Palm Pre Vs. New I-Phone 3GS

[Ardentbiscuit]

Which one do you think is better?

[Pixiessp]

Oh my god! More Phones!!!!!!!!!

[amyzzz]

Our household is going through this debate as we speak. I will post it here when we decide.

[Ardentbiscuit]

Here is some food for thought on the I phone 3GS...

http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/patterson/51255

[prettydirtything]

The "original" iPhone 3G is now $99... (new activation or upgrade eligible of course)

I will choose unlisted option #3....

[JebusLives]

I haven't used the palm pre, but iphone is a near-perfect product in my opinion. Wish I could trade my 16GBer in for a new 32 (would fit all my CDs), but it sounds like a pricy proposition. The other feature upgrades are exactly what I miss in this one (faster, fewer fingerprints, better camera) and the new OS adds the other things I want (landscape keyboard). I completely sound like a shill rereading what I just typed, but fuck it; the iphone is a near-perfect product and these incremental improvements only raise the bar further.

[anti-square]

Gripes I have with the iphone:

Where's the freaking physical keyboard already?!

I heard the actual phone part is the weakest point...so why does it take up the most letters in the name?

Why the crap is this thing stuck in contractual hell with Att? Fuck them, I hate Att!

Other than that, I wish my phone did alot of what this phone does.

[JebusLives]

Gripes I have with the iphone:

Where's the freaking physical keyboard already?!

I heard the actual phone part is the weakest point...so why does it take up the most letters in the name?

Why the crap is this thing stuck in contractual hell with Att? Fuck them, I hate Att!

Other than that, I wish my phone did alot of what this phone does.

I don't want a physical keyboard. You probably text more than me though, so I understand the preference.

What did you hear about the phone part? I have had no issues at all, but my carrier is Rogers (Canada). In fact this is the first phone i've been able to use in the elevator at work. I think the connection gripes people have are AT&T specific.

[anti-square]

I don't want a physical keyboard. You probably text more than me though, so I understand the preference.

What did you hear about the phone part? I have had no issues at all, but my carrier is Rogers (Canada). In fact this is the first phone i've been able to use in the elevator at work. I think the connection gripes people have are AT&T specific.

Everybody else texts, so there I are. As far as the phone reception and such, its mostly concerning all smartphones. I wish they were as reliable as the free phone the phone companies give away.

ATT can suck it though.

[amyzzz]

I'M BUYING A PALM PRE TOMORROW!

[buddy]

I'M BUYING A PALM PRE TOMORROW!

id like to know your final opinion. ive been with sprint for awhile, and was thinking about getting a pre in about a month or two or jumping to at&t and getting an iphone 3G.

[Ardentbiscuit]

I don't know about Sprint but I've been with AT&T for a LONG time and they suck. I've just been too apathetic to change.

Here are my reasons...

1. The service is way overprice; to get the unlimited media, the minute plan I want, unlimited text messages will cost me about 150 per month. That's before taxes and all those other fees.

2. Anything they tell you over the customer service line will never be honored in the store. I've gotten in arguments with store managers because they go against what the corporate customer service line says.

3. The people who work in the stores are completely worthless douche bags who don't know anything and are completely unhelpful. Think of the worst qualities of a Fry's, Best Buy and Home Depot employee and there you have it.

4. No matter what phone I have it drops calls or is in a low service zone.

5. Once you are in a contract they make it nearly impossible to upgrade to an i phone without paying near retail. What's the point of being a customer if there are no benefits?

I'm curious how the other cell phone providers are. I was thinking of dropping AT&T and either going to Sprint or Verizon. Not sure yet.

Once AT&T's exclusive contract with Iphone runs out and other companies pick it up I predict millions of subscriber cancellations as people jump ship.

[JClemy]

The phone companies in Canada suck period. The reason I won't be getting an Iphone is because I refuse to go back to Fido and I don't want Rogers. Not that Telus is any better. It's crappy when your choice is made by provider. They give the Iphones away here in Japan because no one wants them.

[JebusLives]

The carriers suck in Canada price-wise, but frankly we get really good service on Rogers... much better than AT&T from what I understand.

JClemy, Telus is the fucking antichrist. They tried to ruin my life. Stop giving them money!

[amyzzz]

Sprint's network rocks. I've had it with my Qwest phone for the past 2 years, and calls hardly ever drop. I just got my new phone this morning with Jacob, and we are playing with our phones right now.

[JustSteve]

glad i only need my phone to make calls and send a few texts. there is no need for me to be more connected than that and i feel that is a good thing. most people probably don't need to be as connected as they are and they just end up wasting the day away checking email and updating their facebook status.

[Drinkey McDrinkerstein]

Wish I could trade my 16GBer in for a new 32 (would fit all my CDs)

you need more music

[JustSteve]

or a higher bitrate

[elChurro]

Apple has many apps and that's about it but I think the iPhone is in need of a serious visual overhall, the whole extreme minimalism is dated and butt ugly.

[JClemy]

JClemy, Telus is the fucking antichrist. They tried to ruin my life. Stop giving them money!

??? Ruin your life?

[unknown]

Sprint's network rocks. I've had it with my Qwest phone for the past 2 years, and calls hardly ever drop. I just got my new phone this morning with Jacob, and we are playing with our phones right now.

Amy, tell me how you like it - features, ease of use, etc... I have been with Sprint for 5+ years now and was trying to get out of this last year of my contract to get an iphone but if the pre is that good I should just upgrade....

I think my main uses for a phone right now are texting and of course calls but I really need to jump up technologically with phones. I need something to go online and shit like that (which I've never really had) ... fuck it, I think I'm gonna try to get one. I'm going to call and see what type of upgrade I am eligible for.

[amyzzz]

I am struggling with it because I am just not good with technological devices. Regarding the "extreme minimalism" of its design, I like it. It fits smoothly in my hand with no rough or point edges, and it slides out the keyboard on the bootom. The keys are very small, but they "click" so you know when you've hit them. Also, since I have long-ish nails, I can just type with my nails pretty easily.

I'm still figuring out all the gestures to move stuff around and throw stuff away. You can have multiple applications up at once, which so far is just confusing me, but I am a simple soul. Hopefully I'll get the hang of the gestures soon.

Calls SOUND great at least; on my last shitty phone I could hardly understand what people were saying half the time. I've heard the camera is not so good (compared to the Iphone's) but I haven't tried mine yet.

I'll try to give another update next week.

[amyzzz]

Also, this synchs up with Itunes, so you can move whatever you have on there over to the Pre. I think it only has 8G of space though.

[fober]

iPhone can redial now!

Rejoice!

Up next: Quick dial!!!!

[unknown]

Thanks, Amy. I am going to the Sprint store today to change around some stuff on my plan and check out the phone. Not sure what kind of a price they will give me... my stepdad tried to get one and they wanted to charge him over $500 (he's been a customer for 7+ years). His contract was up a week later so he just let it expire and went to AT&T and got an iphone....

[djandrews25]

someone talk about the damn phone

[amyzzz]

I sent an email to someone from my phone complete with the "this email was sent from the palm pre" message at the end. I felt like such a pretentious asshole.

[djandrews25]

amy please talk about hte phone, i am highly considering buying this.

[amyzzz]

I have been talking about the damn phone. What do you want to know?

[djandrews25]

how are the apps in comparison with iphone apps? i guess that is the main question for me. If the apps are as user friendly and if there are good ones then i will get this phone. also how long is the battery time?

[amyzzz]

Ah. You're asking the wrong person.

[djandrews25]

Damn, can anyone do a good comparison?

[amyzzz]

I'm so bored that I downloaded a "matching" game app on my Pre. Lame.

[unknown]

Damn, can anyone do a good comparison?

Maybe this guy?
http://www.pcworld.com/article/166330/iphone_3g_s_vs_palm_pre_the_battle_begins.html

I'm off to get my iphone 3gs after work. hooray.

[kitt kat]

so amy, you think it's worth it? i have sprint, too, and i'm not about to pay a shitton of money for an iphone every month when my dad still has a sprint business account.

they don't have cases for it, though, do they? has yrs scratched already?

[suprefan]

They have cases for iPhones, why wouldnt they.

[RotationSlimWang]

I was at a Radioshack the other week and the subject of the Pre came up. Apparently nationwide they've been seeing a 33 percent return rate on Pre sales. In other words, doesn't look like it works worth half a shit.

[djandrews25]

They are also stopping phone orders.... If they were dying to get rid of overstock why would they do this?

[unknown]

I only messed around on the pre at the sprint store for 10 minutes or so the other day and thought it was OK. Picked up a 16gb 3GS earlier and absolutely love it.

[amyzzz]

I picked the Pre mostly because I've heard bad things about AT&T's network, and the goddamn monthly bill for AT&T is way higher than Sprint's. I am really enjoying playing around with it though. The Pre comes with a little black suede case, and apparently they had some cases at Best Buy, but we didn't look at them yet. One thing at a time.

The Pre doesn't have a lot of apps yet, but I'm sure they will come. I really like the pull out keyboard too. Typing on the touch screen ALL THE TIME would drive me apeshit. I kinda wish I had some tech-y person here back me up though since I can't go into all the tech-y specifics.

[unknown]

I did read about how 1 in 3 people are returning the Pre due to glitches such as cases coming apart, loose power buttons, missing pixels, etc... I too hate AT&T but all of my So Cal family uses them out here so I hopped on their family plan. I am paying about $60/mo for my share which includes unlimited texting and the data plan. I never thought I would enjoy the keyboard and touch screen since I used T9 for so long but after texting quite a bit over last few days, it really isn't so bad at all - I actually like it. Smart fucking phone though - what a step up from the Katana I was using. Just the things it picks up such as email addresses or phone numbers from texts or my inbox and how I can add it to a contact so easily. I love it. So many apps... kinda bummed their isn't one for Lollapalooza...

I haven't even put any music onto the ipod portion of it (mainly because I have a 120gb ipod) nor have I transfered any photos or videos. But I do LOVE making my own ringtones!

[amyzzz]

HAHAHA, I had the Katana too! SUCH a big leap here. One problem I have with the Pre is the battery does not last long AT ALL. Other than that though, I haven't had any problems or glitches, just takes time getting used to such a slick phone. I've had fun making my ringtones too--half of them are Dungen songs because the tone is so bright and loud on those that I can hear them quickly.

[unknown]

How long does the battery last on the Pre? I know the Katana would last FOREVER and I would text all day long. The iphone... well I learned to turn down the brightness, take it off 3G but still, the battery runs down a lot quicker than I am use to. I forgot my charger again today so I went to Best Buy to grab a car charger and a splitter/splicer? so I can charge my iphone and ipod (via the FM transmitter) in the car. I won't get home to grab a charger till tomorrow since I am off to see the new Harry Potter after work!!!!!

[amyzzz]

I'm bringing my plug to work to plug my phone in at my cubicle. Also, my plug broke somehow (wtf?), so I am borrowing Jacob's during the day. All I know is the very end part that is supposed to plug into the wall is missing, although the rest of the cord still works to plug into the computer to sync up the music or charge it from the computer.

[kitt kat]

hahahahaha i have the pink katana. i am so ready for something a little more 21st century.

in all honesty, i would get the iphone, but my dad WILL NOT switch to ATT because of how pricey it is. sigh. so my choices are blackberry or pre...and blackberries suck, IMO.

[amyzzz]

Yep, I had the pink one too. I wasn't ready to spend a lot of $ on a phone when I got it, was trying to save money by switching to my employer's phone service actually.

[Ardentbiscuit]

Space Ace on the Iphone!

YES!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOuO3Mk0Cd8

[unknown]

I don't know about that game... it looks kinda boring pressing the arrows that it tells you to, unless I am missing something. Anyone have any good app recommendations? I've only paid for one so far... wait, make that two: iFitness and pUniverse which have both come in handy. I will see how the MetrO app works out for me in Chicago...

[gaypalmsprings]

Chinese worker commits suicide over missing iPhone

The Associated Press • July 22, 2009

An employee at a factory that makes iPhones in China killed himself after a prototype went missing, and Apple Inc. responded Wednesday by saying its suppliers are required to treat workers with dignity and respect.

The dead worker, Sun Danyong, 25, worked in product communications at Foxconn Technology Group, a Taiwanese firm that makes many Apple products at a massive factory in the southern city of Shenzhen, near Hong Kong.

Although Apple and Foxconn have confirmed Sun’s suicide, they have not provided details about the death’s circumstances, which have been reported by the state-run Southern Metropolis Daily, one of the region’s most popular papers.

There’s tremendous pressure on employees dealing with Apple’s new products to maintain a high-level secrecy over the gadgets, traditionally launch amid great suspense and a big marketing buzz. Apple is also a constant target of prying journalists, rabidly faithful customers and competitors who make great efforts to try to steal a peek at its latest gadgets.

Sun was responsible for sending iPhone prototypes to Apple, and on July 13 he reported that he was missing one of the 16 units in his possession, the newspaper reported. His friends said company security guards searched his apartment, detained him and beat him, the paper reported.

In the early morning of July 16, Sun jumped from the 12th floor of his apartment building, the paper said.

Jill Tan, an Apple spokeswoman in Hong Kong, issued only a brief statement about the incident.

“We are saddened by the tragic loss of this young employee, and we are awaiting results of the investigations into his death,” Tan said. “We require our suppliers to treat all workers with dignity and respect.”

Foxconn said in a statement that its security chief has been suspended and turned over to the police.

The security official, Gu Qinming, was quoted by the Southern Metropolis Daily as saying he never hit Sun. Gu reportedly said that after three security personnel searched Sun’s apartment and did not find the phone, the employee was ordered to go to Gu’s office on July 15.

The security chief said he didn’t think Sun was being truthful about the phone, the paper reported.

“I got a bit agitated. I pointed my finger at him and said that he was trying to shift the blame,” Gu was quoted as saying.

He added, “I was a little angry and I pulled his right shoulder once to get him to tell me what happened. It (the beating) couldn’t have happened,” the paper reported.

Local police declined to respond to questions from The Associated Press.

Foxconn executive Li Jinming said in a statement that Sun’s death showed that the company needed to do a better job helping its employees with psychological pressures.

“Sun Danyong graduated from a good school. He joined the company in 2008. He had an extremely bright future. The group and I feel deep pain and regret when a young person dies like this.”

[amyzzz]

Sun was responsible for sending iPhone prototypes to Apple, and on July 13 he reported that he was missing one of the 16 units in his possession, the newspaper reported. His friends said company security guards searched his apartment, detained him and beat him, the paper reported.
Yikes.

[amyzzz]

http://finance.yahoo.com/tech-ticker/article/290261/Palm-Pres-Cost-99-at-Best-Buy-Due-to-Weekend-Glitch?tickers=PALM

Palm Pres Cost $99 at Best Buy Due to Weekend Glitch

The Palm Pre still costs $199, but over the weekend, more than a few customers bought new ones for $99.

The confusion in Best Buy stores across the country began when a picture of an in-store banner promoting a week long special of a $99 Pre with a 2-year contract was posted online.

But turns out, it was a mistake. And Best Buy marketing manager John Bernier announced the error on his Twitter page Sunday afternoon.

But somehow the deal got programmed into vendor systems and soon, stores across New York and nationwide began selling the phone at the new lower price during the weekend.

Lucky customers who got their phones cheap get to keep them at the lower price, one sales rep told a WSJ reporter:

WSJ: At Best Buy’s store at 13th and Harrison Streets in San Francisco, the salesman told me that the $99 offer might be a glitch in the system. “We’re not sure if they’re going to change it back tomorrow,” he said of the Palm Pre’s price, but they had 30 in stock and had already sold 10.

So if the price gets changed back to $199 tomorrow, I asked him, what would happen if I bought it for $99 today? “You’re good,” he said. “You bought it for $99. Enjoy your phone.”

[gaypalmsprings]

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WaDoUBf84qs/SVB-ganv6pI/AAAAAAAAALM/5EdwZSNWMXU/s400/iPhone_vs._Stone_%28Ston.jpg

[amyzzz]

I've had my Palm Pre phone a month, and I fuckin love it. I had a few false starts at first -- the phone frustrated me so much once I threw it on the floor ,and sometimes I tap one number and it dials someone else. Other than that though, it's great. I feel so futuristic and connected. I can have my email, my texts, my twitter, and my coachella board all up at once and switch back and forth to everything.

[kitt kat]

Ugh! I went to the Sprint store this week and to get a pre, I have to get myself off my parent's plan and pay upwards of $80/mo! Why they can't add it is beyond me. Looks like I have to get a Blackberry next month.

[djandrews25]

Ive had my pre for a few weeks now, and i couldnt be happier with it. Insanely fast internet, along with everything that i wanted the iphone for. I am voting palm pre even tho i have never owned an iphone. This phone, like the iphone is so user friendly it makes everything easier. It is lacking apps, but there are some great ones offered free if you download filecoaster. After only a few weeks they have about 150 apps.

[JebusLives]

OMG they have Civilization for iPhone now. Between that and SimCity, I might just have to ride the bus around one more loop before going to work...

[C DUB YA]

those pre commercials suck big donkey don't they?

[justinaqui]

those pre commercials suck big donkey don't they?

creepy.
as.
hell.

[Ardentbiscuit]

I think it's kind of silly to have voice dialing on a device that doesn't have a keyboard but hey that's just me.

[Ardentbiscuit]

Looks like I'm getting a Palm Pre. Sprint just annouced today that no matter what minute plan you are on as long as you have unlimited data you get unlimited incoming and out going calls to any cell phone carrier. Event the 450 minute unlimited data plan.

That means with my company discount I get unlimited data, text and calls for around $40 to $50 per month.

HOLY SH*T!

[djandrews25]

You wont be disappointed. The phone is awesome.

[Ardentbiscuit]

So what does everyone think of the Blackberry Tour Vs. Palm Pre Vs. the I phone.

I can get the iphone for the basic $199.

I can get the Pre for 104 and Blackberry Tour for 54.

[unknown]

I play bejeweled 2 entirely too much. I need new games.

[joppy-slow]

haven't played around on the Palm Pre.. but i've fallen in love with the new I-phone 3g.. my friend literally has to tear it out of my hands in order to get it back.. so many great apps..easy to use..takes amazing pictures..if i could afford $110 month phone plan, i would have an i-phone

[amyzzz]

My Palm Pre phone has a glitch: the icons at the bottom go away and are replaced with an empty volume bar so I can't click on the icons to get to other apps. It comes and goes. I partially erased my phone and restarted it twice now, and it doesn't do it as much but still does it.

[amyzzz]

Oh nice. I documented that here. My phone's touch function is completely dead as of yesterday. I'm taking it back to the store tonight. MEH.

[unknown]

OH NO!!! I decided to unjailbreak my phone and just realized after restoring my settings that bejeweled 2 is gone and I was on level 52! I have to start over AGAIN.

[amyzzz]

My phone was covered under the regular warranty, so I got a brand new one. But THAT one had a dead pixel, so I came back in a couple days for another new one. This current one is great for now. :)

[Alligator Bogaloo]

OH NO!!! I decided to unjailbreak my phone and just realized after restoring my settings that bejeweled 2 is gone and I was on level 52! I have to start over AGAIN.

:nono