New iPod games; iPhone data plan; Sprint's anti-iPhone talking points

[AppleInsider]

Apple has released a new trio of iPod games aimed at helping students prep for the S.A.T.'s. Meanwhile, some hints at potential AT&T iPhone data plans have surface. And Sprint has issued to its retail employees a guide filled with "iPhone Talking Points" to help curb iPhone converts.

Kaplan SAT Prep games for iPod

Apple through its iTunes Store on Monday released a trio of educational games by Kaplan to help students prepare for the Standard Aptitude Tests (SATs). SAT Prep Math 2008, SAT Prep Reading 2008 and SAT Prep Writing 2008 are available for $4.99 each.

"Kaplan has helped more than three million students score higher on admissions exams and get into the nation's top colleges and universities," Apple wrote on the iTunes store. "Now, Apple is bringing Kaplan's exclusive test-taking strategies and tips to the iPod so you can prepare for your college admissions anytime, anywhere."

SAT Prep 2008 games are compatible only with the fifth-generation iPod with iPod Software 1.2 or later. The titles, which are only in the English language, include practice quizzes, informative audio tutorials, and performance feedback. They also allow users to listen to music tracks while prepping.

Possible iPhone data plan details

Meanwhile, the BGR is citing its usual AT&T managerial sources in saying the carrier's iPhone data plan -- or "iPlan" -- will cost iPhone adopters "around $34.99 to $44.99 and feature unlimited data, and either 2000 text messages, or unlimited text messages."

The blog site adds that once Sunday's iPhone shipments pass through customs, they'll be transfered to FedEx, which will then hold individual store shipments until Friday afternoon.

Sprint outlines anti-iPhone battle plan

Also preparing for Friday's "iDay" is Sprint, which last week issued a series of guides designed to help retail employees counteract customers who are looking to cancel their service contracts in favor of rival AT&T and iPhone.

The document, title "iPhone Talking Points Guide for Sales and Customer Care," comes by way of MDN, which notes that Sprint staffers "are being told to expect an initial drop of up to 6 percent of their current 'smart phone' customers" beginning with Friday's iPhone launch.

We've highlighted some of Sprint's more entertaining anti-iPhone talking points, though all are accessible via a quick PDF download [124K]:
"Using the iPhone on the GSM/EDGE network may be like having a really powerful computer on dial up."
"Whether you want music, email, web surfing or business files, our phones will download everything faster."
"Concerned about coverage? I think you’ll see that we are comparable or better than all other carriers. Let me show you the map on our Power Network Coverage Tool to verify your coverage area."
"We have many handsets that are MP3 players."
"You want to have music with your phone? Let me show you the new Upstage or the Fusic II."
"Any music phone from Sprint lets you download songs instantly – out of thin air."
"Are you sure 4G or 8G is enough storage for you? To give you a comparison, most iPods/MP3 players hold 40 to 60Gigs or more."
"The Upstage takes external mini-disks for unlimited storage."
"Sure we have less expensive phones than the iPhone. The MotoQ, for example, is only $79 and is an MP3 player, PDA, camera, mobile internet device, and of course, a phone."
"Most current Smartphones have secure email necessary for business functionality. "
"The iPhone uses Yahoo and Mac email which is not secure. "
"[iPhone] has a non-replaceable battery. "
"[iPhone] offers no external storage. "
"The iPhone is an Apple product and has some nice features. It also has a nice price. Do you really need all those features in one device?"

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[Ringo]

"The iPhone uses Yahoo and Mac email which is not secure. "

Oh what a lie! They make it sound like you're tied down to those services.

[Slewis]

Null.

[Buck]

So if you're a [cancelling] sprint customer you have to go through the ENTIRE checklist with the store person?

[fraklinc]

what they dont know is that 3G is already on the iphone and is just waiting for a firmware update to get it workin, also it will perform 5x better than any smartphone do to the complete OS X on it, thats was goin to make it hot, imagine making unlimited phones call through skype on it, with spyke running trough iphone data plan, thats whats really everyone is scare of, it could kill the entire cell phone industry and send apple sky rocket

[audiopollution]

Originally Posted by fraklinc

what they dont know is that 3G is already on the iphone

Prove it.

[mugwump]

If ATT and Apple are really interested in a riot of device sales, that "iPlan" will be for voice and data combined. I mean, we're only talking about EDGE speeds, and Sprint offers that up almost free.

[donlphi]

I'm currently a Sprint user. If you are also a spring user and want to laugh even more, do a search for iPHONE on the Sprint Search and just start following the links. It takes you right to their anti-iPHONE propoganda page.

Funny thing was... it took me forever to get there. hmmm

[BdeRWest]

"The iPhone is an Apple product and has some nice features. It also has a nice price. Do you really need all those features in one device?"

Hahaha.

Really? Do you really need all those lovely super cool features in one device? Wouldn't you rather buy three devices? Pants usually come with four pockets. What will you do with the other three?? You obviously didn't think this through. How about I sell you this nice fusik? You can grab music "OUT OF THIN AIR"

If ATT and Apple are really interested in a riot of device sales, that "iPlan" will be for voice and data combined. I mean, we're only talking about EDGE speeds, and Sprint offers that up almost free.

Yeah, T-Mobile's Web costs me $5 per month for unlimited data. Although that's just GPRS. So nevermind.

My phone sucks

[Ringo]

Originally Posted by fraklinc

what they dont know is that 3G is already on the iphone and is just waiting for a firmware update to get it workin, also it will perform 5x better than any smartphone do to the complete OS X on it, thats was goin to make it hot, imagine making unlimited phones call through skype on it, with spyke running trough iphone data plan, thats whats really everyone is scare of, it could kill the entire cell phone industry and send apple sky rocket

Alright, that's enough Kool-aid for you.

[sfschier55]

My wife and I just canceled our Sprint account after six years and went with AT&T not solely for the iPhone but because we have been treated so horribly by Sprint customer service. This just proves there total lack of understanding and downright arrogance.

[BdeRWest]

I just read through the PDF. There are way more jewels of poo-flavored PR in there.

My favorite happens to be the last of the "talking points:" “We will lead in the Wi-MAX deployment.”

Which sounds like they're vowing to lead some weird super-robot army to destroy people...

[BlackSummerNight]

They have no reason to be nice to you anymore.

Originally Posted by fraklinc

i just broke the news to verizon that my 3 lines there going to go down on friday, and after customer service being so nice for year, they did not sound that way today

[fraklinc]

i just broke the news to verizon that my 3 lines there going to go down on friday, and after customer service being so nice for year, they did not sound that way today

[PeterLobl]

Originally Posted by sfschier55

My wife and I just canceled our Sprint account after six years and went with AT&T not solely for the iPhone but because we have been treated so horribly by Sprint customer service. This just proves there total lack of understanding and downright arrogance.

yeah, my treo 700p is being ebay'd on w/e (maybe shud do it now??!)

tired of no new palm browser enhancements, no multitasking, no new email client, palm o/s crashing, memory issues, "fast" evdo being - can u believe - OVERhyped!
(that tether to my laptop is kind of a noose)

i did like the palm games tho :0
and the speakerphone mp3 playa...

but isn't some extra screen space better than a just ok keyboard??

did i mention the $150 bill each month for unlimited data/2000 mins/ and the lovely option of $5/month for sending mms!

can at&t be worse???

sprint, hope u are still around still in 5 yrs... more competition helps us all

[Wally]

Originally Posted by BdeRWest

My favorite happens to be the last of the "talking points:" “We will lead in the Wi-MAX deployment.”

Which sounds like they're vowing to lead some weird super-robot army to destroy people...

You're right - that sounds so funny.

I think the thing that is irritating the most is just how all these companies seem so frantic to try and do a smear campaign against the iPhone. ZDnet/CNet with all of there super-negi bloggers. Instead of talking trash - why not just make a better product?

"Sometimes the best defense is a diet"

[BlackSummerNight]

They don't make phones, they only sell the services. How can they make a better product. There are some nice smartphones out there, it just depends on what you're looking for.

Originally Posted by Wally

You're right - that sounds so funny.

I think the thing that is irritating the most is just how all these companies seem so frantic to try and do a smear campaign against the iPhone. ZDnet/CNet with all of there super-negi bloggers. Instead of talking trash - why not just make a better product?

"Sometimes the best defense is a diet"

[anantksundaram]

It is just sooooooo satisfying to see companies like Sprint on the run! (I was a customer once).

This product is going to be such a kick-in-the-bu77 for a third-rate industry that is well past deserving it -- watching them squirm is alone worth the price of admission!

[BlackSummerNight]

I think there is a glitch in the Matrix, the post seem out of order.

[wilco]

Originally Posted by fraklinc

what they dont know is that 3G is already on the iphone and is just waiting for a firmware update to get it workin, also it will perform 5x better than any smartphone do to the complete OS X on it, thats was goin to make it hot, imagine making unlimited phones call through skype on it, with spyke running trough iphone data plan, thats whats really everyone is scare of, it could kill the entire cell phone industry and send apple sky rocket

No offense, but are you retarded?

[jamesfabin]

If Sprint can count external media cards as additional storage, then doesn't my Mac Pro count as additional storage for my iPhone? It's funny how they plan to try and keep customers - they have no products that compete, and for those of us who will buy the iPhone this Friday, price isn't an issue.

I can't wait till 6pm this Friday to get mine. I'm going to call Verizon on Thursday to make sure I fully understand how to terminate my account with them. I know the Apple crew will take care of that for me, but I want the pleasure of calling them myself just to hear what they have to say.

James

[NOFEER]

the info has been out long enough that people have either decided to buy or not, most in the almost know ...know that this is truly a revolollutionary product are there hasn't ever been this kind of buzz about any carrier or phone. at t will smoke them and they are kicking themselves for ignoring apple....verizon most of all
gee lets sell this to a carrier.....how much does it cost to swing a customer to your side......major dollars and at t can do this with one swipe.

they are all jealous and customers are tired of the monopoly of junk phones and service from the carriers. we have been held hostage toooo long by the carriers....that's what they wanted all along. remember when verizon crippled their bluetooth phones, and the customers yelled at them and left.

freedom to the customers

[Feynman]

ha! I typed in iPhone on Sprints page and here's what came up:

Searching for a music phone?
Check out our wide selection of music phones including Upstage(TM) by Samsung(R) to instantly and wirelessly download music.

[superdork]

Now for a more balanced view.
As a current AT&T customer EDGE is way slow. It's faster than dial up, but not by much.
I've seen Sprint's speeds and they are faster period.
At this point it is true that Sprint does offer music downloads over the network while AT THE MOMENT Apple/AT&T will not allow ITunes downloads over the air.
The 4GB/8GB comment is true. In spite of what Steve says, I can get a 30GB Ipod, Moto Q, and a nokia 800 tethered to the the phone for not much more than an 8Gig IPhone. Hell if I wait long enough I could probably get the Quad Band HTC Shift and have a full blown Windows system/cell phone all in one.(Wouldn't be too thrilled about using it...but)
The comment on removable batteries and storage is TRUE period!.. and spot on.

While I agree this list is charged, you can't ignore how easy it is for the competition to find features lacking in the IPhone.
I'm sure Apple would say we made up in for it in software, but when SOME hardware isn't present there is no amount of software that can give you certain features.

Oh, also to all the meat heads above talking about carrier Monopolies, I have two things to say to you:
1) Five year exclusive contract with Apple
2) Two year contract required to get an IPhone

[BlackSummerNight]

delete this post.

Originally Posted by superdork

Now for a more balanced view.
As a current AT&T customer EDGE is way slow. It's faster than dial up, but not by much.
I've seen Sprint's speeds and they are faster period.
At this point it is true that Sprint does offer music downloads over the network while AT THE MOMENT Apple/AT&T will not allow ITunes downloads over the air.
The 4GB/8GB comment is true. In spite of what Steve says, I can get a 30GB Ipod, Moto Q, and a nokia 800 tethered to the the phone for not much more than an 8Gig IPhone. Hell if I wait long enough I could probably get the Quad Band HTC Shift and have a full blown Windows system/cell phone all in one.(Wouldn't be too thrilled about using it...but)
The comment on removable batteries and storage is TRUE period!.. and spot on.

While I agree this list is charged, you can't ignore how easy it is for the competition to find features lacking in the IPhone.
I'm sure Apple would say we made up in for it in software, but when SOME hardware isn't present there is no amount of software that can give you certain features.

[Cpt K]

1) firm rate plans (less is more - one unlimited plan will do)
2) MS exchange support, albeit thru third party Web 2.0 app (this is pretty big deal to more corp folks whom have thier email thru BB's and PPC variants which support nativly thru activesync and such.)
3) video out similar to video iPods?
4) not a biggie but - what to expect far as obtaining your new sim card if new to AT&T on Friday. Dont believe that I will be getting it from APPLE store? Should I expect to get iPhone... then go to authorized A&TT store for new sim and such? Really would like to know how many meals to pack in my bag Friday

[DisneyEcho]

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

...some hints at potential AT&T iPhone data plans have surface...

Possible iPhone data plan details

Meanwhile, the BGR is citing its usual AT&T managerial sources in saying the carrier's iPhone data plan -- or "iPlan" -- will cost iPhone adopters "around $34.99 to $44.99 and feature unlimited data, and either 2000 text messages, or unlimited text messages."

I just came from my AT&T store and the sales rep as well as the manager gave this news:

1) The voice plans will be the standard ones AT&T offers. See the AT&T website for the different plans and options.

2) The data plans will be at the exact cost of $19.99, $29.99 and $39.99 per month -- and you do NOT have the option of getting no data plan.

3) It is Apple which won't let AT&T disclose what is in these data plans until 6 pm local time Friday. (So they say...)

4) There is a huge banner outside our store saying that unlimited text messages has arrived at AT&T. Obviously this is being added because of Friday's launch of iPhone. When asked if the unlimited text message plan is one of the three that will be offered with iPhone, they could not say.

[Cpt K]

Originally Posted by DisneyEcho

I just came from my AT&T store and the sales rep as well as the manager gave this news:

1) The voice plans will be the standard ones AT&T offers. See the AT&T website for the different plans an options.

2) The data plans will be at the exact cost of $19.99, $29.99 and $39.99 per month -- and you do NOT have the option of getting no data plan.

3) It is Apple which won't let AT&T disclose what is in these data plans until 6 pm local time Friday. (So they say...)

4) There is a huge banner outside our store saying that unlimited text messages has arrived at AT&T. Obviously this is being added because of Friday's launch of iPhone. When asked if the unlimited text message plan is one of the three that will be offered with iPhone, they could not say.

if $40 i unlimited what are other tiers for?

$20 - I wish I could afford this phone
$30 - Well I can at least eat lunch out one day this week

?!!?!?!?!?!?

[joeYYY]

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

Possible iPhone data plan details

Meanwhile, the BGR is citing its usual AT&T managerial sources in saying the carrier's iPhone data plan -- or "iPlan" -- will cost iPhone adopters "around $34.99 to $44.99 and feature unlimited data, and either 2000 text messages, or unlimited text messages."

The blog site adds that once Sunday's iPhone shipments pass through customs, they'll be transfered to FedEx, which will then hold individual store shipments until Friday afternoon.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

The data plan mentioned here is somewhat better priced the the data plan I have with Verizon (I don't have text messages) although the one I have is with EVDO which is faster.

Many here are focusing on speed but IMO speed is not everything. Yes, it is important to get your page fast. But, if you get the page in its actual form (unlike now with my BB that I get it column by column and sometime not all text is displayed), and you can browse on it easily (zoom in, move around it, switch from portrait to landscape etc. all without the need to reload the page!), I think that this could compensate the lack of speed to some degree.

[fraklinc]

Originally Posted by wilco

No offense, but are you retarded?

everyone is complaining its the networks when on the other hand its the smartphones that can't handle the data fast enough just watch and see 3G is nothing, because smart phones have it and it they still suck, and if you think is impossible to update the unit to 3G, just look back to 5 months when apple upgrade a/g to n drafts on their machines, dont think because some companies have dum asses working for them, everyone is doing the same

[DisneyEcho]

Originally Posted by Cpt K

if $40 i unlimited what are other tiers for?

$20 - I wish I could afford this phone
$30 - Well I can at least eat lunch out one day this week

My guess:

$39.99: Unlimited texting and data

$29.99: Some limit on the amount of data used each month, but unlimited texting

$19.99: Limits on data and texting.

For the lower cost two plans, if you go over the limit you'll have to pay a certain amount extra based on how much over you are.

Sound right to y'all?

[Cpt K]

Originally Posted by DisneyEcho

My guess:

$39.99: Unlimited texting and data

$29.99: Some limit on the amount of data used each month, but unlimited texting

$19.99: Limits on data and texting.

For the lower cost two plans, if you go over the limit you'll have to pay a certain amount extra based on how much over you are.

Sound right to y'all?

i'm going to be soo divorced come Saturday.

[MacD]

I am a former Sprint (Corporate) employee. After I walked off the campus last year, the first thing I did was call and transfer my PCS number to Cingular, solely because the rumored iPhone was to be on Cingular's network first.

While my local economy relies heavily on the Sprint not suffering too much, I get emmense pleasure out of watching them come up with about the lamest excuses.

Most people are going to buy an iPhone, they are going to have their number ported over and there is really nothing Sprint is going to do about it. For the lamers who go into the Sprint store, and toss out the "iPhone" and threatening to switch to AT&T... then Sprint has the lame responses in the PDF seen.

Sprint has ignored Mac users for so long, and only recently have they started to add MacBook Pro's to their stores to demo wireless data. This is a first. This was only after the iPhone was announced in January. Few people higher than peon level could find their nose in a mirror. Clueless.

"Of course we have MP3 phones" is one of the lame responses. The thing is, what Sprint doesn't get, is it is not just that you want an MP3 player, you want one that works with iTunes. What Sprint should have did was got in bed with Apple and iTunes and they might be enjoying the success AT&T is going to have in a few days. But no, they went and launched their own music service, wow... that was bright! Whoever thought of that idea should have been fired long ago.

I might just cruise by the Sprint campus on Monday (post iPhone release) and see if there is any smoke coming out of that place.

Even if I was still an employee and enjoyed a FREE all you can eat phone plan and discounted phones, I would still switch my service to Cingular and still carry an iPhone. My best is many employees will be doing the same.. just as Microsoft employees carry a iPod.

[Clive At Five]

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

"Using the iPhone on the GSM/EDGE network may be like having a really powerful computer on dial up."

Oh this is too funny!

They might have well just said to the Mac-users, "the iPhone on GSM is like a Mac Pro on Dial-Up... so we suggest you use a $15 eBay-purchased Bondi iMac on DSL instead, because network speeds have everything to do with hardware performance and capabilities."



These guys are hilarious!

-Clive

[Ireland]

So, they are nervous after all.

[akabaka]

I called T-Mobile to ask some questions about my impending switch to AT&T for the iPhone, and they tried to sell me on some touch-phone they're launching soon called the "HTC Touch." They also bemoaned the lack of push email (nevermind Yahoo's free offering) on the iPhone -- which they inexplicably kept calling the "iPac."

[Abster2core]

Originally Posted by DisneyEcho

My guess:

$39.99: Unlimited texting and data

$29.99: Some limit on the amount of data used each month, but unlimited texting

$19.99: Limits on data and texting.

For the lower cost two plans, if you go over the limit you'll have to pay a certain amount extra based on how much over you are.

Sound right to y'all?

Perhaps you would like to join in:

Voice-Unlimited night/weekend 1000 minute voice, unlimited internet

Ajhill - $69
Abster2core - $66
Addabox - $79, at the lowest, no more than $99
Hobbes - 1000 min voice (unlimited night/weekend) + limited data plan $79, + unlimited data plan $99[
Kavik - $99/month for 450 voice minutes w/ unlimited data + 1500 text messages

[mrtotes]

Don't you have to give like a month's notice to ditch a contract - shouldn't ppl have been leaving Sprint 29 May?

[Ireland]

Originally Posted by wilco

No offense, but are you retarded?

I'm sure that didn't offend him

[Cpt K]

Originally Posted by akabaka

I called T-Mobile to ask some questions about my impending switch to AT&T for the iPhone, and they tried to sell me on some touch-phone they're launching soon called the "HTC Touch." They also bemoaned the lack of push email (nevermind Yahoo's free offering) on the iPhone -- which they inexplicably kept calling the "iPac."

ditto here... looked into "touch" and "wizard" both made by HTC. I currently have iMate JAM. Nice phones. The whole "touch" thing is basicly a shell running atop WM06 which will annoy most.

My phone currently does everything iPhone does. But I will not resist that "glass of ice-water". Believe me when I say that I waste soo much time figuring out HOW to get my phone to do all these things (movies, corp email, internet, etc).

I also have been a MAC/PC user at work and all my life.

MAC = my work
PC = my games