<i>Shazam, an application that identifies songs being played on the radio or TV, takes so long to load that the tune may be over by the time the app is ready to hear it.</i><p>Shazam runs straight off the iPhone. Its load time has nothing to do with AT&T.
Boo hoo. AT&T is offering a product just like any other business. They don't get special sympathy just because they have millions of customers. When I pay my ghastly $100/month bill I expect to get the service I paid for (access to internet whenever I want) and as long as I'm getting that coverage, I'll be happy. Sorry NYTimes, I don't buy it.
Sorry to stray so far off topic, but:<p>Miniature computer: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:IPhone_3G_S_sides.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:IPhone_3G_S_sides.jpg</a><p>Minicomputer: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Pdp-11-40.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Pdp-11-40.jpg</a><p>I suppose this is in the same class of usage error as (e.g.) saying 'ordinary bicycle' when you mean a typical one.
1) It sounds like AT&T badly need to invest in some form of packet shaping for their wireless data that prioritizes cell phone data (calls+text+voicemail) over regular traffic.<p>2) The iPhone should have the option to use Edge for calls, regardless of 3G signal, if there's congestion. Heck I'd probably choose to use Edge all the time, it's so much more reliable in SF.
<i>“Whether an iPhone, a Storm or a Gphone, the world is changing.” Mr. Munster said.</i><p>Gphone?? I'm not sure Mr. Munster is exactly a reliable source…
I've been using Verizon' MiFi router and my friends old iPhone with no issue. For me (not much of a phone talker) this works great using text mssge, Instant messaging, email & social networks to communicate w/inner circle. Have Skype on it too, though don't use it too much. Verizon's 3G everywhere router is a bit pricey $60, but cheaper then iPhone's $70 i was paying & getting junky svc.
Is this entirely Apple and AT&Ts fault for trying to achieve a greedy communications monopoly? (Foreigner here, I believe AT&T is the only one offering the iPhone apart from outright?)
There were reports months ago AT&T has started testing home microcells -- that plug into your home broadband, and create a tiny cell zone for voice/etc traffic that's then routed over the internet.<p>Has anyone seen or tried such a thing?