OT: Technology and Geek Stuff Thread

[FVD]

I find it hard to believe the K-Zoo doesn't have 3G coverage from AT&T. We have 3G in Knoxville and Chattanooga, those cities are comparable in size to K-Zoo. Hell, even in Cleveland, TN there's 3G coverage and its smaller than K-Zoo. .

[Sweatpants Murphy]

k-zoo has 3G with CDMA carriers

[Larsky]

But you can't use an iPhone on a CDMA network (yet).

I live in San Francisco, and there are so many iPhones being used around here that AT&T's 3G network has been overwhelmed for, like, years (as has NYC). This problem has been well-documented. Here's a link to just one article on the problem.

[Sweatpants Murphy]

But you can't use an iPhone on a CDMA network (yet).

I live in San Francisco, and there are so many iPhones being used around here that AT&T's 3G network has been overwhelmed for, like, years (as has NYC). This problem has been well-documented. Here's a link to just one article on the problem.

I'm aware of all those things, thus the reason aircards are capped at 5GB/month on 3G networks.

Watch for some carriers to start capping data on smartphones also. There have been reports of Verizon drafting up tiered data packages, which will totally suck ass for the average consumer. How many people monitor how many GBs of data they use per month?

Lots of folks will get hosed on that stuff too, because they'll dump all their money into the highest tier (probably 5GB) for peace of mind when they only use their phone for basic web browsing

[chomansup]

Wow, that is sad that AT&T doesn't have 3G in Kalamazoo. I switched to AT&T for the iPhone, which I don't regret (since I love the phone enough - not an Apple fanboi btw), but the connection quality is definitely worse than Verizon's. I live in LA and there are plenty of spots with poor connections around here.

[CGVT]

I've used ATT up and down the east coast and have been very happy with it. Much better than Verizon (work phone)

[Coop]

I don't live or die by 3G - Edge is good enough for my needs. 3G also kills battery life...with the Ipad release I have to think AT&T is scrambling to add more bandwidth as when the 3G model comes out it's only going to add more devices to an already congested network.

Exclusivity for the iphone is ending - it will be curious to see what other carriers begin officially selling it.

[chomansup]

EDGE is ok...I travel a lot for work and sometimes have to use it. Typically, I just never do anything casual on the internet when I'm confined to 2.5G. I might start trying to look something up, and if it's not that pressing I'll give up and go without (oh, the horror!). I do value the 3G, and would love to have more consistent coverage (particularly at work...though my signal issues at work are also a likely a function of the attenuation of our buildings).

[Malto Marko]

Wow.

My head is spinning.

I have a Razor that I use for incoming and outgoing calls.

My kids tell me the iphone is what I need to get to the next level but, I am not so sure about AT&T.

I am going to purchase a new phone soon and have had my interest peaked with the Droid as my current provider is Verizon.

My needs are calling to talk to family members, and occasional texting. I find it interesting that the phones can surf the internet and have been amused when the Sons or SIL can pull their phone out and settle a dispute we have with games recently played.

What would I want that will not cost me a hundred bucks a month for service but will allow me to access information available on the internet?

[Panoptes]

For personal use like my own, I understand the need to limit the cost (try $8 month via pay as you go prepaid) but (for now) a biz use cell phone is a write off so why the $ limit that more than likely will not exceed about $100 month?

Wait a second, I just read about your orange cone sitch.

[Malto Marko]

For personal use like my own, I understand the need to limit the cost (try $8 month via pay as you go prepaid) but (for now) a biz use cell phone is a write off so why the $ limit that more than likely will not exceed about $100 month?

Wait a second, I just read about your orange cone sitch.

Actually, this is my personal phone which I do use more for business than personal.

However, I am in Detroit which has no good reason to increase Business expenses and have in fact been on a 7 year cost cutting expense for overhead.

Expenses are good when you need to reduce your tax liabilities. Expenses are not good when the income does not equal your expenses.

[Sweatpants Murphy]

Wow.

My head is spinning.

I have a Razor that I use for incoming and outgoing calls.

My kids tell me the iphone is what I need to get to the next level but, I am not so sure about AT&T.

I am going to purchase a new phone soon and have had my interest peaked with the Droid as my current provider is Verizon.

My needs are calling to talk to family members, and occasional texting. I find it interesting that the phones can surf the internet and have been amused when the Sons or SIL can pull their phone out and settle a dispute we have with games recently played.

What would I want that will not cost me a hundred bucks a month for service but will allow me to access information available on the internet?

You're looking at $100/month minimum for a Droid at Big Red, since they add on a smartphone data package

From the needs you expressed, and seeing that you currently own a Razr, I'd suggest going with something less extravagant...take baby steps. There are a ton of phones out there that can browse the web, for those moments where it's crucial to get the right answers, that are much easier to use.

But if you do discover a need for a smartphone, perhaps for business purposes, you can always looks to Sprint or T-Mobile to keep it well under $100/month.

[Malto Marko]

Tanks Sweaty.

I guess I am too old school to understand the difference between a smart phone and a phone that has internet/browser capabilities.

What makes a smart phone, smart?

[Sweatpants Murphy]

Tanks Sweaty.

I guess I am too old school to understand the difference between a smart phone and a phone that has internet/browser capabilities.

What makes a smart phone, smart?

http://smartphones.about.com/od/smartphonebasics/a/what_is_smart.htm

A smartphone is basically a mobile version of your home computer or, in many cases, an extension of your office that allows you to conduct business anywhere. They also browse the web.

Depending on your business, there may be some advantages to getting a smartphone. However, if you find that you don't have a need for one, go with a decent 3G phone with a QWERTY keyboard (for easily typing in your searches) and a nice big screen for those 'old school' eyes jk

[Malto Marko]

Tanks sweaty!