There are two types of people on this planet. iPhone users and Blackberry users. This post is for the cooler of the two;) Getting an iPhone
After months of tribulation I finally made the decision to buy an iPhone. I'm a huge Apple advocate and the iPod is one of the greatest inventions of our time. The iPhone is even better. Now one thing you do want to consider is that buying an iPhone or any SmartPhone device is an investment. So like buying any product it's good to do some research. I thought I'd list and describe some important things to consider before you make your purchase. The below is intended for the beginner iPhone user. Enjoy:
- iPhone comes in two sizes and colors: 8GB and 16GB black or white. 8GB of storage can hold about 2000 songs of music and 16GB can hold about 3600 songs of music.
- 3G is the new wireless network technology. It means fast.
- Costs will vary when you buy an iPhone and if you upgrade from your service provider it could be cheaper. My cost was $249 on a 3 yr contract. If you haven't upgraded your phone in a while then you can get one for $199. This is provided your with Rogers.
- On top of a cell phone Voice plan (your regular minutes), you will need to add a data plan in order to surf the net and check your mail on your iPhone. Voice and data packages vary as well but the one I got is around $60/month.
- If you sign up with Rogers they will charge you a $35 administration fee. They'll also ask you for a deposit of a piece of your soul. In other words, they will own you.
- In addition to 3G, which is how you receive data and access the Internet, there is the option to alternate between 3G and wifi. Wifi is wireless Internet, and if you can connect to a wifi network depending on where you are, then it won’t cost you data minutes. Get it. Cool.
- the iPhone keyboard to type messages takes some getting use to. Blackberry users will claim that their keyboards are quicker for messaging. But it's probably a matter of seconds that are the difference. And you my friend, aren't that strung out about texting someone every milisecond.
- iPhone includes Safari which is Apple’s web browser. It also includes an iPod with wide screen. It has a built in camera too. And most importantly iPhone allows you to install Apps (applications). Apps are wicked. They can range from games, to budget trackers, and pretty much anything you can think of. People are always developing apps and there are rumors that the new ones coming out are going to be amazing. Apps range in price from free to $1.99 to $12.99 and more. Stay tuned to my blog for a post on essential Apps.
- iPhone connects to iTunes where you can buy songs and Apps. iTunes is connected to your credit card. So you won’t be getting things for free like you would by downloading music. Not as easily anyways. But once you see the power of iTunes you could literally buy any song, movie, app, from anywhere in the world whenever you want. Crazy.
- iPhone can connect to your Exchange account at work. So you can carry around your work wherever you are. Not like you want to.
Accessory essentials:
- You will definitely want to buy a screen protector to prevent from scratches and finger prints. At the apple store you can buy sheet protectors for around $15. Easy to apply and they are not permanent. Make sure when you apply them that you are in a dust free environment.
- In addition to protecting the front, it's a good idea to protect the back. This will protect from scratches and keep your baby looking new. I got a rubber case that is like a skin and it also includes a holster so I can attach my iPhone to my belt. That way I will look official while I'm at work. It's the modern day cowboy.
- My holster also has a swivel that allows me to place my Iphone on a table and have it sit upright. Great for watching videos.
- I decided to buy an iPhone pocket guide. I figure that instead of learning how to use my iPhone on my own, I could shorten the learning process by reading a book of someone who has figured out all the tricks already. I got my pocket guide from Chapters for about $10. Well worth it.
- I tried to by my iPhone through Rogers corporate website, but it was futile. What I suggest is going to a Rogers kiosk and having them help you out. They have sold tons of iPhones and know exactly how to set them up. It will take a good hour of your time so be prepared.
- If you have phone contacts in your old cell phone, make sure to save the contacts to your Sim card. You can then take that Sim card and save those contact to your new iPhone. If your Sim card does not support the 3G network, the guy at Rogers will upgrade you to a new one.
- Cancellation fees: iPhones are big investments and big decisions. Be careful because if you cancel a 3yr contract with Rogers there is a cancellation fee of $200. Plus if you cancel your data plan with Rogers there is a $100 fee. Damn.
- If you buy an iPhone and haven't purchased a data plan, be careful when turning your phone on. Your iPhone automatically accesses the Internet to gather information for your GPS, weather, etc. So even if you haven't been 'surfing' the Internet, you could still accumulate data minutes without even knowing. And those data minutes my friend are 5 cents/kb without a plan. Ouch.
- Blackberry Users will envy you.
So there you have it. I'm sure I may have missed a detail or two but as you can see there is a lot to cover when investing in an iPhone. But let me tell you this, it is worth it and more.
Stay tuned to my blog for a list of the essential Applications for your iPhone.
Have I missed something that you think is important to mention? Leave a comment below! (Blackberry users, this post is not a debate of which device is better so please only iPhone tips; let's stop hating)
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