iPhone 4
hey there SEAN, there are plenty of options. thx to frown2sorrow for outlining the Mongkok-options.
sounds like you've made the iPhone vs Android-phone decision already. there are arguments for both, but the iPhone IMO has better support and security. however, there's only one manufacturer and they set it up so users are within the Apple-ecosystem. that said, it's a healthy ecosystem.
the 4S is the latest and hard to find, people buy/sell the latest Apple devices, smuggle them into China, whatever. there are fake iPhones all over the region. some may even work.
my suggestion: if you're going to get an iPhone 4, buy a genuine one from Apple. check this URL:
http://store.apple.com/hk/browse ... mily/iphone/iphone4
the unit is unlocked and takes a micro-SIM card, not a standard SIM. i advise against "jailbreaking" an iPhone. Apple puts their own software on the phone, and while the apps must be obtained/uploaded via their iTunes store, the release of their SDK (software-developer kit) years ago means there's a wide variety of apps available. if u stay within Apple's parameters, you're limited to the apps that have been vetted by Apple...but there's over seventy thousand and i don't think you'll be bored.
the jailbroken iPhone or Android route is an option, but there are security issues. mobile malware exists and expect to see plenty more. if you do decide to buy a used iPhone, be aware of fakes and jailbreaking. anyone who had that phone before you might have done...whatever to the device. you don't know. for this reason, i bought my iPhone 4 directly from Apple.
there are Apple stores in HK, and if u want, go test the phone at one of those stores. have a salesman explain what u can do with the thing. don't mention jailbreaking or Android--they'll just dissuade you. if you want to go that route, find someone who knows what they're doing and ask their advice.
i've found the iPhone the most limiting piece of gear Apple has released, BUT, there are workarounds. for example, the web-browser Opera (it's Norwegian, very light, ideal for mobiles) is a free app on the App Store. most people just use Safari, which is fine, but having a browser-choice is important. Opera's faster and simpler, plus u can use that for yr 141-stuff and tuck it in a folder--not foolproof but not obvious either.
as far as a multimedia device, Apple wants you to plug in and download everything via iTunes. OK fine, but u can also use Preview or Image Capture to download specific pix/movies u've taken with yr phone, in the folder u want. on a Mac that is--you'll have to ask someone else if yr using Windows cuz i don't do Windows. it's classic-Apple nowadays: they give u the functionality, but don't advertise it. they want u on their store, downloading mp3s/pay-apps/whatever.
also be aware that surfing the web and other activities incur data-charges: the unlimited-data schemes are fine if u've got one and yr in Hong Kong, but be sure the "data-roaming" switch in Settings stays OFF. telcos charge absurd amounts for data-roaming (they charge for phone calls and SMSs too, but it's less absurd).
Wi-Fi works great on the iPhone, u can set up yr email accounts on it as well. when Android came out, the general opinion was "it's like an iPhone, but clunkier." they've made it slicker, but malware is an issue. i think you'll see more malware in the future as Android takes a bigger share of the market.
everyone has an opinion on mobile phones and lots of folks love their Android devices. they're cheaper, and u can download plenty of apps. this year will see more releases of phones and tablets, including some from Apple. but whatEVER Apple releases will be in heavy demand. people just go crazy over the latest Apple device. they'll wreck the store if they can't get it. this makes Apple's supply-chain a total beast--considering they have to have millions of units on store-shelves, shipped/manufactured/designed (working backwards) all in secret before Tim Cook steps onstage and announces it. that's why it's best to get a generation-earlier if the device works, and i'm delighted with my iPhone 4. yes, it'll be cheaper later. my 2008 iPhone3G is beat-up and battered, but has 16GB of memory so i run it without a SIM as an iPod. the battery isn't what it used to be but it's great for the gym or the MTR.
while i'm on about Apple, there's a rumor going around which likely isn't true, but it's so intriguing that i'll repeat it here (NOTE: i don't really expect this to happen, but it's possible). when Jobs was alive, he loved to end his keynotes by saying "just one more thing": then revealing the new gadget. this was great showmanship, and of course, Apple never needed to buy advertising as it'd be on just about every media outlet the next day.
so, next big Apple event, speculation for days, Cook announces all the other stuff, and says: "just one more thing"...the lights dim, and a hi-def video of Jobs appears.
of course the place will go BATSHIT when Steve appears. he can say whatever he wants. but then he introduces the iPad 3 or iPhone5. and hands it back to Tim. lights come up, and it'll be five minutes before Cook can even say a word.
like i say, i don't expect it. but Steve Jobs knew a lot before he Went Celestial, and i wouldn't put it past him. it'd be in the Top Ten Media Moments for 2012 no matter when it happened. it's the only thing that could possibly top Steve's untimely death, and he's the type of guy who'd enjoy giving the finger to the Reaper just once. yeah, i'm dead, and i'm announcing my company's new product!
Steve Ballmer could resign the next day, and it'd be a footnote.
JtB | |
