Using Do Not Disturb on iPhone

Thanks to our smartphones, we're connected to our friends, family, and the rest of the world practically anywhere we are. But this can pose some problems: what happens when you don't want to be connected? Sure, you can turn your phone off, but being totally disconnected means no one can reach you in an emergency or that you can't choose to only hear from a select group of people you're really interested in being in contact with.

Or at least it used to mean that. Thanks to the introduction of a feature called Do Not Disturb in iOS 6, you now have much greater control over who can contact you and when. Do Not Disturb lets you set periods of time in which you won't be notified of phone calls, text messages, and app alerts--except those coming from people on a list you create that lets them through. This way you can still hear from work, your partner, or family, but not be bothered by anything else.

Requirements
To use Do Not Disturb, you need:

Enabling Do Not Disturb
To turn Do Not Disturb on, do the following:

Tap the Settings appMove the Do Not Disturb slider to On

This technique simply lets you turn Do Not Disturb on at that moment. It doesn't allow the most useful feature: scheduling your Do Not Disturb time. To do that, you need to let how to use the feature.

Using Do Not Disturb
To schedule Do Not Disturb and to control its settings:

Tap the Settings appTap NotificationsTap Do Not Disturb. This is the screen that lets you schedule and configure the feature.Move the slider to OnTap the From/To box and move the wheels to set the time during which you want the feature turned on and when you want it to turn offTo let some calls through during this time, tap Allow Calls From. On this screen, you can choose which groups of contacts you'll accept calls from. The simplest option is choosing Favorites, but you can also choose any other contacts group in your address book. Remember, contact groups can't be created on the iPhone, so if you want to create a custom contact group for Do Not Disturb, you'll need to create it on your desktop address book program (such as Address Book on Mac or Outlook on Windows) and then sync it to your iPhone. Tap the contact group you want to allow calls and texts from.In case of an emergency, you wouldn't want Do Not Disturb to block someone from reaching you just because they aren't on your allowed calls list. That's what the Repeated Calls feature ensures. Slide that to On and when the same number calls twice in three minutes, the call will come through, regardless of whether the person is on your allowed list.

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Verizon/AT&T/Sprint iPhone?

If you're not an AT&T, Sprint, or Verizon customer, but the iPhone is tempting you in that direction, you've got two decisions: which model do you buy (8 GB for the iPhone 4 or 16 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB for the iPhone 4S) and do you buy it from AT&T, Sprint, or Verizon (and, if you live in some rural areas, smaller regional carriers)?

While the three carriers sell the same iPhone, they don't offer the same plans, monthly prices, and experiences. So, to help you decide between the Sprint iPhone, Verizon iPhone, and AT&T iPhone, here's how the companies stack up on a number of key issues. The chart at the bottom of the article provides the same information in an easy-to-compare format.

Cost of Phone: Apple tightly controls the pricing of its products, especially flagship ones like the iPhone. As a result, Verizon, Sprint, and AT&T charge the same amount for the iPhone, with a two-year contract: US$199 for the 16GB model, $299 for the 32GB, $399 for the 64 GB. The small regional carriers all charge about $50 less for the same models, with a two-year contract
Advantage: Even (or, if you live in an area served by a regional carrier, the advantage goes to them)

Cost of Monthly Plan: When you buy an iPhone, you'll need to buy both a calling plan and a data plan to use wireless Internet. You may also want to get a text messaging plan. AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon's calling plans are basically the same. Verizon and AT&T's text messaging plans are very close, while Sprint includes theirs in all calling plans. (C Spire, it should be noted, offers the cheapest plans, at $70/month for unlimited, but it's a much smaller company.) Where the companies diverge, though, is data plans. AT&T offers a $15/month plan that Verizon doesn't, Sprint charges just $10 for unlimited data, and AT&T's 2GB/month plan is $5 less than Verizon's identical option. As a result of AT&T's slightly lower cost for unlimited calling + data, it gets the edge.
Advantage: AT&T, but not by much (rural residents may want to check out their local regional carrier)

Length of Contract: To get the subsidized prices noted above, all companies require a two-year contract.
Advantage: Even

Coverage: AT&T is notorious for its poor service in major cities like San Francisco and New York, and Sprint is generally seen as having less coverage than either competitor. Besides that, Verizon is generally heralded for a network with fewer dead spots and problems.
Advantage: Verizon

Network Quality: Verizon takes the title here, too. A good indication of the company's network quality is that its dropped-call rate is 1.4%, while Sprint's is 2.7% and AT&T's is 4.6% (Source: ChangeWave Research). I was unable to find data on regional carriers' dropped calls.
Advantage: Verizon

3G Speed: Another area that is influenced by the robustness of a phone company's network is the speed at which its users can surf the Internet over 3G. In this area, AT&T generally tests out at a bit less than 10% faster than Verizon (Source: PC Mag). AT&T's lead will only grow with the iPhone 4S, since it's the only U.S. carrier that supports the faster 14.4 Mbps data speeds that the 4S offers.
Advantage: AT&T

Use Data/Voice Simultaneously: This is a major differentiator. Imagine needing to look something up online using a Maps app or email program while talking to someone on a phone call. Users of the AT&T iPhone can do this, but Verizon and Sprint users can't. With the Verizon or Sprint iPhone, it's voice or data, but not both at the same time.
Advantage: AT&T

Insurance: Since it's a somewhat pricey device, you may want to insure your iPhone against theft, loss, or damage. If so, AT&T is the clear the winner. Its iPhone insurance costs $6.99/month, while Verizon charges $10.99/month (though there are many other options for iPhone insurance, too). Sprint doesn't seem to offer its insurance plans on the iPhone at all, instead suggesting that customers buy Apple's $99 AppleCare Plus extended warranty. If you're a C Spire customer, though, you're in luck: its iPhone insurance is just $4.95.
Advantage: AT&T

Early Termination Fee: Every cell phone company charges customers an early termination fee, or ETF, if they leave the company before their two-year contract expires. Both companies charge pretty high prices (though both reduce their ETFs by $10 for every month you're under contract; i.e., if you're under contract for two months before you break it, your ETF is reduced by $20), but AT&T's ETF is $325, a small savings compared to Sprint and Verizon's $350. I was unable to find most regional carriers' ETF costs, but rest assured they one (like every cell phone company)
Advantage: AT&T, but barely

Learn about regional carriers' prices and plans

iPhone 4SCosts
(with contract)

16 GB - US$199
32 GB - $299
64 GB - $399

16 GB - US$199
32 GB - $299
64 GB - $39916 GB - US$199
32 GB - $299
64 GB - $399Voice: $39.99-$69.99/month
Data: $15-$25/month
Texts: $5-$20/monthVoice: $39.99-$99.99/month
Data: $10/month
Texts: IncludedVoice: $39.99-$69.99/month
Data: $30-$80/month
Texts: $5-$20/monthData & Voice Use Simultaneously$325, reduces by $10/month under contract$350, reduces by $10/month under contract$350, reduces by $10/month under contract

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NextWorth Review

Reselling your used iPhone or iPod can be tricky. There are many companies buying devices and all offer different prices. Prices are strongly influenced by the perceived condition of the item. If assess it in one condition, you’ll expect a certain price. If the company disagrees, they’ll offer another.

That’s certainly the case with NextWorth. While I’ve only had good experiences with the company—I’ve sold three devices to them over the years—complaints are easy to find online. The bottom line, I think, is to be scrupulous about the condition of your device and keep in contact with NextWorth throughout the process.

Like many similar sites, selling a used iPod or iPhone to NextWorth begins at its website, selecting the model you want to sell. Once that’s done, you answer questions about the condition, functionality, and included hardware. With those specs, NextWorth generates its offer.

As with other used iPod buyers, NextWorth supplies a pre-paid shipping label for your iPod/iPhone. This means, though, that you have to supply your own box, which is a minor inconvenience.

Once the item is shipped, NextWorth takes up to 10 days to inspect your item and assess its value. After that, it issues payment.

How you describe your device during the initial process is crucial; it most likely will determine whether your experience with NextWorth is satisfying or not.

In my experiences selling used devices to NextWorth and its competitors (I’ve sold 8 or 9 devices to various companies over the last 3-4 years), I’ve always been conservative in rating my device’s condition. Overrate your device to get a higher price and you’re likely to be disappointed when the company inspects it and values it at a lower price. Rate your device fairly (or even a little low) and you’ll get the price you expect (and, occasionally, a higher price).

NextWorth customers have posted across the web (including on this site) about negative experiences and price surprises. If this happens to you, you’re not necessarily stuck accepting the new, lower price.

If you get a lower price than expected after sending in your device, email or call NextWorth. You can get an explanation for their valuation and either challenge it or, often, reject it. While NextWorth doesn’t make clear that you can do this, there are plenty of cases in which people either gotten a higher price or their device back.

My most recent experience with NextWorth involved selling a 3rd generation iPod nano. For this model—about three years old, but in decent shape—brought me nearly $33, which seemed like a pretty good price for an old, used device.

I sent it to NextWorth on Oct. 17 and received a reply on Oct. 21 saying that they’d be paying the $32.84 they quoted. My check arrived on Nov. 2, 13 days later. NextWorth had quoted 14 days for payment so, while that’s sneaking in under the wire, it’s in keeping with what was promised.

All in all, it was another very good experience with NextWorth.

Two rules: be conservative and stay in touch with NextWorth if you’re not happy with the value the company places on your device. If you do those things, and compare prices paid here and at other sites before selling, you should be able to turn your used iPhone or iPod into money using NextWorth.

Last Updated: Nov. 3, 2010

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Cost of Verizon iPhone?

If you're a U.S. iPhone user with AT&T as your service provider, you may be interested in switching to Verizon, now that it offers the iPhone, too. If so, one of the crucial questions on your mind should be, how much does it cost to switch to the Verizon iPhone?Answer:

Switching your iPhone service from AT&T to Verizon isn't as simple as just porting your number and signing up for a new service plan. Instead, it can cost you as much as US$$664.

The price to switch is so high thanks to three costs:

1. You Need a New iPhone
Because AT&T and Verizon use different technologies, the iPhone you used on AT&T isn't compatible with Verizon's network. That means that, when you switch, you'll need to buy a new iPhone that works with Verizon. As a new Verizon customer, you'll be eligible for the subsidized price of $199 for the 16GB model or $299 for the 32GB Model.

2. Early Termination Fees
If you're still under two-year AT&T contract when you decide to switch, AT&T will charge you an Early Termination Fee (ETF), a penalty for canceling your contract early. AT&T's iPhone ETF is $325. That fee is reduced by $10 for each month you've been under contract (e.g., if you've been under contract for 6 months, the ETF is reduced by $60, to $265). If your contract has expired, you're not subject to an ETF, so you'll want to check your contract status with AT&T before beginning the switch.

3. You Need a New Case
Even if you had a case for the iPhone you used on AT&T, you'll need to buy a new case for your Verizon iPhone. That's because there are slight differences in the placement of the volume and ringer buttons on the left side of the Verizon iPhone as compared to the AT&T-compatible model. As a result of the changes, the buttons and openings on old cases don't line up correctly. Expect a new case to cost $20-$40.

In the worst-case scenario, you'll pay $299 for the phone, $325 for the ETF, and $40 for the case, leading to the $664 figure. In the best-case scenario, you'll pay $199 for the phone, no ETF, and $20 for a case, resulting in a switching cost of $219.

So, either way you do it, switching from AT&T to the Verizon iPhone will be expensive.

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iPhone Upgrade Eligible?

If you're a current iPhone owner, or a current AT&T, Sprint, or Verizon customer, you may looking forward to the day when you can buy the new iPhone. But, if you don't check one important piece of information, that day could turn out to be much more expensive than you anticipated.

That's because the US$199, $299, and $399 prices advertised for the iPhone aren't the price available to everyone. That's the price for new customers and existing customers who qualify for upgrades.

Cell phone companies discount, or subsidize, the price of the phones they offer. If customers paid full price for their cell phones, they'd pay a lot more than the advertised prices--and probably a lot fewer phones would be sold. For instance, the full price of the iPhone is over $600. AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon pay Apple the difference between that price and what they charge customers--they subsidize the price--in order to boost sales of the phones and attract more customers to their services. Since the companies make the most money on their monthly calling and data plans, this is a good deal for them--and for customers.

But not every single customer or potential customer is eligible to get the lowest possible price when upgrading. If they were, then so many customers would upgrade each year that it would be hard for the phone companies to make money. Instead, they limit the biggest subsidies--the ones that make the iPhone cost $199-$399--to customers who:

Sign a new two-year contract and haven't had service with that company beforeSwitch from another phone company and sign a two-year contractHave been paying month-to-month and are willing to sign a two-year contractHave been a customer of that company for a pre-determined amount of time (usually 12-24 months, but it varies by phone company).

Customers who don't fall into one of these categories have to pay higher prices, sometimes $100-$200 more, sometimes the full price of the phone.

So, if you're an AT&T, Sprint, or Verizon customer and want to get the new iPhone--whether you already have one or this will be your first--you need to know how much you're going to pay. You might be happy to pay $199 for a new iPhone, but not so interested if it's $599.

To prevent any surprises in the checkout line, you can check your upgrade eligibility online. To do that, and to find out how much an upgrade to the new iPhone will cost you, use Apple's upgrade eligibility tool.

You can also check your eligibility with your phone company by doing the following:
AT&T: Dial *639#
Verizon: Dial #874

Sprint customers can check their in their accounts at Sprint's website.

You'll get a text message from your phone company informing you of your upgrade eligibility and pricing options.

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7 Differences iPhone/touch

The iPhone and iPod touch are closely related - and not just because they look alike. Starting with the iPhone 4 and 4th-generation iPod touch, they share the same OS, support for FaceTime video conferencing, Retina Display screens, and Apple's A4 processor. But, even though the touch is often called an iPhone-without-the-phone, there are some significant differences between the two devices.

While both the iPhone and iPod touch have two cameras, the iPhone 4's camera is substantially better than the 4th-generation iPod touch's. The cameras break down this way:

iPhone 4

Back camera: 5 megapixels, records 720p HD videoUser-facing camera: 640 x 480, video at 30 frames/second

4th Gen iPod Touch

Back camera: 960 x 720, records 720p HDUser-facing camera: 640 x 480, video at 30 frames/second

As you can see, from a photo-quality perspective, the iPhone 4's back camera is substantially better than the 4th-generation iPod touch's.

HDR, or High Dynamic Range, photos combine multiple exposures of the same image to create better-looking, more-detailed, more-accurate photos. The iPhone 4 offers HDR photos as an optional setting, while the iPod touch doesn't.

Here's the first category in which the 4th-generation touch has the edge. Its high-end model offers 64GB of storage, meaning you can hold about twice the music, movies, games, and apps as the iPhone 4, which tops out at just 32GB.

While the iPod touch can only access the Internet when there's an available WiFi network, the iPhone 4 can get online anywhere there's phone service. That's because it has a 3G cellular data connection that uses the phone network to provide Internet access. And, as that indicates, the iPhone has a phone, while the touch doesn't.

And though this gives the iPhone more features, it also costs more: iPhone users have to pay at least US$54.99/month in service fees, while iPod touch users don't have to pay any subscription fees.

Since it packs in more features, the iPhone 4 is a bit bigger and heavier than the 4th generation iPod touch. Here's how they stack up:

Dimensions (in inches)

iPhone 4: 4.5 tall x 2.31 wide x 0.37 deepiPod touch: 4.4 tall x 2.3 wide x 0.28 deep

Weight (in ounces)

This is an interesting situation. In some ways and with some models, the iPod touch is more expensive than the iPhone 4 even though it offers less. The only instance in which it doesn't offer less is when you take into account the iPhone's monthly fees - in that case touch owners are saving.

Upfront Cost

iPhone 4 - 16GB: $199 (with two-year contract)iPod touch - 16GB: $229iPhone 4 - 32GB: $299 (with two-year contract)iPod touch - 32GB: $299iPod touch - 64GB: $399

Monthly Cost

iPhone 4: $54.99-$99.99
iPod touch: none

Now that you know what the differences are, check out the reviews and then comparison shop to find the best prices on the device you prefer.

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iPhone Plans: Regional Carriers

iPhone 4S

image copyright Apple Inc.

July 2012 UPDATE: With the ever-increasing number of small carriers offering the iPhone, this page is becoming impractical to update. As such, it will no longer be updated. If you're interested in finding out what regional carriers offer the iPhone--as well as what national, and pre-paid, carriers do--check out A List of & Info About Every U.S. iPhone Carrier.

While AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon are the major phone companies that offer the iPhone in the U.S., they're not the only ones. If you live in a number of regions throughout the country, you may have the option to get an iPhone 4 or 4S from your regional phone company. While not all parts of the country have regional carriers that offer the iPhone, the list is growing all the time.

These regional companies don't have all the features and coverage that their national competitors do, but many have close ties to the community, special programs for different populations in their areas, and--maybe most importantly--advantageous pricing.

All the regional carriers listed below offer the iPhone at lower prices than AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon. While both the big companies and the regional carriers require a two-year contract to get the best prices, the smaller companies price their iPhones at about $50 less.

The big three charge $99 for the iPhone 4, and $199, $299, or $399 (depending on the model) for the iPhone 4S. The regional carriers charge $50 for the iPhone 4, and $149, $249, or $349 for the iPhone 4S.

If the promise of lower prices, or just service in your area if the big companies don't offer it, has piqued your interest, read on to discover what regional carriers offer the iPhone and what their monthly rate plans cost. (In most cases, an empty cell in the chart means that the company doesn't have an offering that matches. In a few cases, I haven't been able to confirm whether the company offers something in that area; when I do, I'll update the chart as needed.)

Matanuska Telephone Association$89.98
(800 min)
or $94.98
(1200 min)Unlimited Mobile-to-Mobile on Same NetworkPrice for Unlimited + 200/250 Texts + 3 GB+ Data
(before taxes and fees)

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