In the mobile market, consumers often look to Apple to set the benchmark by which all other devices and companies are judged. But in one key area -- carrier availability -- Apple has fallen short, causing those folks to look elsewhere for options. When the iPhone first launched, it was available only on AT&T’s network. And over the next several years, Apple kept it that way, until earlier this year when it finally brought the device to Verizon Wireless’ network. Now, the smartphone is rumored to be coming to Sprint when the iPhone 5 launches later this year, paving the way for U.S.-based customers to have yet another option available to them when deciding if they want Apple’s smartphone or not. Now that the cat has been let out of the bag, perhaps it’s time to think about why consumers should consider waiting to buy another smartphone until the Sprint-ready iPhone 5 is released. Sure, it might be a couple months, but rest assured, that the wait could pay off in a big way. Flip through the following slides to learn more:
of
1. Another Carrier, Another Option One of the nice things about Apple bringing the iPhone to Verizon’s network was that consumers and enterprise users would now have a choice of carrier. Now that Sprint might be joining the fray, they’ll have yet another option. Why buy a device now when waiting a few months could bring more choices?
2. How Will Pricing Work? Sprint is much smaller than Verizon Wireless and AT&T, and it’s facing the possibility of T-Mobile USA merging with AT&T. If that happens, Sprint would be the smallest carrier in the business by a long shot. Realizing that, perhaps Sprint would find ways to coax Apple customers to its side with better pricing on plans and services. Chances are it won’t discount the iPhone 5, but who knows?
3. Unlimited Data? After Verizon transitioned its business away from unlimited data and toward tiered options, some wondered if Sprint would follow. However, the company hasn’t done it yet, which means customers who buy the iPhone 5 on the carrier’s network might get unlimited data with the new device. That alone is worth the wait.
4. iOS 5 The biggest issue with buying the iPhone 4 now is that it won’t come with the latest version of iOS, iOS 5. Apple hasn’t released the smartphone operating system, causing some to speculate that it might make its way to the market at the same time as the iPhone 5.
5. Expect A Nicer Display There are several reasons to wait for the iPhone 5, but its anticipated improved display is arguably chief among them. The device, reports claim, will come with an edge-to-edge screen that will give users far more room to feel their way around applications. Even better, if the reports come true, that device -- screen and all -- will be available on Sprint’s network. Nice.
6. It’s Great to Help the Underdog It might not be the best reason to buy a phone that one will be locked into for two years, but opting to wait for the Sprint-ready version of the iPhone 5 to help the carrier combat its larger rivals might not be such a bad idea. As noted, Sprint will be dwarfed by AT&T and Verizon. The least a customer can do is help Sprint take on what some say, will be an anti-competitive environment if T-Mobile USA merges with AT&T.
7. 4G Connectivity? Sprint is investing heavily in its 4G rollout. And chances are, the iPhone 5 will come with the ability to connect to 4G networks. That alone might be a good reason to wait for the Sprint-ready iPhone 5, rather than invest in a smartphone right now.
8. Apple Needs It to Succeed Apple fans should be more than happy to wait for the Sprint-ready iPhone 5. After all, Apple’s decision to offer the iPhone on Verizon’s network was about its desire to compete with Android just as much as its desire to give customers more options. Fans that want to help the company out would be smart to wait for the Sprint-ready iPhone 5, buy it, and show support for its continued rollouts.
9. The iPhone 4 Won’t Hold Up While investing in an iPhone 4 may seem like a good idea, with the iPhone 5 on the horizon, that would be a mistake. Once the iPhone 5 is announced, its predecessor won’t be able to keep up. The iPhone 4 is a nice device, but it’s not the iPhone 5.
10. More Power One of the issues some critics have with the iPhone 4 is that it’s not as high-powered as some of its predecessors boasting dual-core processors. However, the iPhone 5 will likely come with that additional power, offering consumers far better performance. Waiting for the iPhone 5 on Sprint’s network would be a fine idea.
Intel Technology Provider Program
Intel Technology Provider Program (ITP) helps resellers better understand Intel products which power the technology they sell, and enables value-add services such as remote manageability or anti-theft tracking. Learn More
WindowsForDevices.com
WindowsForDevices.com is the comprehensive news site covering Windows embedded technologies. Visitors get news, technical white papers, opinion columns and extensive directories covering the products and companies in the marketplace. Click Here
10 Key Ingredients That Have Made Apple So Successful
10 Reasons RIM`s New CEO Won`t Fix the Company
Eight IT Jobs Skills That Win Six-Figure Salaries
Social Media Best Practices to Land that Dream Job
Channel Executives On The Move: 2012
Why SOPA Is Such A Big Issue
See All Slideshows
