Must you own a computer to set up an iPhone?

[disneysteve]

My cousin is interested in getting an iPhone but he doesn't currently own a computer. His died and he is getting ready to move out of state in a couple of months so is planning to just wait until he gets settled in his new place to buy a new computer. If he gets an iPhone now, won't he need iTunes to set up his account and all?

I'd be happy to let him use our computer initially if that would work and he could then transfer everything to his computer later.

 

[SookieStackhouse]

Best I can remember, you have to have iTunes (on a computer) to activate it. Once he had it activated with an account etc... he can use it all he wants w/o a computer as long has he has a means to charge it. (I am pretty sure new ones would come with a wall charger, so it shouldn't be a problem).

If he gets a computer later, he can probably re-do it and sync it w/his computer. (although I believe it would probably wipe out all his stuff if he syncs with a different library). There may be work-arounds for that.

 

[ougrad86]

I purchased my iPhone with Best Buy since I wanted some insurance (not too good with phones). They activated it there, and didn't hook it up to my computer for awhile. Worked just fine for a basic phone and internet - don't think I started downloading apps and music until after I set up iTunes on my computer.

 

[tlhbdm]

If you go to the Apple Store they can let you use one of the computers there to activate it and then you can set up your itunes account when you get a computer.

 

[disneysteve]

If you go to the Apple Store they can let you use one of the computers there to activate it and then you can set up your itunes account when you get a computer.

Will he be able to download apps to the phone or will that have to wait until he sets up an iTunes account on a computer?

 

[tlhbdm]

Will he be able to download apps to the phone or will that have to wait until he sets up an iTunes account on a computer?

That would be a question for the Apple Store, I'm not sure of the answer and I don't want to try and guess and give you wrong information.

 

[Willow1213]

He will be able to download apps and such since there is a way to set up a new iTunes account through the phone itself. Also, the apple store could assist him with setting up an account. He should be able to be fully functional walking out the door.

 

[ukwildcat]

The iPhone will not come with a wall charger, only a USB cable. He will have to purchase the wall dongle attachment to charge the iPhone.

 

[Angrypenguin]

The iPhone will not come with a wall charger, only a USB cable. He will have to purchase the wall dongle attachment to charge the iPhone.

Since when? I've bought the original, 3G, and iPhone 4 and they all came with the wall charger included

 

[nedac]

The iPhone will not come with a wall charger, only a USB cable. He will have to purchase the wall dongle attachment to charge the iPhone.

This is a big FALSE... You do get a wall charger.

Also, I recommend backing up the phone at least once a month as well as checking for software updates. You need a computer to do this. I manage our mobile phone account at work and you cant imagine the complaining I hear when I tell someone I need to restore their iphone because it isnt holding a charge, working properly, etc. and they will have to start from scratch because they didnt back up regularly.

In short, a computer isnt necessary, but highly recommended.

 

[ukwildcat]

Since when? I've bought the original, 3G, and iPhone 4 and they all came with the wall charger included

Well, maybe I'm losing my mind. I've purchased so many cables/chargers in the past year I can't even remember them. I'll concede to the two previous posters. Sorry for the confusion.

 

[nedac]

Well, maybe I'm losing my mind. I've purchased so many cables/chargers in the past year I can't even remember them. I'll concede to the two previous posters. Sorry for the confusion.

Just wanted to keep someone from buying a charger unnecesarily.

You may be thinking of the ipod Touch which in fact does not (at least did not at one time) come with a wall charger.

 

[ukwildcat]

Just wanted to keep someone from buying a charger unnecesarily.

You may be thinking of the ipod Touch which in fact does not (at least did not at one time) come with a wall charger.

You know, I think you're right. I purchased 4 iPod Touches in the past year for presents. That might be it. Thanks.

 

[hughjulia]

My brother in law has an iPhone, and he has never hooked it up to his computer. If you were to ask him why, he would just say that he has no interest in iTunes.

They set it up for him at the ATT store. He is able to buy apps, and has done so. There isn't any down side in terms of the phone's functionality. The main downside I see is he isn't able to backup his phone. Basically, if something happens he loses all the apps he purchased. Also, I don't believe he is able to upgrade to newer versions of the OS.

At some point I expect him to break down and just conform like everyone else. However it will be a year this June, and he hasn't done so yet.

 

[disneysteve]

Thanks everyone. I'll let him know he doesn't need a computer, at least not initially. Certainly, he should have one eventually (and he will) in order to update software and back up the device.

 

[baby1disney]

I just got an iPhone 4 from Verizon(which I LOOOOOVE btw) and they signed me up thru the phone for an iTunes account. I have yet to use my computer for my phone. Also..if he's in area or business where there is free wifi..he can set up his account thru that network.