I think this is coming sooner than you think. Apple was initially in talks with DoCoMo with Softbank as the alternative, but DoCoMo and Apple weren't seeing eye-to-eye.
Softbank can do the job, but my question is the pricing on the data connection. Currently it would eat anyone alive. It's just outrageous. Softbank, like AT&T also offers the HTC Kaiser as a business needs phone/PDA. I'd be happy if Softbank brings the data costs into line and I know the 3G iPhone will be a hit here, as well as a miss for some. Some like it, some don't, but those data costs could kill it. (If you're renting a SIM from Softbank, the cost really become insane for data.)
One handed messaging isn't a problem on the iPhone either, which most everyone here is used to.
Others have noted 1SEG TV, but let's be serious people, that technology is flaky even inside of vehicles with better receivers. It doesn't work on the train, so it's simply silly to think it's a wanted feature with the phone. It's all about text messaging here. Not video, nor TV or even voice. Text.
The iPod Touch was a big hit here and the 3G iPhone will be picked up at the same pace. If it comes out in time, I'm having a friend bring one over before before he arrives in June. I'll unlock it and give it a whirl.
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I think this is coming sooner than you think. Apple was initially in talks with DoCoMo with Softbank as the alternative, but DoCoMo and Apple weren't seeing eye-to-eye.
Softbank can do the job, but my question is the pricing on the data connection. Currently it would eat anyone alive. It's just outrageous. Softbank, like AT&T also offers the HTC Kaiser as a business needs phone/PDA. I'd be happy if Softbank brings the data costs into line and I know the 3G iPhone will be a hit here, as well as a miss for some. Some like it, some don't, but those data costs could kill it. (If you're renting a SIM from Softbank, the cost really become insane for data.)
One handed messaging isn't a problem on the iPhone either, which most everyone here is used to.
Others have noted 1SEG TV, but let's be serious people, that technology is flaky even inside of vehicles with better receivers. It doesn't work on the train, so it's simply silly to think it's a wanted feature with the phone. It's all about text messaging here. Not video, nor TV or even voice. Text.
The iPod Touch was a big hit here and the 3G iPhone will be picked up at the same pace. If it comes out in time, I'm having a friend bring one over before before he arrives in June. I'll unlock it and give it a whirl.