your charged extra for the feature.

IanN · 20-07-2010, 06:55

Having gone from the 3G to the iPhone 4 I'm very very happy with it, much faster, camera is very very good - much better than any of the HTC phones I've seen.

It's all horses for courses - it took me about 3 minutes to sync my iPhone 4, popped the cable in - all contacts and settings synched from old iPhone, even my Internet history and text messages. I don't think htc do that!

Not sure about the reception issue - it seems like the phone's got better reception all around, when it's in my hand it's about the same as the 3G, maybe slightly better.

I did look at the desire, but the quality of the apps, and the safety of regular iTunes backups with iPhone kept me with apple.

pocatello · 20-07-2010, 10:14

This almost sounds like a parody of someone bashing the iphone:P

cfcblue · 20-07-2010, 11:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamestm

Did you know you were about to receive the iPhone 4 as a gift? If you did, then surely you did a bit of research?

It's common knowledge to anyone interested in the iPhone 4 that it takes micro-sims. All you'd have to do is walk into your local phone shop and they'd swap it all over for you.

There's no getting around having to update iTunes if you don't have a compatible version. This would also be listed in requirements when you did your research.

Do you have an address book on your PC (Outlook) or Mac (Address Book)? You can load your contacts that way.

Why would you expect apps to be free? It's not called an App Store for nothing, you usually buy things with money in stores. Plus, there are thousands of free apps that are just as good and even better than half the crap you can buy on there.

Many YouTube videos are compatible with iPhone, many are not. Just something you have to accept!

The antenna is an issue for some people but you've been offered a free bumper to sort this so you can't really argue the fact that you've bought a £500 phone that doesn't work as you were given it as a gift.

Finally, if you don't want it, I'll have it!

Fanboy alert!

lalaland · 20-07-2010, 12:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toilet-Duck

Yeah I tested this on a few mobiles but the quality was really bad much worse than a webcam plus your charged extra for the feature.

The quality isn't too bad on some handsets, but you're right about the charge it's a complete put off. I only ever once had a tariff that included video calls in the minutes, but that only lasted 12 months and my upgrade didn't come with it.

On top of that, many people don't appear to want to video chat for whatever reason, so it wasn't much use for me.

lalaland · 20-07-2010, 12:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by IanN

Having gone from the 3G to the iPhone 4 I'm very very happy with it, much faster, camera is very very good - much better than any of the HTC phones I've seen.

I guess it comes down to what you want from a phone. As you say below, it's horses for courses, because I find the iPhone sadly doesn't meet my needs with Apple's walled garden approach however many others don't appear to mind this and some actually seem to like it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by IanN

It's all horses for courses - it took me about 3 minutes to sync my iPhone 4, popped the cable in - all contacts and settings synched from old iPhone, even my Internet history and text messages. I don't think htc do that!

Yes, the Desire does it. Can't speak for other HTC handsets though.

Quote:

Originally Posted by IanN

Not sure about the reception issue - it seems like the phone's got better reception all around, when it's in my hand it's about the same as the 3G, maybe slightly better.

You are probably not in the unlucky group of people who hold the handset in a way that Apple don't approve of

Quote:

Originally Posted by IanN

I did look at the desire, but the quality of the apps, and the safety of regular iTunes backups with iPhone kept me with apple.

I don't see any lack in the quality of Apps on Android at all. There's certainly not the same number of apps, but quantity and quality are two different things. When you consider Apple's restrictions that they place on developers compared to Google's open approach for Android I think quality is anything but lacking on the Desire, it's benefiting massively from that. And many of the apps available on iPhone are available on Android, with some exclusives on both sides of the handsets.

If you've tried Navigon with the built in GPS on the Desire for example you'd think anything other than quality issues, it's perfect (and no need for external GPS hardware or cradles)

dontpannic · 20-07-2010, 12:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by cfcblue

Fanboy alert!

No, common sense alert actually.

Most of the OP's complaints don't wash, its the same thing over and over and to be honest I'm past caring.

All of these arguments can be solved with one paragraph.

If you don't like the iPhone don't buy one. If you bought one and you don't like it, take it back.

There's no point coming onto forums, and bitching. And bitching. And bitching. Its just a stuck record and its getting absolutely ridiculous now.

Gormond · 20-07-2010, 13:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by dontpannic

No, common sense alert actually.

Most of the OP's complaints don't wash, its the same thing over and over and to be honest I'm past caring.

All of these arguments can be solved with one paragraph.

If you don't like the iPhone don't buy one. If you bought one and you don't like it, take it back.

There's no point coming onto forums, and bitching. And bitching. And bitching. Its just a stuck record and its getting absolutely ridiculous now.

Indeed people act like they are special or something because they don't like the iPhone...

Guess what the iPhone is a great phone and so is the HTC Desire and the Samsung Galaxy S but it's all down to user preference.

The reason I go for an iPhone is iOS, I'm not a fan of Android at all and it feels to me very much like a iOS clone with less polish, of coarse it has advantage due to it's open source nature which will make it popular. Windows Phone 7 however looks excellent and something completely new so if they make it work with the Mac I may switch to that, or atleast buy one so I can play with it.

moox · 20-07-2010, 13:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gormond

Yeah if you like phones that feel cheaply made and plasticy then I would also recommend the desire. Good luck on getting that 2.2 update faster than the hero got it's update...

My Desire seems very solid (save for the back cover).

Already running 2.2, a cooked ROM based on a leaked ROM from HTC themselves. Seems to be running okay so a real release can't be far away (perhaps in time for their car holder that comes out in August and needs 2.2 to work)

You can't compare the time taken to go from 1.6 to 2.1, to that of 2.1 to 2.2.

1.6 to 2.1 is a massive leap. Like going from XP to Windows 7. 2.1 to 2.2 is more of a service pack (in Windows terms).

Gormond · 20-07-2010, 14:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by moox

My Desire seems very solid (save for the back cover).

Already running 2.2, a cooked ROM based on a leaked ROM from HTC themselves. Seems to be running okay so a real release can't be far away (perhaps in time for their car holder that comes out in August and needs 2.2 to work)

You can't compare the time taken to go from 1.6 to 2.1, to that of 2.1 to 2.2.

1.6 to 2.1 is a massive leap. Like going from XP to Windows 7. 2.1 to 2.2 is more of a service pack (in Windows terms).

It's a bit of a stretch saying its like going from XP to Windows 7, Maybe Vista to Windows 7 would be more like it.

Problem with HTC is they make far to many phones and are fast to drop support for old ones, I doubt the Desire will ever see Gingerbread as the Desire HD will be out by then.

I expect atleast 2 years support for a new smartphones with regular service packs and atleast 2 major updates as these things are sold on 24 month contracts and RRP for £500.

moox · 20-07-2010, 14:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gormond

It's a bit of a stretch saying its like going from XP to Windows 7, Maybe Vista to Windows 7 would be more like it.

I expect atleast 2 years support for a new smartphones with regular service packs and atleast 2 major updates as these things are sold on 24 month contracts and RRP for £500.

Considering that Windows 7 is more like Vista SE (like 98 to 98SE), I would disagree. XP to 7 is more like it.

1.6 to 2.1 is a huge leap, so it is no surprise that it took a while for HTC to get an update out. 2.1 to 2.2 is much less of an issue - if the "chefs" could do it well before HTC even thought of doing it, it can't be too hard for the company themselves.

I would disagree (as an HTC owner) that 2 years for updates is necessary. It could be argued that the phone is as it sold, and that any software updates are at HTC's discretion. I would however expect some level of support for at least a few months after they stop making the handset.

Just because it can come with a 2 year contract does not mean it should be supported for that length of time. The network is simply giving you the handset on an interest free loan. By your logic, all phones should have a warranty equal to the length of the contract, but they don't.

It will be disappointing if HTC don't do a 3.0 update for their 2010 phones (particularly if Google release the source this year), but it won't be too much of an issue. There will be a wealth of cooked ROMs to choose from. This is different to Apple and stopping updates to the original iPhone, since only Apple can make updates due to the locked down platform.

boyzie · 20-07-2010, 14:47

Apart for the fact I can't afford it at the mo I'l stay with my jailbroken 3g (which I love)..£500 to £600 is a crazy amount for a phone.There would have to be some amazing extra features for me to consider saving for the iPhone4,and as far as I can see there just isn't any.

Gormond · 20-07-2010, 14:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by moox

Just because it can come with a 2 year contract does not mean it should be supported for that length of time. The network is simply giving you the handset on an interest free loan. By your logic, all phones should have a warranty equal to the length of the contract, but they don't.

It will be disappointing if HTC don't do a 3.0 update for their 2010 phones (particularly if Google release the source this year), but it won't be too much of an issue. There will be a wealth of cooked ROMs to choose from. This is different to Apple and stopping updates to the original iPhone, since only Apple can make updates due to the locked down platform.

Many manufactures give 2 year warranty such as SE. If they can't guarantee that I will at least get updates for the length of my contract I wouldn't buy the device, and by updates i mean automatically, not looking all over the net for unofficial updates which BTW you get for iPhones too. Also Apple dropped the original iphone from updates after it's been out for 3 years which is far more reasonable than any other manufacturers.

If I was to get an Android phone I would go for the one that Google themselves update such as the Nexus One as that way you will get updates straight away. I'm interested in how MS handle with with Windows Phone 7 and if they do a better job with updates.

Also I have heard of issues from program compatibility between Android versions which would be a major pain in the ass.

Gormond · 20-07-2010, 14:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by boyzie

Apart for the fact I can't afford it at the mo I'l stay with my jailbroken 3g (which I love)..£500 to £600 is a crazy amount for a phone.There would have to be some amazing extra features for me to consider saving for the iPhone4,and as far as I can see there just isn't any.

£500 isn't that uncommon considering you get 16MB of built in storage. The Desire RRP for example is £479.99 which isn't that much cheaper and comes with less storage.

If you want the best phones on the market you will always have to pay a premium.

alanwarwic · 20-07-2010, 15:05

Not that many bother with RRP and just use mobile subsidies for a free phone. These are for now far less on the iPhone.
The memory itself is decent on the iPhone but unlike normal smartphones it is forever limited at that amount.

There is still a premium even when free and I'm guessing at £500 extra for the iPhone.

20-07-2010, 01:50	#1
childoflight Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 117	I phone 4 not worth the money. So was very excited when I got an iphone 4 recently. That all changed when I opened it. The first thing I realised that my old sim did not fit which was annoying because it uses micro sims which you have to order online because you can't get them in shops easily. So searched on the internet finally found a template which I printed and put my sim on the template and cut an extra sim i had to size and put that in my iphone (make sure to back up contacts before doing this). The next thing i had to do was to update my itunes which took ages on my laptop then update the software for my iphone 4 which took also alot of time. I had to then sync my iphone with itunes and yep you guess it more time waisted but this was not the end. What I wanted to do now was to transfer all my contacts from my old mobile on to the iphone 4 well easier said then done as that turned out to be a hassel due to the bluetooth on the iphone being basically useless as it would not detect my old phone, where as my old mobile detected the iphone 4. Ended up doing this the old fashioned way of using a pen and paper. After getting all this sorted found out that majority of the apps you have to pay for. The ones that are free are ok but most of them are trial versions with most features missing, or do not have them entriely. My brothers htc hero is great as he can get most of his apps free and they have extra features such as the "bump app" which on the htc has the ability to transfer apps to other htc mobiles, no such luck for iphone users. The most infuriating aspect of the iphone was still to come as after I got the apps I wanted to try watching videos on youtube but noooooooooooooo it would not load them most of the time from you tube and sites like metecafe and Marvel it was not compatable with their videos. There is also the issue with signaling problems and is why apple is offering a "bumper" (snazy word for a case bascially) to all iphone 4 owners which they say solves the signalling problem which i havent used the iphone 4 enough off to see whether i have difficulties with. Moral of this rant dont buy the iphone 4 while i did'nt buy it (i got it as a gift) i will probably end up getting the new htc hero if the video problem is not sorted. Lets hope apple customer support can help.

20-07-2010, 02:11	#2
lalaland Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: UK Posts: 11,539	I agree. I've not really been a fan of the iPhone handsets but the 4 is laughable. Apple appear to have seriously cocked up here but can't bite the bullet, they appear to make excuses, sling mud and make their embarrassing situation even worse. If you've got an iPhone 4 that you don't want I'd advise chucking it on eBay and trying an HTC such as the Desire. I don't think it will be too much longer before iPhones are replaced in the major popularity by HTC handsets, their more recent Android handsets are doing really well and people are starting to see them as a serious alternative to iPhones.

20-07-2010, 02:12	#3
jamestm Forum Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: London Posts: 745	Did you know you were about to receive the iPhone 4 as a gift? If you did, then surely you did a bit of research? It's common knowledge to anyone interested in the iPhone 4 that it takes micro-sims. All you'd have to do is walk into your local phone shop and they'd swap it all over for you. There's no getting around having to update iTunes if you don't have a compatible version. This would also be listed in requirements when you did your research. Do you have an address book on your PC (Outlook) or Mac (Address Book)? You can load your contacts that way. Why would you expect apps to be free? It's not called an App Store for nothing, you usually buy things with money in stores. Plus, there are thousands of free apps that are just as good and even better than half the crap you can buy on there. Many YouTube videos are compatible with iPhone, many are not. Just something you have to accept! The antenna is an issue for some people but you've been offered a free bumper to sort this so you can't really argue the fact that you've bought a £500 phone that doesn't work as you were given it as a gift. Finally, if you don't want it, I'll have it!

20-07-2010, 02:16	#4
Gormond Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Scotland Posts: 15,714	Quote: Originally Posted by lalaland I agree. I've not really been a fan of the iPhone handsets but the 4 is laughable. Apple appear to have seriously cocked up here but can't bite the bullet, they appear to make excuses, sling mud and make their embarrassing situation even worse. If you've got an iPhone 4 that you don't want I'd advise chucking it on eBay and trying an HTC such as the Desire. I don't think it will be too much longer before iPhones are replaced in the major popularity by HTC handsets, their more recent Android handsets are doing really well and people are starting to see them as a serious alternative to iPhones. Yeah if you like phones that feel cheaply made and plasticy then I would also recommend the desire. Good luck on getting that 2.2 update faster than the hero got it's update...

20-07-2010, 02:24	#5
neil79 Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 506	I just walked into a O2 shop and they gave me a micro sim about a week before my i phone arrived. I had planned using O2 as I prefer their network, customer service is excellent as well. As for You tube videos I have had no problem watching them on my old 3g or my new i phone4 so you probably need to look at your local network. Why would you use bluetooth to try and transfer your contacts ? Much easier and undoubtably faster to use the internet on a smartphone ? From what I can see Apple has a far larger selection of free & paid for app's than the competion. I have not had a chance to select a case yet for my new phone but so far signal is as strong as ever and the new phone is seriously faster than my old 3G.

20-07-2010, 02:28	#6
Toilet-Duck Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Tyne And Wear Posts: 688	I've got a 3GS so I think Im just going to stick with this for a few years. Theres not much difference in the Iphone 4 I dont think apart from a low light flash (usless) and a better screen with a front camera for video calling but its certainly not worth £500 - £600 to upgrade from a 3GS.

20-07-2010, 02:33	#7
lalaland Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: UK Posts: 11,539	Quote: Originally Posted by Gormond Yeah if you like phones that feel cheaply made and plasticy then I would also recommend the desire. The Desire doesn't feel cheaply made at all. It certainly has plastic involved in it's construction, but that's not a bad thing at all. The nice thing about the Desire is that it just works and feels great in the hand because you can hold it any way you want and unlike the iPhone 4 you don't loose signal strength or have to apply a bumper making it look cheap and plasticy just to ensure you get a signal Quote: Originally Posted by Gormond Good luck on getting that 2.2 update faster than the hero got it's update... Apparently 2.2 will be hitting the Desire before Christmas 2010. So according to HTC this should be in the next 5 months. The extras this will bring to an already excellent phone are looking good. I know previous HTC handsets got left behind, but officially HTC have announced this won't be the case for the Desire.

20-07-2010, 02:35	#8
lalaland Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: UK Posts: 11,539	Quote: Originally Posted by Toilet-Duck I've got a 3GS so I think Im just going to stick with this for a few years. Theres not much difference in the Iphone 4 I dont think apart from a low light flash (usless) and a better screen with a front camera for video calling but its certainly not worth £500 - £600 to upgrade from a 3GS. Is it true that you can only use the front facing camera to make video calls when connected to a WiFi network and can't use it over the mobile network? I remember reading this around launch time and was shocked at such a decision, hopefully Apple have realised their error and changed this if it was true??

20-07-2010, 02:36	#9
Toilet-Duck Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Tyne And Wear Posts: 688	Quote: Originally Posted by lalaland Is it true that you can only use the front facing camera to make video calls when connected to a WiFi network and can't use it over the mobile network? I remember reading this around launch time and was shocked at such a decision, hopefully Apple have realised their error and changed this if it was true?? I'm not sure but I would think so video calling uses LOADS of bandwidth on the networks which would cripple it if everyone used the feature.

20-07-2010, 02:41	#10
lalaland Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: UK Posts: 11,539	Quote: Originally Posted by Toilet-Duck I'm not sure but I would think so video calling uses LOADS of bandwidth on the networks which would cripple it if everyone used the feature. Plenty of handsets allow you to make video calls over the networks though without using WiFi and have done for years now. I've done a spot of googling. Appears the Apple app only allows you to use WiFi, but 3rd party apps allow you to use the mobile network such as FRING. The problem is that FRING has to be FRING to FRING calls, so unlike other mobiles that just make a video call to other video call compatible handsets, the iPhone 4 is only part of the way there where you have to have the same software on the other phone to receive the call. Seems typical of Apple to half implement an old idea. Having said that it wouldn't matter much to me. I don't use video calls and neither do many others that I know these days so I opted for a phone that doesn't go video calls at all this time.

20-07-2010, 03:59	#11
Toilet-Duck Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Tyne And Wear Posts: 688	Quote: Originally Posted by lalaland Plenty of handsets allow you to make video calls over the networks though without using WiFi and have done for years now. I've done a spot of googling. Appears the Apple app only allows you to use WiFi, but 3rd party apps allow you to use the mobile network such as FRING. The problem is that FRING has to be FRING to FRING calls, so unlike other mobiles that just make a video call to other video call compatible handsets, the iPhone 4 is only part of the way there where you have to have the same software on the other phone to receive the call. Seems typical of Apple to half implement an old idea. Having said that it wouldn't matter much to me. I don't use video calls and neither do many others that I know these days so I opted for a phone that doesn't go video calls at all this time. Yeah I tested this on a few mobiles but the quality was really bad much worse than a webcam plus your charged extra for the feature.

20-07-2010, 06:55	#12
IanN Forum Member Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 222	Having gone from the 3G to the iPhone 4 I'm very very happy with it, much faster, camera is very very good - much better than any of the HTC phones I've seen. It's all horses for courses - it took me about 3 minutes to sync my iPhone 4, popped the cable in - all contacts and settings synched from old iPhone, even my Internet history and text messages. I don't think htc do that! Not sure about the reception issue - it seems like the phone's got better reception all around, when it's in my hand it's about the same as the 3G, maybe slightly better. I did look at the desire, but the quality of the apps, and the safety of regular iTunes backups with iPhone kept me with apple.

20-07-2010, 10:14	#13
pocatello Inactive Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 8,622	This almost sounds like a parody of someone bashing the iphone:P

20-07-2010, 11:16	#14
cfcblue Inactive Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 145	Quote: Originally Posted by jamestm Did you know you were about to receive the iPhone 4 as a gift? If you did, then surely you did a bit of research? It's common knowledge to anyone interested in the iPhone 4 that it takes micro-sims. All you'd have to do is walk into your local phone shop and they'd swap it all over for you. There's no getting around having to update iTunes if you don't have a compatible version. This would also be listed in requirements when you did your research. Do you have an address book on your PC (Outlook) or Mac (Address Book)? You can load your contacts that way. Why would you expect apps to be free? It's not called an App Store for nothing, you usually buy things with money in stores. Plus, there are thousands of free apps that are just as good and even better than half the crap you can buy on there. Many YouTube videos are compatible with iPhone, many are not. Just something you have to accept! The antenna is an issue for some people but you've been offered a free bumper to sort this so you can't really argue the fact that you've bought a £500 phone that doesn't work as you were given it as a gift. Finally, if you don't want it, I'll have it! Fanboy alert!

20-07-2010, 12:04	#15
lalaland Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: UK Posts: 11,539	Quote: Originally Posted by Toilet-Duck Yeah I tested this on a few mobiles but the quality was really bad much worse than a webcam plus your charged extra for the feature. The quality isn't too bad on some handsets, but you're right about the charge it's a complete put off. I only ever once had a tariff that included video calls in the minutes, but that only lasted 12 months and my upgrade didn't come with it. On top of that, many people don't appear to want to video chat for whatever reason, so it wasn't much use for me.

20-07-2010, 12:10	#16
lalaland Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: UK Posts: 11,539	Quote: Originally Posted by IanN Having gone from the 3G to the iPhone 4 I'm very very happy with it, much faster, camera is very very good - much better than any of the HTC phones I've seen. I guess it comes down to what you want from a phone. As you say below, it's horses for courses, because I find the iPhone sadly doesn't meet my needs with Apple's walled garden approach however many others don't appear to mind this and some actually seem to like it. Quote: Originally Posted by IanN It's all horses for courses - it took me about 3 minutes to sync my iPhone 4, popped the cable in - all contacts and settings synched from old iPhone, even my Internet history and text messages. I don't think htc do that! Yes, the Desire does it. Can't speak for other HTC handsets though. Quote: Originally Posted by IanN Not sure about the reception issue - it seems like the phone's got better reception all around, when it's in my hand it's about the same as the 3G, maybe slightly better. You are probably not in the unlucky group of people who hold the handset in a way that Apple don't approve of Quote: Originally Posted by IanN I did look at the desire, but the quality of the apps, and the safety of regular iTunes backups with iPhone kept me with apple. I don't see any lack in the quality of Apps on Android at all. There's certainly not the same number of apps, but quantity and quality are two different things. When you consider Apple's restrictions that they place on developers compared to Google's open approach for Android I think quality is anything but lacking on the Desire, it's benefiting massively from that. And many of the apps available on iPhone are available on Android, with some exclusives on both sides of the handsets. If you've tried Navigon with the built in GPS on the Desire for example you'd think anything other than quality issues, it's perfect (and no need for external GPS hardware or cradles)

20-07-2010, 12:11	#17
dontpannic Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Orpington, Kent Posts: 2,344	Quote: Originally Posted by cfcblue Fanboy alert! No, common sense alert actually. Most of the OP's complaints don't wash, its the same thing over and over and to be honest I'm past caring. All of these arguments can be solved with one paragraph. If you don't like the iPhone don't buy one. If you bought one and you don't like it, take it back. There's no point coming onto forums, and bitching. And bitching. And bitching. Its just a stuck record and its getting absolutely ridiculous now.

20-07-2010, 13:32	#18
Gormond Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Scotland Posts: 15,714	Quote: Originally Posted by dontpannic No, common sense alert actually. Most of the OP's complaints don't wash, its the same thing over and over and to be honest I'm past caring. All of these arguments can be solved with one paragraph. If you don't like the iPhone don't buy one. If you bought one and you don't like it, take it back. There's no point coming onto forums, and bitching. And bitching. And bitching. Its just a stuck record and its getting absolutely ridiculous now. Indeed people act like they are special or something because they don't like the iPhone... Guess what the iPhone is a great phone and so is the HTC Desire and the Samsung Galaxy S but it's all down to user preference. The reason I go for an iPhone is iOS, I'm not a fan of Android at all and it feels to me very much like a iOS clone with less polish, of coarse it has advantage due to it's open source nature which will make it popular. Windows Phone 7 however looks excellent and something completely new so if they make it work with the Mac I may switch to that, or atleast buy one so I can play with it.

20-07-2010, 13:57	#19
moox Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 14,645	Quote: Originally Posted by Gormond Yeah if you like phones that feel cheaply made and plasticy then I would also recommend the desire. Good luck on getting that 2.2 update faster than the hero got it's update... My Desire seems very solid (save for the back cover). Already running 2.2, a cooked ROM based on a leaked ROM from HTC themselves. Seems to be running okay so a real release can't be far away (perhaps in time for their car holder that comes out in August and needs 2.2 to work) You can't compare the time taken to go from 1.6 to 2.1, to that of 2.1 to 2.2. 1.6 to 2.1 is a massive leap. Like going from XP to Windows 7. 2.1 to 2.2 is more of a service pack (in Windows terms).

20-07-2010, 14:19	#20
Gormond Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Scotland Posts: 15,714	Quote: Originally Posted by moox My Desire seems very solid (save for the back cover). Already running 2.2, a cooked ROM based on a leaked ROM from HTC themselves. Seems to be running okay so a real release can't be far away (perhaps in time for their car holder that comes out in August and needs 2.2 to work) You can't compare the time taken to go from 1.6 to 2.1, to that of 2.1 to 2.2. 1.6 to 2.1 is a massive leap. Like going from XP to Windows 7. 2.1 to 2.2 is more of a service pack (in Windows terms). It's a bit of a stretch saying its like going from XP to Windows 7, Maybe Vista to Windows 7 would be more like it. Problem with HTC is they make far to many phones and are fast to drop support for old ones, I doubt the Desire will ever see Gingerbread as the Desire HD will be out by then. I expect atleast 2 years support for a new smartphones with regular service packs and atleast 2 major updates as these things are sold on 24 month contracts and RRP for £500.

20-07-2010, 14:32	#21
moox Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 14,645	Quote: Originally Posted by Gormond It's a bit of a stretch saying its like going from XP to Windows 7, Maybe Vista to Windows 7 would be more like it. I expect atleast 2 years support for a new smartphones with regular service packs and atleast 2 major updates as these things are sold on 24 month contracts and RRP for £500. Considering that Windows 7 is more like Vista SE (like 98 to 98SE), I would disagree. XP to 7 is more like it. 1.6 to 2.1 is a huge leap, so it is no surprise that it took a while for HTC to get an update out. 2.1 to 2.2 is much less of an issue - if the "chefs" could do it well before HTC even thought of doing it, it can't be too hard for the company themselves. I would disagree (as an HTC owner) that 2 years for updates is necessary. It could be argued that the phone is as it sold, and that any software updates are at HTC's discretion. I would however expect some level of support for at least a few months after they stop making the handset. Just because it can come with a 2 year contract does not mean it should be supported for that length of time. The network is simply giving you the handset on an interest free loan. By your logic, all phones should have a warranty equal to the length of the contract, but they don't. It will be disappointing if HTC don't do a 3.0 update for their 2010 phones (particularly if Google release the source this year), but it won't be too much of an issue. There will be a wealth of cooked ROMs to choose from. This is different to Apple and stopping updates to the original iPhone, since only Apple can make updates due to the locked down platform.

DS Forums

I phone 4 not worth the money.

20-07-2010, 14:47	#22
boyzie Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: St Osyth Posts: 3,249	Apart for the fact I can't afford it at the mo I'l stay with my jailbroken 3g (which I love)..£500 to £600 is a crazy amount for a phone.There would have to be some amazing extra features for me to consider saving for the iPhone4,and as far as I can see there just isn't any.

20-07-2010, 14:52	#23
Gormond Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Scotland Posts: 15,714	Quote: Originally Posted by moox Just because it can come with a 2 year contract does not mean it should be supported for that length of time. The network is simply giving you the handset on an interest free loan. By your logic, all phones should have a warranty equal to the length of the contract, but they don't. It will be disappointing if HTC don't do a 3.0 update for their 2010 phones (particularly if Google release the source this year), but it won't be too much of an issue. There will be a wealth of cooked ROMs to choose from. This is different to Apple and stopping updates to the original iPhone, since only Apple can make updates due to the locked down platform. Many manufactures give 2 year warranty such as SE. If they can't guarantee that I will at least get updates for the length of my contract I wouldn't buy the device, and by updates i mean automatically, not looking all over the net for unofficial updates which BTW you get for iPhones too. Also Apple dropped the original iphone from updates after it's been out for 3 years which is far more reasonable than any other manufacturers. If I was to get an Android phone I would go for the one that Google themselves update such as the Nexus One as that way you will get updates straight away. I'm interested in how MS handle with with Windows Phone 7 and if they do a better job with updates. Also I have heard of issues from program compatibility between Android versions which would be a major pain in the ass.

20-07-2010, 14:54	#24
Gormond Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Scotland Posts: 15,714	Quote: Originally Posted by boyzie Apart for the fact I can't afford it at the mo I'l stay with my jailbroken 3g (which I love)..£500 to £600 is a crazy amount for a phone.There would have to be some amazing extra features for me to consider saving for the iPhone4,and as far as I can see there just isn't any. £500 isn't that uncommon considering you get 16MB of built in storage. The Desire RRP for example is £479.99 which isn't that much cheaper and comes with less storage. If you want the best phones on the market you will always have to pay a premium.

20-07-2010, 15:05	#25
alanwarwic Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: the wild world web Posts: 28,132	Not that many bother with RRP and just use mobile subsidies for a free phone. These are for now far less on the iPhone. The memory itself is decent on the iPhone but unlike normal smartphones it is forever limited at that amount. There is still a premium even when free and I'm guessing at £500 extra for the iPhone.