VF Iphone 16GB 3GS-will I get it??

toby2111

Hi,
Contract with O2 finishing soon,upgrade to iphone 16GB 3GS will cost €199 on a €60 per month contract.350 anytime mins,150 texts and a free add on.Plus unlimited download allowance.
VF have a deal,finishing tomorrow,of free Iphone on €60 p/month contract with 600 anytime mins and texts(special double deal I was told),free VF-Vf calls and texts and 2GB downloadable limit.Both on 18 month contract.Current monthly bill with O2 is aroung €55 so bill wont change a great deal.
Really dont know too much about the Iphone but would like to check out what all the fuss is about,and check out some of those cool free apps!So,is it worth all the fuss?Is 2GB enough limit per month?Do apps take up much space?Battery life decent?Mostly be checking mails,browsing and watching clips on youtube.Dont think it makes sense to fork out €199 when I can get one for free with VF.But I have to sign up tomorrow as that deal runs out.Or should I wait a few months for a better Iphone to come out?

partyatmygaff

A new iPhone is out this June/July, you're better off waiting.

toby2111

I presume the new one will be pretty pricey,at least €100-€200.Was wondering why VF were giving 16GB 3GS away for free!Obviously trying to clear older stock for the new arrival!Still seems a pretty good deal all the same,anyone avail of it?Worth it or not?

MayoRoadRunner

toby2111 wrote: »

Hi,
Contract with O2 finishing soon,upgrade to iphone 16GB 3GS will cost €199 on a €60 per month contract.350 anytime mins,150 texts and a free add on.Plus unlimited download allowance.
VF have a deal,finishing tomorrow,of free Iphone on €60 p/month contract with 600 anytime mins and texts(special double deal I was told),free VF-Vf calls and texts and 2GB downloadable limit.Both on 18 month contract.Current monthly bill with O2 is aroung €55 so bill wont change a great deal.
Really dont know too much about the Iphone but would like to check out what all the fuss is about,and check out some of those cool free apps!So,is it worth all the fuss?Is 2GB enough limit per month?Do apps take up much space?Battery life decent?Mostly be checking mails,browsing and watching clips on youtube.Dont think it makes sense to fork out €199 when I can get one for free with VF.But I have to sign up tomorrow as that deal runs out.Or should I wait a few months for a better Iphone to come out?

Hi toby , do you have a contact number to call for this double deal? Would be interested thanks

toby2111

Called into a Vodafone store.Also rang customer care to double check,they said its still running but finished today.Its double mins and texts for 12 months of the 18 month contract.Seems pretty good to me,think I'll go for it!

Owen

You're mad. The new iPhone is rumoured to have a screen capable of double the resolution, video chat, full multitasking, not to mention all the other additional features. You'd really need your head examined to buy the last of the old model.

Dades

PaintDoctor wrote: »

You're mad. The new iPhone is rumoured to have a screen capable of double the resolution, video chat, full multitasking, not to mention all the other additional features. You'd really need your head examined to buy the last of the old model.

+1 (though not sure about all the rumours)...

If you wait for the new one you can pick between the offers, and you'll also be able to upgrade every 12 months to any newer phone that comes out for the same price as joining a network.

OctavarIan

PaintDoctor wrote: »

You're mad. The new iPhone is rumoured to have a screen capable of double the resolution, video chat, full multitasking, not to mention all the other additional features. You'd really need your head examined to buy the last of the old model.

Hahaha

If you believe rumours about Apple products that have yet to be announced then you really need your head examined :P "All the other additional features" ha! Explain to me the advantages that a 960x640 resolution would bring to the iPhone.

Besides, full multitasking coming only on a hardware upgrade? Where are you pulling these rumours from because they smell funny.

Buy a 3GS, it won't become anywhere near obselete. The iPhone is its apps and OS. If you're the kind of person always worried about having the best hardware you shouldn't be in the market for an iPhone.

Dades

^^ A software update won't improve a shít camera (or even install a flash) - which is very important feature of any phone device today.

Owen

OctavarIan wrote: »

If you believe rumours about Apple products that have yet to be announced then you really need your head examined :P "All the other additional features" ha! Explain to me the advantages that a 960x640 resolution would bring to the iPhone.

Only for the fact that by your username you seem to be DreamTheater fan, I'd rip into you. There are no facts, just the stories starting to emerge on the usual sites (Engadget, Gizmodo, Techeblog, TUAW, etc). But do I really need to explain why better res is needed on the phone? The simplest answer I can give is that landscape browsing will be much closer to browsing on a netbook, sites will render correctly, and movies will show more detail when played back.

Besides, full multitasking coming only on a hardware upgrade? Where are you pulling these rumours from because they smell funny.

Apple has said that the existing hardware platform - while capable of multitasking, isn't recommended. They think that if you were to have apps running the background made by 3rd party companies who don't know how to manage system resources and end up making a hogg of an app, will adversely affect apps running in the foreground that need proper resources to render/run correctly. Apple has said that this is why Push was incorporated. They also said that the existing hardware platform would pretty much devastate a battery if it were allowed to multitask.

The newer iPhone could (And if apple are clever, will) use the iPad's A4 processor, which is far more suited to the task. Plus if the handset's a little larger, they can probably squeeze in a bigger battery too.

Buy a 3GS, it won't become anywhere near obselete. The iPhone is its apps and OS.

Only partially. If that's the argument, we should all be using 2g handsets. We don't need the higher data speeds the 3g brought, it's just the apps and OS. We don't need the AGPS the 3g brought, cause it's only apps and OS. We don't need the compass the 3gs brought to allow augmented reality, it's just the apps and OS. We don't need the faster processor the 3gs has for running opengl games, it's just the apps and OS.

Khannie

So before I start, I agree with your post mostly (in that I disagree with the other guys post almost entirely).

PaintDoctor wrote: »

Only for the fact that by your username you seem to be DreamTheater fan, I'd rip into you. There are no facts, just the stories starting to emerge on the usual sites (Engadget, Gizmodo, Techeblog, TUAW, etc). But do I really need to explain why better res is needed on the phone? The simplest answer I can give is that landscape browsing will be much closer to browsing on a netbook, sites will render correctly, and movies will show more detail when played back.

The substantially higher resolution would be f-all use without a much bigger screen for browsing IMO. Pages would probably look very small. With a high bitrate, the current screen is actually bang on for watching movies on, though of course (as I'm a quality whore) the extra resolution would be very welcome, I'd be somewhat concerned about it affecting battery life (decoding that resolution's gonna take some oomph).

PaintDoctor wrote: »

Only partially. If that's the argument, we should all be using 2g handsets. We don't need the higher data speeds the 3g brought, it's just the apps and OS. We don't need the AGPS the 3g brought, cause it's only apps and OS. We don't need the compass the 3gs brought to allow augmented reality, it's just the apps and OS. We don't need the faster processor the 3gs has for running opengl games, it's just the apps and OS.

I take your point, but honestly, I don't really use those things very often (if at all). Edge + wifi is good for me for 95% of the time. I never use augmented reality. I don't play opengl games on it.

The major advantage that the 3gs has for ms is that battery life is better when watching video (though I never owned a previous gen iPhone, I've heard that the 3gs interface is snappier to use too). That's mostly what I want the improved resolution for too (video). I think the current phone is a really good trade off between size and usability though. Slightly larger would be grand, but only slightly.

toby2111

Signed up anyway,number ebing ported later in april so have a few weeks to change my mind but dont think I will.I'm new to the iphone so dont really need the latest model,I'm sure this one will keep me busy enough!

MayoRoadRunner-called into VF store today and guess what...double talk/text mins no longer applies.Even though I was told twice yesterday that it was.Most of my numbers 087 anyway so free calls/texts to VF numbers still a good bonus.

Gregor Samsa

As said, the next generation iPhone will almost certainly be announced in June. This didn't stop me paying for a 32GB one on Saturday.

I've been using Apple stuff for 15 years, and I keep up to date with the rumours. One thing about Apple is that they hardly ever pre-announce their intentions, and they never leak info. So the void is filled by the rumour mill, which doesn't always make for accurate predictions. Take the recent iPad unveiling. The rumour mill had it built up into a tablet OS X machine with all kinds of features. While I think the iPad is pretty cool, this was way wide of the mark.

So the problem is trying to make a purchasing decision based on the rumours. Based on Apple's previous form (iPods, desktops and laptops included) the next update is just as likely to be a simple evolution (64GB model, better screen, a few more mega pixels on the camera) as it is a radical evolution (full multitasking, other magic stuff only Apple can think of, toaster). One thing Apple doesn't do is bow to pressure from the great unwashed. For instance, despite over a decade of criticism, they never made a two button mouse, only adding a right click in 2005 when the Mighty Mouse came out with no buttons (in the conventional sense). So multitasking is not guaranteed.

The current iPhone suits me fine. I understand the importance of 3rd party multitasking for some people, but for the apps I use, I don't need it. Screen is clear enough for me, and I'm actually quite impressed with the camera (granted, I have come from an old Sony candy-bar, and I have a DSLR and a good compact, one of which is pretty much always with me). The one feature I'd love to see added is SMS delivery receipts (a small thing, I know) - but if this is going to be added in the next OS, the 3GS will undoubtedly get the update too.

I suppose this is a long winded way of me saying that, in my humble opinion, if the current iPhone suits you, then there's no reason not to go for it - espically if you can get the 16GB one for free. If the upcoming iPhone HD is evolutionary, I'm not missing much, and I'll be ready for the upgrade to the 5G in 2011. If it's revolutionary, then feck it, I'll shell out the 600 for the new one, and my wife gets this one.

The 3GS won't become "obsolete" with the introduction of the next model, no more than your car is obsolete just because it's not a 10 reg. The 3G is still being sold along side the 3GS, and the 3GS will no doubt still be sold along side the iPhone HD when it does come.

Cyrus

i agree, plus the fact is that you can always wait on the next great thing, imo if you like whats available buy it now,

iphones seem to hold their value pretty well, so take care of it and if the hd/4g whatever it is, is as great as its rumoured to be sell your iphone and buy the new one, the cost to change will prolly not be much more than what the operators will sell them for in the beginning anyway

OctavarIan

Dades wrote: »

^^ A software update won't improve a shít camera (or even install a flash) - which is very important feature of any phone device today.

The iPhone's camera is actually pretty damn good for a phone. Unless you only judge a camera by megapixels. In which case congratulations, you're a victim of marketing. Flash I agree would be nice for most people.

PaintDoctor wrote:

Only for the fact that by your username you seem to be DreamTheater fan, I'd rip into you. There are no facts, just the stories starting to emerge on the usual sites (Engadget, Gizmodo, Techeblog, TUAW, etc). But do I really need to explain why better res is needed on the phone? The simplest answer I can give is that landscape browsing will be much closer to browsing on a netbook, sites will render correctly, and movies will show more detail when played back.

Oh I haven't really been a fan since they jumped the shark, so by all means don't hold back :rolleyes:

Have we really reached the stage where we want netbook browsing on a 4 inch screen? Netbooks are godawful creations, we do not want to take inspiration from them. Movies will show more detail yes, as will photographs. The UI usability won't change. Zooming will always be necessary on the iPhone when browsing the web. If you want comfortable browsing on a mobile device buy an iPad.

It'd be pretty annoying for app developers, having to develop for three different resolutions. Better res is not needed, if Apple actually do market this thing as iPhone HD (seriously when did HD become applicable to any old resolution) you can strike me off as an Apple fan.

PaintDoctor wrote:

Apple has said that the existing hardware platform - while capable of multitasking, isn't recommended. They think that if you were to have apps running the background made by 3rd party companies who don't know how to manage system resources and end up making a hogg of an app, will adversely affect apps running in the foreground that need proper resources to render/run correctly. Apple has said that this is why Push was incorporated. They also said that the existing hardware platform would pretty much devastate a battery if it were allowed to multitask.

Why can't the iPad multitask then if it's a hardware issue? Link me to where you read this because I'm interested in reading it myself.

PaintDoctor wrote:

Only partially. If that's the argument, we should all be using 2g handsets. We don't need the higher data speeds the 3g brought, it's just the apps and OS. We don't need the AGPS the 3g brought, cause it's only apps and OS. We don't need the compass the 3gs brought to allow augmented reality, it's just the apps and OS. We don't need the faster processor the 3gs has for running opengl games, it's just the apps and OS.

Oh we really don't need augmented reality, it's still years off realising its potential and at the moment nothing more than a gimmick.

Without the app store and such a good OS the iPhone wouldn't exist. It's a terrible phone otherwise. The only complaining I ever hear about the hardware is from techies. The only other complaining I hear is about bad signal.

Read the OP's post again. The 3gs would be more than enough for him. I myself plan to pick one up soon after the new version is announced.

Tora Bora

Wait till the new model is out, then get the 3GS. It will be damn near free on a modest monthly contract. Most of the bugs, and earlier problems with it will have been ironed out, excpet the iffy reception bit.

Then sit back and enjoy your new 3GS, running smoothly, on little cash outlay, whilst the people who have jumped to the new version at big money, come on here to moan about the inevitable bugs and issues with it

MayoRoadRunner

toby2111 wrote: »

Signed up anyway,number ebing ported later in april so have a few weeks to change my mind but dont think I will.I'm new to the iphone so dont really need the latest model,I'm sure this one will keep me busy enough!

MayoRoadRunner-called into VF store today and guess what...double talk/text mins no longer applies.Even though I was told twice yesterday that it was.Most of my numbers 087 anyway so free calls/texts to VF numbers still a good bonus.

Ya thought that Toby. I was told offer expired 18.03.2010 - also purchased the 16g 3gs phone myself today. Only require it for email and small bit of browsing so fits my needs I think. The 60 euro a month tariff is more than I need but I was told I can downgrade to a lower tariff after 6 months which is what I intend doing. 18 months is not that long to wait for the next iphone plus hopefully the inevitable early version issues of this 4th gen phone will be ironed out by then.

toby2111

Enjoy the iphone MayoRoadRunner.Mine wont be active until end of this month cos I'm still locked into contract with O2.Does anyone know if i can still transfer contacts and generally mess about with it even though it wont be active for a few weeks?

Dades

OctavarIan wrote: »

The iPhone's camera is actually pretty damn good for a phone.

In bright sunlight with a stationary subject, maybe. The camera on my old Nokia 6300 was way better.

OctavarIan wrote: »

Unless you only judge a camera by megapixels. In which case congratulations, you're a victim of marketing.

No.

People make the point about chasing constantly updated devices... The point is if you sign up during (or just after) a Summer release you can upgrade every time a new iPhone is released for a couple of hundred Euro. Sign an 18 month contract now and every year you find yourself eligible for an upgrade a few months before a new model is released.

OctavarIan

Dades wrote: »

In bright sunlight with a stationary subject, maybe. The camera on my old Nokia 6300 was way better.

The 6300's camera was terrible, photos were blurry, soft, underexposed, overexposed or had awful white balance, you name it.

Dades

OctavarIan wrote: »

The 6300's camera was terrible, photos were blurry, soft, underexposed, overexposed or had awful white balance, you name it.

And it was still better than the iPhone camera. You have to look at prints or downloaded iPhone images to appreciate how noisy they are.

whiterebel

OctavarIan wrote: »

The iPhone's camera is actually pretty damn good for a phone.

I think mine is ok on the 3G. Was ok on the original too, for any photos that i saw. Certainly a whole lot better than Nokia E51,E71 or 5800.