Whirlpool

Looks like they've signed the deal...
www.looprumors.com/index...ing-3g-to-iphone

I always said it pays to wait and don't buy the Rev A gear from Apple, wait a little...

Now who still wants to rush out and buy non-3G iPhones, prematurely ?

So Apple signed a deal with a chip provider?
It's like saying Intel will release a new eight-core CPU, as such Apple will release an 8-core mac pro ! After all, Apple signed a deal with Intel afterall..

It has always been said that Apple would do an iPhone 3G, Steve Jobs answered that question too!

The question is when?

wait a little
more serious rumours are european phone providers will carry the iphone early next year. That's a long wait ...

Jean-Yves

Yes I know it will be a while - mid '08 is my guess - as the Telco's have some work to do on the networks as well. And that isn't going to start until they've signed an agreement with Apple...

Me. I have no plans to use the internet functions on anything other than wifi, so 2g vs 3g doesn't really bother me.

jya writes...

It's like saying Intel will release a new eight-core CPU, as such Apple will release an 8-core mac pro !

They already have release an 8-core Mac Pro...

Steve Joynt writes...

They already have release an 8-core Mac Pro...

This is not a 8-core CPU, but a dual quad-core ....

Doesn't the fixed in battery issue a little thorn in the flesh? I don't care if it's 3g or 2g but having to send my phone back for a fee to change my battery is really annoying.

saintalvin writes...

Doesn't the fixed in battery issue a little thorn in the flesh?

Yeah, I have concerns over this too. Even though I've never had a phone that's outlasted it's battery as by the time the battery is stuffed, I usually replace my phone too - due to the sad the state the phone is in).

I still like the peace of mind that I have knowing I can simply go into a store and buy a replacement without any hassle.

We'll have to wait and see how the three class actions against Apple pan out as to whether the iPhone is updated with consumer replaceable batteries.

i do! hehe.

if you read this: www.zdnet.com.au/news/ha...339282220,00.htm

"Jerson Yau, research analyst at IDC, also expects Australia's first iPhone to be the same EDGE device that has been launched in the US and UK. Yau believes that Australian consumers shouldn't necessarily be put off by a lack of 3G connectivity, however.

[Some consumers] have been so trained up to expect 3G, it doesn’t matter how amazing the product is, if it doesn’t come with 3G, they think it's an inferior product," he said. "On paper, EDGE networks are fairly similar to UMTS -- there's not much difference." "

you can see that what we want is a HSPDA iphone rather than a 3g one.

i sent aus$1500 to an american friend & got three 1.1.2 iphones and some Hyper-Cards and i'm rapt to be toting iphone for Christmas 8)

if the "second quarter"predictions are true then that means the june 29 date might also be true. that's a long time man! 7 months!

my only regret is that I did not get yank iphones back when they debuted because they're just so fookin cool.

I bet when they arrive in australia you won't be able to get them for aus$500 like you can now direct from the states.

apart from the one caveat that only telstra users are gonna get any Edge action, yah may as well get one now, especuilly if you're with telstra.

happy iphone christmas!

? iLuxo writes...

I always said it pays to wait and don't buy the Rev A gear from Apple, wait a little...

Right - following that philosophy we should all wait for Rev C and then laugh at the Rev B fools!

Personally, I've never had an issue with being a Rev A buyer. I bought a Rev A MacBook Pro when they were first released (one of the first to buy in Australia) and also bought a 4 and 8 gig iPhone.

I can honestly say I've never had a problem with any of them.

If it wasn't for us Rev A buyers, there would be no Rev B's!

(Tounge and cheek away now)

macsonski writes...

Personally, I've never had an issue with being a Rev A buyer.

If it wasn't for us Rev A buyers, there would be no Rev B's!

(Tounge and cheek away now)

How's your tounge going?

I waited for Rev B. and I'm pretty pleased with what had become a tongue by that time.

;)

Personally, I've never had an issue with being a Rev A buyer.
Same.

Rev A MacBook Pro and iPhone here. Love them both and haven't had any issues. By the time the iPhone has gone 3G and been hacked, I'll probably be ready for a new one anyway (late 2008).

One of the big differences between the iPhone and iPods is that the iPhone is getting quite big software updates (Apple changed the way they account for the iPhone profits to be able to do this). So Rev A can be fixed and have features added in a way that the iPods didn't previously.

Also, I guess we'll have to see how appealing the plans are. Chances are they'll be pretty expensive.

sure the iPhone is cool and sure i was going to buy one.

But after having my n95 for a couple of months im not sure i could live without the 3G or the 5Mp camera or the GPS.

Apple dont really need to make any changes to the iPhone, people will buy it anyway.
But id sure like it if they did.

? iLuxo writes...

Now who still wants to rush out and buy non-3G iPhones, prematurely ?

Plenty of people who don't give a shit about 3G? Case and point: me.

Also the people that:

a) Don't want to be locked into a contract.
b) Don't want to rest their hopes on the hackers finding a way around the new set of hardware to unlock (still haven't really got around 1.1.2 OTB).
c) Don't want to wait.
d) Don't want to pay more $$$ than it's worth.

Don't forget that 3G reduces battery life significantly.

dfunked writes...

a) Don't want to be locked into a contract.
d) Don't want to pay more $$$ than it's worth.

You have ZERO chance of buying an iPhone without being locked in a 2 year contract when it gets released here. Apple makes a killing out of getting a cut of your call costs from the provider. As it's been the case around the world so far you can't get the phone outside a contract, and where you can it is at exorbitant prices.

drzeus writes...

You have ZERO chance of buying an iPhone without being locked in a 2 year contract when it gets released here.

Actually you can buy your iPhone without the contract - you just won't get any functionality you connect it up and sign up with the telco, of course you can hack it and go whomever you want if your brave.

dfunked writes...

a) Don't want to be locked into a contract.


Yeah, that was my main motivation to get a RevA iPhone. 3G would be nice, but I really can't wait that long, and I'd be locked into some expensive contract anyway, so I just bought a current model iPhone and unlocked it.

Achtung Baby ? writes...

Yeah, that was my main motivation to get a RevA iPhone.

My motivation was simple - I wanted one 'cause they looked cool.

Yes, I'm a vain person. But at least I have an iPhone and not drooling and hoping for the 3G version to come out - which I don't really care about anyway!

notyou writes...

Don't forget that 3G reduces battery life significantly.

That's why Jobs claimed not to release a 3G version in the first place. Broadcom however just released a 3G chip that uses very little power - hence the talk of a 3G iPhone.

This new chip evidently replaces six chips that were required to do 3G in the past.

www.engadget.com/2007/10...-a-chip-solution

drzeus writes...

As it's been the case around the world so far you can't get the phone outside a contract,

nope in the USA you just walk up to the counter & pay the advertised price.

Coins writes...

nope in the USA you just walk up to the counter & pay the advertised price.

Not to mention you can even buy unlocked ones from T-Mobile in Germany and Orange in France (it's a requirement by law).

The downside? €999 ($1651) from T-Mobile, €749 ($1238) from Orange.

www.pocket-lint.co.uk/ne...uro-iPhone.phtml

www.appleinsider.com/art...s_in_france.html

hey guys just wanted to know if anyone knows or has heard the release date of the iphone here in aus 3g or normal? I heard 08 but its 08 now and they are still not in the shops.

xrsixturbo writes...

hey guys just wanted to know if anyone knows or has heard the release date of the iphone here in aus 3g or normal? I heard 08 but its 08 now and they are still not in the shops.

No ones knows or hears anything. Everyone is speculating sometime 2008 for the release of iPhone here in Australia, but no one can say that it's going to support 3G.

I personally won't play the waiting game. If you want it now, I'd just buy it and enjoy it like the rest of the people who have iPhones here. If you need a 3G phone, then you might end up waiting for quite a while.

xrsixturbo writes...

I heard 08 but its 08 now and they are still not in the shops.

relax, there's still a whole 11 months to go… as far as we know, the carrier hasn't been chosen - while Telstra's nextG is currently the only nationwide 3G network, both Optus and Vodaphone have announced plans for national 3G expansion so could be considered candidates. I suspect we'll have more of a clue once a 3G handset is announced for US and Europe, as I don't expect Aus to have the iPhone prior to a 3G handset.

I have said April since last year, but thats a guess with no evidence to back it up.

Like I have always said, the US will get the 3G the SAME TIME as AUS gets it.

I don't understand why Apple don't release the current version 2.5G one now (or even the same time as the USA)? Telstra's Edge network can support it with only a minor change to the software so it will work on Telstra's network....Apple could have release it last year, and made $$millions in Australia. It is fact that Aussies adopt to new technology faster then any other country in the word...we have more Mobile handsets per people, more TV's per people, etc, etc...then the rest of the world amd we are even leading the race with Blu Ray DVD adoption.......

I just think Apple of missed out on this market...(Bad mistake on there part).....if they released it the same time as the USA they would have sold plenty, then we would all buy the 3G version when it comes out (double your sales!! each user 2 iphones rather then 1)
I did hear that Apple have signed with Telstra....I read this in the AGE newspaper a couple of days ago....

slmtelstra writes...

I don't understand why Apple don't release the current version 2.5G one now (or even the same time as the USA)? Telstra's Edge network can support it with only a minor change to the software

it's not Telstra's network that's the problem - it's their pricing and management style, and their existing content offerings. Greg Wynn won't have changed his mind. Telstra are not interested in the iPhone, unless it's to prevent anyone else from offering it. As it stands, the iPhone directs users away from Telstra services, such as music downloads, maps and directions, email etc. There are more negatives for Telstra than for the other carriers despite them having an EDGE network.

I did hear that Apple have signed with Telstra....I read this in the AGE newspaper a couple of days ago....

I doubt it - if they had it'd be on every tech web site you could name.

philh writes...

As it stands, the iPhone directs users away from Telstra services, such as music downloads, maps and directions, email etc.

I agree....who do you think will do the deal? I personally believe Optus would be best, as they probably have the weakest content offerings out of all the mobile providers....adding itunes, Google Maps, etc would be a really nice fit for Optus.

ok thanx guys so my only option now is the LG viewty (as im with 3) although LG... i hate the brand everything i have had from LG has broken and i don't really trust it.

I agree with Optus too, could give them a good edge on Telstra too.

philh writes...

I doubt it - if they had it'd be on every tech web site you could name.

The rumour in Europe is that Apple is requesting 40% for all new customers buying an iPhone.

Not every phone operator is willing to share that much

Coins writes...

nope in the USA you just walk up to the counter & pay the advertised price

Which can not be unlocked anymore. No one has found a solution for the iPhone with the new bootloader

jya writes...

Which can not be unlocked anymore. No one has found a solution for the iPhone with the new bootloader

what about the European ones which are sold unlocked?

TommyG writes...

what about the European ones which are sold unlocked?

Be prepared to pay. The unlocked ones go for 649 euro, that's AU$1076 according to currency converter widget. That's a fair whack for what is a US$400 ($AU446) phone.

I predict that the iPhone will be around $1000 to buy (locked), then on a $59 cap or plan.

Outright, if they sell it would be nearly double I would think. $1800?

There is another reason why you might want to think twice before leaping into a 3G iPhone - the carrier costs are significantly different for the 3G vs the 2.5G networks.

Until you know what the cost structures are of the various plans available vs what you actual useage is likely to be, its frankly impossible to tell whether you'd be better off on EDGE or 3G.

And there is no such thing as an "average user".

OTOH if someone else is paying the bill (work) or alternatively you can show it genuinely influences your productivity at work then the cost suddenly becomes insignificant in comparison to the benefits you will derive.

Gussy writes...

I predict that the iPhone will be around $1000 to buy (locked), then on a $59 cap or plan.

Outright, if they sell it would be nearly double I would think. $1800?

That's too much I think. Apple usually add a bit to the US price as it converts into AUD. I'd be thinking more along the line of AUD450 + a markup of 30ish%, comes to about AUD$600 - 650. They'd be fools to sell it, outright, for more than that given Australia has zero tradition of buying phones outright, especially compared to the US and even Europe.

It won't be available unlocked in Australia. There's no requirement in law to offer phones as unlocked or unlockable. (I thought there was, was called out by people here, did some research, no such thing, there you go...)

It's mushy pe?s writes...

That's too much I think. Apple usually add a bit to the US price as it converts into AUD. I'd be thinking more along the line of AUD450 + a markup of 30ish%, comes to about AUD$600 - 650.

At least I would say $800-850

Think how much the competing phone cost here, N95 was $1200 a few months back.

I find it unlikely they'd charge twice in Australia what they charge in the US. Once upon a time yes, but with the currency the way it is? Lets do some comparing:

The base 24 inch iMac costs AU$2599, US$1799, slightly less than a 50% increase.

The base Macbook Air is $700 dearer in Australia than in the US, just over 40%.

Turning to the closest model to the iPhone, the iPod Touch, it's 399AUD v 299USD, again, around 30%.

The only thing Apple offers that costs twice as much in Australia as in the US is the Apple TV, which has just had its price cut in the States, which would be why it is out of whack.

Turning to Europe, the iPhone is 269 pounds sterling, about 535 US, or, just shy of 600 AUD. The base price in Europe, 399 euro, again, just shy of 600 AUD.

The 3g is a wild card, as no one has any idea what price Apple might put on it. But, if they keep it the same price, and the AUD doesn't significantly improve its position vis-a-vis the USD, I see every reason for the iPhone to come in at around $650. I think this would be a profitable (extra $50 on other countries) and market competitive price. If you have any reasons why you think it would be $800+, I'd be interested to hear them (all the while hoping you are wrong, the cheaper the better!!!)

It's mushy pe?s writes...

I see every reason for the iPhone to come in at around $650
+1 or even slightly cheaper,
based on other countries prices

i212.photobucket.com/alb...nnett/Iphone.jpg Table i made with prices of the countries who sell the iphone and their ipod touch 16GB prices also as comparison, and also in relation to $US

I'm guessing it will be $599AUD, which is $100AUD more than the 16GB Ipod Touch. But really it could be anywhere from $549-$649. I think it unlikely that it will be above $650.

Based on the Plan costs in these coutries i'm expecting it to be on about a $79AUD (71.09 $US) a month plan as the lowest plan as that is about equal with all the other coutries that have it so far other than US. (US is $10 US cheaper a month).
Hoping for a lower plan though.

It's going to be a hard sell here.

Think of what you can get now, on a $79 plan/cap you coud get pretty much any phone you want, included.

I don't thin Aussies are too accustomed to paying for the phone, then again for the overpriced plan :P

Are you guys including GST in the price? Because that'll make it 10% more expensive (unless you're a business of course).

'Dodos Cant Fly writes...

Are you guys including GST in the price? Because that'll make it 10% more expensive (unless you're a business of course).

Well those figures for other countries other than the US include the Taxes, because different states have different taxes amounts. So there isn't as much a difference between the US and other countries prices so yes my calculations would include GST. (The $499 of the 16GB ipod touch in australia includes GST)

Gussy writes...

It's going to be a hard sell here.

Think of what you can get now, on a $79 plan/cap you coud get pretty much any phone you want, included.

I know.

would love to get it on a $49 Plan. Dont see it happening though Say basically a Virgin/vodafone/3 $29 Cap (about $120-$130 of credit + their bonus credit for when you call others on their network) and 1GB of Data. Would suit me exactly. Even if they took out the bonus to others on their network credit.

I don't thin Aussies are too accustomed to paying for the phone, then again for the overpriced plan :P

The UK weren't either, but it is still selling over there.

And they aren't going to cover even part of the costs in the plan/contract, apple wont let whoever gets it do that. If they did it would majorly cut into their sales of the Ipod Touch.

Hope we hear soon whos getting it and how much. my current contract ends in 2 months and starting to look around

With the current data rates here it will be interesting to see what sort of data packages will roll out with the iPhone. Seeing the biggest prepaid package I know of is only 300mb.

Gussy writes...

With the current data rates here it will be interesting to see what sort of data packages will roll out with the iPhone. Seeing the biggest prepaid package I know of is only 300mb.

There's multi-GB data packs with Optus, 3/Hutchinson & Vodafone too.

Gussy writes...

With the current data rates here it will be interesting to see what sort of data packages will roll out with the iPhone. Seeing the biggest prepaid package I know of is only 300mb.

Actually the Telstra HipHop phone has $30 per month unlimited data plan....If this was the case and you could add a voice plans to that, say $20 p/m which includes $20.00 of calls plus the $30.00 unlimited data, that would be a winner!!

I'm hoping a 3g iphone will be unlockable, because I don't think there's much chance of it ending up with my carrier, 3. I'd be happy to pay 599 upfront, put it on my 3 49 cap, with one of their good value data plans, (what are they, $29 for 3gb, something like that).

It's because the iPhone won't work on 3 that I don't have one, I'm just not prepared to change carrier.

I have been moving from interested to disinterested in the iPhone.

My current plan runs out in May and I am starting to look around too. I hate the motorola razr I have and am almost at the point of getting my old erriccson out again.

A 16gig 3g iphone would be hard for me to turn down at any price... I would prefer 32gig but I realise you would have to get some pigs flying!

LOL At the OP here. Nearly 6 months on from the OP and still no anouncement or rumors of 3G Iphone's.

I have been enjoying my "Rev A" Iphone for that entire time thx very much. And I will for the rest of the year as no way will OZ see a 3G Iphone before then :p

lomlate writes...

I would prefer 32gig but I realise you would have to get some pigs flying!

by the time this thing comes out i think that would be expected...

dino. writes...

by the time this thing comes out i think that would be expected...

about 2 years ago just before the motorola with iTunes came out and the first "mp3 phones" with crappy proprietry connections and 32meg of memory were state of the art i made a pact to myself: I'm never buying a new ipod or phone until it is perfect. 30gig, normal headphone adapter, iTunes compatible, with a camera that preferably can shoot at night. I'm still enjoying my nokia 6610 and my 3g iPod, and I can't wait for about half way through 09 when I think I'll be able to finally, 4 years after I asked, get what I want!

lomlate writes...

a camera that preferably can shoot at night

You will be disappointed - the laws of quantum physics and optics set fundamental limits on the sensor noise in low light (a function of sensor size, small is noisy) and sensitivity (which is driven by how much light enters the lens. For a camera to perform at night means a decent lens aperture, in excess of 15mm. And that isn't going to fit in a phone.

lomlate writes...

with a camera that preferably can shoot at night

err right... I think you mean "low light"

What carrier would people like to see apple choose for the iphone?

sp0radic writes...

What carrier would people like to see apple choose for the iphone?

All of them.

? iLuxo writes...

You will be disappointed - the laws of quantum physics and optics set fundamental limits on the sensor noise in low light (a function of sensor size, small is noisy) and sensitivity (which is driven by how much light enters the lens. For a camera to perform at night means a decent lens aperture, in excess of 15mm. And that isn't going to fit in a phone.

I've played with phones that have flashes big enough making it acceptable enough for low light shooting...

I think once the iPhone is released in Australia (whether 3G or not) you will see even more unlocked phones. It will be expensive, tied to one carrier,paying for the handset plus locked into a contract.

I couldn't be bothered waiting for 3G so I'm just getting an unlocked one.

Lets not worry about the iPhone. A better phone is being released with full 3.5G.

www8.garmin.com/nuvifone

Check this out and advise your thoughts!!!

It has to be an apple phone because I want for synching with itunes.

mp

slmtelstra writes...

Lets not worry about the iPhone. A better phone is being released with full 3.5G.

www8.garmin.com/nuvifone

Check this out and advise your thoughts!!!

sp0radic writes...

It has to be an apple phone because I want for synching with itunes.

mp

yes, you have a point...well if anything, this other phone may push Apple to rush out their 3G iPhone which will be good for everyone!!

slmtelstra writes...

Check this out and advise your thoughts!!!

Proprietary OS, and it's more a GPS with typical phone features than a smart phone a la iPhone, Treo etc. With the impending sdk for iPhone, I suspect these are products playing in completely different ballparks. Touchscreen which is common for gps devices, but obviously not multitouch so will be interesting to see how that impacts on the usability of phone and internet features.

I see it more as something that Garmin had to do in the face of opposition in the gps market from TomTom and the like, not really as a smartphone competitor.

There are rumors flying of 16gb iPhone releases withinthe next 1-2 weeks.

I am not sure yet whether I think 3G will come with it, but who knows. It will most likely be with the release of the SDK so who knows what other goodies are in store?

philh writes...

I see it more as something that Garmin had to do in the face of opposition in the gps market

+1

And where have you sourced this from?

Don't you read the interweb?? :D

It was posted on engadget a while ago.

Edit:

News just in, source engadget

We just received word from multiple sources that the O2 staff has been notified of the 16GB iPhone launch at 1:30pm UK time. Price: £329. That will likely translate to $599 in the US like the original 8GB iPhone.

Whos in US and wants to buy me one :D

The Applestore is down accordingly now for that to happen.

Wouldn't that sort of shoot the iTouch out of the market though?

gsxrboy750 writes...

The Applestore is down accordingly now for that to happen.

I would have thought there would be a bit more fanfare for the 16gb launch??

iPod Touch now 32Gig

iPhone now 16GB
store.apple.com/1-800-MY...ne/family/iphone

(Sorry if this has been posted)

Now that intel have announced details of the Silverthorne chip - Apple can now probably announce its plans for the 3G iPhone whenever they are ready.

www.appleinsider.com/art...thorne_chip.html

This chip will allow for the much better battery life and speeds required to make a 3G smart phone (of any make) possible.

All the talk of waiting for a 3g phone is hogwash. 3g in Aus is a sham because most of the handsets you get are strapped onto forced content and pricey data plans. I used to be with 3 and i never used any of the features besides sms and phone calls because they were so cumbersome to use- and expensive.

If you want to get an iphone order one now- for much less than you'll pay for a no doubt incredibly locked version when they come out here. Signing contracts for a free phone is a waste too. Owning a phone outright is a blessing. You are a free agent - if any better plan comes out you can jump on it, which is even more important if you are looking for good data prices. You can travel and just pop in a new sim card and you don't have any ongoing costs for your handsets or pricy plan buyouts should your situation change.

Also I really honestly believe that we wont see a 3g iphone released before november this year or possibly '09.

thelairster writes...

3g in Aus is a sham because most of the handsets you get are strapped onto forced content and pricey data plans.

OK, they're not ADSL in terms of either price or data, but you can 1gb at reasonable prices from anyone but Telstra, and I consider 1gb to be a useable service on a mobile phone. In fact, you could even go lower, perhaps a few hundred mbs and still have a useable service. Plus, I don't know where you are getting "forced content" from? You are free to use it or not, it's there if you want it, and if you don't want it you can use the stuff that's on the internet.

I used to be with 3 and i never used any of the features besides sms and phone calls because they were so cumbersome to use- and expensive.

The internet is cumbersome to use on a phone, but an iphone is different due to its wonderful UI. And how long ago is this? Plus, this is all so individual specific, what's expensive to you is not to others. I consider 3s rates to be quite good, its X series plans are quite good value IMHO.

If you want to get an iphone order one now- for much less than you'll pay for a no doubt incredibly locked version when they come out here.

They're "incredibly locked" over there too. Either way, they have to be unlocked, unless you get it legitimately.

Signing contracts for a free phone is a waste too. Owning a phone outright is a blessing.

Your opinion, one I agree with, but you have to realise that not everyone has $600+ to drop on a mobile phone, or wants to drop that much cash on a mobile. Right now, I'm a 49 cap, it suits me great. My choice was, pay $600 I didn't really want to spend on a mobile, or take out a 24 mth plan and get it for free. I chose the latter. It's horses for courses and for many people the subsidised phone is a great offer.

You can travel and just pop in a new sim card and you don't have any ongoing costs for your handsets or pricy plan buyouts should your situation change.

No, you don't. That's because you've paid for a pricey phone. Hmmm, is it $600 upfront, or $350 somewhere down the line?

Also I really honestly believe that we wont see a 3g iphone released before november this year or possibly '09.

Why? What evidence do you have for this? There's some closely argued opinions based on what we know (very little) about Apple's plans for the iPhone. If you know something we don't, please feel free to add.

I personally think Apple announce the 3G phone in July/August, for shipping in September, for the US that is. (Largely to fit in to holiday season, the existing model will old enough by then, they need time to get the technology right, AT&Ts 3G roll out will be advanced, etc.) Who knows when we may or may not get it in Australia.

Telstra has just annouced an Online Mobile Music store to compete with Mobile iTunes, called netTunity.

Please see Telstra's release message:-

Telstra to revolutionise online music
Telstra will unveil a prototype online music concept which has the potential to revolutionise the traditional portable media player. Dubbed netTunity, the application eliminates the traditional link between a mobile music device and a computer, streaming audio directly from Telstra Next G™ network, the world’s largest and most advanced national 3GSM network.

Is this the final indicator that Optus will win the right to the iPhone? As the iPhone has the same function, but linking you to a Mobile iTunes Store. Apple would not want to link to the Telstra music store as Telstra will not want the iPhone to steer their customers to iTunes.

It also looks to me that Telstra are very much in the Microsoft camp. Big Pond TV steaming service only works on PC's (not Mac's), their download service for both music and movies is only compatible with Windows Media...so I suggest that once a 3G iPhone comes, it will not be on the Telstra Network......

What does everyone else think?

slmtelstra writes...

Is this the final indicator that Optus will win the right to the iPhone

I hope so.

I don't mind who wins it, I will just unlock it :D

Has anyone used the hIphone?
www.tomtop.com/product_1183.html

Looks exactly like the iPhone for only $220.00 Aussie dollars. Whats the downside for getting one of these? It looks like it will be half the price of the Apple version when it gets released in Australia.

Can this phone do data?

b?tb0y writes...

This chip will allow for the much better battery life and speeds required to make a 3G smart phone (of any make) possible.

For a start 3G/GSM is usually handled by a separate chipset, not related to the processor running the application.
So you don't need speed to have a 3G mobile.

Then 2W is much more than what a typical ARM processor would used.

Intel went out of the PDA lines when they sold their xscale division.

So a processor made by Intel isn't one with the PDAs in mind

slmtelstra writes...

Whats the downside for getting one of these?

unlikely to have multitouch. The photo is the one of an iPhone
Check this ebay ad:
cgi.ebay.com.au/NW-Hipho...Z1QQcmdZViewItem

Look at the black bezel below the screen and check the difference between the ebay photo and the link you posted. See how different it is?

512MB of RAM only max 2GB using a T-Flash.

slmtelstra writes...

Lets not worry about the iPhone. A better phone is being released with full 3.5G.

www8.garmin.com/nuvifone

Check this out and advise your thoughts!!!

EWWW! Looks like an old Palm Treo from the 90s. And how is it better if you've never even used one? Lemme guess- "iPhone Killer"?... ;)

Gussy writes...

I don't mind who wins it, I will just unlock it :D

+1.

www.appleinsider.com/art...chip_report.html

3G iPhone to launch mid-year with Infineon chip - report

I hope the 3G version gets here soon, I would point out that because of the Trade practices act the iPhone would have to be unlockable.

Which would be good news so we can go where we want, but I won't get the phone unless it's HSDPA at least. Afterall 3G is way better that 2.5 or 2.75G (edge) but it's still slow compared to HSDPA...

I would have loved to buy an iPhone and use it in Aus now, all my friends keep sending me links and asking why I have not already got one.

I don't have one because I don't want to end up with a brick if a software update locks out further jailbreaks

The joy from this machine for me comes from it being a connected device. I want the best connected experience and that will only be with 3G service

Its is beautiful and it's a wow must have one now product but for once I am waiting and I think that I am doing the right thing. I think I will have a local 3G iPhone this year and considering the SDK is soon to be announced I think I will get all the apps I want and need too without a jailbreak or hack.

derekaw writes...

I don't have one because I don't want to end up with a brick if a software update locks out further jailbreaks


iTunes will ask you to update. If you update, its your own stupid fault :P

Had my iPhone for 5 days now, best thing I've ever purchased. Ever.

derekaw writes...

I don't have one because I don't want to end up with a brick if a software update locks out further jailbreaks

It's highly unlikely. As it currently stands, the hackers are on the upper hand.

Seems like 3G iphone is on the horizon..

www.engadget.com/2008/02...hitting-mid-year

Looks like the SDK is to deliver ability to work with Exchange server and Lotus Notes. Still 'pull' based not push but fills a major gap.

When is the iPhone coming in Australia?

Sicilia1 writes...

When is the iPhone coming in Australia?

Who knows?

Well Apple and it's chosen carrier might :-P

Pookie Bear writes...

I hope the 3G version gets here soon, I would point out that because of the Trade practices act the iPhone would have to be unlockable.

I though this too, and then I was challenged by a user in the mobile carriers forum to prove it. It simply isn't. There's nothing in the TPA that stops companies from locking phones to a carrier permanently, it's the 'third party' provision of the act that is relevant to an discussion of the iPhone in Australia (and that only applies if Apple itself or its agents don't become agents of the carrier chosen.)

dfunked writes...

It's highly unlikely. As it currently stands, the hackers are on the upper hand.

Apple are getting better though. 1.1.3 wasn't cracked until recently (I don't count downgrading as having the upper hand, that's a desperate move). It's not like 1.1.1, which was cracked easily and quickly. It was just a trip to a website on the iPhone/Touch. Those don't exist now, they are much less user friendly and more prone to errors, which will put people (like me) off.

sonic087 writes...

Well Apple and it's chosen carrier might :-P

That assumes there is one.

I think if Apple had a carrier, and the deal was done, they'd announce it. Why wait after all? I just don't think they've come to an agreement yet, and, in fact, Apple may not want to. They may not want to put the resources into Australia, or they might recognise that without 3G it won't do that well here.

It's mushy pe?s writes...

Apple are getting better though. 1.1.3 wasn't cracked until recently (I don't count downgrading as having the upper hand, that's a desperate move). It's not like 1.1.1, which was cracked easily and quickly. It was just a trip to a website on the iPhone/Touch. Those don't exist now, they are much less user friendly and more prone to errors, which will put people (like me) off.

Actually, it's the baseband updates that are the issue, not the firmware itself (they can easily decrypt the ramdisk these days).

Even then, it's more so the bootloader that's the cause of all the problems - a hardware fix by Apple essentially, not really a firmware upgrade/software fix.

Pookie Bear writes...

I hope the 3G version gets here soon, I would point out that because of the Trade practices act the iPhone would have to be unlockable.

I posted this in the iPhone buying thread too, but it didn't seem to catch anyone's attention. Probably too busy actually enjoying the iPhones they're already buying!

CNET posted discussion on the legality of locking the iPhone if it is sold in Australia, and also on ZD Net.

The short opinion is "it's illegal".

CNET referred to an academic paper written in the QUT Law Journal.

Wonder if this will slow down the release of the iPhone here?

I like this. It has to be on vodaphone. With the $39 mobile internet :D

It's mushy pe?s writes...

I think if Apple had a carrier, and the deal was done, they'd announce it. Why wait after all? I just don't think they've come to an agreement yet, and, in fact, Apple may not want to. They may not want to put the resources into Australia, or they might recognise that without 3G it won't do that well here.

Why would they until they are ready to launch?

It may be that the carrier has stipulated that they will only launch with a 3g iPhone..

Thats what the current carriers in OZ are heading towards anyway

sonic087 writes...

Why would they until they are ready to launch?

They're not going to hold off for no apparent reason. The longer they hold off, the less iPhones they sell. Compare Ireland and Canada. They had a carrier for Ireland, O2, and so the Irish get the iPhone. They haven't been able to get a carrier in Canada, there's been lots of stories about conflicts with Rogers, and that's why you can't get an iPhone in Canada. Why should things be different in Australia? What commercial sense does it make to sign an agreement to distribute a product and then withhold that product?

Apple has no carrier agreement in Australia. Now, the reasons for that are speculative, it may be 3G, it may be money. But if a company had an agreement with Apple, they'd be selling the iPhone. A preference for networks is not going to stop them milking every or any last dollar out of the iPhone, especially with its data costs. Mobile phone companies love getting money from data, easiest way to increase their profits per customer, which is what the bean counters really love.

kylemcd writes...

CNET posted discussion on the legality of locking the iPhone if it is sold in Australia, and also on ZD Net.

The short opinion is "it's illegal".

CNET referred to an academic paper written in the QUT Law Journal.

Wonder if this will slow down the release of the iPhone here?

It's not so much the locking of the phone, but forcing customers to use a third party service. The 'third party' rule, which may or may not stand up to begin with, that journal was one opinion, in the law there'll be others, can be subverted. It may be that Apple and its resellers sign an agency agreement for whichever telco they sign up with. Simple as that. It shouldn't have any influence on the iPhone coming here, Apple are a creative company, or they may just leave it to their telco partner to work out, they have experience of these things.

Bit of speculation again on a 3G iPhone. These ones came from the mactalk.com.au forums:

www.reuters.com/article/...ame=ustechnology

www.tomsguide.com/us/app...3g,news-877.html

It's mushy pe?s writes...

It may be that Apple and its resellers sign an agency agreement for whichever telco they sign up with. Simple as that.

I have it on good authority (apple insider) that Apple is currently in a s--t fight with the CCC re. locking into one telco. Apparently, Apple want to stick to the same set up they're working on around the globe (locking in) but the CCC are arcing-up saying it's unfair trading - that consumers shouldn't be forced into contracts with any one.

Let's see who wins. Go CCC!

Manny Khool writes...

Let's see who wins. Go CCC!

so i assume you mean the ACCC. and you don't need to know an insider to know that.

canza writes...

so i assume you mean the ACCC. and you don't need to know an insider to know that.

Oh, how about that neither is budging and that the expected June/July release ain't so realistic?

Manny Khool writes...

Apparently, Apple want to stick to the same set up they're working on around the globe (locking in) but the CCC are arcing-up saying it's unfair trading - that consumers shouldn't be forced into contracts with any one.

So... The hiptop is a figment of my imagination I assume. That is exclusive to Telstra and I don't see any ACCC action on that one.

Marto87 writes...

So... The hiptop is a figment of my imagination I assume. That is exclusive to Telstra and I don't see any ACCC action on that one.

The issue with the ACCC is around "Third Line Forcing" - not simply having a product that will only work with the provider selling it.

From the ACCC website "Third line forcing is a specific form of exclusive dealing prohibited outright by the Trade Practices Act. .... It involves the supply of goods or services on condition that the purchaser buys goods or services from a particular third party, or a refusal to supply because the purchaser will not agree to that condition."
www.accc.gov.au/content/...temId/3669#h3_40