The iPhone is coming to Verizon next month, but don’t buy it until you read these five points about the new marvel of mobile phoning:
1. Carrier reliability
Last May, a survey determined that an astonishing 4.5 percent of AT&T users experienced a dropped call over a 90 day period compared to 1.5 percent of Verizon customers.
Verizon also led the way in overall satisfaction, with nearly 50 percent of their users “very satisfied” with their service, compared to only 23 percent of AT&T customers.
2. If debating the switch, are you willing to shell out the cash?
If you purchased an iPhone with AT&T after June 1, 2010, you better be ready to pay a staggering $325 cancellation fee (minus $10 for every month of service completed). While AT&T claims the “fee is not a penalty,” that is a lot of money we are talking about here… almost the price of two new Verizon iPhones (with 2-year activation)!
3. Talking to a friend while checking e-mail or mapping directions? — Not on Verizon!
Apparently “multitasking” such as checking your e-mail or browsing the internet while on a call, a commonplace task for us AT&T iPhone users, will not be possible on the Verizon network. The Wall Street Journal says that Verizon executives feel this isn’t an important feature to most users, but it is promised to be available next year.
4. How much longer until the iPhone 5 (4G)?
Apple is infamous for quickly antiquating its electronics with updated models, usually within a year and a half.
We saw the release of the iPhone 4 in June so it’s a good bet the iPhone 5 will be out sometime this summer. Are you really going to shell out $200 and lock yourself into a two year contract with Verizon in February when the iPhone 5 could be here as soon as June?
5. The 3G Mobile Hotspot app…
Not only will the Verizon iPhone come preloaded with the 3G Mobile Hotspot app, it will support up to 5 devices. AT&T offers tethering of only one device with their 2GB data plan for $45/month. While Verizon’s hotspot pricing hasn’t been officially announced, you can bet you will get more bang for your buck than AT&T’s measly one-device tethering.
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