The iPhone Collective

[Luv2Camp]

The Solo is fine if you don't need HD (and I think HD can be a bit much to push over the Internet, but I haven't seen the HD model in action) and only need to control the one DVR. The HD unit can have multiple inputs, such as a DVR, cable box and a DVD player.

Great! I'm going with the Solo then. So, it looks like I'll need the Solo, the turbo thing (my DVR is in one room, and my router is in another), and possibly the Belkin cords (Amazon is recommending them if I buy the Solo!). I think I'm going to order everything for Christmas as a gift to myself! :)

[robind]

I wanted to see what was going on with this thread. I always believed that my slingbox controls the tv that it is attached to and I wanted to go check. When I went to check I realized my box was not connecting to my router and I ended up spending 2 hours messing w/ the silly thing. :lmao:

That being said, mine is hooked up to the television/ DVR in my bedroom. If I am watching the slingbox on my iPhone or computer etc. I have control over that television. I can not be watching one thing on the external device and something else on the television in my bedroom. I can watch anything, tv or DVR recording. This has never been an issue because I am only using the slingbox when I am out of town and no one should be watching my TV.

Also as an FYI, you can not have to external devices watching the same show, if you log onto another machine, it will ask you if you want to disconnect the other one. I've run into this when I've offered to share w/ my coworkers. We were in Copenhagen once and we both wanted to watch the Amazing Race but were at different hotels. I gave her the password, but only one of us could watch at a time.

I have the solo and it's a little fuzzy on the iPad, it looks great on the iPhone, if I were to re-buy it, I might try the HD version.

[Luv2Camp]

I have the solo and it's a little fuzzy on the iPad, it looks great on the iPhone, if I were to re-buy it, I might try the HD version.

Hey, that's a good tip because I would want to use it on my iPad too!

[MM32830]

I can not be watching one thing on the external device and something else on the television in my bedroom.

That is because your television is connected to the DVR and not directly to cable.

My configuration is:

TV connected to cable via the "ANT" (coaxial) jack.

TV also connected to DVR via the external video/audio jacks. There are many forms of these jacks, depending on the TV and quality you want. One is composite video. Another is S-Video while another ic component video. Some DVRs can connect to a TV via HDMI. Depends on the capability of the DVR and TV.

My Slingbox also connects to the cable via the coaxial cable.

Lastly, my Slingbox connects to my DVR via the external video/audio jacks (as explained above).

Using this configuration allows you to watch live TV on on both the TV and Slingbox independently. You can also watch the DVR on the TV -OR- Slingbox while still watching live TV on the other independently.

Lastly, you are correct that only one person can connect to the Slingbox at one time. This was done to squelch and possibility of copyright infringement. Sling was concerned that the TV networks and cable companies would complain if multiple users could watch one feed, hence the reason for only one user at a time.




__________________
Armand

[doconeill]

That is because your television is connected to the DVR and not directly to cable.

My configuration is:

TV connected to cable via the "ANT" (coaxial) jack.

TV also connected to DVR via the external video/audio jacks. There are many forms of these jacks, depending on the TV and quality you want. One is composite video. Another is S-Video while another ic component video. Some DVRs can connect to a TV via HDMI. Depends on the capability of the DVR and TV.

My Slingbox also connects to the cable via the coaxial cable.

FYI, this won't work on FiOS any more, and may not work in the future on other systems, unless the TV/device is cablecard compatible and you get a cablecard for it. FiOS dropped the analog channels for capacity reasons (the analog channels take the space of 2-3 standard definition digital channels). They do provide a low-end free converter box for just the broadcast channels, but most devices like the Slingbox can only control one (I think the HD might be able to do 3).

[MM32830]

This is why I won't sign up for FIOS or similar services like satellite service.

Cable companies will continue to feed analog channels for years to come. Cable companies are increasing capacity by using new technology like switched digital service which they can use with existing converter boxes. Doing so allows the cable companies to continue offering analog service for the millions of television sets out there that don't have digital tuners.

Will cable companies eventually phase out their analog service? Absolutely, but that will be several years in the future. In the meantime, enjoy the flexibility of using your Slingbox with your cable company's analog service.



__________________
Armand

[doconeill]

This is why I won't sign up for FIOS or similar services like satellite service.

Cable companies will continue to feed analog channels for years to come. Cable companies are increasing capacity by using new technology like switched digital service which they can use with existing converter boxes. Doing so allows the cable companies to continue offering analog service for the millions of television sets out there that don't have digital tuners.

Will cable companies eventually phase out their analog service? Absolutely, but that will be several years in the future. In the meantime, enjoy the flexibility of using your Slingbox with your cable company's analog service.

FiOS could easily offer switched digital video service as well, but choose to remain compatible with the current cable industry standards...the problem with SDV is that is is not compatible with cablecards, which the cable companies are supposed to be compatible with but they've been skirting the rules there. They came out with special SDV adapters that certain equipment - mainly TiVo units - could use by plugging them in to their USB ports. The Slingbox HD might support such an adapter, but that only really matters for mid-tier and higher programs that you'd need a cablecard (which Slingbox does not support) or a box anyways.

I misspoke earlier about it not working on FiOS...at least with the current HD unit.

Most equipment nowadays have QAM and ATSC tuners in addition to the old NTSC, so the lack of analog channels is not a big deal except for older equipment.

Since the Slingbox HD has a QAM tuner, it can still be used as mentioned above - so long as the channel you want is A) not served by SDV, and B) in the clear (not encrypted - which is usually only your local and extreme basic channels). The challenge could be to FIND the station you want, as they do not necessarily map to the their "real world" channel numbers.

[denise]

ok my apple friends...
daughter wants to use my old touch for listening to music while she runs. Trouble is she doesn't like my music! (go figure) How do I put her music into my itunes without ruining everything I have in itunes (music aps)? I want to always sync it on my computer and not her netbook that contains her music. I have a PC, windows 7.

Went to the Apple store but they where too confusing...plain English please....:rotfl:

thanks
denise

[sarahsar]

ok my apple friends...
daughter wants to use my old touch for listening to music while she runs. Trouble is she doesn't like my music! (go figure) How do I put her music into my itunes without ruining everything I have in itunes (music aps)? I want to always sync it on my computer and not her netbook that contains her music. I have a PC, windows 7.

Went to the Apple store but they where too confusing...plain English please....:rotfl:

thanks
denise

When you sync, you can specify what you want to sync to each device. You don't have to sync the same songs to both. If you want to sync them both from the same computer/login/iTunes account, then all of the music will show up in iTunes on the computer, though.

To specify what you want to sync, you can do it a couple of ways. Once way is to specify on the "Summary" tab (when the device is plugged in) to sync "only checked songs" and then uncheck what you don't want. Unfortunately, the checking would apply to everything, so that's probably not going to be enough to keep your music separate.

Another way to do it is to go to the Music tab while the device is plugged in. You can sync "selected playlists, artists, albums, and genres." For each device, specify what you want.

[denise]

you are always so helpful.....thank you,
that part I understand (I think!)....... but it's getting her music off her netbook to my pc...went back to the apple store tonight and they told me yet another way. I will see if it works. I will let you know.
they said share her music and then drag it to a new playlist. We will see....

[wenrob]

Why does it have to be on your computer? The easiest thing would be for her to have her own itunes account and sync on her computer.

I'm here to tell you sharing an itunes account with someone who doesn't have similar tastes (ahem, MY daughter) it's a huge pain in the butt and I can never find my stuff because I have to wade through hers. I did make a master playlist for my music that I can just go to but she's totally taken over my itunes. She will be getting her own EHD soon and her own account!

[sarahsar]

you are always so helpful.....thank you,
that part I understand (I think!)....... but it's getting her music off her netbook to my pc...went back to the apple store tonight and they told me yet another way. I will see if it works. I will let you know.
they said share her music and then drag it to a new playlist. We will see....

What they are having you do is set up Home Sharing, which will let you import each other's music wirelessly. That is probably the simplest way to copy the music over to your computer, and that would indeed let you both sync to the same computer.

I agree with wenrob, though - unless there's a compelling reason, it would probably be easier to just have her sync to her own computer. Do you two share an iTunes account? Even if you share an iTunes account, it isn't necessary to sync both devices to the same computer. She can sync to her computer and you to yours and you don't have to complicate things by copying over all the music unless you want some of it. If your musical tastes don't cross over much, that would be a lot less messy.

You can have up to five computers on one iTunes account. You can sync devices to whichever computer makes sense. One thing to remember, though, is that you can't sync one device to multiple computers (it will erase what's on it and replace what's on the second computer). But multiple devices to different computers is fine, if that makes sense.

[denise]

when she gets her own iphone next year then that would be great. I am not giving her my touch just yet so want to make sure she doesn't mess up everything. I know I can re-sync it all to my specs but just wanted to add her workout tunes to it.
I got it to work. Was easy. Just made a new playlist on my computer, shared her itunes with mine and then dragged the music over. Easy, easy.

The girl at apple yesterday was not helpful at all. She told me to save it all to a flash drive and move it that way. Waste of time...and....I bought the Nike+ shoe thing and asked...will this work on the first generation touch? yes of course she says....real answer was NO. So took it back today. Manager helped me with the return and he said he will talk to her because that was wrong to tell me.
Anyway, all is good...thanks dis buddies....:thumbsup2

[itch1]

HELP HELP
I was looking for some movies and I think I got hit with a bot! Since then I have run norton on all my computers but I am not getting the same amount of email and even more conspicuous is when I go to retrieve email on my phone it will show up for a second then with touching a thing it dis disappears ! I look in my trash file and they are not there! HELP am I screwed?
Itch

[CrazyChristie416]

My faves

Facebook of course!!
Twitter
SitorSquat (Tells you all the public restooms in the area and rates their cleanliness)
Chipotle (Online ordering!!)
Shazam- tells you song info for songs you dont know. All you do is hold it up to a speaker and click
Pandora (free internet radio, it makes great selections based your song searches
NYC subway map- always useful
Loseit! input all of your physical activity and foods for the day and it tells you how many calories you can eat, it is also great for setting weight loss goals

Lots of great ones on here!!

[vwlfan]

I've been resisting and resisting. Kept saying the Ipad was just a big iphone (which I have) without the phone. Then I thought I'd wait until version 2 would come out, whenever that would be. But Apple has won, who knows when they will come out with that and what might be the "upgrades" that would have made me wait for it?

So I am pulling the trigger. I'll get just the wifi version because I can't see paying two 3G plans. But

Now I am wondering if I should get the 16 or the 32 version.

Any opinions are welcome!

[Bell30012]

Psst, they also have a 64 GB version!

[Anna114]

If you are good about managing what's on your iPhone get the 16 if you are not or you plan on keeping a lot of video on your iPad then get the 32 IMHO

[dmwang9]

I've been resisting and resisting. Kept saying the Ipad was just a big iphone (which I have) without the phone. Then I thought I'd wait until version 2 would come out, whenever that would be. But Apple has won, who knows when they will come out with that and what might be the "upgrades" that would have made me wait for it?

So I am pulling the trigger. I'll get just the wifi version because I can't see paying two 3G plans. But

Now I am wondering if I should get the 16 or the 32 version.

Any opinions are welcome!

My general rule has always been to err on the side of caution and buy as much memory/storage as I can afford. It seems like every time I buy a new device, I think "there's no way I will ever fill THIS one up", and then about 6 months later, it's full. YMMV, of course.

[vwlfan]

What about the Apple protection plan?

[Bell30012]

Think of the gigabytes as closet space. However much you have you will manage to fill up. On the Apple Care, I bought a Square Trade protection plan because it covers the accidental dropping type damage.

[jediobiwan]

For those with Disney gift cards, here is a nifty balance tracking app (http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2010/11/new-disney-gift-card-app-now-available/). Haven't used yet, should be buying some gift cards for PCC 2.0 Friday!

[doconeill]

For those with Disney gift cards, here is a nifty balance tracking app (http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2010/11/new-disney-gift-card-app-now-available/). Haven't used yet, should be buying some gift cards for PCC 2.0 Friday!

Ugh...I need this on Android in TWO WEEKS...we've got like 10 gift cards...

[wildernessDad]

The DVC Planner app for iPhone, iPod Touch and the iPad has just been updated to version 3.0! Those using iOS 4.0 and above will now be able to create and view vacation calendar events from within the app. There are other neat additions.

[Luv2Camp]

Is there a way to transfer the videos that I have on my iPhone to a DVD? I have some cute ones of my dogs on my phone that I don't want to lose! pluto:

[denise]

Is there a way to transfer the videos that I have on my iPhone to a DVD? I have some cute ones of my dogs on my phone that I don't want to lose! pluto:

Ok on the same lines as this question....

how do I transfer the pictures I have taken on my iphone to my computer? :confused3 I looked at itunes while my phone was connected and it only says to sync the pics from my computer TO the phone. Nothing for the other way...any help or suggestions? (oh and my pictures are of the dog too!!!)

[OKW Lover]

how do I transfer the pictures I have taken on my iphone to my computer? :confused3 I looked at itunes while my phone was connected and it only says to sync the pics from my computer TO the phone. Nothing for the other way...any help or suggestions? (oh and my pictures are of the dog too!!!)

It probably depends on what kind of computer you have. On the Mac, you just plug in the phone and if there are pictures on it, iPhoto automatically opens to let you download them.

[jharrowell]

It probably depends on what kind of computer you have. On the Mac, you just plug in the phone and if there are pictures on it, iPhoto automatically opens to let you download them.

You can get it to do the same under windows if you tell it to sync, or you can access the iphone as if it is a digital camera to get off the photos and video.

EDIT:

Oh, and for the person asking what iPad to get. I use a 64Gb with Wifi and 3G and one of the little metal apple bluetooth keyboards. With that combination you can do pretty much everything you need to.

I haven't touched my PC or laptop in about 2 weeks! :)

[Bell30012]

Oh, and for the person asking what iPad to get. I use a 64Gb with Wifi and 3G and one of the little metal apple bluetooth keyboards. With that combination you can do pretty much everything you need to.

What she said!!!

[denise]

You can get it to do the same under windows if you tell it to sync, or you can access the iphone as if it is a digital camera to get off the photos and video.

EDIT:

Oh, and for the person asking what iPad to get. I use a 64Gb with Wifi and 3G and one of the little metal apple bluetooth keyboards. With that combination you can do pretty much everything you need to.

I haven't touched my PC or laptop in about 2 weeks! :)

thanks got it I would always just x out of that...da...It also downloaded my videos....too cool...
thanks again!:thumbsup2

[nedac]

Ok on the same lines as this question....

how do I transfer the pictures I have taken on my iphone to my computer? :confused3 I looked at itunes while my phone was connected and it only says to sync the pics from my computer TO the phone. Nothing for the other way...any help or suggestions? (oh and my pictures are of the dog too!!!)

You can open your iPhone files just like you would a digital camera. When you plug it in to a pc, it should ask if you would like to open a folder and view the files. From there you can simply drag and drop into another folder.

You can also import the pics with most picture editing software. I use picasa. It's the best free picture editing software out there. The software should recognize your phone as a camera and import pics accordingly.

[worldfamous]

Try RideHeights - Orlando. It's not fancy but it comes in handy. My son is 5. Every trip he's typically tall enough to ride another new ride. However, he's still too short for some. It also has Universal and SeaWorld.

[Bell30012]

I'm starting to stray. I've fallen in love with the Atrix Android phone with lapdock. That iPhone 5 better be really something to keep me in the collective.

[GSLand]

Finally got an iPhone. :goodvibes
Favorite apps so far (I have seen several on this thread I want to try):

Dictionary
Bejeweled
Daily Show
Flashlight
Gas Buddy
Scrabble
UNO
Local News (WRAL)

[mainegal]

I can't believe what might be happening!

My guy has become a real fan of Apple products. He has had four iPods, the most recent an iPod Touch. He has a Mac computer. He bought the first iPad, sold it when he got the iPad 2.

Now, he wants to go to the Apple store in Boston to talk about the iPhone and phone contracts. It seems being connected only in WIFI land with the iPod Touch and having Verizon data plan for iPad is not enough.

He thinks he needs (wants?) an iPhone!!!
This is someone who talks to people on a phone maybe two hours per year!

I think what he really wants is an inexpensive data (not phone) plan for the iPod Touch. Will that be coming soon?

[sarahsar]

I can't believe what might be happening!

My guy has become a real fan of Apple products. He has had four iPods, the most recent an iPod Touch. He has a Mac computer. He bought the first iPad, sold it when he got the iPad 2.

Now, he wants to go to the Apple store in Boston to talk about the iPhone and phone contracts. It seems being connected only in WIFI land with the iPod Touch and having Verizon data plan for iPad is not enough.

He thinks he needs (wants?) an iPhone!!!
This is someone who talks to people on a phone maybe two hours per year!

I think what he really wants is aninexpensive data (not phone) plan for the iPod Touch. Will that be coming soon?

I don't talk on the phone much either, but wouldn't give up my iPhone. Having a data connection all the time is great.

I think it is highly unlikely that we will see an iPod touch data plan. I guess never say never, but it's nothing I've ever heard of in the rumor mill.

If he wants to have data on both an iPhone and iPad, he might consider getting an iPhone with a tethering plan and cancelling the data plan for the iPad. Then he can share a data connection between both devices. At least that way he's only paying for one data plan.

[mainegal]

I don't talk on the phone much either, but wouldn't give up my iPhone. Having a data connection all the time is great.

I think it is highly unlikely that we will see an iPod touch data plan. I guess never say never, but it's nothing I've ever heard of in the rumor mill.

If he wants to have data on both an iPhone and iPad, he might consider getting an iPhone with a tethering plan and cancelling the data plan for the iPad. Then he can share a data connection between both devices. At least that way he's only paying for one data plan.

I have heard that iPhone monthly fees are around $70. True? That seems like a lot of money.

The data plan for the iPad is $15 - $20.

If he does get an iPhone, can it also tether to my iPod Touch? No, I guess that would not work.

[sarahsar]

I have heard that iPhone monthly fees are around $70. True? That seems like a lot of money.

The data plan for the iPad is $15 - $20.

If he does get an iPhone, can it also tether to my iPod Touch? No, I guess that would not work.

I'm not sure whether you are AT&T or Verizon? But the fees will of course depend on what kind of phone plan you need (number of minutes, texting, etc.) Both require a minimum voice plan. That $70 minimum estimate probably includes data.

We are on a family plan, which works well for us because I use very few minutes and my husband uses a lot more, but we share the minutes so it's more economical for us. If you are both low minute users, you may find family plans to be a good deal. You don't both have to use iPhones of course.

Regarding the iPhone data plans, I don't know about Verizon. But on AT&T they have a $15 plan that gets you 200 MB and a $25 plan for 2 GB. If you want tethering, it's $45 and you get 4 GB which you can share among any devices that have WiFi - so yes, your iPod touch can tether to it, as can the iPad, as well as laptops or anything else that can use WiFi. I think the limit is 5 devices at a time. I'm not sure what the Verizon plans cost, but I think they are in the same ballpark, though they vary a bit. The tethering basically makes the iPhone into a WiFi hotspot, so connecting to it is like connecting to any WiFi hotspot. You can also tether with USB or Bluetooth to devices that have that.

[mainegal]

The tethering basically makes the iPhone into a WiFi hotspot, so connecting to it is like connecting to any WiFi hotspot. You can also tether with USB or Bluetooth to devices that have that.

If his iPhone is the WiFi hotspot and he goes out of the house with his iPhone, does that mean that I no long er have internet access for the notebook computer or the iPad at home?

[sarahsar]

If his iPhone is the WiFi hotspot and he goes out of the house with his iPhone, does that mean that I no long er have internet access for the notebook computer or the iPad at home?

Yes. The hotspot has to be relatively near to what's using it, just like any kind of wireless router (i.e., if you took your home wireless router out of the house, nothing could use it).

[mainegal]

Yes. The hotspot has to be relatively near to what's using it, just like any kind of wireless router (i.e., if you took your home wireless router out of the house, nothing could use it).

Could the hotspot be attached to something more likely to stay home, such as the apple notebook computer or the apple iPad?

[sarahsar]

Could the hotspot be attached to something more likely to stay home, such as the apple notebook computer or the apple iPad?

I'm not sure exactly what you're asking - the hotspot feature goes with the iPhone. Unfortunately, they haven't made it available for the iPad, and I don't think they have plans to (although I'm sure it's possible with jailbreaking). Do you have internet access in your home like cable or DSL? If so, your best (as well as cheapest and fastest) option is to get a wireless router that stays in your house. Then that would serve as a hotspot for any wireless devices you want to use at home.

[doconeill]

"Hotspot" is just another (relatively new) term for a wireless (wi-fi) router, although there is am implied meaning of it being related to mobile devices.

If you want a permanent hotspot in your house, get a wireless router - don't depend on a phone to do it.

The hotspot feature of the latest phones is a convenience allowing you to use the phone as a router for other devices, and therefore allow use of the 3G/4G network for laptops, etc.

If you have internet service at home, you'd likely find that performance would be far better with a standard wireless router than using the phone's hotspot feature.

[mainegal]

"Hotspot" is just another (relatively new) term for a wireless (wi-fi) router, although there is am implied meaning of it being related to mobile devices.

If you want a permanent hotspot in your house, get a wireless router - don't depend on a phone to do it.

The hotspot feature of the latest phones is a convenience allowing you to use the phone as a router for other devices, and therefore allow use of the 3G/4G network for laptops, etc.

If you have internet service at home, you'd likely find that performance would be far better with a standard wireless router than using the phone's hotspot feature.

We do have DSL internet at home with wireless router through Fairpoint phone company. But it is not very good. The iPad with 3G from Verizon sometimes works better.

We were hoping we could drop the $27 a month we pay Fairpoint for telephone and internet if we have to start paying $70 - over $100 for iPhones.

[doconeill]

We do have DSL internet at home with wireless router through Fairpoint phone company. But it is not very good. The iPad with 3G from Verizon sometimes works better.

We were hoping we could drop the $27 a month we pay Fairpoint for telephone and internet if we have to start paying $70 - over $100 for iPhones.

Was that the iPad bundled with the "MiFi" device or whatever they called it? If that is the case, the MiFi could stay home and give you another option. You should be able to "tether" to that as well (it is basically like a hotspot-enabled phone, without the phone part...)

[mainegal]

Was that the iPad bundled with the "MiFi" device or whatever they called it? If that is the case, the MiFi could stay home and give you another option. You should be able to "tether" to that as well (it is basically like a hotspot-enabled phone, without the phone part...)

Gee, I have no idea about the mifi on the iPad. It does have 3G.



What are the pros and coms of buying a iPhone at the Apple store hours away vs. the Verizon store a mile away?

[sarahsar]

Gee, I have no idea about the mifi on the iPad. It does have 3G.

The Mifi would be a separate device. You can buy it together with the iPad, but it's another device. If the iPad has 3G, you probably did not get a Mifi, because that wouldn't make much sense.


What are the pros and coms of buying a iPhone at the Apple store hours away vs. the Verizon store a mile away?

Probably doesn't make much difference. Even if you buy it at Verizon you can get it fixed if needed at the Apple Store. You can also order from Apple.com online.

[doconeill]

Gee, I have no idea about the mifi on the iPad. It does have 3G.



What are the pros and coms of buying a iPhone at the Apple store hours away vs. the Verizon store a mile away?

When Verizon first started selling the original iPad, they were selling the Wi-Fi only iPad with the MiFi hotspot, because Apple didn't offer an iPad with a Verizon-compatible chipset. The iPad 2 does have a compatible chipset, so you don't need the MiFi (as long as it is a Verizon version, and you are paying for the plan :))

Assuming the Apple Store offers Verizon activations, nothing. Except the Apple employees will presumably actually know something about the phone. I walked out of a Verizon store after the employee tried to explain technically why I had to upgrade to a new far more expensive phone plan just to upgrade DW's phone because it had an "HTML browser", which most all their phones they've sold for a couple years had, including the one in my pocket..."Don't technobabble me...I was on the Internet before you were born!"

[mainegal]

When Verizon first started selling the original iPad, they were selling the Wi-Fi only iPad with the MiFi hotspot, because Apple didn't offer an iPad with a Verizon-compatible chipset. The iPad 2 does have a compatible chipset, so you don't need the MiFi (as long as it is a Verizon version, and you are paying for the plan :))




His iPad 1 had 3G with ATT. His iPad 2 has 3G with Verizon. It is monthly pay-as-you-go. He thinks the Verizon works better. So, no MiFi.

The question is... can we both get iPhones and keep the MacBook and the iPad connected and stop paying $27 to the phone company for the land line and the internet connection?


.."Don't technobabble me...I was on the Internet before you were born!"

That's telling them!

[sarahsar]

His iPad 1 had 3G with ATT. His iPad 2 has 3G with Verizon. It is monthly pay-as-you-go. He thinks the Verizon works better. So, no MiFi.

The question is... can we both get iPhones and keep the MacBook and the iPad connected and stop paying $27 to the phone company for the land line and the internet connection?


If your landline + internet is $27, it will be hard to beat that with iPhones with tethering plans. I believe that Verizon data is $30/month. That would be per phone, in addition to calling/texting plans. For tethering (letting your phone act as a hotspot), it's an additional $20/month for whichever phones you want to use that way. That adds up. If you need it on both phones so that you can still have a hotspot if your spouse isn't around (and vice versa), you are going to need to pay $100/month in cellular data fees. Also, I think that while the phone data plan is unlimited, they only allow you to use 2 GB for tethering/hotspot. That may be enough for you, but it may not if you are using it as your only internet connection for your iPads, laptops, etc.

I think the better question to ask is where do you need data access most? Some people are out and about a lot and don't have access to other WiFi. In that case, having data/tethering plans makes more sense. If you mostly use the internet at home, you would generally have better results with DSL or cable and a wireless router. Now, your area may be different - it sounds like you don't have the best DSL. I know there are places that have sort of a pseudo-DSL that isn't all that fast. Maybe that is your situation if you are finding that your cellular data is faster than your DSL. You may check into what other options you have there. But if you are looking solely at cost, cellular data is going to be more expensive for you.

[DisneyKevin]

The question is... can we both get iPhones and keep the MacBook and the iPad connected and stop paying $27 to the phone company for the land line and the internet connection?

You are going to pay for wifi in one way or another.

I have seen you post many, many, many, many times that you are attached to your Trac phone and have no need for anything else. I'm not sure what you would get out of an iPhone, if a Trac phone meets your needs.

If you have changed your mind....that's a different story

Are you looking for internet usage at home or in a mobile device?

If you are looking at home usage....you will need to pay an internet provider to bring it into the home and then a router to make it wireless within your home.

If you are looking for mobile usage, then you will want it attached to your mobile device (not your Trac phone).

If home usage is your goal, you will get a better quality signal and therefore faster internet by paying to have it brought into your home, then you will trying to use the mifi feature on your phone.

The "hot spot" feature via your phone uses cell phone signals and is really designed for use when real wifi isnt available. (Ex....using your laptop out of the house)

If the iPad is 3G....then you should be able to access the internet (again via cell signals) from where ever you are (as long as there is a cell signal).

One way or another...you will pay for internet usuage.

[mainegal]

Ahhh, Kevin! Good to hear from you. Wouldn't it be funny if I ended up with a iPhone?!

The iPhone is not my idea, it is his idea. Neither of us need it for the phone. We both have tracfones. We have to add months to it because we do not talk on the phone enough to use up the allotted 30 minutes per month. My guess, the two of us are on the phone, land line or tracfone, about ten hours per year.

As many people have said, the iPhone is way more than a phone. And that is what has gotten into Stephen. I am thrilled with my iPod Touch that works where ever there is WiFi. But he seems to want to be connected now where every he goes. There is something cool about being in the woods, seeing a moose and posting the picture to Facebook right away. And lots of other stuff.

I am the one concerned about expenses. He figures, why not? We both have jobs, all expenses covered, no debt, and most of all, no children or pets to spend money on!

Curious to see how this all plays out. Stay tuned...

ps - if we do, shouldn't we wait for the iPhone 5?

[Gplo32]

My wife and I created an iPhone trivia game (Disney Parks: Do You Know) to help offset our adoption fees. Let me know what you think!

- Gregg

[Echo queen]

I can not download itunes 10.5 because I get the message "The feature you are trying to use is on a network resource that is unavalilable." I don't know what it means or how to fix it.:surfweb: Help:scared1: I want my icloud.:cloud9:

[vwlfan]

Problems. The Dis was very helpful but in the end I had to call Apple. Even that didn't work until I got an excellent help person. Thats my best suggestion.

[Echo queen]

Problems. The Dis was very helpful but in the end I had to call Apple. Even that didn't work until I got an excellent help person. Thats my best suggestion.

So are you saying you got an excellent help person on the phone from Apple? Or you found one else where? Thanks

[sarahsar]

I can not download itunes 10.5 because I get the message "The feature you are trying to use is on a network resource that is unavalilable." I don't know what it means or how to fix it.:surfweb: Help:scared1: I want my icloud.:cloud9:

Are you on Windows? Not sure if this will help, but I found where someone else had the same error message (looks like the thread dates back to 2009, but someone as recently as last month said it helped).

This is the thread:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic248046.html

And this is the Apple support document they're referring to:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1926

[vwlfan]

I needed a live person to talk to but there were three before she figured out my issue(s).

[njsweetP]

I can not download itunes 10.5 because I get the message "The feature you are trying to use is on a network resource that is unavalilable." I don't know what it means or how to fix it.:surfweb: Help:scared1: I want my icloud.:cloud9:

Try making sure all antivirus software is turned off. This is what I have to do everytime there is an update. I have Kaspersky and I just go to the software settings, turn it off, install update and then turn it back on.

[Echo queen]

Try making sure all antivirus software is turned off. This is what I have to do everytime there is an update. I have Kaspersky and I just go to the software settings, turn it off, install update and then turn it back on.

Looking for the off button.:sad2:

[njsweetP]

Looking for the off button.:sad2:

In other words 'disable' the software.

[Echo queen]

Thanks to all who tryed to help, I tryed it all (I did find that button) to avail. At 8am I called apple, apple said call microsoft, microsoft said call apple. So third call later after speaking with a senior agent with apple for 2hours it's done.

Apple had to email me a link and we uninstalled, installed and talked to the folks on Mars from there.

Bottom line: It could not be done without the link from apple.:surfweb: I hope this saves someone the copious amount of time that taken me.

I have my icloud:cloud9:

[livie1205]

I am a longtime blackberry and droid user and I JUST got my first iphone (4s)!! I will never go back! I just love the 4 S , it does everything I need done and I hardly ever use my laptop now lol I got the white 16gb and I think it will work for me I dont do a whole lot of downloading music and all.It has a GREAT camera on it which is VERY importent since I use my phone as my camera....even all my friends that already have the iphone are loving my 4s and want to upgrade theirs :)

[Anna114]

I'm looking forward to December. I need me Siri. I had no desire to upgrade from my iPhone 4. I am not a latest greatest kind of person. Having seen how Siri works, I must have her lol.

[Spaceace5150]

Hi fellow iPhone users!

Does anyone have a password app that they would recommend? The major ones seem to cost around $10, so would like to get a recommendation!

[stacielee]

Hi fellow iPhone users!

Does anyone have a password app that they would recommend? The major ones seem to cost around $10, so would like to get a recommendation!

I use Roboform2go. I set it up online, and it works through IE and Firefox. Then I synced it and can use the ipod/iphone app and/or android app to access all the passwords. It's also on a flash drive so when I travel, I can use it in someone elses computer without affecting their computer and access all of my passwords if I need to.

[Echo queen]

Would anyone be interested in a ipad collective? I would.:thumbsup2 My engraved ipad 2 will arrive next week.:banana:

[wildcatbn]

Best app for planning is Magic Planner WDW works on iphone and ipad. Best trip planner for Itinerary, ride times, parades, adrs, maps everything.

[Anna114]

Would anyone be interested in a ipad collective? I would.:thumbsup2 My engraved ipad 2 will arrive next week.:banana:

Oh I would LOL. I have hundreds of hours logged on my iPad. Probably my "favoritest" thing I own. Unless my little Siri is better ;) I was available for an upgrade yesterday... first thing I did was order my 4S.

[Michele]

Hi fellow iPhone users!

Does anyone have a password app that they would recommend? The major ones seem to cost around $10, so would like to get a recommendation!

I use The Vault - Secure Storage(green icon) to store all my important #'s and passwords. I don't remember the cost and it doesn't show me since it's already installed. But I know it was less than $10, I wouldn't have paid that much.

[BelleChick]

This has probably already been answered...sorry to ask again if it has...

I have seen the waterproof storage containers at typhoon lagoon that are large and have foam in them. I think they are meant to be used for sunglasses. I definitely wouldn't be taking my phone anywhere near water, but I was thinking that it might work to keep my phone from getting jostled around in my pack pack. Has anyone used these? Would an iphone even fit in one? Thanks;)

[GAN]

I'm looking forward to December. I need me Siri. I had no desire to upgrade from my iPhone 4. I am not a latest greatest kind of person. Having seen how Siri works, I must have her lol.

Just an FYI ....Siri technically is not a "her" -I'm hoping to help you avoid a potentially embarrassing situation! I'm sure Siri will explain it better than I ...

[KingK12]

I seem to use cloud a lot ! I love how it connects all my Apple gear without me having to do anything.' Steven Jobs' such a great mind....:thumbsup2