Apple's Free Case

Apple iPhone - Apple's Free Case

I got the email cofirmation about shipment the other day. I did'nt even bother checking the tracking info and the case arrived today.. Was'nt supposed to ship till August 29th and arrive Sept 5th.

I got the SPECK FITTED Case and VERY VERY nice. Thank You, Apple :)

iPhone Case
I got the bumper and was refunded so I can't really complain BUT the lighter part of the 2 tone color ( the matte finish) really stains/discolors quickly! Mine is light blue. I REALLY like the bumpers design (I mentioned in an earlier post that is much more substantial than I guessed). Anyone else noticing this?

Maybe in the future it will be made with the shiny part only!

-----
My bumper is black and looks fine. Try a black one then.

-----
I just got a black bumper that a friend gave me because his favorite headphones don't work with it (thickness bars plug). If I'm understanding what you call the "matte" part, that seems to be a softer material/plastic with a high coefficient of friction. Besides just offering shock protection this also acts to prevent the unit from sliding better. I find this works well in at least two ways.

1. When you set the unit down on a hard surface that is not level the device is less prone to slide off. The harder "center" material on the bumper wouldn't work well this way.

2.Also, this comes in handy when I'm using gCompass (a great auto compass app) in the Heads Up Display (HUD) mode to reflect the compass and speed off the windshield at night. The softer bumper material gives enough friction at the edges to prevent the iPhone from sliding on the dash when making turns. So keeping the unit from sliding around on the dash or cosole when I'm using it in the car is a great feature of the soft edge.

Unfortunately, a soft edge because of the 'grippy-ness" (if I can coin a term) will also tend to pick up stains as well. If you made it hard enough to be stain proof it would likely not have any lateral "grip" either. Fortunately, black is a good color as most stains tend to be dark and won't show.

-----
You are right!! Makes complete sense. I like the blue color and the pink but if the staining continues I'll get the black!

Mail Push

Apple iPhone - Mail Push

I am not sure if this issue is addressed but I need your expertise. I cannot seem to find a decent answer to my problem. All my e-mail accounts used to sync.

Now I have to go into mail for it to check for new e-mails. In my mail setting it is set to "Push" Problem is not just yahoo mail but, google and mobileme mail.
What do you think?

iPhone Email
Not sure about Yahoo - others have reported issues, Google doesn't have Push for iPhone and my MobileMe works fine -

I have Settings > Mail, Contacts, Calendar > Fetch New Data > Push > On and "Fetch" set to Hourly then

Settings > Mail, Contacts, Calendar > Fetch New Data > Push > Advanced >
Main G-Mail & Exchange set to Fetch, other G-Mail accounts set to Manual (what you described before as your 'problem') and my MMe account set to Push and I don't have any issues. My contacts & calendar are synced hourly (Exchange account - and whenever I open either app it forces a sync), my G-Mail account is synced hourly (and it uses G-Mail filters to forward mail that needs to be 'pushed' to MMe) and my MMe account pushes mail/contacts/calendars/notes/etc as normal.

Multiple versions of Calendars on Iphone

Apple iphone - Multiple versions of Calendars on Iphone

Just noticed a problem with my Iphone 3GS. I have multiple versions of each of my calendar on the iPhone. I'm syncing using MobileMe.

I have several calendars: Business, Family Activity, Holidays, etc on my Mac. These sync via MobileME and on MobileME and on my various Macs I see only one version of each calendar.

However on the iPhone, I have multiple versions of each calendar. However not all of the information in the main calendar is duplicated in the additional versions of each calendar.

Is there some way to reset the calendar information on the iPhone so that it syncs accurately? Do I just start from my Mac and Reset Sync Services or do I delete all the calendar info from the iPhone?

iPhone Calendar
When you sync to MM, you don't also sync to you computer or you'll get duplicates. There is a procedure to eliminate you iCal entries on iPhone. Then u sync to just MM.

-----
I'm not syncing to the computer and to MM. The problem doesn't seem to be with the MM sync process but with something on the iPhone. Also I'm not seeing duplicate events but rather duplicate Calendars.

Some of the events are duplicated within the Calendars but not all.

What is the procedure you reference below to reset the Calendar on the iPhone?

-----
This is not intuitive at all and I still struggle with it, but if you have iTunes set to sync and you have MobileMe set to sync, you'll end up with multiple versions. I've had it happen with both calendars and contacts.

-----
With both sync's on I only got duplicate entries, not multiple Calendars.

-----
I've had this issue before. On the iPhone, go to settings>mail>mobile me and turn off calendar syncing. When it asks, delete the calendar on the iphone. After it deletes, turn back on syncing and everything should fall into place without duplicates.

-----
Thank you so much. Your solution solved the problem quickly and without me having to go delete a bunch of calendars. I wonder how the iPhone gets corrupted to have this happen.

iPhone Contacts List

Apple - iPhone Contacts List

I just edited and removed some old contacts off of my iPhone contacts list. Now, the next time I connect to iTunes and do a Sync, will it attempt to restore the old contacts? If so, how can I prevent that from happening? I don't want to waste time by having to go back and remove the old data again.

iPhone tutorials
You can sync your Contacts either through MobileMe or iTunes, but don't do both unless you like lots of duplicates.

Assuming you are syncing through iTunes, you can do your editing on either, but do your deletions only in the specific way below:

- before you begin the deletions, connect your iPhone and in iTunes select your device and go to the Info tab

- scroll to the bottom to Advanced and select Replace information on this iPhone with the note below:

"During the next sync only, iTunes will replace the selected information on this iPhone with the information on this computer."

- make your deletions on the Mac

- start a sync

So if you are editing your contacts on the phone and want to delete an entry, you should keep a list of them for the next time you connect and sync to your Mac.

App icon keeps "waiting"

Apple iPhone - App icon keeps "waiting"

The other day, an update for a dictionary app was available. I started downloading it to my iPhone. Then I found out it's already downloaded on my PC. So I synced.

After the sync, the icon on my phone appears to be "waiting". And it can't be deleted. Can't start downloading either.

Any idea on this?

This happened to me the other week but it became okay after I re-synced.

But this time, after like 10 syncs, still the same.

iPhone Apps
Try deleting it from iTunes first then sync. If that gets rid of it from your phone, simply reinstall from your phone and transfer purchases to iTunes.

Fix for OS4

Apple iPhone 3G - Fix for OS4

Heard there is a fix for OS4 for a 3g Iphone. My 3G iphone went slugish after
the update. Appreciate any advise.

iPhone iOS
I've just done the update and am now much happier. The phone is much more responsive. I was worried about how it had been performing as I'm only halfway into this contract and can't justify an upgrade of phone. I've learned though I won't be so hasty to install iOS5.

Wunderadio

Apple iPhone - wunderadio

I have that apps, but now if I'm listening, it will go away when the screen fade. When I push the home buttom I will hear it again what is happening, before it was ok
??????

iPhone Radio
Have you checked for an update? Have you updated to iOS 4?

-----
A few days ago an update for wunderadio and I have iOS4.
Maybe it happened after the update?

iPhone Folders replaced by Alpha Order Apps

Apple iPhone - Category Folders on my iPhone Replaced with Apps in Alpha Order

Yesterday I decided to update the apps on my iPhone by using that option from my iPhone. After the updating of apps, I noticed that all the folders I had made to house my apps had disappeared and now the apps are loaded and rearranged in alphabetic order on my iPhone.

I spent a good deal of time making new folders and rebooting after each cleanup and organization to allow the additional apps that were on the iphone device to appear in empty spots. I then moved those apps to folders and kept repeating until all apps were organized again.

Is this a known bug? I haven't had this happen when I do all my app updates in iTunes first and then sync the phone to iTunes. This seems to only have occurred because I choose to update the apps from my iPhone. Am I making the right assumption to this problem?

iPhone Apps
I update apps from the computer and from the iPhone iOS4. I have never had this to happen and hope I never do. Let us know if you figure out why it happened.

-----
you might have inadvertently 'reset home screen' either on phone or in iTunes which is the only thing that empties folders and alphabetizes Apps.

Can't Download An Update!

Apple iPhone - I Can't Download An Update!

I get this every time I try to download an iTunes+Quicktime update. The error message reads like this:

"iTunes+Quicktime' has an invalid signature. The download has been removed.

This is the message I get from Apple Update. It's what pops up on the screen after waiting a long time for the download.

I've tried many times. I've tried both download only and download +install...it doesn't matter...I still get this message.

Can anyone shed some light on why this is happening?

iPhone tutorials
First I assume that you are either having this issue on a PC or in BootCamp.

I recently booted my Mac into Windows XP and was surprised to be offered this Apple Software Update for iTunes. I had already installed QT, but not iTunes.

I installed iTunes + QuickTime without any problems. I don't remember any signature issues. Did you install the updated BootCamp? I got BC v2.2 for XP, but if you are running Vista or & then you may need BC v 3.1. That maybe where the issue is.

If not, then you can go to Apple > Support (tab) and then look for downloads. Read the requirements before you start any install, though. That may point you to any issues or prerequisite updates you need.

Your user name made me think you were using a Mac, but the iTunes + QT says PC or BootCamp. That combo is not offered for a Mac, and that gave it away.

It is really easier to suggest answers if you lay it out, rather than leave little bread crumbs of clues as to you hardware & software. See my signature below.

Oh! BTW! Your iPod, and I assume your iPhone or iPad can only be synced to either Macs or Windows-boxes, not both. I just happened to try changing an old iPod over to syncing in Windows and otherwise again would not have recognized the Tunes + QT offering.

-----
Delete the whole install and start over

-----
I found this and it made things right again with my Vista PC. Apparently my software update was messed up and needed repair. This blurb from Apple Support seems to explain it and say how to fix it. So if any of you have this problem...this is the fix. Thanks to all who replied to help in this matter. I appreciate it very much.
Here is the Apple web page.

http://support.apple.com/kb/TA24326?viewlocale=en_US

And yes I did reinstall iTunes-Quicktime. The cool thing was that it remembered all my library stuff and structures etc. That made me happy 'cause I was worried about that. :-)

Products Affected

iTunes, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows OS

Software Update is an Apple-supplied Windows program that updates Apple software (such as iTunes and QuickTime) over the Internet.

If Software Update becomes unresponsive, you may need to repair the software using the Add or Remove programs Control Panel:

1. Windows XP and Windows 2000: On the *Start* menu, click Control Panel and click Add or Remove programs.

Windows Vista: On the *Start* menu, click Control Panel and click Uninstall a program.

Alternately, in Classic View of Control Panel, click Programs and Features.

2. Locate Apple Software Update in the list of installed programs and select it.

3. In Windows XP and Windows 2000, click the Change button.

4. Click Repair.

5. In Windows XP and Windows 2000, once it is repaired, click Finish.

6. Check to see whether repairing the program fixed the issue. See How to tell if Software Update for Windows is working correctly when no updates are available for instructions.

-----
I'm glad you found your answer.

Apple is putting more articles to help PC users in their Apple Support KB since they are selling more and more iDevices to PC users.

Backup

Apple iPhone - Backup

Following the recent disaster when the Sync with iTunes deleted my Notes, I have been looking at my backup issues. Is there a way in which I can retrieve the iTunes backup as a file (which can then be backed-up separately from iTunes)? As iTunes overwrites the backup each time, this is surely essential to the functioning of the whole system, but I cannot find where the backup actually is on the HDD. There must be a way surely.

iPhone tutorials
Within your own home folder, look in the folder: Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup In that folder you should find a folder with a very long, cryptic, hexadecimal number for a name. That folder contains the contents of your most recent backup. A lot of .mddata and .mdinfo files. There is also a few .plist files that are readable. If you keep backing up the folder with the long hexadecimal number for a name you should be able to store a history of your backups.

-----

iPhone 4 Freezing

Apple - iPhone 4 Freezing

I seem to be having this problem frequently even after a full restore.When clicking the home button twice and going to delete my apps that are on the bottom my phone will freeze. Anyone else having this problem?

iPhone tutorials
Yes, I have the same problem too. I have to completely turn my iPhone off to restart.

Replacement.. Oh Wow...

Apple iPhone - Replacement.. Oh Wow...

That is all I can say. I got a replacement phone a few weeks ago, sent the old one back. Fed Ex says they delivered it to Apple on July 23rd. Well today I got a rude awakening when Apple charged my card $530 for the phone.

I called them and at first they said they didn't have it and I'd have to chase it down. I told the guy that Fed Ex delivered it 2 weeks ago to their California office. He says "Oh you are right. We do have it". Now as for the refund, I have to wait 3-5 business days. UGH!!!

Apple Store
Yay for Fedex! They saved your bacon this time :0)

I love my Apple iphone4 but I don't expect ANY after sales service. It's sad but true, judging from all that I've heard.

Apple 300th store opens in Covent garden..

iPhone - Apple 300th store opens in Covent garden (Private view)

Apple's 300th store opens in a couple of hours here in London's Covent Garden. I thought you might like to see a few pics a squeezed out on my iPhone 3G at last nights private view I was lucky enough to get an invite to.

It had special meaning to me as this is the building I spent years of my life promoting and DJ at my Sunday/Monday nights at 'The Gardening Club'. Had some wild nights here and I'm so glad it has been reborn as the 300th Apple store.

Talking to one of the staff, it looks like it might be possible for me to DJ there again as long as I use a Mac! (I use Ableton Live now)

Apple Store
Wow! I love the wall of ipads!

-----
SOOOO Big and Beautiful!! Actually Odd to see some of the employees wearing shorts, knowing the UK weather! LOL.

Thanks for sharing.. It is an impressive store and the Biggest so far in the world.

iPhone 4 back glass

Apple - iPhone 4 back glass

Today my wife took her iPhone 4 out of her pocket to answer a text message. The backside glass was shattered! No idea how it happened. Went to Apple store, they said only thing they could do was replace the phone for $199! I went to Best Buy, got her a case which will do for now. Looked online and it looks like it's a very easy fix. $12 for a new glass backing which is very easy to install according to the videos I've seen on youtube.. Anyone done this? Is it as easy as they show? Why can't Apple do this? Why $199?!?!

iPhone Warranty
I agree that Apple should repair it for a nominal charge, or at least a reasonable amount.

Was it in a pocket where it might have got sat on or leaned against?

-----
Beware of cheap Chinese glass that doesn't have enough adhesive to make a good seal. My daughter shattered the glass on a 3Gs - most cities have a repair shop that will do the job from $50 to $80. More for the LCD or water damage, but it is still much cheaper than buying a new phone at the Apple store.

I got my daughter an "otter case" for $50. A bit bulky but there are stories of iPhones surviving quick dunks, being run over, etc. with an otter case and surviving. Don't know if they make one for an iPhone 4, but it is a good investment for the accident prone.

-----
Back pockets are where I see alot of people carrying their cell phones.

The stresses on the glass will cause it to break if you carry it in your back pocket and you sit on it.

-----
That would be the most stupid place to carry anything valuable or fragile, wouldn't it?

-----
But I see people do it everyday. Even at a Waterpark I noticed a girl carrying her iPhone on a ride that got us soaking wet. I warned her too. She didn't care.

-----
Yeah, they think everything should be covered by the manufacturer, and then scream like spoiled brats when they are told "Tough!" Honey, go earn a living and then think about that.

I see the young guys I work with put them in their pockets with coins and keys and then complain they got scratched. Or YouTube videos made the first day of release, dropping the iPhone 4 purposely as they walk out of the store. What does that prove, that they are kewl or that they are stupid and their parents didn't teach them any values or respect?

Don't get me wrong, accidents do happen. But I do forensic investigations for industrial accidents, and a true accident is very, very rare.

I would suggest you try another Apple Store or call Apple and try politely asking them if they can help out. They might lower the repair cost some.

My personal choice is not to carry my phone in my work or dress clothes pockets, but in a holster and a case. But then I'm a guy, not a gal.

-----
I got her a case yesterday, so all is fine for now. Can't even tell it's broken. I think we are going to fix it ourselves. Looks very easy to do.

-----
Even from the first tear down (iFixIt.com) said that the back glass was very easy to replace so if you happen to break a side, hope it is the back, if I remember correctly it is just the removing of two screws, carefully holding the antenna band and slipping old pieces out and new glass in.

-----
Yipes! Am I the only one that had a queasy feeling in my stomach as I watched them open the iPhone for repair? [?]

-----
Yea I wouldn't want to open it up!

-----
If you're a little adventuresome, I'd say give the repair a try. I replaced the hard drive in my iPod Classic 80 GB a few years ago and it went without a hitch. Getting the case open was the most challenging part of that repair. The iPhone comes apart with screws, unlike the iPod classic.

-----
The very popularity of iPods, iPhones, and iPads has spawned dozens of "how-to" websites describing in great detail how to replace batteries, glass, hard drives, etc. Sure - the violate the warranty - but I would say: What warranty?! The last time my daughter dunked her iPhone, there was no warranty. They don't sell one at all. So from now on I'm going to have at it - and if it looks too ticklish I'll pay one of these local shops or internet shops to do the fix.

It seems to me that Apple / ATT is overlooking what could be a lucrative repair business. The local store had my daughter's phone working good as new in minutes, and cost a fraction of what it would cost to buy a new phone at the Apple store. That is revenue Apple could have had if they offered repair service. Sure - they make more money to demand you buy a new one - but in these tough economic times how long before the majority of folks jump ship to non-Apple repair stores like I did?!

-----
One thing you folks are not considering, is that if Apple does the repairs (or exchange in this case) Peter does not void any warranty or AppleCare he might have purchased. And most warranties or extensions don't normally cover accidents or loss, just manufacturer's defects.

At $199, Apple said they would replace the iPhone. In other words, no down time without a phone, and the warranty should stay intact. A 16Gb iPhone 4 without a contract is $599, so basically, Apple is giving Peter a $400 refund for turning in a core (like in automotive part). After repairing it, Apple can only sell it as refurbished. And any future warranty claims are still valid and at Apples expense.

Now if he takes it to s 3rd party, many charge $90, he is without a phone for a week, and any warranty or extension is void. If they have a mishap ad break something else, then they are responsible to repair it. Being that they do this more often that the end user, they are less likely to break something, and have no responsibility to future warranty claims.

So it looks like the difference of $109 is their costs to discount the iPhone and repackage and put it back into inventory as Refurbished. This allows them to be able to immediately replace Peter's phone and keep him happy, and under warranty.

If he repairs it himself, and it is very possible he is capable, it costs him materials, and any special tools he does not have, plus shipping, say $20. But he is without a phone for a week, and has no warranty. If he slips and breaks anything else, then repairs or replacement are still at his expense, but since he opened the phone, Apple is under no obligation to offer an exchange at $199 or any amount.

It looks like He chose to go the last route and I wish him well. It will probably work out fine for him.

-----
... I would try a different Apple store if there is one reasonably close to you. If not, try calling AppleCare. I had a problem with a tech in the past and AppleCare handled it.

I think because Apple is now growing so fast, they are having some minor employee issues. Try again, some times you simply have to be persistent.

-----
I used a plastic cover to cover the plastic glass. How ironic that the cover needs another cover. But glad I did it. Before I had the plastic cover installed, I put it in my back pocket. I didn't realize till now that it could've cracked.

The price at $199 is ridiculous.

Thanks for sharing, good luck on your problem and so far Applecare has been better service than Apple Tech.

Archive vs. Delete

Apple iPhone Email - Archive vs. Delete

What is the deal with deleting messages in OS 4? Some messages I want to dispose of say "archive message" and other times it says "delete message". I am not allowed an option when I ask to delete. Is there a rhyme or reason to this? Can I turn off "archive message"? And, if it IS archiving, where does it end up???

iphone email
Google & MMe allow archiving and it can be turned on or off on a per account basis (settings > Mail > {Account})

-----
I know how to archive at me.com - but don't see the automatic option on the iPhone, similar to Gmail. Is this a version 4.1 thing we should look forward to?

-----
Probably, I forget that not everyone is on the same version as I am and 4.0 was officially launched before the archive feature was available on me.com

-----
Settings>Mail>Name of Account>Archive Messages. Turn it to off. This will always delete. If your account is gmail, then the archive sends it to "all mail". This removes it from inbox and kindof stores it elsewhere.

-----
Hmm. My email account doesn't show an Archive Messages option. Is this a gmail only option?

-----
Not sure, gmail is the only one I use.

-----
Yeah Gmail only as it's neither part of the POP nor IMAP standard...

-----
GMail let's you "archive" instead of delete.

-----
Turn off by going to Settings > Mail, Contacts, Calendar > Select your
Gmail account > Turn OFF Archive Messages

Battery Life for iPhone 4G

Apple iPhone - Battery Life for iPhone 4G

Anyone find that the iPhone 4G has less battery life than previous models? I just got my 4G 2 days ago and the battery doesn't last as long as my old 3G. Both are running iOS4 without any problems

iPhone Battery
Nope, mine lasts longer and charges faster - I have been using it since 6am yesterday and still have 58% left. You might want to run through your settings and what you have running in the background - Skype/VoIP Apps, TomTom/GPS Apps, etc use a lot of power, Push on an Exchange account drains power like crazy, etc.

-----
Should be iPhone 4 and not 4G. I find the opposite to be true. The battery lasts much longer than my previous 3 iPhones.

-----
Mine last longer. BTW, it's not a iPhone 4G, it's a iPhone 4. The 4G network is not available from AT&T yet.

-----
I find that my battery life is draining faster too. I've had mine for 4 days also. I've turned down the brightness and also try to keep my open apps to a minimum. It might also be that since the phone is new, I'm playing with it more than I did my 3G.

-----
Also, there is a little "airplane" or check by the battery icon in the upper left of my phone. Would that be the navigation icon? If so, how do I turn navigation off? I am not playing with my phone anymore than my 3G either

-----
The little "airplane" icon says something is using location services. Check the task switching tray for an app that uses location services and "close" it. Or got to settings and turn off location services.

-----
Surely the airplane symbol, top left, is Airplane Mode indicator? As in, an airplane. The location service indicator is a purple compass arrow, on the top right.

-----
a purple arrow on the right is location and it points to about 1
o'clock. If it is a fat white arrow that points to 3 o'clock, then something
like the iPod app or Pandora is playing. This one looks like the symbol on a
play button.

-----
Airplane mode was off so that wasn't it. I went to "settings" and turned off location service and the icon disappeared. Maybe my battery will last longer now. Apparently the new phone came with this setting on.

----
You will probably find at some time that you need one or more of the location services. You can turn it on or off for each individual App.

For example, since I am not traveling all the time like I used to, I turned it off for Fandango, since 95% of the time I am looking for show times near home. I give it my location manually, many Apps have this feature.

Google Talk on iOS4

Apple iPhone - Better Google Talk on iOS4

I bought my iPhone 3GS a week before the launch of iPhone 4 after seeing the sneak pics on Gizmodo - well aware that the iPhone 4 was around the corner in the US, but also predicting much to my confirmation that Apple would be slow in releasing the product in India, and if it will be, it would be only a few months before the launch of the next launch in the US - whatever they choose to call it - iPhone 4S perhaps.

Anyway, before they launched iOS4, I was using eBuddyMessenger to stay online on gtalk which would give push notifications to my phone if someone sent me a message and the messenger was not running. This was cool. Now after iOS4, with multi-tasking available, is there a better application to have google talk run in the background? eBuddyMessenger has a uniquely high propensity to crash, which I hate - and takes time to sign in, especially in comparison to the expectation that I should be able to respond to a gtalk text as fast or faster than a sms message.

Previously, I used fring on my Nokia E71, and that works just great. But cant say the same for iPhone. Still think there are many places where Apple needs to improve user experience. Many applications available - but not all are smooth and easy to use.

iPhone iOS
I highly recommend Beejive IM.

It supports Google Talk, AIM, ICQ, Facebook chat, MSN Live, and more.

I think it is the best of kind.

-----
I use Meebo for all my iPhone IM'ing needs and its free. It also has push notifications and the great thing about it is that I also use the client on my PC and Mac and it knows where I am signed on. I can start a conversation on the iPhone and finish it on the Mac and vice versa.

-----

A texting question..

Apple iPhone - A texting question..

First, I don't text and, for the most part, have not felt any need for that service. But, my grown kids *do* text and occasionally they send one my way.

SInce I have not paid for texting in my ATT plan, I do not get the messages.

I stopped at the ATT store today to inquire about the plans and costs.

As many of you already know, the options are few. Basically the least I can pay is $5/month per phone for some set number of text messages.

SInce I might use perhaps ten or so a month, five bucks seems a bit high. So my wife got me wondering if there isn't some app that can take advantage of the data surplus that we have and somehow create the ability to send/receive text messages -- outside of the ATT text plans.

Thoughts?

iPhone ATT
I use text + (plus). It allows texting without charge. It is a bit tricky to set up conversations but once set up there is a specific number for each one. I do not delete the conversation I start with each person so the number to each person doesn't change. Each person can save the number and text to you easily. I have used it for 8 months. It is reliable as far as I can tell. There are complete directions for starting a text conversation.

-----
That's strange. I don't have a texting plan, but the couple of times a month someone sends me one, I get it. I'm charged .20

-----
That is what AT&T told me--20 cents per message.

-----
That's the way it works for me too.
Shows up on the bill as another charge.

Are the kids sending to the correct #?

-----
Yeah, that's how it used to be for me. I think it changed when I upgraded to the iP4

-----
I have an iP4 & no texting plan.
I get charged 20cents per text-message.
I think you need to check your settings & call ATT about this if it's not working for you. Even if you don't *use* the feature you should have it *available* in case you do want it.

-----
Let's you send and receive SMS from the app. Also has a PC version. You will be given a Chikka number which is based on your original phone number only with some prefixes. Then let your children send their SMS to you through your chikka number. They will be charged extra for sending though. But they won't mind hopefully.

-----
I use TextFree unlimited. It is free app and you can text and receive messages without charge. You are assigned a phone number to give to others. People who use regular AT&T SMS can send to your special number. Works great for the few that I give my text number.

My 6 year old and 9 year old granddaughters have an account on TextFree Unlimited on old iPhones that we have setup as iPod Touches with no AT&T service and we text back and forth at no cost to any of us.

The immediate family, husband, kids and grandkids all use it and send text messages all the time. My daughter uses it on her iP4. My husband and I use on ip3GS and it even works to send to other non iphone users.

Hope this helps. When I do get a regular text message on my 3GS I am charged the per text fee of 20 cents per text, 30 cents per photo. You can also have AT&T block all text messages so that you won't incur these extra fees if you like.

-----
Just download that app for free texts. Like text free. So you don't have to use text messaging.

-----
As I mentioned in my initial post, the visit to the ATT store was not too helpful. The person just gave me the quick review of plans that are available.

I was in a bit of a rush so I didn't fully explain that I'd previously gotten texts at 20 cents a pop.

Anyway, I called ATT and got the most helpful customer service person imaginable.

Turns out that texting (for the per msg fee) had gotten turned off on my account.
(Who knows how that happened!)

And, the 200 message plan had been activated on my wife's iPhone -- we had not ordered it.

We quickly got it straightened out -- including a test text from ATT to my phone, and the cancellation of the 200 msg plan.

BTW, the reason I had not noticed the fee on my bill was the variable nature of the billing after changes with the iP4 upgrade.

So, thanks to all who suggested various apps and other solutions.

-----
Do you have the (free) ATT app on your phone?
Makes it easy to check what your plans are & what your usage has been.

I know what you mean about variable bills -- I'm currently trying to sort out the bills from ATT & Verizon after making my switch. Even though I was a brand new ATT customer my first bill included a charge for an *upgrade*! which I quickly got removed. VZ also charged me for a month of service because they only suspend, don't disconnect right away after a number port-out, they wait a while ("to be sure it goes through successfully" they say) & then do the disconnect & credit for the post-exit non-service. (I'm supposed to know this or something? sheesh! another cust. svc. call)

That's why I want paper bills! easier to spread out & peruse.

I think they do these things on purpose (if not on purpose, at least not trying not to....) and hope we Just Won't Notice. A few (hundred? thousand? zillion? "upgrade" $18 charges for *new* customers who might not notice in the confusion & you're talking Real Money. I have no way of knowing if VZ really would have credited me my (non) service & stopped my month-to-month contract if I hadn't called about it.

-----
No, I did not have the ATT App, but I do now.
Two quick reactions:

WOW, that End User License Agreement that you're required to approve/accept is a doozy.

I am not a lawyer, but that thing gave a lot of them a lot of work.

And because it was *so* much more detailed than anything I've read for an app, I went through it pretty thoroughly.

But, most interesting is that I discovered via the app that my wife's phone has two services, both of which incur monthly charges which were not ordered. (I turned them off via the app).

Rest assured that I will scour the next bill carefully!

-----
the pay per Text at 20¢ each is automatic. Something is wrong if it was not working, and you had no Text plan at all. The per text plan is a minimum requirement.

If the App showed you getting two for charge services, turning them off by means of the App will not get you a credit for any charges. Besides making the EULA in-descipherable, all telcos' billing is the worst accounting I have ever seen, and is only designed to baffle with bull, instead of clarifying things. It will take you months to get any credits back for services you may have been charged.

It is ok for them to take months for a refund, but they expect you to pay in full each month.

I would call them, ask them to review your services for each account with you, and to initiate any refunds, now. Be sure to get a name, ticket number, and notes, although you will never be able to get back to that person and if they ever do follow up, that your lucky stars.

And while you are at it, ask them about FAN discount, or senior discount if those apply. FAN discounts are where your company may have an arrangement for their employees to receive a discount. It was not common knowledge where I used to work, and they were all over North America. Senior discount is if you take a different minimal plan. I don't think it is that good.

Block a person's number

Apple iPhonoe - How to block a person's number

Is there a way that I can block a person's number instead of changing my number altogether??

iPhone Tutorial
Unfortunately not... You can set that contact to a silent ringtone but there isn't much else you can do. You might look into google voice you can get a little more control that way, but this is a big fall down for me with the iPhone.

You can also go through AT&T and they have some blocking mechanism that costs about 5 bucks a month which might help you.

The last resort I would use is changing my number. I've had the number longer than the jerk whose number you're blocking...

-----
I had to block daily calls from 000-000-0000 by paying 4.99 per month for a
feature called Smart limits which AT&T will be glad to sell you.

It was intended to monitor and control kids cell phone use.

-----
My other phone, an O2 Windows Mobile, can do it via an app called O2 phone plus. But I found no luck with iPhone. I just assigned a silent ringtone. But it's not good enough especially when you are in the middle of an activity with the phone and that unwanted caller suddenly butts in, but I do not want to touch "Reject". I sure hope Apple people would think about that for the next update.

-----

iphone-ipad sync via mobileme - slooow

Apple iphone-ipad sync via mobileme - slooow

I have an iPad and a original 2G iPhone, both running iOS 3x

Both are set up to with push notification (every 15 minutes) switched on and sync'd to MobileMe.

I am finding that synchronisation via the 'Cloud' is very slow. It can take a day for items I add to the iPad calendar to appear on the the iPhone, by which time it's too late...though I think this does demonstrate that the settings are ok (?)

I'm using the excellent Omnifocus on each one, and again OF on the phone does look for the database on MobileMe but doesn't always find it. Eventually it will.

The Phone seems to be the temperamental one. It will fail to log onto MobileMe email occasionally unless restarted.

iPhone iPad
First if it is set to push that is instantly, if it is set to 15 minutes that is Fetch not push.

Second, it should be nearly instantly - if I add something to my iPad it shows up on my phone, all computers, etc within a minute - vice versa, at least through MMe and Google.