Apple undermining the phone companies with iMessage didn't work out so well. The monopolistic AT&T responds with one-plan-for-everyone texting.
Just venting. It's frustrating to see the carriers back to abusing their power instead of innovating. It took Apple to implement an obvious feature like Visual Voice Mail. It took Grand Central / Google Voice to advance home phone services.
And what does AT&T come up with? Forcing people to use expensive plans they don't need.
If AT&T feels they can do that with texting what's to stop them from only offering a 2000 minute voice minute plan? Buy the plan or pay 20 cents per minute for voice calls.
Then dump your texting plan and use Google Voice and iMessage.
1. Sit it in a charging dock where your land line used to sit.
2. The battery life between wifi and 3g is only 10% shorter for 3g on my iphone, why would it be different for the iPod Touch?
Where do you come up with this drivel?
On the iPhone, Internet use between 3G and WiFi is the difference of 6 hours and 10 hours, respectively. That's an 80% gain for WiFI. That's significant.
However, what makes it even more significant is that for the iPod Touch a data-only cellular service could be completely turned off if using WiFi Unfortunately Apple doesn't state how many hours of WiFI use you can get out of the iPod Touch which is suspect.
You do not need a mobile device for that purpose. For instance, I have Ooma and it's a completely free service.
I guess you never owned one. It is substantially thinner and lighter mostly because of reduced battery. If you browse Internet on it or facetime, it dies much faster than the iPhone.
=
1. Yes, I have owned a 1st, 2nd and 3rd gen iPod Touch.
2. While the overall time might be shorter...the effect of reducing the battery life by 10% will be about the same...SO....(arbitrary numbers)
If the iPad normally got 10 hours it would get 1 hour less = 9 hours.
If the iPhone normally got 8 hours it would get .8 hours less = 7.2 hours
If the iPod touch normally got 6 hours it would get .6 hours less = 5.4 hours.
Yes, the time is less, but the ratio is the same, 9/10, hence about a 10% reduction in time.
Simple math...
Also, I gave the advice of using a dock to keep the Touch charged at all times when it is being used as a Skype phone. What does Ooma have to do with keeping the Touch charged when Skype is running?
On the iPhone, Internet use between 3G and WiFi is the difference of 6 hours and 10 hours, respectively. That's an 80% gain for WiFI. That's significant.
However, what makes it even more significant is that for the iPod Touch a data-only cellular service could be completely turned off if using WiFi Unfortunately Apple doesn't state how many hours of WiFI use you can get out of the iPod Touch which is suspect.
Actually, that is more like a 68% gain between your 3G and wifi, or a 40% loss.
OMG. Stupid stupid stupid. You would think Apple would want to add capabilities and bring more people into using the Apple iPhone, not push them away with a gimped, wifi only model. Instead a 3G enabled Touch would be a great gateway device for younger people who are not ready or capable of getting a data plan with an iphone.
1. Because some folks don't want a 2-year commitment.
2. Some folks DO want a data plan and but NOT a minute plan.
3. With iMessage/Google Voice you can do all the texting you want with no texting plan.
4. Some folks want an overall less expensive (not I said overall) device
Your reasons are so, what's the word, above the board.
I had 4 kids in the house over the summer, 2 of mine and 2 nephews, ranging from 3 to 13. All them would rather use my iPhones than my iPod touches. Why? 3G access to Youtube, Internet, etc, for when we are out of WiFi range, and they happened frustratingly a lot.
An iPod touch 3G with data plans like the iPad 3G would be awesome for the kids. Parents would buy it for their young kids. Kids who really don't need phones. Since a 3G model would cost ~$100 more than a WiFi only model, Apple increases their ASPs on iPod or upsells to higher ASP iPhones or iPads. That sounds brilliant to many. They may downsell the otherway, but you can look at it as taking an Android, WP7, or RIM sale away too.
WHAT? I use Skype over 3G GSM every day here in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Where do people come up with this incorrect information?
And why do people just read one word, 'GSM', and do not read the qualifiers like GRPS and EDGE, before lashing out?
When I said 'pure' GSM I meant the original GSM standard which had a data rate of 9600 baud (9600 bits per second), which was successively upgraded with GRPS (60 kbit/s), EDGE (about 200 kbit/s). 3G GSM is technically different enough from the original GSM (incl. its extensions) that it required completely separate hardware in phones originally.
Even in the rich world, not all of their GSM network is upgraded to EDGE and only a few GSM networks are even close to full 3G coverage or even have a timetable for full 3G coverage.
My point was not about 3G, it was about the older versions of GSM which still cover wide ranges of the total coverage. VoIP in pre-EDGE networks is pretty difficult and on a poor EDGE network (less than full bars) it can also be dicey.
OMG. Stupid stupid stupid. You would think Apple would want to add capabilities and bring more people into using the Apple iPhone, not push them away with a gimped, wifi only model. Instead a 3G enabled Touch would be a great gateway device for younger people who are not ready or capable of getting a data plan with an iphone.
1. Because some folks don't want a 2-year commitment.
2. Some folks DO want a data plan and but NOT a minute plan.
3. With iMessage/Google Voice you can do all the texting you want with no texting plan.
4. Some folks want an overall less expensive (not I said overall) device
You don't need a 3G iPod to buy an unlocked iPhone without a 2-year commitment.
On the iPhone, Internet use between 3G and WiFi is the difference of 6 hours and 10 hours, respectively. That's an 80% gain for WiFI. That's significant.
However, what makes it even more significant is that for the iPod Touch a data-only cellular service could be completely turned off if using WiFi Unfortunately Apple doesn't state how many hours of WiFI use you can get out of the iPod Touch which is suspect.
You can turn off cellular data on an iPhone in the settings (since iOS 4). You can also turn off additionally the voice part and only have WiFi enabled.
You don't need a 3G iPod to buy an unlocked iPhone without a 2-year commitment.
Which is meaningless in the U.S. because no unlocked iPhone can be used on just any plan. You have to have an iPhone plan (unless you're with T-Mobile, then you get no 3G).
1. Sit it in a charging dock where your land line used to sit.
2. The battery life between wifi and 3g is only 10% shorter for 3g on my iphone, why would it be different for the iPod Touch?
Where do you come up with this drivel?
Unless you completely deactivated the 3G radio on the iPhone, this is not a valid comparison when trying to guess the addtiional power needed for a 3G iPod touch vs today's wi-fi only version. (I'm not saying you didn't do that, just pointing out that if you didn't the 10% number doesn't apply here.)
Also, it depends on what you are doing and the usage pattern changes that would result with having 3G in your iPod touch. Today, if you aren't using your touch it can go to sleep and conserve power. Or if you are away from a wi-fi network, you also save power. The expected usage pattern for a 3G touch would be that it's always in radio contact with a network, either wi-fi or 3G. Therefore, even if wi-fi and 3G used the exact same power, you'd be connected far more frequently with a 3G iPod, and therefore need more battery capacity to run the radios more freqently during the day.
You don't need a 3G iPod to buy an unlocked iPhone without a 2-year commitment.
A software unlocked iPhone 3GS with no warranty or ability to restore the phone via iTunes ($450- $550)... or factory unlocked iPhone 4 ($650 - $750) with warranty costs significantly more than what a 3G iPod Touch would likely cost.
The 3G radio in the iPad cost around $10. If Apple starts to provide iPod Touches with 3G they do not have to raise the price an extra $130 since that was a pure money grab. They can sell them much cheaper than an unlocked iPhone.
Which is meaningless in the U.S. because no unlocked iPhone can be used on just any plan. You have to have an iPhone plan (unless you're with T-Mobile, then you get no 3G).
Some countries have made the sale of SIM-locked phones illegal, it has not let to early onset of communism or even the delayed release of the iPhone in those countries. All it takes in the US is just a simple law that makes it illegal for carriers to refuse the use of any of their SIM cards (and the associated plans, pre- or post-paid) in 'non-approved' devices unless they can show clear technical problems. Competition in the mobile network provider is limited enough, you don't need additional limitations and market segregations imposed by the carriers to reduce competition further.
Unless you completely deactivated the 3G radio on the iPhone, this is not a valid comparison when trying to guess the addtiional power needed for a 3G iPod touch vs today's wi-fi only version. (I'm not saying you didn't do that, just pointing out that if you didn't the 10% number doesn't apply here.)
Also, it depends on what you are doing and the usage pattern changes that would result with having 3G in your iPod touch. Today, if you aren't using your touch it can go to sleep and conserve power. Or if you are away from a wi-fi network, you also save power. The expected usage pattern for a 3G touch would be that it's always in radio contact with a network, either wi-fi or 3G. Therefore, even if wi-fi and 3G used the exact same power, you'd be connected far more frequently with a 3G iPod, and therefore need more battery capacity to run the radios more freqently during the day.
When I am out 3G is on and wifi is off. At home wifi is on and 3G is off. I have compare the usage and if I am using 100% 3G I lose about 10% of my battery time compared to 100% wifi with the same usage. I don't think I can be any clearer.
This could explain the conflicting reports about the shape of the new iPhone 5. I believe the iPhone 5 will retain the form factor of iPhone 4, while the new iPod touch will retain the current form factor.
A software unlocked iPhone 3GS with no warranty or ability to restore the phone via iTunes ($450- $550)... or factory unlocked iPhone 4 ($650 - $750) with warranty costs significantly more than what a 3G iPod Touch would likely cost.
And why does it cost more? Because Apple can charges the carriers these $650 to $750 for an iPod touch 3G + shortlist of upgraded components, display, compass, GPS, microphone, speakers, larger battery. And why can Apple charge these $650 to $750? Because the carriers make it impossible to buy phone and plan separately and can thus hide this huge markup compared to an iPod touch 3G in 24 monthly charges.
Quote:
The 3G radio in the iPad cost around $10. If Apple starts to provide iPod Touches with 3G they do not have to raise the price an extra $130 since that was a pure money grab. They can sell them much cheaper than an unlocked iPhone.
And does Apple have to charge $650 for 16 GB iPhone 4? No, they could charge $450 and still make $100 of profit per handest. So, you could just ask Apple directly to lower the price of the iPhone by $200.
Quote:
What part of saving money don't you understand?
The part where a company voluntarily lowers prices of their products when it hardly manages to produce enough to satisfy demand.
Unless you completely deactivated the 3G radio on the iPhone, this is not a valid comparison when trying to guess the addtiional power needed for a 3G iPod touch vs today's wi-fi only version. (I'm not saying you didn't do that, just pointing out that if you didn't the 10% number doesn't apply here.
Yes, but why makes things more complicated than necessary, just compare the iPad WiFi and the iPad 3G. Same battery, similar usage pattern to a iPod touch 3G:
- Up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi (..)
- Up to 9 hours of surfing the web using 3G data network
5" or 7" iPod touch coming soon... Apple has always said that the iPad wouldn't drop below its current size because of software constraints... But a true "just a bigger" iPod touch would work and it would undermine all the other 7" tablets being released, especially if they kept the price low.
iPod touch, starting at $149.
iPod touch XL, starting at $299
iPad, starting at $499
iPhone 4s, free with contract, $299 unlocked.
iPhone 5, $199 with contract, $599 unlocked
Game over.
Quote:
Originally Posted by matrix07
You know, 5.5" iPT5 3G with better camera at that price would destroy Amazon tablet right then and there.
I don't have the best tech chops in the forums, but I do believe the following has to be answered to take these notions seriously:
What's the screen res for either of these hypothesized devices? Has to be the same as iPhone or iPad - or a multiple - or the programmer's ecosystem breaks down. And if it's the same as the iPad which apps does it run? Pad or Phone? And if the res of the iPhone, it's either not retina or will require a very spendy double res screen.
let it be 2g works then on all carriers, a cheap phone doesn't need that kind of data speed
voice, sms, voip can all work on 2g right
cheap phone doesn't need gps
solves the battery issue
maybe apple worked a deal with virgin mobile or the deal to save sprint was a boost option
15/25/month data
don't think apple can pull this off, sprint and tmobile both want to sell iphone in the worse way....sort of like survival mode , iphone lite
apples solution to the prepaid market will be elegant, much better value to customers than that dingdong phone offered by straight talk (walkmart) iTouch2g would be a nice convergence item
maintains the connection with itunes, buy apps, keep apple in the family cheap
the other thing is this would be great for your teen, keep cost down, give to them the app store they sms 95% of the time well that doesn't need much data and speed does it.....no.....that's why telecos love them they buy a genius phone to do high profit sms
or apple becomes a type of mvno
keep it close to $200 (the high end cost of the straight talk, and other prepaid phones with touch screens) and it will explode. the other touch screen phones offered by boost, walmart, virgin, kroger, etc are just cheap wannabe touch screen phone for prepaid market. but make it an apple
and kaboom.
take a look at the offerings in the prepaid market.
this is what people tell me.....att, vz are just too expensive the smaller companies are offering 3-4 phones with unlimited text voice limited data for 45 each a month. many many many people want cheaper cost in this miserable economy....and they want touch screens, and apps
look at intelos, boost, net10, kroger etc
it would be perfect for a teen, an iphone like experience, they only text anyway which doesn't need all that speed or data, give them apple aps and keep it cheap and wow. parents would be happy and keep the cost down in this miserable economy
Some countries have made the sale of SIM-locked phones illegal, it has not let to early onset of communism or even the delayed release of the iPhone in those countries.
And I was somehow implying it was? All I'm saying is the U.S. has a li~ttle more sway than those countries, being the iPhone's home country.
Quote:
All it takes in the US is just a simple law that makes it illegal for carriers to refuse the use of any of their SIM cards (and the associated plans, pre- or post-paid) in 'non-approved' devices unless they can show clear technical problems.
You realize that law won't ever happen, right? It's not an "all it takes" scenario, it's a "hey, you telecoms. You're all forcibly disbanded. All your higher-ups are fired. You're split into constituent companies. And now we'll create this law."
Which is just as likely to happen as the law on its own.
If they had this 2.5 yrs ago I likely never would've bought an iPhone. All I originally wanted was an iPod touch with a data plan, I was content with my Sprint phone. This would be a big seller for Apple since I think many are like I was, want data w/o the phone. Especially if you can easily switch the sim card or by other means use it when traveling out of the US and can still get data n use skype for calls.
Quote:
Originally Posted by matrix07
So instead of 3 model (16, 32, 64 GB.) we will have 12 (black one, white one, 3G black, 3G white)? Insane.
I don't get your comment, who says there will be a non-3G version? My guess is they'll all have data. We'll see soon enough.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jason98
The only problem with it will be a battery life while 3g is on. No way it's going to last for more than a few hours, thus you would not be able to use it as a skype/facetime "phone" available to receive calls round-the-clock.
And you know how and where he and everyone would use it? A lot of people would use skype and/or FaceTime at home where they can plug it in or maybe people will have easy access to a charger via their car, work computer, etc. We don't all use things as you - we are individuals.
Comments
Apple undermining the phone companies with iMessage didn't work out so well. The monopolistic AT&T responds with one-plan-for-everyone texting.
Just venting. It's frustrating to see the carriers back to abusing their power instead of innovating. It took Apple to implement an obvious feature like Visual Voice Mail. It took Grand Central / Google Voice to advance home phone services.
And what does AT&T come up with? Forcing people to use expensive plans they don't need.
If AT&T feels they can do that with texting what's to stop them from only offering a 2000 minute voice minute plan? Buy the plan or pay 20 cents per minute for voice calls.
Then dump your texting plan and use Google Voice and iMessage.
1. Sit it in a charging dock where your land line used to sit.
2. The battery life between wifi and 3g is only 10% shorter for 3g on my iphone, why would it be different for the iPod Touch?
Where do you come up with this drivel?
On the iPhone, Internet use between 3G and WiFi is the difference of 6 hours and 10 hours, respectively. That's an 80% gain for WiFI. That's significant.
However, what makes it even more significant is that for the iPod Touch a data-only cellular service could be completely turned off if using WiFi Unfortunately Apple doesn't state how many hours of WiFI use you can get out of the iPod Touch which is suspect.
You do not need a mobile device for that purpose. For instance, I have Ooma and it's a completely free service.
I guess you never owned one. It is substantially thinner and lighter mostly because of reduced battery. If you browse Internet on it or facetime, it dies much faster than the iPhone.
=
1. Yes, I have owned a 1st, 2nd and 3rd gen iPod Touch.
2. While the overall time might be shorter...the effect of reducing the battery life by 10% will be about the same...SO....(arbitrary numbers)
If the iPad normally got 10 hours it would get 1 hour less = 9 hours.
If the iPhone normally got 8 hours it would get .8 hours less = 7.2 hours
If the iPod touch normally got 6 hours it would get .6 hours less = 5.4 hours.
Yes, the time is less, but the ratio is the same, 9/10, hence about a 10% reduction in time.
Simple math...
Also, I gave the advice of using a dock to keep the Touch charged at all times when it is being used as a Skype phone. What does Ooma have to do with keeping the Touch charged when Skype is running?
On the iPhone, Internet use between 3G and WiFi is the difference of 6 hours and 10 hours, respectively. That's an 80% gain for WiFI. That's significant.
However, what makes it even more significant is that for the iPod Touch a data-only cellular service could be completely turned off if using WiFi Unfortunately Apple doesn't state how many hours of WiFI use you can get out of the iPod Touch which is suspect.
Actually, that is more like a 68% gain between your 3G and wifi, or a 40% loss.
I don't see that kind of loss with my iPhone.
OMG. Stupid stupid stupid. You would think Apple would want to add capabilities and bring more people into using the Apple iPhone, not push them away with a gimped, wifi only model. Instead a 3G enabled Touch would be a great gateway device for younger people who are not ready or capable of getting a data plan with an iphone.
1. Because some folks don't want a 2-year commitment.
2. Some folks DO want a data plan and but NOT a minute plan.
3. With iMessage/Google Voice you can do all the texting you want with no texting plan.
4. Some folks want an overall less expensive (not I said overall) device
Your reasons are so, what's the word, above the board.
I had 4 kids in the house over the summer, 2 of mine and 2 nephews, ranging from 3 to 13. All them would rather use my iPhones than my iPod touches. Why? 3G access to Youtube, Internet, etc, for when we are out of WiFi range, and they happened frustratingly a lot.
An iPod touch 3G with data plans like the iPad 3G would be awesome for the kids. Parents would buy it for their young kids. Kids who really don't need phones. Since a 3G model would cost ~$100 more than a WiFi only model, Apple increases their ASPs on iPod or upsells to higher ASP iPhones or iPads. That sounds brilliant to many. They may downsell the otherway, but you can look at it as taking an Android, WP7, or RIM sale away too.
WHAT? I use Skype over 3G GSM every day here in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Where do people come up with this incorrect information?
And why do people just read one word, 'GSM', and do not read the qualifiers like GRPS and EDGE, before lashing out?
When I said 'pure' GSM I meant the original GSM standard which had a data rate of 9600 baud (9600 bits per second), which was successively upgraded with GRPS (60 kbit/s), EDGE (about 200 kbit/s). 3G GSM is technically different enough from the original GSM (incl. its extensions) that it required completely separate hardware in phones originally.
Even in the rich world, not all of their GSM network is upgraded to EDGE and only a few GSM networks are even close to full 3G coverage or even have a timetable for full 3G coverage.
My point was not about 3G, it was about the older versions of GSM which still cover wide ranges of the total coverage. VoIP in pre-EDGE networks is pretty difficult and on a poor EDGE network (less than full bars) it can also be dicey.
OMG. Stupid stupid stupid. You would think Apple would want to add capabilities and bring more people into using the Apple iPhone, not push them away with a gimped, wifi only model. Instead a 3G enabled Touch would be a great gateway device for younger people who are not ready or capable of getting a data plan with an iphone.
1. Because some folks don't want a 2-year commitment.
2. Some folks DO want a data plan and but NOT a minute plan.
3. With iMessage/Google Voice you can do all the texting you want with no texting plan.
4. Some folks want an overall less expensive (not I said overall) device
You don't need a 3G iPod to buy an unlocked iPhone without a 2-year commitment.
On the iPhone, Internet use between 3G and WiFi is the difference of 6 hours and 10 hours, respectively. That's an 80% gain for WiFI. That's significant.
However, what makes it even more significant is that for the iPod Touch a data-only cellular service could be completely turned off if using WiFi Unfortunately Apple doesn't state how many hours of WiFI use you can get out of the iPod Touch which is suspect.
You can turn off cellular data on an iPhone in the settings (since iOS 4). You can also turn off additionally the voice part and only have WiFi enabled.
You don't need a 3G iPod to buy an unlocked iPhone without a 2-year commitment.
Which is meaningless in the U.S. because no unlocked iPhone can be used on just any plan. You have to have an iPhone plan (unless you're with T-Mobile, then you get no 3G).
1. Sit it in a charging dock where your land line used to sit.
2. The battery life between wifi and 3g is only 10% shorter for 3g on my iphone, why would it be different for the iPod Touch?
Where do you come up with this drivel?
Unless you completely deactivated the 3G radio on the iPhone, this is not a valid comparison when trying to guess the addtiional power needed for a 3G iPod touch vs today's wi-fi only version. (I'm not saying you didn't do that, just pointing out that if you didn't the 10% number doesn't apply here.)
Also, it depends on what you are doing and the usage pattern changes that would result with having 3G in your iPod touch. Today, if you aren't using your touch it can go to sleep and conserve power. Or if you are away from a wi-fi network, you also save power. The expected usage pattern for a 3G touch would be that it's always in radio contact with a network, either wi-fi or 3G. Therefore, even if wi-fi and 3G used the exact same power, you'd be connected far more frequently with a 3G iPod, and therefore need more battery capacity to run the radios more freqently during the day.
You don't need a 3G iPod to buy an unlocked iPhone without a 2-year commitment.
A software unlocked iPhone 3GS with no warranty or ability to restore the phone via iTunes ($450- $550)... or factory unlocked iPhone 4 ($650 - $750) with warranty costs significantly more than what a 3G iPod Touch would likely cost.
The 3G radio in the iPad cost around $10. If Apple starts to provide iPod Touches with 3G they do not have to raise the price an extra $130 since that was a pure money grab. They can sell them much cheaper than an unlocked iPhone.
What part of saving money don't you understand?
Which is meaningless in the U.S. because no unlocked iPhone can be used on just any plan. You have to have an iPhone plan (unless you're with T-Mobile, then you get no 3G).
Some countries have made the sale of SIM-locked phones illegal, it has not let to early onset of communism or even the delayed release of the iPhone in those countries. All it takes in the US is just a simple law that makes it illegal for carriers to refuse the use of any of their SIM cards (and the associated plans, pre- or post-paid) in 'non-approved' devices unless they can show clear technical problems. Competition in the mobile network provider is limited enough, you don't need additional limitations and market segregations imposed by the carriers to reduce competition further.
Unless you completely deactivated the 3G radio on the iPhone, this is not a valid comparison when trying to guess the addtiional power needed for a 3G iPod touch vs today's wi-fi only version. (I'm not saying you didn't do that, just pointing out that if you didn't the 10% number doesn't apply here.)
Also, it depends on what you are doing and the usage pattern changes that would result with having 3G in your iPod touch. Today, if you aren't using your touch it can go to sleep and conserve power. Or if you are away from a wi-fi network, you also save power. The expected usage pattern for a 3G touch would be that it's always in radio contact with a network, either wi-fi or 3G. Therefore, even if wi-fi and 3G used the exact same power, you'd be connected far more frequently with a 3G iPod, and therefore need more battery capacity to run the radios more freqently during the day.
When I am out 3G is on and wifi is off. At home wifi is on and 3G is off. I have compare the usage and if I am using 100% 3G I lose about 10% of my battery time compared to 100% wifi with the same usage. I don't think I can be any clearer.
A software unlocked iPhone 3GS with no warranty or ability to restore the phone via iTunes ($450- $550)... or factory unlocked iPhone 4 ($650 - $750) with warranty costs significantly more than what a 3G iPod Touch would likely cost.
And why does it cost more? Because Apple can charges the carriers these $650 to $750 for an iPod touch 3G + shortlist of upgraded components, display, compass, GPS, microphone, speakers, larger battery. And why can Apple charge these $650 to $750? Because the carriers make it impossible to buy phone and plan separately and can thus hide this huge markup compared to an iPod touch 3G in 24 monthly charges.
The 3G radio in the iPad cost around $10. If Apple starts to provide iPod Touches with 3G they do not have to raise the price an extra $130 since that was a pure money grab. They can sell them much cheaper than an unlocked iPhone.
And does Apple have to charge $650 for 16 GB iPhone 4? No, they could charge $450 and still make $100 of profit per handest. So, you could just ask Apple directly to lower the price of the iPhone by $200.
What part of saving money don't you understand?
The part where a company voluntarily lowers prices of their products when it hardly manages to produce enough to satisfy demand.
Unless you completely deactivated the 3G radio on the iPhone, this is not a valid comparison when trying to guess the addtiional power needed for a 3G iPod touch vs today's wi-fi only version. (I'm not saying you didn't do that, just pointing out that if you didn't the 10% number doesn't apply here.
Yes, but why makes things more complicated than necessary, just compare the iPad WiFi and the iPad 3G. Same battery, similar usage pattern to a iPod touch 3G:
- Up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi (..)
- Up to 9 hours of surfing the web using 3G data network
5" or 7" iPod touch coming soon... Apple has always said that the iPad wouldn't drop below its current size because of software constraints... But a true "just a bigger" iPod touch would work and it would undermine all the other 7" tablets being released, especially if they kept the price low.
iPod touch, starting at $149.
iPod touch XL, starting at $299
iPad, starting at $499
iPhone 4s, free with contract, $299 unlocked.
iPhone 5, $199 with contract, $599 unlocked
Game over.
You know, 5.5" iPT5 3G with better camera at that price would destroy Amazon tablet right then and there.
I don't have the best tech chops in the forums, but I do believe the following has to be answered to take these notions seriously:
What's the screen res for either of these hypothesized devices? Has to be the same as iPhone or iPad - or a multiple - or the programmer's ecosystem breaks down. And if it's the same as the iPad which apps does it run? Pad or Phone? And if the res of the iPhone, it's either not retina or will require a very spendy double res screen.
let it be 2g works then on all carriers, a cheap phone doesn't need that kind of data speed
voice, sms, voip can all work on 2g right
cheap phone doesn't need gps
solves the battery issue
maybe apple worked a deal with virgin mobile or the deal to save sprint was a boost option
15/25/month data
don't think apple can pull this off, sprint and tmobile both want to sell iphone in the worse way....sort of like survival mode , iphone lite
apples solution to the prepaid market will be elegant, much better value to customers than that dingdong phone offered by straight talk (walkmart) iTouch2g would be a nice convergence item
maintains the connection with itunes, buy apps, keep apple in the family cheap
the other thing is this would be great for your teen, keep cost down, give to them the app store they sms 95% of the time well that doesn't need much data and speed does it.....no.....that's why telecos love them they buy a genius phone to do high profit sms
or apple becomes a type of mvno
keep it close to $200 (the high end cost of the straight talk, and other prepaid phones with touch screens) and it will explode. the other touch screen phones offered by boost, walmart, virgin, kroger, etc are just cheap wannabe touch screen phone for prepaid market. but make it an apple
and kaboom.
take a look at the offerings in the prepaid market.
this is what people tell me.....att, vz are just too expensive the smaller companies are offering 3-4 phones with unlimited text voice limited data for 45 each a month. many many many people want cheaper cost in this miserable economy....and they want touch screens, and apps
look at intelos, boost, net10, kroger etc
it would be perfect for a teen, an iphone like experience, they only text anyway which doesn't need all that speed or data, give them apple aps and keep it cheap and wow. parents would be happy and keep the cost down in this miserable economy
Some countries have made the sale of SIM-locked phones illegal, it has not let to early onset of communism or even the delayed release of the iPhone in those countries.
And I was somehow implying it was?
All it takes in the US is just a simple law that makes it illegal for carriers to refuse the use of any of their SIM cards (and the associated plans, pre- or post-paid) in 'non-approved' devices unless they can show clear technical problems.
You realize that law won't ever happen, right? It's not an "all it takes" scenario, it's a "hey, you telecoms. You're all forcibly disbanded. All your higher-ups are fired. You're split into constituent companies. And now we'll create this law."
Which is just as likely to happen as the law on its own.
So instead of 3 model (16, 32, 64 GB.) we will have 12 (black one, white one, 3G black, 3G white)? Insane.
I don't get your comment, who says there will be a non-3G version? My guess is they'll all have data. We'll see soon enough.
The only problem with it will be a battery life while 3g is on. No way it's going to last for more than a few hours, thus you would not be able to use it as a skype/facetime "phone" available to receive calls round-the-clock.
And you know how and where he and everyone would use it? A lot of people would use skype and/or FaceTime at home where they can plug it in or maybe people will have easy access to a charger via their car, work computer, etc. We don't all use things as you - we are individuals.