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sdilley14 · Jul 7, 2008, 12:50 PM

This topic may or may not have been discussed before, but I'll go ahead with it.

I got a job a couple months ago that doesn't necessarily require a smart phone, but having one would be really handy. The new iPhone is just around the corner. Great, right? Well, not so much for me. I'm currently under contract with US Cellular (far and away the best coverage of any provder in my area, believe it or not.) I have no problem paying the early termination fee and all and switching over. However, my area doesn't exactly have stellar ATT coverage (zipcode 54601). It's enough to make calls and the reception is mediocre, but there is absolutely no 3g coverage within 50-100 miles of me. I guess 3g isn't an absolute necessity to me, but the lack of solid coverage is definitely a concern. So would it make sense for me to terminate my current contract ($175) and sign up with ATT and get the new iPhone ($300)? It just feels like I'm sacrificing some of the esstianls of having a phone just to get the device I want, even though it won't be utilized to it's full potential (no 3g). Ughh, stupid ATT.

cwosigns · Jul 7, 2008, 12:57 PM

You could search for a used 2G iPhone on craigslist or something. I expect prices for a used iPhone to drop after Friday.

sdilley14 · Jul 7, 2008, 01:14 PM

Originally Posted by cwosigns

You could search for a used 2G iPhone on craigslist or something. I expect prices for a used iPhone to drop after Friday.

I kinda considered that. What's the benefit of the new iPhone other than 3g and a new design (I personally like the first design better anyways). The rest is essntially a software update, isn't it?

sdilley14 · Jul 7, 2008, 01:20 PM

Also, I'd personally rather surf on Wi Fi and have the ability to surf on a slower data network as opposed to what I have now.

Lionsblade · Jul 7, 2008, 01:20 PM

Originally Posted by sdilley14

I kinda considered that. What's the benefit of the new iPhone other than 3g and a new design (I personally like the first design better anyways). The rest is essntially a software update, isn't it?

Right, and the software should be available as an upgrade (for free for iPhone users, I've heard $10 for us Touch users) so that you can utilize the app store, etc. One of the guys I know bought his first gen iPhone after the 3G was announced, and I believe plans to upgrade to take full advantage of the software, but won't really need the 3G coverage since it's minimal in our area as well.

sdilley14 · Jul 7, 2008, 01:26 PM

I'm usually in one of the areas that has 3g coverage about once a month. So it's no big deal having 3g capability. Then again, the new iPhone is relatively cheap. I can hardly see a first gen iPhone being so much cheaper that it'd make sense to go that route. Hmm, I guess time will tell.

Randman · Jul 7, 2008, 04:33 PM

Your sig is awfully long.

sdilley14 · Jul 7, 2008, 07:06 PM

I've never noticed. I figured a line of text wasn't as obnoxious as most peoples' images. Oh well.

laxthxdude · Jul 22, 2008, 11:30 PM

Don't know where you're at for ATT but I'm in La Crosse and have solid ATT coverage. In fact, they just lite up a new tower at the airport 2 weeks ago with more coming online in July / August. No 3G yet but the engineers are currently mapping out 3G coverage for La Crosse, Green Bay, Appleton and Oshkosh (or so I've been told). If you want more detailed coverage info, let me know.