What you need to know about Verizon's iPhone

Now that Verizon has made it official, here's what you need to know about the Verzion iPhone 4:

• It goes on sale Feb. 10 at Verizon and Apple stores. Verizon customers have the advantage to pre-order on Feb. 3.
• Same prices as AT&T's iPhone 4: $199 for the 16 GB and $299 for 32 GB of storage
• Unlike AT&T's version, Verizon iPhone 4 users will not be able to talk and surf the web at the same time. That's going to be a huge setback to getting customers to switch from AT&T.
• It's not using Verizon's new 4G network.
• You can make it a 3G mobile hotspot to share Internet connection with up to 5 other devices.
• Verizon didn't reveal what data plan prices would be for the iPhone. Currently, Verizon sells an unlimited data plan for smartphones for $30, but is not saying if that will be available for the iPhone 4. (AT&T no longer offers an unlimited data plan.)

So there's the perk of using it as a hotspot without jailbreaking it, yet it won't do data + calling at the same time, as we've all been used to on AT&T. (Not to mention doing web surfing while on a call is what the commercials always promote, so this might be misleading to customers who walk in Verizon's door expecting the same thing.)

With Verizon's hesitation about revealing data plan prices, I'm putting my bets on it being the end of unlimited.

Comments

[Mark]

No one cares about talk and surf the web at the same time, only you do. To say that it's a huge setback sounds ignorant.

[Lou]

Bridget,

Tell me something, who actually talks and surfs at the same time? Do you know anything about technology? It seems like it's a BIG deal for you. Sweetie it is just a marketing gimmick meant to cover up AT&T's unreliable network.

[Bridget Carey]

Right Mark, no one cares. That's why talking and using the Web was the basis of many of Apple's iPhone commercials.

For me, I'd wait until Verizon has an iPhone that will work on the 4G LTE network. Then it shouldn't be limited to calling and using apps simultaneously.

[Bridget Carey]

And Lou, sweetie, it's something that almost every iPhone user I know has used to look up something while on a call, instead of saying "hold on I'll have to call you back." It's a pretty handy perk, although of course it may not be a deal breaker for everyone.

Guess it really depends how bad of an experience you've had with AT&T to make you want to switch before June, when we'll likely see another iPhone -- possibly one that can work on a 4G network.

[Lisa]

I agree with waiting until the iPhone works on 4G LTE network...i was an old iphone user, but switched to verizon and I am happy that they got the iphone deal, but I would rather wait before I get the iphone from them.

[Peter]

I previosuly had the Samsung Omnia Smartphone with Verizon and tethered my phone to my laptop. I couldn't surf the web and talk on the phone. The Verizon network disconnects the web when talking on the phone. This is a big deal. I got rid of the phone within 3 months. I have been a loyal Verizon customer for 8 years, and have been waiting for the IPhone. Two screw ups Verizon. No 4G for IPhone and no Web surfing and talking. Apps become useless while on the phone. I may have to switch to ATT even though I don't want to.

[Drew]

Really? Talk and surf/running apps is incredibly valuable. I do it all the time and would be very annoyed not having that luxury. Verizon iPhone will, in deed be most appreciated once it has LTE technology. It will require a redesign on Apple's part but I really believe AT&T will make a serious effort to improve it's reputation. It will be interesting to see the outcome of it all.

[Cesar]

Talking and Surfing is the most important features. I always find myself talking and accessing my Apps. This Verizon launch is disappointing to say the least. I wouldn't leave AT&T unless the Verizon iPhone worked on it's 4G LTE. And the really is that by then AT&T's 4G Network will be in place.