Apple is launching their iPhone today in the United States. I remember reading that the iPhone doesn’t have 3G, but it has pretty much everything else including an iPod.
One day we’ll be able to carry around 1 item, rather than a phone, digital camera and an iPod, and that time got a little closer today.
Unfortunately, the iPhone won’t be released in South Africa until later in the year (September according to one of the guys I was chatting to yesterday), and APPARENTLY even if you pick one up in the States, it won’t work on the South African networks (and can’t be unlocked as it’s fixed to to the AT&T network).
It probably won’t be the best phone available when it releases in SA, it will be expensive and yet I WANT ONE!!!
24 responses so far ↓
1 Duncan.Boxie.Elite. // Jun 29, 2007 at 1:05 pm
Amazing piece of hardware, I have an iPod and its basically as much a part of me as my spleen or kidney. The only issue ive ever had with my Ipod was that teh battery died very quickly, I wonder how this new device will survive, especially with all the added fuctions…Im talking from the viewpoint of a person who will actually use all the functions.
Is there anybody else in direct competition to this very hot sounding gizmo?
2 John // Jun 29, 2007 at 9:41 pm
I want one too! I wonder if they will have them in the UK?
3 Chris M // Jun 30, 2007 at 10:02 pm
I would love to play around on one, I have very little knowledge on them, but with things like mobiles, I think the proof is always in the pudding, get the fingers going and build an opinion based on results
4 Eric // Jul 1, 2007 at 12:06 am
John - the US iPhones have the SIM’s built into them, which is why they can’t be used outside of the US.
The iPhone SIM models should be released around the world around September.
5 Stefan // Jul 1, 2007 at 3:36 pm
Hey… I would really love an iPhone because I think the touch screen is really intuitive and original. I also like the whole ‘flow’ of everything. Does anybody know if it will support Java Midlets?
6 Eric // Jul 1, 2007 at 3:43 pm
Hi Stefan,
…from http://blogs.sun.com/hinkmond/page/%2020070614
“… the iPhone (which BTW, won’t be Java ME tech-enabled, doncha know!) ….”
7 Stefan // Jul 1, 2007 at 4:03 pm
Oh that is quite disappointing, but I would still go for it.
8 Richard // Jul 2, 2007 at 11:39 am
If the Apple “I Phone” does not have 3g, does it have sufficient technology to still connect to the net in SA.. Say HSDPE ??
9 Eran Eyal // Jul 2, 2007 at 12:44 pm
Hi Richard
To answer a few questions including yours :
Q1. Will the iPhone launch in SA and when
A1. It should - hopefully December some suppliers in SA say. I say that is totally unrealistic given that in Asia it only launches in 2008. So probably more like 2008
Q2. What memory variations are available and will these reach SA?
A2. Well right now there is a 4Gb and an 8Gb model. There is talk of releasing other smaller memory capacity versions for out of territory sales (that means anywhere that isn’t the US like us!)
Q3. Should I buy one on eBay?
A3. Listen to my man Eric Edelstein - he knows what he is taking about! No - they are all locked onto AT&T networks for US. Unlocking them is actually illegal and thus of course voids any warrantee. Patience young Padawan.
Q4. What wireless technology is present on the iPhone? 3G? HSDPA?
A4. The current Apple iPhone supports EDGE networks aka 2.5G.This means relatively slow data rates compared to 3G. HSDPA is 3.5G so basically no 3G means definitely no 3.5G.
Vodacom, MTN, CellC and Virgin support EDGE data transfers (although Vodacom lacks support for EDGE throughout most of KZN) usually at rates of about 115kbps.
Vodacom has the best 3G and HSDPA coverage in SA. MTN is second. CellC have yet to launch 3G services, but they estimate around July or so. 3G rates are usually around 384kbps or so and HSDPA is 1.8mbps - quite a massive difference.
Analysts recon that Apple will release an HSDPA version for Asia and out of territory sales. Let’s hppe they are right! I can’t see the point of EDGE in this sort of media-centric cellphone. In USA EDGE is the primary method of data transfer so there it is understandable.
Don’t forget the Apple iPhone has WiFi so it will shine in WiFi hotspots.
One are of surprise is the lack of support for A2DP on bluetooth for stereo bluetooth headsets.
I would also have a very good look Sony Ericsson’s W960.
10 Eric // Jul 2, 2007 at 12:54 pm
Brilliant info!!! Tx Eran…
11 Eric // Jul 2, 2007 at 3:24 pm
According to:
http://www.itweb.co.za/sections/telecoms/2007/0707021036.asp?S=Cellular&A=CEL&O=FRGN
The iPhone is scheduled for launch in November in SA.
12 leezl // Jul 3, 2007 at 12:51 pm
just to make ya’ll want it even more
here’s a list of the top 25 apps for your iPhone
http://www.rev2.org/2007/07/02/top-25-web-apps-for-the-iphone/
13 Fausto // Jul 4, 2007 at 12:43 pm
hi,
ya i hope that this iPhone is as good as everyone, including Apple, say that it is. I’m waiting to get it because it looks really amazing but i hope it’s worth it because i’m giving up the latest imate for it…
When it comes to South Africa all of the features should work right?
14 Lebo // Jul 12, 2007 at 12:19 pm
I BEEN RESEARCHING IT ON THE NET AND WANT ONE SO BADLY. ITS THE ANSWER TO ALL MY PROBLEMS - OK MAYBE I’M EXAGGERATING A BIT. BUT I WAS PLANNING TO BUY A NEW PHONE AND MY FIRST iPOD. SO I COULD KILL 2 BIRDS WITH ONE STONE BY GETTING THE iPHONE. OH WOW IS ME!!!!!!!!!!
GUYS AS SOON AS IT HITS SA SHORES PLEASE TELL US HERE. I HOPE ITS GOING TO BE OPEN NETWORK. I LIVE IN BOTSWANA AND WOULDN’T BE ABLE TO USE IT IF IT WASN’T.
15 Richard // Oct 13, 2007 at 12:14 pm
Hi Guys
I am a staff of vodacom and the iPhone will be released on the 26th of November 2007. Vodacom will only be anouncing this on November 10th. Just some more info is that you b etter start saving every little penny you have. The iPhone like Blackberry will have there own packages. One of them Will be iPhone Talk 100. The monthly cost is R350 and you still have to pay in R3100 for it. That is the bottom of the range package. Anyway i will keep you up to date with information.
Cheers
16 Richard // Oct 18, 2007 at 10:11 am
We get closer.
some more end user based questions:
1. Will the i-phone release be specific to Vodacom’s contract in SA? or can we buy it unlocked for SA, and slip a “pay as you go” sim (from another provider) into it for use? I understand that it will have it’s own contract, but to what extent does that disqualify it from use by other networks. I know with a Blackberry that they will unlock the phone for all but the internet capacity, for a service provider like Virgin Mobile..and yes we tried for about 2 months, with hours on the phone to ignorant inquiry personnel.
2. I’ve been warned by an x-cell phone branch manager that the first batch of a phone is always full of glitches. Do you think that this will be the case for the SA I-phone, and how long will it be until the second batch gets delivered.
3. Depending on 1 above: where could we buy the phone stand alone for SA, and what price are we to expect?
Many thanks,
Richard
17 Lebo // Oct 18, 2007 at 1:04 pm
I’M TIRED OF WAITING WITH BATED BREATHE FOR THIS DAM IPHONE, SO I’VE DECIDED TO WAIT PATIENTLY FOR IT TO COME TO AFRICA AS AN OPEN PHONE, GLITCHE FREE AND JUST BUY MY SECOND OPTION IN CELL PHONE - THE SIDEKICK3. I THINK IT WILL AMUSE ME LONG ENOUGH TILL THAT FATEFUL DAY COMES, TILL THEN I’M OUT!!!
18 Lebo // Oct 29, 2007 at 10:19 am
HI EVERY ONE I FINALLY GOT MY IPHONE. I CAN DO EVERYTHING I COULD DO ON MY PREVIOUS PHONE , I’M NOT SURE ABOUT THE INTERNET STUFF YET, MY SERVICE PROVIDER I.E. ORANGE DOESN’T HAVE INTERNET ACCESS, BUT I AN SWITCHING TO MASCOM AND WE WILL SEE HOW IT GOES.
IT SO COOL SMALLER THEN I THOUGH BUT HEAVIER TOO. I’M ALMOST SCARED TO TOUGH IT AT TIME I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR SO LONG, IT JUST LOOKS AND FEEL SO GREAT.
I GOT IT FROM THE STATES UNLOCKED NOT HACKED FOR $600 , IT USES GSM. THE ONLY THING IS APPARENTLY IF YOU GET A MASSAGE FROM APPLE ASKING IF U WANT SOFTWARE UPDATE THEN YOU JUST SAY NO AND THE PHONE WILL NOT BE DISABLED.
YOU CAN EVEN ORDER THEM ON LINE BUT I DON’T KNOW IF THOSE SIGHTS ARE LEGIT SO I SENT SOMEONE TO GO BUT IT FOR ME IN THE STATES.
I’LL KEEP U POSTED ON MY PROGRESS WITH MY NEW IPHONE
19 The Halloween Pum-kin // Nov 1, 2007 at 5:35 am
The apple iphone has no 3g , yes you can send and receive smses but even tho it has a camera , you can forget about mmses sending or receiving mmses. Pushing email only works on yahoo email. Also it has no gps (google maps isnt gps and its useless in ur car seeing you dont have wifi , only the dreadfully slow edge). As for the rest of the widgets that the Iphone try to “feature” are only widgets , weather , you tube , googlemaps , the list goes on. The battery is NOT swappable , you have to send it in to apple if your battery has issues and they will gladly solder a new one on for you , if you have warranty (unless you bought a pirate on and unlocked it , in which case apple will only laugh at you).
Ask yourself , why on earth do I want to buy this thing if all that glitters isnt gold.
I will be holding off for version 2 with gps , better than 2 megapixel camera and the all inportant 3G which will include the sending and receiving of mmses. Hopefully they will make a plan with making the battery removable aswell.
20 Lebo // Nov 1, 2007 at 1:21 pm
WELL ‘The Halloween Pum-kin’ I LIVE IN BOTSWANA, ARE TECHNOLOGY IS LIMITED, WE USE EDGE, AND I WILL PROBABLY SELL IT FOR TWICE WHAT I PAID FOR IT IN 6 MONTHS TO SOMEONE. I’M HAPPY FOR KNOW WITH MY I PHONE NOTHING CAN MAKE ME REGRET BUYING IT.
JUST ONE THING IF ANYONE KNOWS IF I HOOK IT UP TO THE COMPUTER THROUGH THE DOCKING SYSTEM WILL IT BE AFFECTED BY THE DIFFERENT VOLTAGE. THE CHARGER LUCKILY USES MULTIPLE VOLTAGE SO NO PROBLEM THERE . BUT HOW AN I SUPPOSED TO HOOK IT UP TO THE COMPUTER AT THE CORRECT VOLTAGE??????
21 Pink Piggy // Nov 15, 2007 at 5:33 pm
I am writing this as a ‘South African Permanent Resident’ working in London.
The launch of the iphone last week has resulted in only about 15,000 activations with O2 the British Carrier.
The price here is £269.00 or R3766 @ 14:1. The tariffs here are £35/month - £45/month and £55/month for a variety of minutes and mobile browsing.
I believe the uptake will not be great across Europe until:-
1 3G /HSDPA is available
2 The iphone increases from 8gb to at least 30gb (most people sync with music, movies, contacts etc
3 Apple agrees to make calling plans more flexible ie better value across multiple vendors (unlikely)
4 Upgrade the camera to at least 5MP aka N95
Steve Jobs sold well in the USA where people are heavily linked to the brand whereas SA and the UK is all about value.
I have an Ipod touch but even at 16gb it is sadly lacking.
Internet browsing is a gimmick - also who really wants to use the pinch and enlarge photos - another gimmick
Don’t get me wrong I bought 4 apple macs so some things are great.
Roll on version 2 of the iphone………
Richard, can you let me know the launch date in SA.
22 Lebo // Nov 16, 2007 at 8:20 am
OH DEAR HAVEN’T YOU HEARD PINK PIGGY, APPLE HAVE DECIDED NOT TO RELEASE THE IPHONE IN SOUTH AFRICA. WELL AT LEAST NOT WHEN IT WAS EXPECTED TO ARRIVE, MAYBE AFTER THEY LAUNCH THE 3G MODEL OR IN SOME YEARS TO COME. I DOUBT THEIR DECISION WILL LAST LONG. BUT UNTIL THEN PEOPLE WILL HAVE TO SETTLE FOR UNLOCKED VERSION.
NOW THAT I HAVE ONE I REALISE THAT MOST OF ITS HYPE RESTED ON IT GIMMICKS. ITS STILL A VERY COOL PHONE. EVERY TIME I TAKE IT OUT TO USE IN PUBLIC I GET MOBBED BY FANS AND FANATICS OF THE IPHONE WHO JUST WANT TO LOOK AT IT. VERY OVERWHELMING!!!
23 Who has an iPhone? at Tshirts Tees & T Shirts Fashion Clothing from eSquared Fashion // Dec 4, 2007 at 6:09 pm
[...] fashion accessory of the year must be the iPhone, but very few South African’s are lucky enough to have [...]
24 Gavin // Mar 5, 2008 at 10:12 pm
FINALLY GOT MY IPHONE FROM THE US! ITS ABSOLUTELY AWESOME!!! IM CURRENTLY USING IT ON THE VODACOM NETWORK AND IM LOVING IT… U GOT TO GET ONE!!!
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