The New iPhone 4 Dilema

Walt Mossberg posted his review of the iPhone 4 on the Verizon network today. His take?:

Bottom line: In my tests, the new Verizon version of the iPhone did much better at voice calling than the AT&T version, and offers some attractive benefits, like unlimited data and a wireless hot-spot capability. But if you really care about data speed, or travel overseas, and AT&T service is tolerable in your area, you may want to stick with AT&T.

So, essentially, if you want to use your iPhone to talk on the phone, Verizon is a better network. If you want to use your iPhone more for data (in otherwords, everything that is cool about having an iPhone), your best bet is to stick with/turn to AT&T.

My immediate question was, who actually talks on their iPhone more than they use it for data? I know I don't. And according to an article from last May in The New York Times, a lot of people are in the same boat.

This gives people a new dilema for the iPhone 4, but this time it's not Apple's problem. It makes me curious about a couple of things:

1) If you're considering turning to Verizon for the iPhone, does this information sway you?

2) When you look at your own smartphone use (BlackBerry, iPhone, Android or otherwise), how much are you talking vs. texting and using data?

If you've got responses to those, would be great to hear them below...

Comments

[Rizoldak]

I've been with AT&T for about 10 years on all sorts of phones. I'm not particularly loyal to them; I just have a cheaper-than-solo family plan and a family that would panic at the thought of technological change.

I thoroughly dislike talking on the phone (I prefer face-to-face communication). The text message was the best thing to happen to me for short comments. And then Netflix offered streaming. Game over; calling minutes lose and data support wins!

As I'm not in love with any of the cell services I've encountered, I'm not inclined to switch to Verizon any time soon.

[Dknutson]

1. I was already guessing data use may be better on the AT&T network. One, because they're continually expanding it (at least that's what they tell us). Two, because it's technically a faster network. Three, because hopefully a bunch of AT&T'ers will jump ship to Verizon, letting the AT&T pipes flow a little easier for those of us who stay.

2. I use data functions MUCH more than voice. In fact, about 6 months back, I actually downgraded my plan to only 400 anytime minutes. With the high-use data plan and 1500 texts per month, this brings my bill to just under $100 per month.