Well I’m having problems with my account billing with AT&T. I’m tryin’ like mad to see what I can do about the situation. When I find out what the outcome is, I’ll post about it in detail.

Peace, JbB

If you read my post a month ago (New ATT Data Plans, What You Need To Know), I talked about the future of mobile Internet use for iPhone users. I recommended people switch to the 2 GB plan a month, saving $5 off their phone bill. I talked about my usage and where I suspected it would be once iOS 4.0 and its multitasking came out.

Well iOS 4.0 has been out for a while now, and Pandora’s been updated or multitasking. So now I have a better understanding of what my monthly usage is.

As you can see from the image below, I’m more than halfway through my billing cycle and I’ve used 493 MBs.

So how have I been using my mobile Internet plan so far this month? Well before I wasn’t able to run Pandora while driving because I had to use the Neocell as my GPS navigation (Got My Car Docked (iPhone Dock That Is)), and we all know Pandora couldn’t run in the background before iOS 4.0 (not counting Backgrounder). But now that Pandora can run in the background, I’ve been running Pandora behind Navigon when I drive. And I’ve ran Pandora a few times on the mobile Internet when hangin’ with friends via the Minimove (iPhone Remote Controllers Can Control Pandora), and a bit when goin’ shopping, using headphones or whatever. So I’d say I’ve used Pandora over my mobile Internet about 10 – 20 hours this month. (I know next month it’ll be more, because Navigon and Pandora were glitching a few times when Pandora’s update first came out and I wasn’t running Pandora at time.)

Other uses for the mobile internet has been emailing maybe 5 or 6 30 second videos, emailing maybe 20 pictures, downloading maybe 15 pictures via email, sending and receiving maybe 50 text emails, publishing three posts via WordPress, maybe 4 hours of web surfing and maybe 2 hours of web apps, such as eBay, Twitter, etc.

That’s a lot of use for only half a month. And thankfully, I’ve only used 1/4 of my Internet usage. But that doesn’t account for the total Internet usage on the Neocell in the past 15 days or so. Whenever I’m able to get on wifi, such as at home, I do it. So about 80% of my time using the Internet on the Neocell is done over wifi.

So don’t think to yourself “Wow, he uses his iPhone a lot and only uses that much of his mobile Internet? Then I’m good…” if you don’t connect (or have) wifi at your home or work.

Check out the second image below, the one that shows the usage of all data coming into and out of the Neocell. This is since I upgraded to iOS 4.0, so since my billing period started, the actual usage is pretty close (it would be just a little higher). I’ve used over the 2 GB limit. Now I’m good because 80% of that **** was over wifi. But if you aren’t using wifi and you use your iPhone a LOT, be careful. You could o over the limit.

But, I’m pleasantly surprised that things like Pandora and emailing don’t suck as much data as I thought. As long as people have wifi to connect to every now and then, I don’t see anyone really going over the 2 GB limit. (Tether is a completely different, sad story though).

Oh yeah, if you haven’t gotten it yet, go out and get the AT&T myWirelesa app to monitor your data usage.

Peace, JbB

So, AT&T is changing up it’s wireless data plans for smartphones (which means iPhones). They’re changing them come June 7th, 2010, the same time as the WWDC, when Apple announces the next new iPhone. So here’s what you need to know.

First, and this is important, AT&T is 86ing their unlimited data plan. You can no longer select an unlimited data plan. Now, that doesn’t they’re taking away unlimited data from existing iPhone users. They can’t because it’s grandfather-claused into our contracts. The only way they could take it away from us is if they canceled our contract, which of course they won’t do. So they can’t take unlimited data away from you.

So the way it works is that their data plans have changed and there is no unlimited data plan to choose from anymore. If you choose a new data plan, you can’t go back to unlimited data. The good news is that all plans are cheaper (sorta’) and they finally allow tethering, but it’s not all good news…

New AT&T Mobile Data Plans

$15 DataPlus: 200 MBs a month

So this plan is the cheapest and starting plan. It gives you 200 MBs a month. This doesn’t include text messaging. If you go over the amount, your charged another $15 and receive another 200 MBs.

$25 DataPro: 2 GBs a month

This is the final plan for iPhone users who are going to use data from their phone only. It gives you 2 GBs a month. It doesn’t include text messaging. If you go over the amount, your charged another $25 and receive another 2 GBs.

$45 DataPro plus tethering: 2 GBs a month

You get everything from the DataPro 2 GBs a month plan, but now your also able to tether data from your iPhone. That’s it. You get nothing extra. You hear me? Nothing.

No contract renewal

Do you gotta’ renew your contract? Nope. That’s good news right there. You still can’t turn off a data plan though. You still have to have one if you have an iPhone (boo). But the good news is that for those who don’t need mobile data (after all, wifi rocks), you can switch to the lowest data plan without renewing your contract.

What plan should you choose?

Ok, so remember what I said? They can’t take unlimited data away from you. So should you even switch to a plan to save some money? The answer is: yes. But which plans?

Ok, let’s break it down; how much data do you use? Well check your bill to see. It, at least now, shows how much data you use. Here’s how much data the Neocell 3GS used.

So last month, I used only 235 MBs a month. I can tell you that’s more than the average user. But last month was a little bit light on how much data I use, because I’m getting my GPS repaired in my Lexus so, every time I drive somewhere, I’d load up the Navigon MyRegion GPS navigation app. So that means I wasn’t using Pandora (which I normally always use when I drive), and I suspect my monthly data usage would be somewhere around 300 MBs to 500 MBs.

My girl’s been using her iPhone a lot this month, like more this month than she’s ever used her iPhone in the past. I asked her what her data usage was this month and she said it’s 235 MBs.

The average user should hover slightly under 200 MBs. Being so close to 200 MBs though, my advice is for people to get the 2 GB a month plan. No point to risk paying $15 for 200 MBs and an extra $15 for another 200 MBs, totally $30 a month when you could just spend $25 for 2 GBs and not worry about it.

Do I think 2 GBs is enough for a power iPhone user? ‘Freak yeah! I think the most I’ve ever used was 500 MBs, and that included Pandora everytime I hit the road, surfing while working, Youtube, app downloads, etc. I mean, this one month, we’re talkin’ bein’ on the Neocell 2G (didn’t have the Neocell 3GS yet) like 4-8 hours a day on 2G data that month. It still was only 500 MBs that month. So I honestly can’t see anybody goin’ over 2 GBs a month.

What’s the deal with tethering?

We finally got access to tethering, but it’s pretty… I don’t know, crappy. Here’s one thing that you need to know. You can’t use tethering (officially) with your existing unlimited data plan. If you go to AT&T and be like “Yo, hook me up with tethering!” they won’t just “add” it to your data plan. They’ll cancel (for good) your unlimited data plan and switch you to the “Datapro with tethering” plan. So that’s cleared up now.

But tethering, well… it’s a sucky ass plan. Here’s the deal; 2 GBs of data is more than good enough for iPhone users, even the most hardcore users (yo). But that’s for our iPhones, and we’re fine with that. But we can’t afford (data-wise) to share that data with a laptop. Using the same pool of data for a laptop is risky business. Now if AT&T allowed us to have tethering for no extra cost, shoot, I’d be sayin’ “yippy!”… but it ain’t like that. They want to CHARGE us $20 extra for… for what? Nothing! We get no extra data. None. Zip. Ziltch.

Bull ****. That’s what I call it. It’s wrong that they’re doing this. I can’t really give you much advice as whether or not you should get it. It’s up to you. Tethering is an amazing thing depending on what you need it for. I will say this… you can turn it on for your account for one month and turn it off without renewing your contract, so that’s the only good thing about it I can see.

My thoughts?

I think AT&T is preparing for the day when the iPhone is available  on another carrier. They’re trying to make their service plans more attractive. I think they need to do more when that day comes, because their plans are still pretty high… not compared to Verizon (now), but definitely compared to T-mobile and Sprint.

Peace, JbB

I’m sellin’ my baby… Yep,  it’s true, I’m finally sellin’ the original Neocell on eBay.

A recap for those new to the site, the Neocell was my first iPhone (the one for sale), a 24K gold and wood plated iPhone 2G 16GB. There’s a pic of me ‘n’ my “new baby” the first week I got it.

I was in a contract with T-mobile at the same, so the very first thing I had to do once getting the Neocell was jailbreak it to work on T-mobile. I had a choice between an iPhone 2G 16GB or an iPhone 3G 16GB. The reason why I went with an iPhone 2G is because of me bein’ on T-mobile, it’s impossible for 3G iPhones to access T-mobile’s 3G network. So why pay more money on a 3G iPhone if I can’t access the 3G speeds. So a 2G was a perfect choice for me. See, I did my homework before hand. This is how theneocell.com got started.

About 9 or 10 months later, once I was out of my contact with T-mobile. it became time for me to upgrade to an iPhone 3GS. So I’ve had the Neocell 2G sittin’ and lookin’ all pretty on my desk for a few months. I’ve put off sellin’ it because, well… it’s my baby. Hard to sell somethin’ that means so much to ya, ya know?

I remember all the great and wild comments I’ve gotten from people. There’ll be times I’d be out somewhere, messin’ around on the Neocell 2G and I’d look up and see a chick starin’ at me. I’d say to myself “If she’s checkin’ me out, she’s got a weird way of staring at me…” and then I’d realize “Oh, she ain’t checkin’ me out, she’s checkin’ the Neocell out.”. I’d get the same reaction from guys too, I’d look at a guy and think “What the ‘freak you lookin’ you??” and realize “Oh… the Neocell. It’s cool, it’s cool…”. It would happen out with people too, someone would ask “What was that guy lookin’ at?” and I’d say “Oh, my phone…” and they’d go “Oh… I thought he as a weirdo or somethin’.”

One thing I had to get used to (which I still get now with the Neocell 3GS) is that people will mistake the Neocell 2G for other phones. My banker, who sees me about once a week, regonized that I had a new phone instantly and asked “Wow, that’s awesome looking… is that the new Blackberry” (talkin’ about the Blackberry Storm). I got offended and said “Blackberry? Does this look like a Blackberry??” and showed him the Apple logo on the back. His response, “Oh, I didn’t think it was the iPhone because it has that… what is that, wood?”. That was the first time I realized that people will sometimes not recognize it as an iPhone because it’s so unique. So now, when I get “Wow! I love your phone! What type of phone is that? The new Blackberry / Palm / Droid / Nexus One??”, I take that as a compliment and simply say “No, it’s an iPhone…”.

I remember one person who checked out the Neocell 2G, they asked if they could feel it. I said sure, and they said “Ooo, I feel the wood…” and then they leaned in and sniffed it! I said “Whoh, what’er you doin’?” and they said “I wanted to smell the wood…”. I looked at this woman strangely and had to say “Yeah… sorry… it… it don’t smell like nothin’.”. Haha, wild.

Made a lotta’ memories with the Neocell 2G, I’m gonna’ miss it.

Peace, JbB

A lot of people want to know how to tether their internet connection using their iPhone without being jailbroken. Well baby, I’m gonna’ hook you up. Well here’s how to do it, and although this is a more complicated way to do it than the walk-through I gave before (iPhone OS 3.1.2 AT&T Tethering Jailbreak How-to ), but this one will work if your in different countries.

How to Activate and Enable Free Internet Tethering on iPhone 3.0

1. Open Safari
2. Visit either http://help.benm.at/tethering.php or http://www.iphone-notes.de/mobileconfig/
   
3. Select your country
   
4. Select your service provider
   
5. Tap Install to install the new profile
   
6. Select Install Now to install and download the new profile
   
   
   
7. Now go into your iPhone Settings -> General -> Network -> Internet Tethering (look, internet tethering setting, yeah baby)
   
8. Turn Internet Tethering On
   
9. When it talks that junk about bluetooth, just tell it USB Only if your connecting your iPhone via cable.
   
   
10. Now that tethering is turned on, just connect your iPhone to your computer and your set (yeah baby)
    
11. There’s one last thing to do (something that other web sites seem to leave OUT)… Your iPhone may / will act screwy, so go to Settings -> General -> Reset ->Reset Network Settings. After the short reset, iPhone should be able to be used for MMS, Voicemail and Internet tethering.
    

And there you have it. Nice ‘n’ easy like Georgia Weezy, am I right?

If you found this useful, follow me on twitter @ twitter.com/johnBbaird .

Peace, JbB

Update: Tethering does in fact work for OS 3.1.2 jailbroken or unjailbroken, and there’s the proof.

AT&T is looking to find ways to curb Internet usage. Check it out.

You know… here’s an idea. How about spend more time improving your network. Things are only going to get worst, people are only gonna’ use more and more data. Why put in a policy that can damage brand impressions and still not help future network usage problems?

Just another example of a mega corporation looking our for number one. And to all those on different networks, don’t think your cell phone company would do any different.

Peace, JbB

There’s a rumor that’s just hit the net that talks about a new iPhone in the works. I’ll let you read…

“The rumor mill is gradually picking up in activity when it comes to the next gen iPhone. Backing information GeekSmack got from its sources regarding the next-gen iPhone, it appears that a new report has surfaced citing sources in the Taiwan handset supply chain stating that Apple has contracted to produce a UMTS/CDMA hybrid iPhone, allowing Apple to sell a single handset to carriers worldwide—most notably Verizon Wireless.”

Hmm… If this ends up being true, this could be one of the biggest steps Apple could be taking for the iPhone. Imagine how brilliant that would be… Create a new model 3GS (with some small improvements I assume) that can be sold to AT&T, as well as Verizon. But it doesn’t stop there, it could also be sold to Sprint or even T-mobile. That’s doubtful because Apple would probably only partner with Verizon and AT&T. But owners of this new phone could then choose whatever carrier they wanted to jump to, T-mobile or Sprint. The way the Internet networks work, though, you wouldn’t be able to access 3G when switching networks from Verizon to Sprint I assume, just like you can’t access T-mobile’s 3G network from AT&T.

This doesn’t have an impact on the world market, although, because the entire world runs on GSM only now (AT&T & T-mobile), and only Sprint and Verizon run CDMA here in America (CDMA is antiquated technology). But Apple making their next iPhone contain a hybrid chip to sell as their new model would benefit everyone, as people who buy their phone from Verizon could then sell it online and people from other countries could buy it and use it on their GSM network.

This is just a rumor, but I think this is the next best thing Apple could do for it’s lineup.

Peace, J

Check it out, I found a way to enable internet tethering for OS 3.1.2 for AT&T. This isn’t some crappy third-party app or half-baked hack that promises to work but doesn’t… If your jailbroken running OS 3.1.2, it enables the stock tethering feature of internet tethering from Apple. Best of all, you can install it all from Safari without anything extra.

1. In Safari, go to http://m.peacefulinsanity.com/Tether.mobileconfig.
2. Touch “Install” and go through all the prompts.
3. Reboot.
4. Now go to Settings > General > Network > Internet Tethering

And that’s it. You now got internet tethering. And yes, I’ve tried it on both the Neocell 3GS and my girl’s iPhone 3G and it works on both. Pretty bad ***, huh?

Peace, J

I’m sittin’ here, transferring over some content to my 32GB iPhone 3GS, and I started thinking about space. Like “Hey, how am I on space?”. And then I realized that I have 32 GBs and that I’m no where close to coming even half way.

And that made me wanna’ share somethin’ with you all. If your considering getting a 3GS from AT&T with a two year contract, besides the color options, you have two options… 16GB or 32GB. I’m gonna’ tell you to go with a 32GB for a number of reasons.

But, let’s first look at some reasons to go with a 16GB iPhone. The majority of people who have iPhones don’t even use 8GBs of data. So 16GBs will be more than fine for you for now. Notice I said for now…

The reason I say go with a 32GB iPhone is the fact that your getting into a two year contract with AT&T. Sure, it’s a hundred dollars more expensive than the 16GB. But your going to have your iPhone for two years. Think about that… two years. You know what’ll happen in two years time? Two, count’em, two new iPhone models will be introduced (and one could be on another network by then). With the 3GS, you’ve got the faster hardware, you got the speed, but the 32GB size next year may be the new “smaller” size and a new “larger” 64GB size will be released… and a year after that, it could be a 64 GB size will be the “smaller” size and a 128 GB size will be the “larger”. iPhones will (hopefully) look the same (just with added features, like 4G network support, front facing video camera, ect). So one of the big things determining “greatness” of iPhones will be size.

There’s no way, of course, to add size to an iPhone. So once you get an iPhone size, your stuck with it. So if you get a 32GB iphone now, it won’t seem so large (and more important, won’t seem so small) compared to new iPhones. And remember, your in a new contract so you’ll have to wait until two years, ’til a fifth generation iPhone, before you can upgrade from your third generation 3GS. 32GBs is a lot smaller than someone’s brand new 64GB or 128GB iPhone, but it will really small if you have a 16GB iPhone.

And then there’s the topic of content. When the first generation iPhone came out, 4GB and 8GB seemed big. There wasn’t even an app store out. But now look, there are apps (such as the Tomtom Navigation app) that are 1GB is size (the biggest app size I know of, most apps are less than 20MBs). A 1GB app, there’s no way anyone could have imagined that back then. That was two years ago, now what will things bring two years from now? Two years is a long time to have a set size.

But then there’s just the vanity issue, which I’m totally guilty of (and proud of it). When someone asks you about your phone, or the size, when you say “I’ve got a 32GB” vs. “I’ve got a 16GB”, it just does something. You don’t have to say “Oh I have a 16GB” with a certain tone of regret. “I only have the 16GB.” But when you have a 32GB, you say it with pride. “I’ve got a 32GB…”

So, what size should you get? Well, it’s up to you, but getting the bigger size is probably your best investment. Plan to sell your iPhone when it’s time to get a new one once your contract’s up in two years? What size do you think will be the most desirable?

I’m so glad I choose the 32GB instead of the 16GB.

Peace, J

So I’m here at the mall in Tampa, Fl. about to activate the old Neocell 2G (soon to be the new Foxxycell) for my girl at AT&T. We gotta’ then head home to see if it can be activated and, hopefully, jailbroken. I’ll keep ya updated.

Peace, J