East Carolinian

Issue date: 7/30/08 Section: Features

Media Credit: MCT

Media Credit: MCT

Many students anticipated the release of the new and improved iPhone. Extremely long lines were endured just to obtain the phone with more memory for a fraction of the cost. The Apple iPhone uses a Wi-Fi connection and has the most advanced web browser on any cell phone in the country. Phone calls can be made while simultaneously surfing the web. This phone also has an iPod and GPS.

The popularity of the iPhone has done wonders for AT&T-the exclusive cell phone provider to the iPhone. Many have switched to AT&T just to have the all-in-one gadget.

Though AT&T has undoubtedly gained customers, there are a few who will stay loyal to their current cell phone providers.

"Just like anything else, it's a fad," said senior J.T. Williams, a Sprint customer. Williams is satisfied with his current cell phone provider and has no plans to switch.

As for those who do want the iPhone but prefer not to switch services, Sprint and other cell phone providers have taken matters into their own hands.

Sprint has come up with a new phone that publicly challenges the iPhone and the AT&T network. The new Samsung Instinct from Sprint is eerily similar to the iPhone. Sprint claims that the Instinct is way better than the iPhone at a lower price.

There is even a mini-movie on the Sprint website where the Instinct defeats the iPhone. The Samsung has features such as Sprint TV, GPS, e-mail and access to the Sprint Music Store.

"I would get the Samsung Instinct before I get the Apple iPhone," Williams said.

U.S. Cellular also has a new phone that is somewhat similar to the iPhone. The HTC PPC6800 has a touch screen and a full QWERTY keyboard. Like the iPhone, it uses a Wi-Fi connection and Internet Explorer. It can hold over 1500 contacts and has a stand-by time of 14 days.

Tamika Becton, a senior majoring in Management Information Systems, feels that the release of these new cell phones gives customers the opportunity to have new phones like the iPhone without switching to AT&T.

"I have been with Verizon for five years and I enjoy it," said Becton. "I have no plans to switch."

Verizon also has their alternative to the iPhone--the LG Dare. The LG Dare offers touch screen navigation in addition to the full QWERTY keyboard. The camera on this phone has smart picture technology and can automatically detect and focus on the face when taking a picture. This phone is compatible with VCAST music and VCAST videos.



This writer can be contacted at features@theeastcarolonian.com

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