Complaints about the iPhone

[Justin Anderson]

Why isn't it compatible with the Verizon network!?!! Does apple have any idea how many potential buyers they're losing!!
I don't care what kind of a deal or support Cingular gave, find the extra funds to break off from them and bring the phone to a wider market!!!

[Blaine Golden]

EXACTLY!!

[Don Woods]

No it is Verison. Verison use's an old technolagy on much of there network. They us CDMA.. or a veryation of that. The Iphone use GSM. Witch is the most used world wide standered. Cingular/Tmobel and AT&T which Cingular just built. Give it a year or two and they will have a CDMA version out.

[Blaine Golden]

Give it a year or two and they will have a CDMA version out.

Do you know how long that is in Technology Years?

[Don Woods]

Well I just watched the keynote and the Cingular guy says they have a multi year exclusivity contract so u might just have to switch like I am. You have to look at it from apples point of view. They say the want to go to Europe and ASIA by the end of the year. Both of those conturys are all GSM. So build a phone that you don't have to change the tech.. Makes sence

[Jeff Kilgroe]

Contrary to popular belief, GSM is not superior to CDMA nor is it really a newer technology. It's just a different variation on the same concept. GSM uses a different signal carrier model and doesn't work quite as well over rugged terrain, nor does it have quite the range that CDMA does. CDMA also provides superior bandwidth and data rates per node connection. GSM is superior in other ways though -- better signal penetration through structures / buildings, better node tracking and switching and greater vertical range so it works better when used from an airplane. Something to consider if/when the FAA and other airspace governing agencies start allowing phone use during flight.

Anyway, all that aside, GSM is the dominant standard the world over. And this really has nothing to do with it being technically superior, it's mostly to do with the implementation of SIM cards and device management used by the major GSM carriers when they first started up. In Europe and Asia, most phones are sold as unlocked and you simply contact your desired carrier and buy a plan, they give you a SIM card, you activate your phone and you're ready to go. Here in teh USA, most phones are tied up with providers and nasty long contracts. CDMA accounts for about half of the wireless network infrastructure and also accounts for nearly half of the wireless phone users/devices out there. Verizon and Sprint are CDMA and that' pretty much does it for the USA as far as CDMA goes. Everyone else is GSM except I think Cricket is CDMA, but not sure. Nextel is iDEN still, but is integrating CDMA since the merger with Sprint. There is currently more CMDA infrastructure converage in the USA and if anyone travels cross country over the roads, a CDMA phone actually makes most sense in most areas, especially throughout the southwest.

Anyway, all that aside, Apple made the right choice with GSM. They have to have GSM to make the iPhone a global product and reach the largest markets. A CDMA version is a no-brainer once the exclusive Cingular deal runs out and if the iPhone proves to be a success. However, there's a good chance that unless the iPhone becomes a huge runaway success that everyone must have it, Verizon won't want to carry it anyway. It goes against their current business model of installing their own interface and crap software on all the phones they offer (with the exception of a few PDA/smartphone models). They also want everyone to use their VCast service for music and video downloads and wouldn't want iTunes in the mix. Personally I don't care for Verizon and I'd drop them for Cingular or someone else in and instant if I could get equal coverage where I need it.

[Rob Lohman]

Yep, GSM here in Holland. I'm on t-mobile when I'm in the US, guess they're on GSM as well (since I use the same phone).

I was surprised to see a deal with just one provider. Then again, I have no idea how much of the US can use that network... In the end it's all about coverage.

[Carlo Rho]

Hey there, sorry but Europe was GSM... the latest network is UMTS that speak in Mb and not in Kb as GSM. So IPhone is today able to work in a network considered quite old in European Community... I hope this is the reason to wait Q4 to see that jewel here.
Ex. Vendors & Telcos are pushing videocalls a lot so I think Apple needs a second front camera to compete in Europe as they need UMTS network to sell music & videos...
Nokia & almost all vendors have only 3G (aka thrid generation aka UMTS) new products for europe. GSM is used just for cheap phones.
Yesterday I was dreaming to buy my own I phone @ NAB but then I start reading threads...so sad...
Carlo

[Nick Shaw]

The latest thing in the UK is HSDPA (somrtimes called 3.5G). Very limited coverage at the moment, but theoretically broadband speeds on a mobile. I have a Motorola V6 Maxx which has it, but I haven't taken it into the centre of London to get HSDPA reception and try it out! Still by Q4 this year when the iPhone hits Europe maybe we'll be on at least v2 of the iPhone, and we'll have to see what that offers.

Nick

[Red Oz]

I'm wondering whether an unlocked version will be released when it hits Europe and Asia, or if someone will unlock it anyway. Then those who aren't on Cingular can still purchase one. I've had and used unlocked phones for some time now, and always hated Sprint and Verizon for not offering GSM/SIM cards (although I hear Sprint is going to convert over soon).

There was an article in Wired magazine that showed Cingular had the largest network in the US. Not sure if this is true now, but that might be a good reason to switch if you were also eyeing the Apple Phone.

Marlon, that's a good point. Perhaps a future version will include UMTS support.