AT&T Feeling a Bit Overwhelmed with iPhone 4G

Since Apple & AT&T announced they'd be taking orders on Tuesday, the iPhone 4G has been hot. Maybe too hot.

And if you haven't yet placed an order on one, you better get busy. Yesterday, AT&T announced that it would temporarily suspend iPhone 4G orders. The phone company is the exclusive carrier of all Apple products, something many Apple product users are not too thrilled about, and leaves many wondering if AT&T will be able to handle the new iPhone 4G. AT&T says it will begin taking orders again when inventory increases. They company released a statement on Wednesday, saying, "We are working hard to bring the iPhone 4 to as many of our customers as soon as possible."

Between Apple & AT&T, over 600,000 orders were taken for the new phone in less than 24 hours. That's more than any other Apple product.

If you tried to get online or place an order through the phone on Tuesday, with either Apple or AT&T, you probably had a hard time getting through, or at the very least, your service was slow. Many customers complained about the trouble they had, something Apple should be used to at this point. The same thing happened with previous iPhone releases.

When calling Apple, customers received a message saying that due to high call volumes, they could not answer the call and asking them to please call back. The website crashed or took forever to get anywhere.

Apple did release a statement on Wednesday, saying, "We apologize to everyone who encountered difficulties, and hope that they will try again or visit an Apple or carrier store once the iPhone 4 is in stock."

AT&T announced that its website saw over 13 million visitors, who were there to specifically check whether or not they were eligible for a phone upgrade. Any other day they usually have about one third as many. AT&T also said that their customers reported seeing the wrong information when logging into their accounts on Tuesday, but that didn't involve social security numbers, credit card info, or call log details.

But even with the issues, analysts say this is all good news for Apple. Orders have so far exceeded company expectations. And customers who can't get through are probably just going to try again, or even do what one man told the USA Today he did, hang up and go visit his local AT&T store. According to the USA Today, some customers took advantage of Apple's new Apple Store app that allows customers to buy and reserve in-store via the their iPhones and iPod Touches.

The iPhone 4 will start at $199 with a two year contract or upgrade. Its body is thinner, it has a higher-resolution display and two-way video calling. The hoopla surrounding the phone caused a rise of Apple stock of about $5.24.

Sprint: First 4G Phone Coming June 4th

The wait is over. If you've been itching to get your hands on a 4G phone, you only have a few more weeks to start saving $199. Sprint Nextel announced today that it would be selling the most high-speed mobile phone ever on June 4th of this year. The company has a lost a number of customers over the years to rivals like AT&T and Verizon and hopes the new technology will be just the boost it needs to change that.

The EVO, as mentioned, will be the first phone in the United States that supports fourth-generation high-speed data speeds, and experts say it's going to give the iPhone a little competition. The 4G iPhone is expected to come out this summer, but much later than Sprint's new phone. Vodafone Group is expected to offer a 4G phone in 2011.

The appeal of the phone is definitely the faster internet access. In addition, these phones will have large screens and two cameras. Unfortunately, 4G coverage isn't exactly widespread throughout the country. Areas such as New York won't even get 4G until after the summer. Clearwire Corp, Sprints venture that is building the WiMax-based network, says it will only cover about 40 million people in the United States for now and expects to triple that by the end of the year. The current U.S. population is around 300 million. Sprint will also be charging a $10 monthly fee for EVO users, regardless of whether or not they're running in a 3G or 4G market.

Sprint CEO Dan Hesse calls the difference between 3G and 4G "night an day," and says even without the 4G capability, the EVO stands alone as being an exceptional phone. He said the phone will be the highest-spec phone on the markets for customers using 3G as well. The company also says that users will be able to make the most of the two cameras, which will support the first mobile two-way video conferencing service. According to Sprint, they have a long list of customers, waiting to buy the buy the phone.

Matt Carter, the head of Sprint's 4G business told Reuters that he believes the phone will appeal to consumers for a number of reasons and mentioned it would definitely be great for social networkers. He also mentioned that Sprint will release a second WiMax phone later this year and that Sprint is in talks with companies like Samsung and General Electric to consider putting WiMax connections in a number of consumer devices such as e-Readers, cameras, washing machines, and even medical equipment. Carter said Sprint is trying not to think like a "traditional carrier."

Sprint will also be launching a new prepaid service that will be aimed at older phone users who shop at Wal-mart. They're calling it a "no nonsense" mobile phone service for those whfo aren't really worried about having the latest trends. Upon making these announcements yesterday, Sprint's stock climbed, a good sign for the company who has been struggling for quite some time.

---

Looking for help with travel and technology? Then call a Tech Travel Agent at 800-736-8772. Or see this link for a Laptop Rental on your next trip.

AT&T Android Phone Coming Soon

Another wireless carrier is throwing their hat into the Android ring. AT&T is the latest company to develop a phone that uses Google's Android operating system. The Motorola Backflip smartphone will be available next month.

When it's closed, the phone is totally useless, but when it's open, it features a full Qwerty keypad for typing. Also, when it's open at a 45 degree angle, you can use it as an alarm clock, digital photo frame, or use it to watch videos.

The Motorola Backflip has a 3.1 inch touchscreen and when it's open, it has a laptop-style touchpad on the back. There are three options on the home page; they are happenings , which includes tweets and status updates, set your status, messages, which includes texts, emails, and messages from social networking sites.

As do most phones these days, it has a camera: a five megapixel camera with flash and camcorder functionality. It also features Wi-Fi and the ability to tap into AT&T's fastest 3G network (otherwise known as HSPA 7.2).

The Android Market - the app store - has over 20,000 apps and of course, those will be usable with the phone. AT&T says they will be producing four more Android phones in 2010.

You can purchase the Motorola Backflip on March 7. After a rebate, the phone will cost only $100 with a two year wireless contract.

---

Looking for help with travel and technology? Then call a Tech Travel Agent at 800-736-8772. Or see this link for a Laptop Rental on your next trip.