iOS, Apps, Application Updates

How long can you go before not updating your applications?

How many applications need updating?

I would think you'd want to update them whenever they become available.

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This depends on the application. Some make use of the developers' servers, and theoretically they may eventually stop supporting significantly older versions of their app. Other apps simply reside on your iPhone without interacting with outside data sources, but those may need updating when you upgrade to a newer version of iOS.

I update each time one of my 165 apps is revised, simply because I want the most functional version of an app. The rare glitch (from a bug-riddled revision) has not convinced me to wait longer or be more selective.

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Wow.
ONLY 165 apps!
I really need to trim my collection!

Change the name of device

How do I change the name of my device? When I first synced it when brand new, iTunes asked me what to name it. (why rebuild? my old computer crashed & I'm starting again on a new one.)

Now that I've rebuilt my iTunes library & dared to sync a device, iTunes has just given it a generic name -- in this case, iPod touch.

I want to call it something else!

I'm also having problems getting some apps to sync, but still working on that one, trying the "troubleshooting" list from apple support.

So easy.

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1789

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In iTunes, click on the name of the device where it shows up on the left under "Devices". Pause, then click again, and it will make the name editable.

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Thanks, yeah, it worked when I tried it *again*.

I'm just totally frazzled from rebuilding my system after a crash -- all my docs, mail, iTunes, programs, authorizations, etc etc etc. So if something doesn't seem to work I don't know if I just need to try again or if there's something *else* I need to do first.

Ordering an iPad 2

Where's the best place to order the iPad 2 on the internet? I need it before June 10.

Why not get it from Apple directly. The site says it is being delivered within 1-2 weeks. This is US, not sure if you are ordering in another country.

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Apple online, their shipping a lot faster now that the initial rush has subsided.

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Another place you might try is www.MacConnection.com or perhaps www.Amazon.com. I bought from them before and they very

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Apple.com is down to 7-10 days.

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Apple online. You'll have it in 2 weeks.

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I ordered my iPad 2 directly from Apple on April 6. The promised delivery time was 2-3 weeks. I received notice this morning, April 26, that it is shipping from China. I don't yet have an estimated delivery date. It's unlikely they'll meet the 2-3 week promise unless they're only counting business days or something, but they should be close. I tried to buy my iPad 2 at Apple stores, Best Buy stores and even Walmart, but that was a waste of time.

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I ordered mine on April 4th; received notice it shipped 4/22. Went from China to Hong Kong 4/23 and has been in Hong Kong since then! Thought I would get it tomorrow but doubt I will get it before next week. :-(.

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The 2-3 weeks (or 1-2 weeks, etc) is their "Ships By" not delivers by - so they had 14-21 days to ship if you ordered on April 6th they had until April 27th to ship and come hell or highwater they would have shipped by midnight on the 27th. When I originally ordered mine (on launch day) it was 1-2 weeks from initial release and they shipped right before midnight on the 14th day and delivery took another week (or more) being stranded in Lantau Island, HK for several days but once it hit the US was at my door in 36 hours...

iPhone 3GS Reset message

My friend has an iPhone 3GS which he plans to give to his son. He wanted to clear off the personal data.

He went to Settings/General/Reset and chose the "Erase all Content and Settings".

It erased everything on the machine including the OS. This is a very poorly worded message and there are no questions asked to make sure that this is what you really want to do. It should have at least one or two nanny messages to make sure you want to nuke everything.

Something like: Are you sure you want to loose your OS?

Have you made a backup so that when you have done the restore, you can get your data back?

I have never seen a computer that had a "Destroy All" button except in the movies.

He has spent most of the day getting it to restore and it forced him to update to the latest version of the OS and Baseband.

This is not user friendly.
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There are users and then there are users.

Right. It erased "ALL CONTENT AND SETTINGS" on the machine…

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I have not used that, but it did say "erase all", not factory reset.

I believe that you can do a factory reset with iTunes.

The reset just put the 3GS back to out of box condition, it did not erase the original rom. New owner may have to up date again.

Note:
The only way this could happen if a another modified OS was installed and the the original was not reinstalled, if this is the case the phone is then a nice paper weight.

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I do not believe this is correct.

Use Google and look up the message "Erase all Content and Settings".

This button treats all operating systems equally in that they are gone when done.

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Reset removes all apps, data, and settings. It does not remove the iOS. What does your screen look like after you finished the reset?

General Security Apps

What is the best app to download for security on the iPhone please?

1. In iTunes, when your iPhone is connected, at the bottom of the Summary screen, be sure "Encrypt iPhone Backup" is < checked >.

2. Setup a VPN (I like Hotspot Shield for iPhone). And activate it whenever you use an unsecured Wifi hotspot.

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However, note that it is impossible to encrypt the actual iPhone itself, which is the only 100% secure method for securing your iPhone.

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How are you defining security? Because like mentioned before the iPhone can't be completely secured. You can encrypt your backups from prying eyes and you can use encrypted password applications but the phone is still unencrypted even if you have a passcode lock. If someone has a phone phone extraction device like the Cellbrite UFED they can grab your data rather quickly.

Battery, Usage under General Settings

I have an iPhone on Verizon, not sure if that should matter or not but I've noticed sometimes the usage shows up on my iPhone display and other times it appears blank. Is there something that controls whether or not it appears? I know it says it shows the usage after the iPhone has been fully charged, but sometimes it seems like it's there initially after I charge it and then later on it disappears.

This is from the iPhone user manual. Maybe it will help.

"Usage—Amount of time iPhone has been awake and in use since the last full charge. iPhone is awake whenever you’re using it—including making or receiving phone calls, using email, sending or receiving text messages, listening to music, browsing the web, or using any other iPhone features.iPhone is also awake while performing background tasks, such as fetching email messages."

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So does this mean after you turn the phone off, even if there's 90% battery life left, when you turn it back on the usage figures will not show?

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I just tuned my iPhone off, which I never do, and back on with battery of 78%. The usage data stayed. My iPhone is AT&T so it my not be the same results since the iOS is not totally the same.

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If the iPhone is genuinely powered off, then there will be almost no power drain except to keep the clock running. You could leave it that way for weeks and then boot it back up ready to use.

However, when the iPhone is just sleeping (aka, on stand-by), even if you've placed the phone in airplane mode and turned off all tasks running in the background, there is some power drain devoted to maintaining the phone's ability to immediately respond when you press one of the buttons. The screen may be blank, but clock and calendar continue to function, the memory is active, the accelerometer is still working, and the computer is awaiting input from the de-powered sensors when they turn back on.

All these things require some electricity, and although the iPhone is extremely efficient, it probably can sit sleeping no longer than 2-3 weeks without draining the battery. If you've turned OFF airplane mode, then it lasts even less time. And battery drain then depends on how strong the cell signals are and whether you have bluetooth, wi-fi, cellular data, and 3G enabled.

I have an AT&T iPhone, but perhaps the following is true for the Verizon variety, too: In the Settings app, under "General" there is a switch to turn on Battery percentage. With that switch activated, your battery icon will always indicate the percentage of power remaining in the battery.

Converting Music to Ringtones

I have a widows vista home edition lap top with an iphone 3gs running 4.1.3 ios and when i try to convert a song in itunes to a ringtone, i cant. it works fine until i try to rename the file from a .m4a to a.m4r. when looking at the file in my file folder it doesnt show a file extension. and when i try and change the song happybirthday.m4a to .m4r it changes it to happybirthdaym4r.m4a. this is getting fustrating.

Download Ringtonemaker from apple store. With that you can create ringtones from songs.

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I use Ringtone Expressions on my computer to convert my music to ringtones. I was using Ringtonemaker, but I swiched to Ringtone Expressions. I don't remember why. Maybe it was easier to use or it had more options. I believe I convert MP3'S to ringtones. It converts renames and loads the ringtone into iTunes, and I mark them in iTunes to sych them into my iPhone. It works.

Tracking File Found in iPhones

You probably have already seen this but if not hear it is again.

Here is a disturbing article in the NYT about apple recording your location to a hidden file on both the iPhone and iPad. There is a link in the article where you can down load a program to map your movements.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/21/business/21data.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=th\a26

Maybe it's time to switch to an Android

A google phone likely to have the same or more data tracking on it. Google is all about gathering user data on their PCs, why not in the software of their phones.

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The same company that found the file said that they tested Android phones (and most other smartphone brands) and found nothing similar. This is literally unprecedented. It's the kind of thing that could
result in lawsuits.

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I would join if it was a class action lawsuits.

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Might be some attempts but it is in the Terms of Service that everyone with an iPhone or 3G iPad agreed to - the file is not on iPod touches or WiFi iPads, it is not transmitted to anyone just stored on the phone and included in backups BUT it is in a paragraph of the TOS so it will be tossed out of any lawsuits as "you should have read it and not agreed to it if you didn't want to store the data".

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Probably true; however, given the public relations debacle that this is, I'm guessing any suit would be settled quickly. The FCC has already said they're looking into this and Congress is apparently making inquiries. They will want to bury this ASAP. Remember, a lot of politicians own iPhones (and Crackberries). The quickest way to get on the legislative radar is to do something stupid with your technology that directly impacts the security of the leaders of the country.

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BTW, here is one of the letters sent from Congress:
http://www.franken.senate.gov/files/letter/110420_Apple_Letter.pdf

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Blackberries have a function built in that can also track your where-abouts. I see it turned on my work blackberry issued to me and I'm sure for everyone else given one at work. I have to suspect work Mgmt has access to that data if they need it, as well as the Gov't.

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Bury it in small print in the Terms of Service agreement that apple sends out all the time, If I don't comb through it like a lawyer then it's my fault.

The big question is why is apple doing it. I do not want apple to be able to track me that is just creepy. I thought if there was one company I could trust to do the right thing it was apple. I guess they have joined the ranks of large corporations that think they can do anything they want. That is very disappointing. I have been an Apple supporter from the first time they made a computer. I may have to rethink that support.

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Wasn't the purpose of tracking for location-based services like restaurants, ads and coupons?

I am certain that Google does this also. They are the leaders in advertising and for sure they have to be doing this somehow. If not yet I would be surprised. Expect it soon then.

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Again, no, Google does not do this. While Google and many other providers offer location based services, in all instances users must ASK to be tracked and can opt out at any time. Apples implementation tracks you by default, doesn't tell you they're tracking you, doesn't let you opt out, and stores information in cleartext that anyone with access to your phone or computer can read.

Read the articles. The "but everyone else is doing it" defense (if it can be called that) only applies if, you know, everyone else is actually doing it.

Given the negative PR tied to this, complete with FCC and congressional investigation, I highly doubt if any legit companies will be trying a stunt like this in the future.

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We've all seen this news by now - Apple (and presumably AT&T) are keeping track of my movements and creating a file where anyone can see those movements.
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/20/3g-apple-ios-devices-secretly-storing-u\sers-location/?ref=technology

Just downloaded the iPhone Tracking File app and -- lo & behold -- there's a map showing where I've supposedly been in the past 20 months or so I've owned this 3GS iPhone. Here's the link to the app - http://petewarden.github.com/iPhoneTracker/

1. It's even got some places where I've been in the Arizona desert, the Mojave desert, Death Valley, and elsewhere in the boonies and used the iPhone on the AT&T cell network. But some of the places seem not to be where I've ever been -- Barstow and Ft Irwin, except driving through on I-15 and 1-40.

2. Is this "Wiretapping" within the meaning of California's Penal Code § 629 et seq? That's a criminal act. Maybe there are other criminal statutes involved.

3. Even if the Penal Code is not implicated, clearly this is a serious breach of my personal privacy. It is surely no business of Apple Corp or AT&T where I've been.

4. This is a terrible black eye to Apple. Whatever possessed Apple to put this thing on my iPhone? It's one thing if I knowingly use something like Foursquare or Facebook's Places, it's quite another to surreptitiously keep track of where I've been - spying on my movements.

Trouble with app store??

I have tried several times to download an app from the app store. It lags after I enter my password and then get "connection refused"!!! I tried hard reboot of the phone and still get the same message or " cannot connect to iTunes store". Anybody else having a problem??

I had trouble but it is now working for me.

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Me too. I'm calling apple for help.

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Just started working again!! Probably a server issue.

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Yep. Same problem. :-)

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apple system is down wait till tommorw

Anyone going without a case?

I got my first iPhone a couple months ago at Verizon's launch. I instantly got a rather sturdy Otterbox Defender case for it, as in work situations I have a high risk of damaging the phone (I do a lot of extreme weather photography and leave it mounted to the dash to display my GPS position overlaid over radar from the Radarscope app). The thing is, probably 95% of the time that I'm using it, I'm not using it in extreme weather situations -- just normal day to day stuff. Thing is, the case works great for protection but make the phone quite a bit larger and less fun to use. I took the phone out of its case for the first time in a couple months yesterday and was suddenly reminded of what a good-looking and well designed piece of equipment it is. So much so that I'm considering just using it without a case when I'm not using it while chasing. I remember reading somewhere that the front face glass of the iPhone 4 is supposed to be made of something near unscratchable -- but does anyone here have any experience with using an iPhone 4 with no case or screen protector? Get a lot of scratches, or any scratches at all? I'm not too picky about scratches on the back (so long as it's not over the camera), but I would probably be pretty annoyed if I scratched the front.

My suggestion is either out the iPhone back in the Defender case, or get a ZAGG invisiShield full body screen protector installed.

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I have been using the iPhone 4 without a screen protector for about 6 months now and have not had any problems. Also, I just use an inexpensive clear plastic case that avoids the antenna problem. However, I keep the phone in a separate compartment in my bag or keep it in a pocket without anything else so that it doesn't get banged up by contacting keys or other stuff.

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I wouldn't worry so much about scratches but breakage - the glass is surprisingly strong in most situations but I have seen one too many iPhones dropped at just the right angle and/or on to just the right surface and shattering the front and/or back glass. The back glass isn't incredibly expensive but the front glass in bonded to the touch panel / LCD screen and I believe is either $199 or $249 to repair - I would much rather have a case.... Personally I use the Mophie Juice Pack Air which does add some bulk but more nearly triples the battery life.

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I agree. I would like to use out if my otterbox. But not worth the stylish chance of damaging it.

I had many solid clear plastic cases that were perfect for my 3GS. But I have not seen them for the I4 yet.

Otterbox clearly doubles size. But I have had zero dMage and good service from my I4.

I do attribute the otterbox as the reason I have no damage

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I have been using my 3GS for about 18 months now without a case. It has dropped a couple of times (not from a great height, i.e falling out of my pocket when at the gym doing reverse crunches, etc). I keep it in my pant pockets with keys, etc. Minor scratches on the case but overall it has held up pretty well.

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I had a defender on my iPhone for 6 months but just couldn't handle the bulk so I downsized to a commuter TL and I LOVE it! It has dropped to the concrete several times & it's been just fine :)

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A few weeks after buying a Square Trade warranty on my iPhone, they (Square Trade) sent me a silicone rubber case for free.

It slides on and off easily (so I can put the iPhone in the TomTom Car Kit dash mount), but cannot fall off accidentally; it wraps around the edges and covers everything but the viewable screen, with cutouts for the headphone jack, SIM slot, mute switch, and speaker, mike, and 30-pin connector on the bottom.

It is smooth, but not slippery, and won't easily fall out of a pocket. I haven't gone out of my way to drop it, but since it covers the whole back, and the edges of the "Gorilla Glass" front, it ought to protect well in a fall.

It is, after all, in the insurer's best interest to protect the iPhone from damage!

To fix or not to fix?

I currently have an iPhone 3gs. I recently, however, got my hands on an iPhone 4, in damaged condition. I was told it would cost $199 to fix, likely water damage(I have a $50 gift card I could use), but doing this I would have no contract. Is it worth it or should I buy a new or refurbished phone or wait for
the next model? What would YOU do?

Wait for the next model. If your iPhone 3Gs is in working condition, no sense sinking money into something when an even newer model is on the horizon.

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Either get an iPhone 4 (new or refurb is your choice) or wait for the iPhone 5 which looks like it will be Sept at this point.

iPhone in U.S. from Germany

The Mr. Simcard was a little pricey for my little trip. I'll just be in one place for the 5 days, and don't want to call back to Germany, just want to be able to use my iPhone in the U.S. to communicate with family while I'm there. I was just hoping there was an easy answer, like there's a kiosk at the airport that sells sims. It looks like it'd be cheaper to pick up a cheap 'burner' and use the iPhone's wifi when available to check email.

You might just want to get a 1 week Wifi account with Boingo, AT&T or another carrier that allows roaming on other networks. Then just log in and do the stuff from WiFi - including phone calls through Skype. Another option which hasn't been mentioned in this thread so far is T-Mobile which also has GSM.

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GPS Tracker

What good program for tracking my day? I'm a contractor on the road, and sometimes I need assistance. If only I could remember where I was on thursday?

Cyclemeter does all that and more. You can set it to auto sync with your calendar And add notes as you go along. Don't be put off by the name- it's not just for bikes. Cheap and very easy to use, I've been using over a year and had no problems at all

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Also GPS MotionX

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I would assume you mean Cyclemeter GPS at $5 and not the free Japanese Cyclemeter with the plastic in the bicycle spokes.

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Yes. Sorry my mistake, I didn't realise there was another app with such similar name. You're quite right - I did mean Cyclemeter GPS. the one from Abvio. I use it all the time, and the support is excellent if you have any questions.

QR Readers

Any suggestions for a decent QR Code Reader? I primarily would like to read vcards, websites, and to make my own codes for things like contacts. I briefly checked out the App Store but there are quite a few different ones.

The one I have on my phone is the QRCodeReader (all one word).

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Been pretty happy with BeeTag Reader Pro which is free and you can create all sorts of codes on their site. http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/beetagg-reader-pro/id313157282?mt=8

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I just downloaded a free one this morning that seems to work well. It is
called Tapreader. http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tapreader-qr-code-reader/id361843945?mt=8

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The one I use, I think was free or $0.99 is just named QRCode and works from either the camera or stored images so you can save items to camera roll and 'read' in the future...

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The one I use, I think was free or $0.99 is just named QRCode and works from
either the camera or stored images so you can save items to camera roll and
'read' in the future...

Apple Wireless Keyboard

what to do if the shift key on the keyboard stops working? I looked up in apple support but all I found out is yes, it isn't working.

Is it not working at all, in any app / program, etc? Is it both shift keys or just one? If just one isn't working and it is under warranty take it to an Apple store - if it isn't then it may be time to buy a new one. If it is both try calling Apple Support. Keyboards/mice/etc don't last forever.

Can't download upgraded iOS

I've gone to iTunes to download the new iOS 4.3, but can't seem to get it. When I search for iOS 4.3 I get a game app. I guess I'm just feeling extra stupid today. What do I need to do to get the new OS so I can sync it to my phone?

I always start iTunes and connect the iOS device (iPhone in my case). If there's an update available iTunes tells me; if I want to check I click the Update button (under Summary).

Have you updated your iTunes. You must up date to 10.2.1 before iOS 4.3 will be available to you. Also, iOS 4.3 will only install on an iPhone 3GS or 4. I don't believe it will install on a Verizon iPhone.

iPhone 4 Lost apps

About 2/3 of my apps just disappeared, they are not on the phone or in iTunes. how I can get them back?

If you can remember what you have lost all I can think of is the obvious. Download them again. I have seen that you will not be charged.

iPad 2 Case with Bluetooth Keyboard Inside

Most reviewers liked it but one person didn't like it because the aluminum scratched easily? and the foam cushion was poorly made and wore out quickly. And the edges were sharp. What others may think and/or recommend as an alternative?

Also, if you have the smart cover on your iPad 2, the case may not fit.

All of the metal cases for Apple products can be scratched, so what. With a little TLC they are fine, and that is why there are so many cases available.

What foam cushion was the reviewer speaking of? Where are the sharp edges? The front edges by the space bar? The natural curve of the hand while typing should cleat that.

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I am not sure where the foam is but I gathered the ipad fits into the top of the case and is held in by the foam (I think). the reviewer said it is weak and breaks apart. I would also want to see one before plopping down $100!!!!

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I bought one a few weeks ago for my new iPad 1. It's very nice. The only problem is that the keys are kind of tiny and for a touch typist like myself kind of hard to get used to. I'm waiting for the adonit writer to come out if it ever does lol!

Voice memo for iMovie

How to move a voice memo created in my iPhone to use in iMovie without syncing laptop? and How to move voice memo to playlist on iPhone?

I tried emailing the voice memo to myself and retrieving it on my iPad. The voice memo can be opened in some of my apps (GoodReader and audio memos) on the ipad. The file comes in the .m4a format and is not accessible by iMovie app on my iPad. I could not find a way to save it to the playlist of selectable songs or audio for iMovie app. I believe you will have to move it via sync procedure.

IPad Insurance - whats the best?

Just got my iPad 2. Is there a good insurance for drops, spills, lost, etc?

Any idea the cost?

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Square trade warranty for less than $100.

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While I don't have an iPad, I can vouch for square trade. They are excellent!!!

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Apple Care and Square Trade overlap in some areas, not in others. Apple Care doesn't cover drops and spills, but it does cover technical support issues. Square Trade covers drops and spills but not technical support. Neither covers loss or theft.

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I went with square trade. they have free buy back offer right now too, which isn't the greatest but at least its another option.

iPhone - Facebook App

Having issues seeing all the comments for threads on my phone. Can someone else who uses FB with long threads check theirs too. I see 18 comments but when I click to read there are 2 visible.

iOS 4.21 on 3GS with 32 gig

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No problems on my end, Claudia. You might try logging off and then back in. If that doesn't work, try removing the app and download it again.

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I have a different problem with the Facebook app. I will get notices about comments on pictures, but the comments won't show when I check Notifications.

I have to go to my profile and look at the post that way...

If I go to the picture and do the pull-down/refresh, it won't do anything.

A bit frustrating, but considering with this little device I watched Butler win in the first round of the men's Final Four this weekend, I can't really complain!

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Look for a "more" button.

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I am running Facebook Ver. 4.3 on iOS 4.3.1 and I do not have any problem seeing all the comments. I have an iPhone 4.

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Yes. I noticed that too. In Groups. Only the latest two comments appear. It started on the update before the last.

iPad iPhone - Personel hotspot not there

I have downloaded the latest software on both ipad and iphone 4 but the personel hotspot is not there,i have iphone4 , o2 , latest sofware, looks like i will have to buynthe MiFi instead,can anyone help please !!!!

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On your iPhone, go to Settings. The third line down should be "Personal Hotspot". If it is not, go down to "General>About". Then go down to "Version". If it doesn't show "4.3.1", you don't have the latest firmware. I believe the personal hotspot was enabled with 4.3.

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Interesting. I do have the latest software but no personal hotspot setting.

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Under Settings > General > Network - what does it show?

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my phone has

enable 3g
mobile data (on or off)
mobile data network
data roaming
vpn
wifi

thats it and the version is 4.3 ( 8F190 )

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Restore you iPhone

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On my iPhone with iOS 4.3.1, the Personal Hotspot is located at:

Settings> General> Network> Setup Personal Hotspot

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Thanks! That is where mine is, too.

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For me, in the US, I had to contact my carrier (AT&T) to change my data plan to one that included tethering. THEN I could change the settings on the iPhone to suit. I can't answer for how O2 do it (or IF they do it).

Tethering on a 3Gs phone with the latest software

Is it worth the extra $45 to tether the iphone to a laptop? I was thinking it would be nice on a trip. Or the the connection super slow

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I got a prepaid data card.

I would activate it the few times I needed it

I have unlimited fat in iPhone and don't want to lose it for the ability to tether

I use a verizon data usb card.

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I have unlimited data on my iPhone, but if I need connectivity for my laptop, I would have no problem switching to the 4 GB w/tethering/hotspot.

I've looked at my data use and it has never been over 1 GB in a month on the iPhone.

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On your *phone* -- but you might use more if you were using a laptop.

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I'm reasonably confident that I download more than 5 GB on my laptop in a typical month.

But if I were tethering, I would be doing it for the period of a blackout, or the period of a trip, and then I would return to using the laptop on Wifi/DSL after a matter of several days.

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It is a $45 plan. It is not an "extra" $45 unless you have NO 3G plan at all to start with.

In my case, I presently have $30 unlimited plan on my iPhone 4, and a $30 unlimited plan on my iPad, and no 3G availability on my laptop. And I come no where near 2 GB usage on either the iPad or the iPhone

If I activated tethering with AT&T, I would drop the 3G plan on the iPad. And the $30 unlimited plan on the iPhone would become a $45 4 GB plus tethering/hotpot plan.

So my expense would go from $60 to $45.

I would expect to do this if my power goes off at home for days (hurricane, blizzard), or if out of town/on the road for days.

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I have not tried tethering with the iPhone, because I would have to give up my grandfathered "unlimited" data.

The theoretic maximum speed is slower than any and all broadband. It should not be any better than the data speed you experience on the iPhone. Don't plan on downloading any big files, like an audiobook over 5 or 6Mb.

Hopefully, someone with experience will chime in.

I recently used to travel for work, and any decent hotel and many motels will have WiFi, restaurants and other locations, too. I have never found the need to tether in 5 or more years, and I used to travel out to wide spots in the middle of the road, and towns that had one sign that said welcome on both sides.

Yeah, you need to plan your internet usage, but it is not that big a deal with a little planning. Good thing for me since many of the wide spots, didn't have cellular service either.

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Is there an official definition of "broadband"?

Verizon claims my 3 Mbps maximum DSL is "broadband", and I only sometimes see 2.7 Mbps on it.

I have clocked faster on my iPhone 4 in 3G.

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As per ITU, 2 Mbps is broadband.

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Then I guess AT&T on the iPhone 4 is often broadband speed at present.

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Compared to what we used to have, 2Mbps is pretty "broad".

We need a new term, now that we're getting into double-digit-Mbps-numbers!

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Considering other countries have 100+ Mbps the state of "broadband" and wireless in the US is ranked very low. My FiOS connection is a solid 35/35 symmetrical and they will soon offer up to 150 but will cost handsomely.

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Comcast cable stops a half-mile from my home in both directions down the street, and Only Verizon Knows when FiOS will get to my neighborhood…

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I thought Verizon put a stop to all new FIOS for the time being.

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I know that 100 Mbps is the norm in Seoul, S Korea, but where else?

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Internet connection with tethering is actually pretty decent. I sometimes go over 1.5 Mbps (that's bits not bytes), and around 1Mbps on the average. Way faster than using the phone itself.

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I used tethering for two years with a 3G. As soon as it became a supported feature, I switched to the new OS and started paying for it with the limited data plan.

It was fast enough for all of my work applications VPN and an IP phone. Managing files on network drives and running quarterly reports. It worked the same at home as it did at airports and hotels. We also like road trips and it would let passengers check stuff while doing 70mph. It was well handy for house shopping, too.

My old 3G now lives with my mom and she uses it for Skype and all of her social media/email/pics stuff. It's great to see the limit was bumped up to 4GB because I was getting pretty close to the old limit if 2GB. My mom uses it as her only Internet connection and has stayed under 2gb.

I wouldn't recommend tethering over bluetooth. It was much slower and drained my battery quicker. I prefer to plug it in and have it charge as it tethers.

I am waiting to see some feedback and try tethering with the mifi feature on the 4. As soon as I track down someone with a limited data plan that will do it, I'll pay them the difference to try it out with my work applications.

Happy tethering!

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Thank you so much for replying. I really don't want to buy a separate data plan, just use the iphone occasionally on a trip.

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I had thought of tethering my iPad 2 but found the price more than the low end data plan. So went with the data plan.

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Our phone/Internet line went down due to the Ca rain in Jan. and remained down for 28 days. We activated tethering for my iPhone it worked perfectly and with some complaint to ATT it ended costing us little. By the way my wife used about 1G data a day.

AT&T

I live in the mountains and normally have 1 or 2 bars so I can text friends. Since Tuesday, all I have now is no service. No bars. Do satellites move around or is this something I should ask AT&T about? I wanted to ask here first since you guys are so smart. ;-)

I have wireless internet and can still email people but I miss texting. And I can't vote on my Idol or dancing. LOL

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Well a satellite really has nothing to do with it but your closest cell tower(s) could be having issues. I would contact AT&T and report it.

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Can't help with ATT part, but if you get a Google Voice account you can text for free over your internet connection. That will help with the voting.

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Certainly satellites move around, but they have no effect on cellular service since cellular service does not involve satellites. It involves antennas on towers mostly.

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If you haven't already, you may want to re-boot the phone: Hold down both the home butto and the lock button until the apple logo appears (be patient, it takes a few seconds).

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A HA! You are brilliant! It worked. You know what I think happened is when the power went out, it did something to the phone. It was on the charger. Power was only out 3 hours, but I left it hooked up because this happened at night and I was asleep. Now all the past text messages are rolling in and I have 2 bars back. Yeah!

I wish I had gotten some type of booklet when I bought this at the AT & T store. This is my first iphone (3G) and I am mostly learning by trial and error.

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That is the first thing to try when ever you have a cell service problem. It forces a reset of the connection to the cell towers.

I would still install Mark the Spot and start sending in reports to AT&T to see if they can improve your 2 bars to 3 or 4.

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As others have said, it has nothing to do about satellites. Either the cell towers is having an issue or they made a change to it.

Contact AT&T, by land line or internet.

You should also install the iTunes App called Mark the Spot from AT&T. This will record problems you have with your cell service and when you do have service will send it to AT&T. They have added a new feature that supposedly will give you feed back on your reports, if you register. The registration registers your phone, with no direct identification of you, but of course your phone is registered for your service so you are identified indirectly.

In your case I would down load it, attempt to register, and file repeated reports from your home. The squeaky wheel eventually gets the grease.

By giving them feedback on where you are having issues like no service or dropped calls, it helps them fix the issues. The app gives them the data they need is a fast, efficient method for you. I use it to report no service areas when I travel for work or if I find a bad spot local to my home. When I was in the metro Denver area I inundated them with reports as the service draws wind there.

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You should call and ask AT&T because, sometimes their working on towers in your area. So I would call them and see if that's the case. They will tell you and they will compensate you for lost days. They did for me! :)

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There us an app called Mark the Spot that reports reception problems and runs a diagnostic.

Agree. I used to use it a lot. But my issues were when driving

By the time I could safely input data. I was out of the pocket.

But. You need cell service in order to transmit the data.

My issues in upstate ny were spots of no service.

It is a valiant app. But I gave up on it.

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The latest version of Mark the Spot saves the data and location and sends it the next time there is service.

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I used mark the spot constantly and after a few months AT&T gave me a micro cell. That solved my connection problems @ HOME.

That's about the only thing I can say good about ATT. They do look at Mark The Spot and with enough complaints do something about their service.