by INFORUM
iPhone market coming to North Dakota, western Minnesota
June 24, 2010 at 5:00 pm in INFORUM
North Dakotans and rural Minnesotans will finally be able to purchase and use the iPhone sometime during the next year. Continue Reading
iPhone market coming to North Dakota, western Minnesota
41 Comments
Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see.
Poorly-rated. Like or Dislike:
29 
57
Are you being sarcastic or have you never used a Windows phone?
Hot debate. What do you think?
25 
12
Now that the iPhone has been surpassed by Android, this isn’t as big of a deal as it would have been 2 years ago.
For me, it’s too little too late. Apple’s limited window to suck me into their closed proprietary world is now closed.
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
60 
25
Globally, Android is available on 60+ different phones and iOS is only on the iPhone. Android surpassing iOS shouldn’t be a huge surprise.
Like or Dislike:
15 
12
“iPhone has been surpassed by Android” LOL If ATT and Apple were to sell BOGO iPhones or drop the price of an iPhone to < $100 you'd see Apple dominate US market share as well. Keep in mind Apple owns 16% of GLOBAL marketshare – - – WITH ONE DEVICE!!! Now that's impressive!
Hot debate. What do you think?
17 
24
I’m talking reality, not hypotheticals. Google is selling 160,000 Android devices each and every day. I really don’t expect Apple to ever catch up considering their closed and consumer-controlling business model.
Yes, it is impressive that Apple carved out that much market share with a single device, especially considering the major shortcomings that device has perpetually had for business users and the terrible network they restrict it to here in the US. But it’s looking pretty doubtful that they can retain that perch.
Don’t get me wrong, more choices are a good thing. But many of us are no longer interested in the iPhone as there are other excellent and more flexible options out there today.
Hot debate. What do you think?
22 
12
Apple could have owned more than 60% of the market by now if they had allowed Verizon and other carriers the opportunity a few years ago. Once you establish a solid foothold te newer products lose out. Droid came on the market at a time that Apple wasnt satisfying the majority of the populace and because of that the droid will continue to do well. people were screaming for the iphone years ago, Apple failed to listen. I know several people who wanted the iphone and ended up with the Droid and are now completely thrilled with them and droid will just continue to grow as well. Apple wont go broke any time soon but they really blew their opportunity to literally OWN the cell phone market. not many people would have considered anything else had it been offered.
Like or Dislike:
11 
11
I believe nobody but AT&T would comply with Apple’s demands at the time the contract was written. Which was good and bad for consumers.
But that’s the good and bad about Apple in a nutshell. The good is that they have full control of the quality and price of their products. The bad is that when you go with Apple you don’t have any other choice in hardware or software other than what Apple thinks you need (ie what they can profit the most from).
It’s a great business model and very profitable when you have the best products on the market. But nobody can remain a leader forever and that’s when it starts to fall apart. It’s a continual cycle with Apple throughout their history. You can’t argue with it too much as they are still around in the consumer market yet few of their more open competitors from the 70′s and 80′s are. Still, as a consumer, I prefer more open and flexible products and haven’t bought anything Apple in several years now.
Like or Dislike:
6 
4
If quantity is your benchmark for what makes or breaks a “deal”, you could spin your argument many directions. I could counter argue-that the iPhone is better because it has more applications, more developers, and more quality control (AKA closed proprietary world) but that is just the same flawed, disconnected criticism. Based off of phone OSs “out there”, I could argue Symbian (think Nokia) still surpasses both iOS and Android . I would be willing to bet that any iPhone owner you ask likes them because they are very enjoyable to use. People who don’t like iPhones seem to base their dislike off of intangible statistics that have nothing to do with the actual experience. I have been using an iPhone in Fargo since 2007 and even with the spotty AT&T “partner coverage” signal strength, I prefer the iPhone experience over Android experience. Android is nice, but there is still no comparison in the quality of applications – with the exception of Android’s GPS and augmented-reality apps. Those are actually pretty nice on Android.
Like or Dislike:
16 
9
I didn’t say numbers make or break the deal. But they do give an indication of what platform has greater potential for growth and technical advances.
I said there are other great options out there and I am no longer interested in iPhone. That’s simply my opinion, but it is based on the fact that spotty coverage isn’t going to cut it.
Like or Dislike:
12 
7
Iphone does look like a real good solid piece of equipment that gets better each year but dont you think the droid will just do the same? i think in about 5 years they will both be almost identical with Apple regretting ever allowing Droid a spot in the marketplace. nothing against Apple or the phone, my only problem is with the individual that decided AT&T’s “Exclusive” deal was worth ignoring the other carriers and allowing another phone the chance to even compete. until the droid came along the iphone was the only one out there that excited folks like it does. so its not that folks dislike the iphone, they dislike AT&T’s coverage and support and even the best phone in the world cant overcome the fact that someone wont buy it if its just a paperweight due to poor carrier service. Verizon alone would have tripled their sales.
Like or Dislike:
6 
9
@peter
Exactly. Been using an Android phone for several months now. I’m sure the Apple fanboys will be all over this but for me Google has passed them.
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
35 
15
Quite frankly AT&T’s service is far below that of Verizon. I want an iPhone, but will not become an AT&T custom to get one. It is not worth the sacrifice in coverage.
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
47 
6
I agree with you completely. Having an iPhone is not worth having a contract with AT&T. Their customer service is attrocious.
Like or Dislike:
3 
0
I switched from Alltel to Verizon last month for the new HTC Incredible. It is so superior to the iPhone in so many ways. And I highly doubt that AT&T’s reputation for having a very spotty network is going to be any different in our area. DROID!!!!
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
25 
10
I would expect AT&T’s coverage to be the same as Alltel’s since it’s the same equipment.
Since you had Alltel, how does it compare to Verizon?
All I can say is that Verizon is better than Sprint around here. Sprint is OK in town but once you get a few miles out it’s very spotty.
Like or Dislike:
13 
6
Well AT&T uses a completely different network than Alltel, so every single customer will be forced to get a new phone once the switch is complete. So the service will change. Whether it will get better or worse, time will tell.
The current Alltel service is ok. The only thing I preferred with Alltel vs. Verizon was the plans. Alltel gave way more minutes for the money. But their phones are worthless. Now that I have the Incredible, I don’t know how I survived without it. The switch will certainly bring much better phones, but I think way too much attention is paid to the iPhone.
Like or Dislike:
8 
8
Ah…yes you are right, I forgot Alltel is CDMA while AT&T is GSM.
Like or Dislike:
8 
3
Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see.
Poorly-rated. Like or Dislike:
7 
21
what do you mean higher? att is 2nd in the nation for subscribers, sprint is 3rd. not to mention the only thing sprint has going for it is its cheep, once you leave fargo you have no 3G and even reception is hard to come by.
Like or Dislike:
15 
3
I’m not sure what you mean by that either.
Sprint does have 4G now in some areas, which is the most advanced service of any carrier, but that’s nowhere near here.
Like or Dislike:
5 
10
Try getting Sprint in a concrete building…Can you hear me now?…no. I hate Sprint but your right about the cheep part, I wish Verizon an Att would drop their prices down for those of us that don’t live with our phone.
Like or Dislike:
6 
6
I live in a metro area of 5 million on the East coast and many of my coworkers use ATT&T for the Iphone. The reception is mostly ok in the metro area, but they cannot get the same reception in places I can with my Verizon Blackberry. The other problem that ATT&T faces right now is that they have an overloaded network with all the people in these larger areas that have their service. Take for example the recent “incident” they had when they revealed the new Iphone 4. Take my advice–stay with what you have or switch to Verizon, you aren’t going to be happy with ATT&T service. If they can’t keep their connections in this area, do you really think you are going to get reception once you leave the Fargo city limits?….Think it over!
Like or Dislike:
15 
6
Aside from AT&T, the iPhone has terrible call quality. For apps and music, the iPhone is great, but if you use your cell as your only phone (I don’t have a landline) you will be very sorry with an iPhone. Also, I’m not sure how the service will be in Dickinson, but in San Diego, AT&T has AWFUL coverage.
Like or Dislike:
9 
10
Here is the whole problem with the Iphone, its a crappy PHONE. its a very cool gadget first, and a very so-so phone second and if play games when your out running around is fun, one of the best phones out there. But if you want a PHONE first and gadgets next the DROID (no idea on other Android OS phones) is a great choice. Most any “usefull” app is already ported to Android (maybe not in the polished state it is on Apple, but then again most Iphone apps where pretty Unpolished when they where new too). Of course teh Iphone has more “fart” apps, if thats important, Iphone is for you. I wont Deny the Iphoneis a polished piece of electonics, but IMHO its number one purpose (phone) is lacking. Right now the Android markget is growing much faster then the original Iphone market. IF (and its a big “IF”) the Andorid market continues at its curent pace (it should actually increase) it will have sold almost double the Iphone market when its out as long as the Iphone.
The new Iphone came out and APPLE asked users what they wanted most, the TOP 4 items are all on the andorid phones already.
Like or Dislike:
3 
2
ok this is not about iPhone vs Android. it will be ATT vs Verizon. verizon has 3g pretty much everywhere you go, att has very limited 3g. so that makes verizon the winner. also by the time they get it running here att and verizon are planning on going LTE (aka 4G). so whats the point of the iphone with no 3G. Android wins!!!.
but here is where it gets good. Most Rumors say the iphone will be on verizon early 2011. so android and iphone on the same usable network now that will be fun to see and also make it a tough call when i go to the verizon store to pick out a new phone next year
Like or Dislike:
9 
5
Watch the tech news over the next few days – Verizon Wireless will be rebranded and will go public with the fact that they are not and will not be carrying the iPhone in the near future as Android is their platform of choice until LTE is commercially available nationwide.
Like or Dislike:
6 
6
Have a source?
Like or Dislike:
7 
3
well i see your re-branding has kind of came true. they added the new saying verizon rules the air. that seams to be it, still verizon wireless and no mention of iphone or android.
Like or Dislike:
2 
2
http://Www.droid-life.com
Was posted earlier today. I’d imagine it would be on page 2 or 3 by now.
Like or Dislike:
3 
5
I really like all of the “i” products. Everyone and their mother has an ipod and we just got my grandparents the ipad for handheld pictures and internet usage and they love it. If I had an ATT account, I would love to try out the iphone but I go through a different provider.
Like or Dislike:
4 
7
Wouldn’t the inability to use it in Detroit Lakes be an issue?
Like or Dislike:
3 
12
The iphone can be used in Detroit Lakes. A number of years ago, Cellular 2000 was purchased by AT&T and all of Cellular 2000′s towers were converted to the GSM technology. Therefore, the iphone should work in and around Detroit Lakes just fine.
Like or Dislike:
5 
2
Could you clarify that as “should” or “does”?
There are Sprint towers around there as well, but I still have service problems.
Thanks
Like or Dislike:
0 
4
Both Alltel and Verizon operate on the CDMA platform. Meanwhile, AT&T operates on the GSM platform. Cellular/digital/mobile phone carriers operate on one of three platforms: CDMA, TDMA or GSM.
Because Alltel and AT&T operate on different platforms, all Alltel customers will have to replace their current CDMA units with GSM units as the transition between Alltel and AT&T finalizes. Customers will be given ample opportunity to make the switch to a comparable phone than what they are using now. I assume there will be a few “free” phone offers as well.
I assume that any present Alltel customer that doesn’t want to transition to AT&T will be allowed to get out of their Alltel contract without penalty and leave for another carrier. I’m not sure of the details about that, however. You can be assured that both companies will make the appropriate annoucements at some point in the near future.
Like or Dislike:
5 
3
I removed your wall of text post. Please just link people to an article instead of copy and pasting the entire thing here.
Like or Dislike:
3 
4
Very well.
Here is a link to an article from Bloomberg business news, which talks about the iphone becoming available from Verizon beginning in January 2011.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-06-29/verizon-wireless-said-to-start-offering-iphone-ending-at-t-s-exclusivity.html
Like or Dislike:
7 
2
Thanks, I do appreciate it. Interesting article too.
Like or Dislike:
3 
3
As I have posted on the Forum previously, so what? Without any cell signal of any kind yet, who cares about AT&T? You would think that living 2 miles from the intersection of a US Highway and a state highway with no trees and no hills would have some signal, but no.
Like or Dislike:
1 
1
Just give me a phone you can use to talk.
Like or Dislike:
1 
1
Absolutely! I just have a cheap phone from Virgin Mobile and I can talk to my son who is in Iraq just fine.
Like or Dislike:
1 
2