3G iPhone

[MikeC1408]

This used to be the case, but won't be once the 3G version is available. It used to be that Apple forbade network operators from offering tariff-based subsidies on the handset, but that's been lifted as part of the move to the new version. O2 will be offering a number of tariffs with free or subsidised handsets, including for existing O2 customers looking to upgrade - and even PAYG.

Oh, and first-gen iPhone users will be able to get a free upgrade to the new version by signing up to one of the new tariffs.

Taken from O2 site

To thank you for being an iPhone fan, we're offering you an early upgrade to the iPhone 3G when it launches on 11th July 2008. You won't have to wait until the end of your existing contract, all you'll need to do is agree to a new 18-month minimum term contract.

*Best of all, the new 8GB iPhone 3G won't cost you a penny on our £45 and £75 Pay Monthly tariffs for iPhone. And it's just £99 on our £35 tariff and new £30 tariff. This special early upgrade offer is only available online at o2.co.uk anytime from 11th July until 11th October 2008.

You still have to pay the same as new customers for the phone when upgrading.

[HeliCraig]

I am going to get one I think. Friends have the current iPhone and it is good, but slow with only EDGE.

It is a shame they haven't improved the camera though, or put MMS in. Thats its major downfall for me. Looking forward to the exchange support though - but hoping you don't need to install anything at the server end; as my exchange is hosted.

On the WM / iPhone platform debate - I am waiting to see what Google's new mobile platform, Android, will actually turn out like and what device manufacturer's will adopt it. More at: Google's Site.

HC.

[Platypus]

It is a shame they haven't improved the camera though, or put MMS in. Thats its major downfall for me.

No MMS? You mean no picture messages? Or no video messages?

Thanks.

(I'm very seriously considering getting one too now it has 3G)

[HeliCraig]

It doesn't do MMS full stop - so you want to send pictures then you have to email them!! Rubbish....

[portseven]

Am rather tempted, but tempted to wait for Googles effort and compare, or until it's been jailbroken so I can use it as a 3g modem for laptop.

I have a iphone v1 atm, and it's jailbroken. v-nice

[HeliCraig]

Is it jailbroken so you can use it as a modem, or just on another network?

That was one of the big things I was hoping it would do!!

[portseven]

I jailbroke it so I can have some decent themes, also so I can ssh from it.

To do the tethering, I just setup an an-hoc wifi network then ssh from my laptop to the iphone and use the ssh built in SOCKS proxy functionality (ssh -D).

Works a treat.

[Platypus]

It doesn't do MMS full stop - so you want to send pictures then you have to email them!! Rubbish....

I'm stunned. Thanks for the heads up.

[DaveB]

Jailbreaking is going to be less of an issue with the new one. Apple and O2 have chaged they way you buy it so that you sign up for the contract before you get the phone. No more buying the phone and saying you will activate it when you get home and avoiding the contract that way.

With the lack of MMS this may change since there has been a fair amopunt of comment on it. In the mean time o2 operate a service where they will hold MMS messages on a web service for you that you can get to via links sent via SMS to your phone. It's free and works well by all accounts.

There are also a couple of independent apps that add MMS functionality to the iPhone if you want it. Swirlymms is one that I have heard of.

[HeliCraig]

Thanks for the info on the MMS apps - I knew you could receive MMS's but not send them using a 3rd party app. That is good news....