No 3G on the iPhone? An Analysis as to Why

Clearly we can never know for sure what is going on behind those closed doors nor the motives behind the actions of the involved decision makers. However, the circumstantial facts surrounding the implementation of this version of the iPhone are not going to change just because you or anyone else takes a contrary perspective.

I agree that different people like different devices. I am all for individuality, that however, has nothing to do with the fact that companies do practice maximizing their profits at the customer's expense. I am just calling it the way I see it. Honest, and unbiased motivation based analysis.

Performing biased, incomplete and imprecise research does not change the fact that there ARE 3G solutions which have dealt with the drainage issues satisfactorily. Arguing semantics on the battery life issue does not change that fact. ALL wireless circuits increase battery drain compared to them not being on the device, moot point. Where is the relative comparison of the 8525 WiFi vs the 8525 3G vs the 8525 EDGE? Where is the direct comparison of the 8525 WiFi to the iPhone WiFi so that a base line can be established to take out the inherent bias of the different circuit boards which using a BlackJack device can NEVER achieve? It appears that such and such chip does such and such??? Where is the knowledge of what the chips ACTUALLY do based on the schematics provided by the chipset manufactures who are trying to sell their chipsets to all ODMs?? Imprecise, inconclusive bad science. There, I called it.

In addition, the fact that 3G chipsets have their own power requirements (how much is the question that no one has answered precisely) does not change the fact that it would cut into Apple's almost 50% profit margin (by increasing production costs) to create the current iPhone product with 3G capabilities.

Finally, it is a fact that AT&T was coerced through negotiations with Apple into doing something they did not originally want to do. (That was cutting out the carrier subsidies for the iPhone device a strong-arm tactic currently being attempted in Europe).

These facts, while not a smoking gun, paint a different picture than the biased surveys, research (this article and the bunk consumer satisfaction surveys), the claim that poor little fragile Apple was unable to sway big tough AT&T to create an appropriate data plan for their device, and general market hype paint.

Again, just calling it like I see it.

"So, like the article says it may be a frustrating to the consumer but it was the right decision given what device is supposed to be."

I agree 100% it is bad for the consumer, but the right decision given what the device is supposed to be...an almost 50% profit margin cash cow. :)

I didn't know you have inside information to the workings of Apple and AT&T. Your point makes no sense. Why on earth would Apple NOT promote for AT&T opening up thier HS technology? The wireless airwaves are AT&T's property and obviously generates revenue for the company. Plus, don't get me started on the wireless carriers and their "raping of the customer" (ahem, Verizon).

Are you going to argue the "infancy" of 3G chipsets and it's effects on battery life also? I hope not, because the numbers speak for themselves.

So, like the article says it may be a frustrating to the consumer but it was the right decision given what device is supposed to be.

"In all, the 3G chipsets need to mature to such point that they become less of a battery draining factor."

HTC devices do not suffer the same battery draining issues that the BlackJack does. So, I do not buy the draining reason for not having 3G in the iPhone. Bottom line is Apple would NOT be able to rake in the almost $300.00 per unit profit margin if they were to include 3G in this version. The technology is too expensive for them to keep up an almost 50% profit margin on the price which was fixed by them.

Not consumer-centric.

The hostpot availability depends on where you live, for me I can't drive more than a mile without reaching a T-Mobile or AT&T hotspot. The point is that it does not matter where you live, as a result of the current iPhone/AT&T service package NO one can use the AT&T wifi hotspots. The wifi was clearly stated in this article to provide the best USER EXPERIENCE for using the Internet features of the iPhone device.

Again, on both counts, and only applicable to this version of the iPhone: Good for the business, bad for consumers.

Did not the 6900 come out before 3G was implemented by AT&T or at best during it's infancy?

HTC Touch? Again, made for networks without 3G, it does have WiFi and T-Mobile DOES offer unlimited WiFi hotspot access through all of their hotspot location with their unlimited $40 data plan. BTW, HTC also DOES have 3G devices for networks that support 3G. (Keiser, Mogul, 8525, definitely more diversity with HTC devices.)

Don't blame Apple for AT&T locking down hotspots???? Are you kidding, they forced AT&T out of giving subsidies for the iPhone (same thing they are trying in Europe) but could not make them tailor a data plan for the iPhone. Give me a break.

"Consumer advocacy? Tell that to Matt Miller, who returned his iPhone then ran back to purchase another one. A Power user for sure, he says..

"At this time, the iPhone isn’t necessarily about features, but about smooth integration and a new user experience that appeals even to power users like me. "

How's that for consumer advocacy?"

Sounds like more o' that good ol' fashioned American Hippity Hoppity Hype to me. ;)

I am telling you interstink, I don't get 3G in my home area. I have to travel at least 5 minutes to start picking up the UMTS signal. But anyway the point is I have used my wife's iPhone on EDGE to surf various sites and it's really not that bad at all.

In all, the 3G chipsets need to mature to such point that they become less of a battery draining factor.

It's all about being connected everywhere. Wifi-hotspots have been few and far between for me (At least open wifi). I have used the free MCdonalds hotspots, but I have always had to sit in a red plastic chair in order to get a solid connection - doesnt work well outside in the car.

Edge is not so bad... and having wifi built in is a big plus. I guess Im on the fence.

So what's HTC's excuse for offering a state-of-the-art Touch device without 3G? Or HP's with the 6900?

Don't blame Apple for AT&T locking down of whatever Hotspots it has.

As the article says, "Apple made the right tradoff" considering that this is a powerful multimedia device that can last long enough for phone and media use.

Consumer advocacy? Tell that to Matt Miller, who returned his iPhone then ran back to purchase another one. A Power user for sure, he says..

"At this time, the iPhone isn’t necessarily about features, but about smooth integration and a new user experience that appeals even to power users like me. "

How's that for consumer advocacy?

You can't use WiFi where there are no hotspots and where there are AT&T hotspots you can't use those without paying extra money over the iPhone data plan. This was one of my points about how Apple was so company-centric regarding their implementation of this device.

They had every capacity to make AT&T include their WiFi hotspots (Which are available at Barnes&Noble, McDonald's, Airports, and quite a few other places for those who are unaware) in the unlimited data plan like T-Mobile does in their unlimited data plan.

Hotspot Location Info:

http://attwifi.know-where.com/attwifi/cgi/index?design=default

These are all the places that one has to pay extra in order to use the hotspot as a way to bypass the SLOW EDGE performance.

Not consumer centric. Apple could have done better and this has nothing to do with product lifetime, and everything to do with creating an un-necessary upgrade path.

Interesting though, I wonder why he chose the Samsung 3G device over HTC's 3G devices? (8525)

WiFi has always sucked my battery more then 3G. Maybe the combination of the two would have totally killed it... I would rather 3G then Wifi, but thats me.