Showing posts with label iPhone. Show all posts
Showing posts with label iPhone. Show all posts

Friday, October 5, 2012

iPhone 4S Cost

Looking to purchase an iPhone 4S? Whether this device is your first iPhone or you're stepping up from an earlier model, you should be prepared to shell out some cash. Here's how much you can expect to pay for the iPhone 4S itself, and for the service that you'll need on the phone.

The iPhone 4S comes in two colors (black and white) and three storage capacities. There is no difference in price between the white handset and the black model, but the price for the different storage capacities varies greatly.

The iPhone 4S with 16GB of storage costs $299. With 32GB of storage, the iPhone 4S costs $299. And the new 64GB version costs $399. All of these prices require that you sign a new two-year service agreement and assume that you are eligible for an upgrade from your carrier.

If you are not eligible for an upgraded phone at a full discount, AT&T is charging $450 for the 16GB iPhone 4S, $550 for the 32GB model, and $650 for the 64GB model.

Sprint and Verizon Wireless subscribers who are not eligible for an upgrade will be charged the full retail price for the phone. That's $650 for the 16GB iPhone 4S, $750 for the 32GB iPhone 4S, and $850 for the 64GB iPhone 4S.

Those prices are the same for the unlocked, contract-free version of the iPhone 4S. Apple will begin offering it in November, 2011.

AT&T requires that you subscribe to both a voice and data plan for the iPhone 4S. Voice plans start at $39.99 a month (for 450 minutes) and range up to $69.99 a month (for unlimited minutes).

AT&T offers three data plans: 200MB ($15 per month), 2GB ($25 per month), and 4GB (includes Internet tethering; $45 per month).

AT&T's data plans do not include text and picture messaging. The carrier offers a choice of two messaging plans: pay per message (20 cents per text) and unlimited messaging ($20 per month). Gone are the $5-per-month (200 messages) and $15-per-month (1500 messages) options that AT&T offered with the iPhone 4.

If you select AT&T's cheapest plans, you'll pay $54.99 a month. That gives you 450 calling minutes, 200MB of data, and no messages.

Visit AT&T's iPhone 4S Page

Sprint is the only carrier offering an unlimited data plan for new iPhone 4S buyers. (Verizon Wireless is grandfathering in existing customers who still have an unlimited plan, allowing them to transfer it to their new iPhone.)

Sprint's plans package voice and data service together. The individual plans start at $69.99 a month (450 voice minutes, unlimited data, unlimited messages) and go up to $99.99 a month (unlimited voice minutes, unlimited data, unlimited messages).

If you select Sprint's cheapest plan, you'll pay $69.99 a month. That gives you 450 voice minutes, unlimited data, and unlimited messages.

Visit Sprint's iPhone 4S Page

Verizon's voice plans start at $59.99 per month (450 voice minutes, unlimited texts) and go up to $89.99 a month (unlimited minutes). Data plans start at $30 per month (2GB of data) and go up to $100 per month (12GB of data plus mobile hotspot service).

If you select Verizon's cheapest plans, you'll pay $89.99 a month. That gives you 450 voice minutes, 2GB of data, and unlimited messages.

Visit Verizon Wireless's iPhone 4S Page


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Monday, October 1, 2012

iPhone 4S Overview

Apple has taken the wraps off of its new iPhone, but the new device is not the long-awaited iPhone 5. Instead, Apple unveiled the iPhone 4S, a new phone that's an evolutionary upgrade to the iPhone 4, rather than a revolutionary new phone.

Key among the iPhone 4S's new features: a faster processor, a better camera, a new wireless system, and a new carrier offering service on the phone.

The iPhone 4S will be available in three capacities: a 16GB model that will cost $199, a 32GB model that will cost $299, and a 64GB model that will run you $399. (Those prices all require that you sign a new two-year service agreement.) AT&T and Verizon Wireless will continue to offer the iPhone, and will be joined by Sprint, which had been widely rumored as a carrier for the new phone.

The iPhone 4S will be available for pre-order on October 7 and will ship on October 14 in the U.S.

The look of the iPhone 4S is very much like that of the iPhone 4: Apple says the new phone "has the same beautifully thin glass and stainless steel design." Like the iPhone 4, the iPhone 4S is available in white and black.

Perhaps the biggest improvement that the new iPhone will feature is its A5 processor, the same dual-core chip used to power the iPad. At the iPhone 4S launch event, Apple's Phil Schiller said this chip would allow the iPhone 4S to feature CPU performance that is twice as fast and graphics performance that is up to 7 times faster than the iPhone 4.

The camera on the iPhone 4S should be a major improvement over that found on the iPhone 4. Apple says its plan was to create an all new camera that could challenge today's point-and-shoot cameras. To that end, its resolution has been bumped up to 8-megapixels and features a new custom lens. The camera app is designed to launch more quickly, and Apple says the camera's shot-to-shot capability is twice as fast as the iPhone 4, which should mean you don't miss the photos you want to take. You'll also be able to access the camera right from the phone's lock screen.

The improvements extend to the iPhone's video recording capabilities, too: the iPhone 4S can record video in full 1080p HD and features an image stabilization feature.

Perhaps in an effort to address the antenna problems that plagued the iPhone 4 after its launch, Apple says that the iPhone 4S features a new wireless system that allows the phone to "intelligently switch between two antennas." This should result in better call quality and faster download speeds.

Speaking of download speeds, the iPhone 4S is not officially a 4G phone, but Apple's Schiller did say that the device could reach speeds that some companies describe as 4G: uploads at up to 5.8Mbps, and downloads at 14.4Mbps.

One of the key features that Apple highlighted at the iPhone 4S launch event is the phone's voice control functionality, which is used in the built-in Siri app. This app serves as a virtual personal assistant, which can help you "get things done just by asking," Apple says. Siri understands natural language, and allows you to speak questions and commands such as "Will I need an umbrella?" and "Remind me to call Mom."

Apple also announced an upgrade to its iOS platform, iOS 5. The iPhone 4S will run iOS 5 and the software will be available as a free update to users of the iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS. New features in iOS 5 include a Notification Center, which allows you to manage and view notifications without interrupting your other tasks, and iMessage, a new service that allows you to trade photos, videos, and text messages with other users of iOS 5.

iOS 5 also brings the launch of iCloud, Apple's suite of free cloud-based services, which include iTunes in the Cloud, Photo Stream, and Documents in the Cloud. These services allow you to wirelessly store content in iCloud, and wirelessly push it to all of your iOS devices and your computer.


View the original article here

Sunday, September 30, 2012

iPhone 3G Service Plans

Sure, the price of the iPhone 3G may be less than the last-generation iPhone, but in the long run, the price of the iPhone 3G will be higher. That's because the iPhone 3G's service plan is more expensive. But just how much more can you expect to spend?

When Apple and AT&T launched the first-generation iPhone in June 2007, the handsets were expensive. A model with 8GB of storage cost $599; a few months later, that price was dropped to $399.

AT&T offered three service plans for the first-generation iPhone. The least expensive plan was $60 per month (about $66 with taxes and fees), and included 450 voice minutes, unlimited data usage, and 200 text messages. A plan offering 900 voice minutes was $80 per month and one with 1,350 voice minutes was $100 per month; both of those plans also included unlimited data and 200 text messages per month.

Fast forward to July 2008: A new iPhone 3G with 8GB of storage sells for $199. That's a savings of $200 over the old iPhone, and the new model comes with 3G data service and built-in GPS, among other features.

That high-speed 3G service comes at a price, however: AT&T's available service plans for the iPhone 3G are more expensive than the plans that the carrier offered for the first-generation phone.

The least-expensive service plan for the iPhone 3G costs $70 per month. That includes 450 voice minutes and unlimited data. The plan with 900 voice minutes is now $90 per month and the option that includes 1,350 voice minutes has climbed to $110 per month.

And none of these plans include text messaging: A text plan that includes 200 messages per month will cost you $5. If you don't opt for a text plan, you'll be charged 20 cents per text message.

That means that the cheapest service plan for the iPhone 3G will cost you $15 more per month than the cheapest plan for the first-generation iPhone. To get the phone discount, you'll have to sign a two-year contract (and, if you're an existing AT&T customer who's not eligible for an upgrade, you may not qualify for the subsidized price). Over two years, that $15-per-month increase will add up to $360--suddenly that $200 price cut on the handset itself isn't such a bargain.

The price of the service plan hasn't increased to a prohibitive level--and many users will find the new rates a small price to pay for high-speed Web access. But if you're interested in buying a new iPhone, remember what the true cost will be.


View the original article here

Saturday, September 29, 2012

iPhone 3G Price

Answer:

Looking for information about the new iPhone 4S, instead? Read How Much Does the iPhone 4S Cost?.

Wondering how much you'll pay to get a shiny new iPhone 3G? The price of the iPhone really depends on two factors: The price of the phone itself, plus the service fee you pay every month to AT&T. Here's a complete list of all the costs associated with buying and owning an iPhone 3G.

THE PHONE ITSELF

The iPhone 3G is available from four authorized retailers: Apple, AT&T, Best Buy, and Walmart. All of them, except Walmart, charge the same price for the various iPhone models. (Walmart's prices are $2 cheaper.) All of these prices require that you sign a new two-year service contract with AT&T; existing AT&T customers who are eligible for an upgrade will get these prices, too.

8GB iPhone 3G (Black): $19916GB iPhone 3G (Black): $29916GB iPhone 3G (White): $299

AT&T subscribers who are not yet eligible for a handset upgrade will be charged the following prices:

8GB iPhone 3G (Black): $39916GB iPhone 3G (Black): $49916GB iPhone 3G (White): $499

All existing AT&T customers will be charged an upgrade fee of $18, whether or not they are eligible for the discounted prices.

MONTHLY SERVICE

When purchasing an iPhone 3G, you'll need a voice plan, a data plan, and a text messaging plan in order to use the phone. Here's how much you can expect to pay for your monthly service:

Data

Unlimited Data Plan: $30 per month

This is a requirement; AT&T does not offer another data plan for the iPhone 3G.

Voice Plans

AT&T offers a choice of voice plans for the iPhone 3G. All offer a certain number of nationwide calling minutes, and all offer free calling to other AT&T mobile phones.

$99.99 per month: Unlimited voice minutes$79.99 per month: 1350 voice minutes$59.99 per month: 900 voice minutes$39.99 per month: 450 voice minutes

All of the plans (except the unlimited plan) include rollover minutes, which allow you to save unused voice minutes and apply them to your next bill should you go over your allotment. Additional minutes cost between 35 cents and 45 cents per minute, depending on your plan.

Most of the plans offer unlimited free night (9pm to 6am) and weekend calling; the only one that doesn't is the plan with 450 minutes, which limits you to 5000 night and weekend minutes.

All of the plans also require that you pay a one-time activation fee of $36 to set up the line.

Text Plans

The first-generation iPhone did not require you to pay for a text plans; all text messages sent and received were included as part of the unlimited data plan. That's no longer the case. If you plan on using your iPhone 3G to send text messages, you'll want a text plan. Here are the options.

$20 per month: Unlimited Texting$15 per month: 1500 text messages (sent or received); 5 cents for each additional message$5 per month: 200 text messages (sent or received); 10 cents for each additional message

Without a plan, you'll be charged 20 cents for each text message you send or receive.


View the original article here

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

iPhone Retailers

Thinking about purchasing an iPhone? Here's a list of the places you can go--online or in person--to make your purchase.

Apple Store: You can start your purchase online, but you'll need to finish it at a retail store. The online store will walk you through the beginning of the purchase process. It asks you a series of questions to set up your account with AT&T--which is a requirement for using an iPhone. (If you're already an AT&T customer looking to upgrade to an iPhone or add an additional line to your account, you can do that here, too.)

After entering your basic information, you'll select a rate plan for your phone. An iPhone data plan is $30 per month for unlimited data; that's the only option available. You do get a choice of text messaging plans, though: For 200 messages, you pay $5 per month. For a detailed explanation of the iPhone's monthly plans, see AT&T's Service Plans for the iPhone 3G.

After reviewing the plan you've chosen, Apple's site presents you with a list of nearby retail stores where you can go in and pick up your phone. If you'd like, you can set up an appointment to pick up your phone at a certain retail store, or you can opt not to be restricted to a certain store and time.

Apple stores offer three iPhone 3G models: A $199 8GB black model, or a $299 16GB model in black or white (when signing a two-year service contract with AT&T). Note that the site does not ask you which model you'd like to purchase. You can select a phone when you get to the store, but the site does warn you that your preferred model and color may not be in stock.

AT&T: Unlike the Apple store, AT&T lets you complete your entire iPhone 3G purchase online. You are limited to purchasing one iPhone online per household, though. At AT&T's site, you can select which iPhone you'd like: the $199 8GB black model, or the $299 16GB model in black or white. (You may also find some refurbished iPhones available at a discount.) You also can select your voice and text messaging plans, plus you'll need to sign up for the required $30-per-month unlimited data plan.

AT&T offers free two-day shipping on iPhone 3G orders; once you've received the phone, you'll need to connect it to a computer that has iTunes installed in order to activate it.

Best Buy: Best Buy does not offer the iPhone 3G online; the phone is available only in Best Buy retail stores that include a Mobile department. You can find a list of Best Buy stores that sell mobile phones at BestBuy.com. The entire purchase process will be handled in the store. Like AT&T, Best Buy offers the $199 8GB black model, or the $299 16GB model in black or white, plus an assortment of refurbished iPhones at a discount. All of these prices require a two-year AT&T service contract.

Walmart: Walmart also sells the iPhone 3G, but don't expect the discount retailer to offer a discount price: Walmart's iPhones are only $2 cheaper than other retailers charge for the same models. That means you'll pay $297 for the 16GB model (white or black) or $197 for the 8GB version (black only). Walmart does not sell the iPhone online; you can only purchase it in stores.

These four retailers are the only authorized sellers of new and refurbished iPhones. They all require that you sign a two-year service contract with AT&T to get these subsidized prices on the phone. You will find a slew of retailers claiming to see unlocked iPhones--those not tied to AT&T--online, but you should be very careful before purchasing such a phone. You'll need to do a bit of work to the phone to get it to make calls and access the Internet, plus the phones can be expensive ($600 or more), and you may be left with little recourse if it doesn't work.


View the original article here

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

iPhone Handset Price

Wondering how much you'll pay to get a shiny new iPhone 3G? Here what you can expect to pay to get your hands on Apple's slick smartphone.


The iPhone 3G is available from four authorized retailers: Apple, AT&T, Best Buy, and Walmart. All of them, except Walmart, charge the same price for the various iPhone models. (Walmart's prices are $2 cheaper.) All of these prices require that you sign a new two-year service contract with AT&T; existing AT&T customers who are eligible for an upgrade will get these prices, too.

8GB iPhone 3G (Black): $19916GB iPhone 3G (Black): $29916GB iPhone 3G (White): $299

AT&T subscribers who are not yet eligible for a handset upgrade will be charged the following prices:

8GB iPhone 3G (Black): $39916GB iPhone 3G (Black): $49916GB iPhone 3G (White): $499

All existing AT&T customers will be charged an upgrade fee of $18, whether or not they are eligible for the discounted prices.


View the original article here

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

How to Set Up an iPhone

 When the syncing process is complete, you can disconnect your iPhone from your computer.

Liane Cassavoy

You'll know the syncing process is complete when you see the message at the top of iTunes, and the "Sync in Progress" message disappears from your iPhone.


Once the syncing process is complete, your can disconnect your iPhone and are free to use it. Enjoy!


View the original article here

Thursday, September 13, 2012

iPhone 4 Price

Answer:

Looking for information about the new iPhone 4S, instead? Read How Much Does the iPhone 4S Cost?.

Wondering how much you'll pay to get your hands on the new iPhone 4? The price of the iPhone really depends on two factors: The cost of the phone itself, plus the service fee you pay every month to AT&T or Verizon. Here's a complete list of all the costs associated with buying and owning an iPhone 4.

To get the iPhone 4 for the lowest price, you must sign up for a two-year service contract with AT&T or Verizon.

New AT&T customers will get these subsidized prices, as will existing AT&T customers who are eligible for an upgrade. (AT&T is offering early upgrades to some existing customers; this article can help you find out how to check your upgrade eligibility.)

Verizon Wireless is offering the same subsidized prices to new subscribers and those eligible for upgrades. Existing customers who are eligible for upgrades can get these prices through the carrier's "New Every Two" program. Those who are not eligible for upgrades will need to pay full price, but may be able to take advantage of Verizon's Trade-In Program.

16GB iPhone 4 (Black or White): $19932GB iPhone 4 (Black or White): $299

AT&T subscribers who are not yet eligible for a handset upgrade will be charged the following "Early Upgrader" prices. (These prices also require a two-year service commitment.)

16GB iPhone 4 (Black or White): $39932GB iPhone 4 (Black or White): $499

If you don't want to sign a service contract with AT&T, you'll pay more for the iPhone 4. The No Commitment prices are:

16GB iPhone 4 (Black or White): $59932GB iPhone 4 (Black or White): $699

Verizon customers who are not eligible for an upgrade will have to pay full retail price for the iPhone 4. These prices are:

16GB iPhone 4 (Black or White): $64932GB iPhone 4 (Black or White): $749

All existing AT&T customers will be charged an upgrade fee of $18, whether or not they are eligible for the discounted prices. Verizon Wireless is not charging an activation fee for new customers.

When purchasing an iPhone 4 with a service contract, you'll need a voice plan, a data plan, and a text messaging plan in order to use the phone. Here's how much you can expect to pay for your monthly service:

AT&T offers two options: DataPlus or DataPro.

DataPlus is a $15-per-month plan that allows you to access 200MB of data.

DataPro is a $25-per-month plan that allows you to access 2GB of data.

For a complete breakdown of these plans and how much data you'll be access with them, read AT&T's Data Plans: All the Details.

If you'd like to use your iPhone 4 as a tethered modem (to which you can connect other devices to the Internet), you'll need to subscribe to the $25-a-month DataPro plan and an additional $20-per-month Tethering plan.

Verizon Wireless offers three data options:

2GB Data Bundle with Personal Email: $30 per month

5GB Data Bundle with Personal Email: $50 per month

10GB Data Bundle with Personal Email: $80 per month

If you'd like to use your iPhone as a wireless hotspot (to which you can connect other devices to the Internet), you'll need to select one of these data plans:

4GB Data Bundle with Personal Email and Mobile Hotspot: $50 per month

7GB Data Bundle with Personal Email and Mobile Hotspot: $70 per month

12GB Data Bundle with Personal Email and Mobile Hotspot: $100 per month

AT&T offers a choice of voice plans for the iPhone 4. All offer a certain number of nationwide calling minutes, and all offer free calling to other AT&T mobile phones.

$69.99 per month: Unlimited voice minutes$59.99 per month: 900 voice minutes$39.99 per month: 450 voice minutes

All of the plans (except the unlimited plan) include rollover minutes, which allow you to save unused voice minutes and apply them to your next bill should you go over your allotment. Additional minutes cost between 40 cents and 45 cents per minute, depending on your plan.

Most of the plans offer unlimited free night (9pm to 6am) and weekend calling; the only one that doesn't is the plan with 450 minutes, which limits you to 5000 night and weekend minutes.

Verizon offers three voice plans for the iPhone:

$69.99 per month: Unlimited voice minutes$59.99 per month: 900 voice minutes$39.99 per month: 450 voice minutes

You also need a messaging plan if you want to use your iPhone 4 to send and receive text, picture, and multimedia messages, and instant messages via AOL, Yahoo, or Windows Live. Here are the options from AT&T.

$20 per month: Unlimited messages$15 per month: 1500 messages (sent or received); 5 cents for each additional message $5 per month: 200 messages (sent or received); 10 cents for each additional message

And here are the options from Verizon:

$20 per month: Unlimited messages$10 per month: 500 messages PLUS Unlimited Mobile to Mobile Messaging$5 per month: 250 messages

Without a plan, AT&T charges 20 cents for each text or instant message you send or receive and 30 cents for each picture or video message. Verizon charges 20 cents per text message and 25 cents per picture/video message.


View the original article here