Apple event 9/9 1:00pm

[Freak]

Anyone else considering one of the new plans? I'm thinking of dropping my unlimited data and grabbing a family share. Here's the numbers I came up with.

Unlimited talk, text and 10GB of family share with free mobile hotspot for $160 (4 lines, AT&T). That would save me about $100 each month. I figure tax and company discounts will be roughly the same, so that should be a wash.

So, every two years that's $2400 savings plus $40 activation x 4 lines, since there is no activation fee on this new plan. That's a total savings of $2560.

The way I figure, I'm getting a subsidy of $450 per phone each time I upgrade. All four lines upgrade every two years so thats $1800 in benefit every two years.

So it seems like I'm coming out $760 to the good every two years with the new plan, plus I probably spend $100 year on data plans for my ipad that I could discontinue since this plan has free mobile hotspot. Not to mention the money lost on my current plan if I don't upgrade on the exact month of the two-year anniversary.

The only thing I'm giving up is unlimited data on one line, which is limited to 5GB on LTE anyway then it falls back the Edge-like speeds. I never go over and between all four lines we only use 7-8 GB of data per month.

Anyone else in a similar situation and worked out the numbers?

Milo and DrRosenRosen, does this look about right to you? I know you two have a lot of experience with this type of thing.

 

[govols/cc]

I have 4 lines & pay less than $200 now, 3 are iPhones. I can't see a savings by switching to any other plan.

 

[DrRosenRosen]

I haven't been in the retail cell game for the last year but your numbers sound about right.

The way I see it (using your numbers without double checking them), you're essentially paying $700+ (~$32/mo) more to keep unlimited data.

Throw it out.

Just don't let the kids know those phones aren't under contract. Keep telling them it's only possible to upgrade every two years or when Daddy needs the newest model.

My opinion on unl data in many cases:
I think many people are dead set on keeping unlimited plans when they don't need them. I use the internet and data a lot but never get anywhere close to even 5g. Now, that might mean a bit of pre-planning or adjusting how you do small things. For example, set your podcast program to download new episodes on wifi so you don't stream them in the car. For many people it's as easy as keeping wifi on and using it when out and about and at home.

 

[BenGrimm]

Stream was awful today. Really frustrating.

I will be getting a new phone. I'm leaning toward the Plus. Will have to hold both before I decide.

The watch was interesting. Doubt I will be an early adopter. Probably wait for the 2nd or 3rd gen.

Too bad they didn't include the inductive charging on the phone.

 

[DynamiteMcGhee]

New camera (hardware). Bigger.

I have a Note 2 that's the same size as the six plus with the same MP camera. This phone came out almost two years ago. I like the new iPhone, but the camera isn't a selling point because high end Android phones are blowing it away when it comes to cameras. It's actually the one thing that I found very disappointing. They've been working the 8 MP camera since the 4s.

 

[govols/cc]

I have a Note 2 that's the same size as the six plus with the same MP camera. This phone came out almost two years ago. I like the new iPhone, but the camera isn't a selling point because high end Android phones are blowing it away when it comes to cameras. It's actually the one thing that I found very disappointing. They've been working the 8 MP camera since the 4s.

More megapixels isn't the end all to good pics

On a side not my gf has a Note & her camera is slow as hell. By the time it takes the pic the pic is gone.

 

[BenGrimm]

I run sound for events and keep a lot of music on my phone. Not having large storage or swappable storage is a pain. I also use my phone as a camera and store my pics on it. Not a fan of the cloud.

And I do keep phones a while, I am still using my 4S. It's a 64 GB phone but the wife had the same with a 16GB and it became useless until she got a new phone last month.

Personally I don't care about expandable memory. I probably wouldn't use it anyway. I had older phones that had micro SD slots and I never bothered with it. I don't even use it for my computers unless I have to take a file to Kinkos to print and that is rare. Even then I generally email it in for pick up later.

Mostly I just use Dropbox to sync files I use iTunes Match for my personal music which gives me access to my entire library on my two computers, phone, IPad, and Apple TV.

I've had the 16 GB model for nearly 3 years. I only hit a wall every 5 or 6 months then I just upload my pictures to my computer and sudden I've got a ton of space back. Or I take the opportunity to delete old apps I don't use anymore.

Now a couple of times I have had the fragmented data eat up a chunk of space and that is annoying. Hopefully Apple fixes that.

I do agree that Apple does jack the consumer that wants more storage. At least they are dropping the 32GB model. Although, they should have dropped the 16.

 

[milohimself]

Are you trying to convince yourself or us? New A8 chip. M8 coprocessor. New camera (hardware). Bigger. Seems like enough hardware wise.

Eh, nothing I don't already have with the HTC. I already use all of Google's apps, my iPhone and my have Chrome, GMail, Google Now, Google Maps, etc. I actually did that quite a while back at the suggestion of a friend of mine who works at the Genius Bar, and I haven't looked back. IMO hardware is a wash, cost is a wash, so for just the phone I'll stick with Android since Google apps integrate much better with their own OS than they do with iOS. I'll still continue to use the iPad, Macbook, Airport router and Apple TV. Those are all great products. Sticking with Android for the phone.

 

[BenGrimm]

I have a Note 2 that's the same size as the six plus with the same MP camera. This phone came out almost two years ago. I like the new iPhone, but the camera isn't a selling point because high end Android phones are blowing it away when it comes to cameras. It's actually the one thing that I found very disappointing. They've been working the 8 MP camera since the 4s.

Unless you are planning on blowing up a picture to some gigantic poster then 8 MP is more than enough for the average user.

 

[govols/cc]

Eh, nothing I don't already have with the HTC. I already use all of Google's apps, my iPhone and my have Chrome, GMail, Google Now, Google Maps, etc. I actually did that quite a while back at the suggestion of a friend of mine who works at the Genius Bar, and I haven't looked back. IMO hardware is a wash, cost is a wash, so for just the phone I'll stick with Android since Google apps integrate much better with their own OS than they do with iOS. I'll still continue to use the iPad, Macbook, Airport router and Apple TV. Those are all great products. Sticking with Android for the phone.

I use Google in Safari & both google & Apple maps. Care less about chrome & Gmail. To each their own.

 

[milohimself]

Anyone else considering one of the new plans? I'm thinking of dropping my unlimited data and grabbing a family share. Here's the numbers I came up with.

Unlimited talk, text and 10GB of family share with free mobile hotspot for $160 (4 lines, AT&T). That would save me about $100 each month. I figure tax and company discounts will be roughly the same, so that should be a wash.

So, every two years that's $2400 savings plus $40 activation x 4 lines, since there is no activation fee on this new plan. That's a total savings of $2560.

The way I figure, I'm getting a subsidy of $450 per phone each time I upgrade. All four lines upgrade every two years so thats $1800 in benefit every two years.

So it seems like I'm coming out $760 to the good every two years with the new plan, plus I probably spend $100 year on data plans for my ipad that I could discontinue since this plan has free mobile hotspot. Not to mention the money lost on my current plan if I don't upgrade on the exact month of the two-year anniversary.

The only thing I'm giving up is unlimited data on one line, which is limited to 5GB on LTE anyway then it falls back the Edge-like speeds. I never go over and between all four lines we only use 7-8 GB of data per month.

Anyone else in a similar situation and worked out the numbers?

Milo and DrRosenRosen, does this look about right to you? I know you two have a lot of experience with this type of thing.

Here's the numbers I crunch on a more or less daily basis. I'm omitting discounts and taxes.

AT&T legacy plan:

700 shared minutes for four lines: $100
Unlimited family texting w/ M2M: $30
Individual data plans (assuming $30/line): $120

That puts you at $250/month. 2 year cost there is $6,000.

Assume everybody uses their upgrade for two years at $200 a phone, that's another $800, then $40 upgrade fees is another $160.

Total 2 year cost to AT&T: $6,960

Now, Next:

Four lines w/ 10GB shared data: $160, or $3,840 for two years. Assume everybody gets that same new phone at $650 a pop, spread out over 24 months, that's another $2600.

Total 2 year cost to AT&T with Next: $6440.

That's $520 to the good every two years. Only time I've seen that story change is when everybody is getting by with legacy 200/300MB data plans (saw a family of four for whom that was the case tonight). Once two or more people have 3GB/Unl data plans, then it's pretty much break even.

Most people fall into the camps of either wanting the flexibility to upgrade sooner, or getting a lowered monthly rate once the phone is paid off (which is not the case with legacy plans).

If you're at 4 phones with 7-8GB of aggregate monthly data usage, you're a prime candidate for that share plan.

 

[BenGrimm]

Safari is great on iPhone although I do keep the chrome app handy.

I actually prefer Safari on my Macs as well. The cloud integration with my phone and iPad alone is worth using it. Plus the swipe gestures are much more fluid. I do use chrome some but it's secondary for sure.

The gmail app on iOS is awful. I've given google voice a try but it's not convenient at all and quite honest, it misses what I say just as much as Siri. Siri isn't perfect but she gets the job done for the limited things I actually use it for.

 

[milohimself]

I use Google in Safari & both google & Apple maps. Care less about chrome & Gmail. To each their own.

Pretty much. FWIW, Chrome on my iPhone and iPad seem to consume a considerably smaller share of data than Safari. Plus, it whoops the ever-loving crap out of Safari on the laptop, and having cookies, page history, etc. synced between the phone and computer is nice.

 

[BenGrimm]

Pretty much. FWIW, Chrome on my iPhone and iPad seem to consume a considerably smaller share of data than Safari. Plus, it whoops the ever-loving crap out of Safari on the laptop, and having cookies, page history, etc. synced between the phone and computer is nice.

Safari does that too. On Macs at least.

Granted Chrome is great for jumping on random workstations.

 

[BenGrimm]

Verizon said they aren't messing around.

Verizon offers free iPhone 6 with trade-in, 2-year contract - CNET

 

[rocktopper16]

I bought the iPhone 5 straight out. I Went to cellular edge and went through H20 wireless and only pay 30 bucks a month for 5gigs. You can get unlimited for 50 but I have wifi at work and home so there is no need. I pay 90 a month for 3 phones.

 

[milohimself]

Safari does that too. On Macs at least.

Granted Chrome is great for jumping on random workstations.

It does, but chrome is still hands down the best browser out there.

 

[Freak]

I have a Note 2 that's the same size as the six plus with the same MP camera. This phone came out almost two years ago. I like the new iPhone, but the camera isn't a selling point because high end Android phones are blowing it away when it comes to cameras. It's actually the one thing that I found very disappointing. They've been working the 8 MP camera since the 4s.

The Note 2 is still a solid phone. I have one that I use regurlarly. I still love the shape and feel of the device. The camera in it isn't as good as my iPhone, though IMO.

The iPhone 5S camera still rates high on all of the tech sites I trust. It's about more than megapixels: the lens, max aperture, image stabilization, color reproduction all play part, among other things.

I'm pretty sure when its all said and done there may be plenty big reasons not to get an iPhone 6 but I don't imagine the camera will be one of them. JMO.

 

[Freak]

I haven't been in the retail cell game for the last year but your numbers sound about right.

The way I see it (using your numbers without double checking them), you're essentially paying $700+ (~$32/mo) more to keep unlimited data.

Throw it out.

Just don't let the kids know those phones aren't under contract. Keep telling them it's only possible to upgrade every two years or when Daddy needs the newest model.

My opinion on unl data in many cases:
I think many people are dead set on keeping unlimited plans when they don't need them. I use the internet and data a lot but never get anywhere close to even 5g. Now, that might mean a bit of pre-planning or adjusting how you do small things. For example, set your podcast program to download new episodes on wifi so you don't stream them in the car. For many people it's as easy as keeping wifi on and using it when out and about and at home.

Thanks for the feedback DRR.

 

[Freak]

Eh, nothing I don't already have with the HTC. I already use all of Google's apps, my iPhone and my have Chrome, GMail, Google Now, Google Maps, etc. I actually did that quite a while back at the suggestion of a friend of mine who works at the Genius Bar, and I haven't looked back. IMO hardware is a wash, cost is a wash, so for just the phone I'll stick with Android since Google apps integrate much better with their own OS than they do with iOS. I'll still continue to use the iPad, Macbook, Airport router and Apple TV. Those are all great products. Sticking with Android for the phone.

Can't blame your reasoning. The Google apps do seem to work better in Android, as one might expect. I also still prefer Android's notification system, compared to ios7 anyway.

 

[Freak]

Here's the numbers I crunch on a more or less daily basis. I'm omitting discounts and taxes.

AT&T legacy plan:

700 shared minutes for four lines: $100
Unlimited family texting w/ M2M: $30
Individual data plans (assuming $30/line): $120

That puts you at $250/month. 2 year cost there is $6,000.

Assume everybody uses their upgrade for two years at $200 a phone, that's another $800, then $40 upgrade fees is another $160.

Total 2 year cost to AT&T: $6,960

Now, Next:

Four lines w/ 10GB shared data: $160, or $3,840 for two years. Assume everybody gets that same new phone at $650 a pop, spread out over 24 months, that's another $2600.

Total 2 year cost to AT&T with Next: $6440.

That's $520 to the good every two years. Only time I've seen that story change is when everybody is getting by with legacy 200/300MB data plans (saw a family of four for whom that was the case tonight). Once two or more people have 3GB/Unl data plans, then it's pretty much break even.

Most people fall into the camps of either wanting the flexibility to upgrade sooner, or getting a lowered monthly rate once the phone is paid off (which is not the case with legacy plans).

If you're at 4 phones with 7-8GB of aggregate monthly data usage, you're a prime candidate for that share plan.

Looks about right. I'm on the 1400 minute plan so I'm actually paying another $10/month which is another $240 over the two year term.

I just need to look at my data usage over a longer period to make sure 10GB will suffice. The 7-8 GB is my three month average.

Thanks milo.

 

[Freak]

Safari is great on iPhone although I do keep the chrome app handy.

I actually prefer Safari on my Macs as well. The cloud integration with my phone and iPad alone is worth using it. Plus the swipe gestures are much more fluid. I do use chrome some but it's secondary for sure.

The gmail app on iOS is awful. I've given google voice a try but it's not convenient at all and quite honest, it misses what I say just as much as Siri. Siri isn't perfect but she gets the job done for the limited things I actually use it for.

Chrome has cloud integration also, if I understand what you mean. But with the way the iOS architecture is set up, I think Safari is the fastest browser by far.

Agree that gmail isn't the best on iOS but I do prefer Google Now over Siri, but like you pointed out, it's much more convenient on iPhone to simpky press the home button.

 

[Freak]

Pretty much. FWIW, Chrome on my iPhone and iPad seem to consume a considerably smaller share of data than Safari. Plus, it whoops the ever-loving crap out of Safari on the laptop, and having cookies, page history, etc. synced between the phone and computer is nice.

Chrome has the bandwidth management feature in settings. I think it probably does use less data.

 

[Freak]

I bought the iPhone 5 straight out. I Went to cellular edge and went through H20 wireless and only pay 30 bucks a month for 5gigs. You can get unlimited for 50 but I have wifi at work and home so there is no need. I pay 90 a month for 3 phones.

I'm not familiar with h20 wireless. Is it unlimited talk and text? LTE speed? Just curious.

T-Mobile has a $30 plan with unlimited data (capped at 5GB LTE) with unlimited texting, but only 100 voice minutes per month.

 

[BenGrimm]

Chrome has cloud integration also, if I understand what you mean. But with the way the iOS architecture is set up, I think Safari is the fastest browser by far.

Agree that gmail isn't the best on iOS but I do prefer Google Now over Siri, but like you pointed out, it's much more convenient on iPhone to simpky press the home button.

I'm not knocking chrome in general. When on a PC it's my favorite browser. (FTR Safari is down right terrible on a PC.) in grad school it was nice being able to sign into Chrome on a any workstation on campus and have all my bookmarks and so forth. I also think all the other browsers have followed the lead for simplicity of the interface.

But Safari is optimized for Apple devices which is what I use now 99.99% the time. It's just more fluid. And the Yosemite update improves that feeling a lot.