[Tyson]

So, Radioshack is selling the iPhone now, and they gave me $100 trade-in value for my iPhone 3 toward getting the 4.  Since it's been more than 2 years since my last contract, I was able to get the "upgrade" price of $199, minus the $100 trade in, so I got a new V4 for $99.  I mean, how can you pass that up?

I thought that the V4 would be about the same SQ as the 3, but it's actually quite a step up, sonically.  Much smoother and less "cheap digital" sounding. 

[denjo]

Tyson: that is good news! But how about the reception? Read a lot of complaints about the earlier 4s and they seem to be afflicted with poor reception issues. Even Steve Jobs advised that the phone had to be held in a special way to avoid reception issues. I am considering to purchase the iPhone in a month's time when my contract entitles me to the upgrade.

[Noseyears]

Awesome! which kind of earbuds/phones are you using with it?

[TheChairGuy]

Tyson: that is good news! But how about the reception? Read a lot of complaints about the earlier 4s and they seem to be afflicted with poor reception issues. Even Steve Jobs advised that the phone had to be held in a special way to avoid reception issues. I am considering to purchase the iPhone in a month's time when my contract entitles me to the upgrade.

I just bought one 3 days ago at the local AT&T store (here in the US, the carrier is AT&T)

It's utterly superb...this coming from a longtime Blackberry user and have never thought the premium for Apple products were worth me purchasing.  Here in the US at least, the iPhone 4 (16gb) sells for much the same as roughly comparable Samsung, Motorola, HTC, Blackberry Smartphones - so there is no premium on this Apple product as there is on (some or most) other product they produce.

Well, the others (which I checked out) are Smart Phones...but, the iPhone4 is truly a little mini-computer.  In 2 days I have been less inclined to be enslaved by my laptop for everything during the day.  A little computer that does everything so well for short stretches.

I put the iPhone in my left hand (the one that all the review sites were particularly problematic for reception) in the very 'deathgrip' described (that is left hand tightly gripped and thumb place right on the outer steel band/antenna where the two metal contact surfaces are not touching) and made 2 phone calls.  No drop out - at all.  So, all those early adopters probably did get a raw deal, but it seems subsequent product the issue was fixed.

Apple is giving away a $20 outer case that protects the product...and also apparently solves the drop-out problem, anyhow.  I didn't bother and bought a case-within-a-case from a company called 'Ballistic' for $49.95 to protect my cherished now mini-computer

Serious RAVES from me on the phone.  AT&T coverage in the US, and customer service - well inferior to Verizon's that I was on the past 2 years.  But, I simply don't care that much as the phone is spectacular

John

[Nels Ferre]

John,

Now that you have experienced the "Apple Kool Aid"- check out the computers....come to the light side!  They really are better and worth the "premium" in my opinion. Of course, that is only if you value resistance to viruses, something very fast, and (for me at least) total stability and reliability.

I have a 3G, which I really like, but the 4 that my father in law has destroys it. Leslie and I are waiting for the 5 or whatever is next.

[Tyson]

Hi all,
I am using the Sensaphonics 2x-S custom in ear monitors for my iPhone and the sound is very, very good from the 4.

[Noseyears]

I just listened some music on my friend's new iphone...and i could hear the difference! definitely is better in every aspect.
Im saving to buy one.

[cujobob]

If the 4 sounds better, that's pretty crazy...my Iphone 3G was the best portable DAP I've heard.  I use a Sansa Fuze regularly as the battery is simply better and it's tiny as can be.  For SQ, the IPhone is a lot better..I don't like ITunes too much, either.  Drag n drop so much better for me.

[cn11]

Tyson-
Thanks for the heads up on the Radioshack deal. Thanks to your post, I called my local store to confirm the deal is still on, and it was. So last Friday I did the same thing... 16gb, w/contract renewal, and the deal... and I'm in a 4 for under $100 too. You're right on, you truly can't pass that up!