Invested in an iPhone 3Gs early this year and love it! My business runs on PC; email syncs beautifully with my iPhone. I almost never carry a laptop as I do everything from my phone (the virtual assistant’s, assistant!).
BEFORE YOU BUY YOUR iPHONE
Based on my recent experience, if you are thinking about buying an iPhone, this is what to do and expect:
Do your homework first and speak to the Apple Store Specialists. The two people who helped me (Jason & Adam, Apple Store, So. Portland, Maine) were very, very savvy and helpful! What’s more, they could not have been more patient with all of the questions I had (from a true iPhone novice) pre-purchase.
Most importantly, make sure that you understand why you want one, how you plan to use it for business and what type of phone/minutes plan you would like to have. This will make the transition a lot smoother.
Be prepared to spend quite a bit of time at the store. I made two separate visits in one week. One, to get initial info re cost, minutes, set-up, is this right for me, etc. My second visit was for the purchase. On this visit, between additional questions, the process, etc. I was there for approximately 1.5 hours. While it took longer than I had anticipated, I got everything I needed to make a well informed purchase.
Go during the day and midweek for a less stressful shopping experience, as everyone in the State seems to go to the Apple Store on a Saturday!
Opt for a business purchase in their system which helps you accumulate points every time you buy peripherals, etc.
If you’re an AT&T customer. The AT&T coverage works better with the iPhone than with the average cell (very few dropped calls for me). However, be aware of #UnlimitedDataPlan changes effective June 7, 2010 for new AT&T customers see this article from the Wall Street Journal Online http://on.wsj.com/bGkm8o.
At the end of it all, I found out that I could even port my telephone number from digital carrier to my iPhone via AT&T so that my business wouldn’t skip a beat! Granted, it took two weeks and I needed to have my business line forwarded to a temporary number…the point is that it could be done.
POST PURCHASE
Highly recommend making an appointment with the Business Specialist at the Apple Store (post purchase). Chris was my Business Specialist and he was very helpful. Turns out he had been an executive assistant himself and really understood what I was trying to accomplish with my new equipment.
Additionally, my local Apple Store offers free of charge Business workshops for learning how to use and maximize the use of your new iPhone.
Best peripheral – a phone/wall jack! Appx $40 but allows you to carry only one cord and you’ll be able to plug in anywhere. Which you will need to do as the battery life is less than regular cells (this is a mini computer, after all).
There are also jacks that cost upwards of $89.00 which allow you to use your car stereo speakers to amplify music from iPhone. Because I don’t use my iPhone in this manner I found the basic jack works best for me. I also really enjoy the great customer service.
Great Customer Service! Between Jason & Adam, I’m instantly recognized whenever I walk into the local Apple Store…which is a great feeling!
Good luck & Enjoy!
