http://apcmag.com/ APC Magazine covers the latest in computing with a critical, independent eye to help you make the most of your tech dollar. http://apcmag.com//details-iphone-4-launch-parties-around-sydney.htm http://apcmag.com//details-iphone-4-launch-parties-around-sydney.htm

Telcos in Sydney are going all out to outdo each other with lavish parties to sucker in the punters to buy an iPhone tonight. ]]> Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:04:14 +1000 http://apcmag.com//iphone-4-unlock-telstra-optus-vodafone-3-three-vha.htm http://apcmag.com//iphone-4-unlock-telstra-optus-vodafone-3-three-vha.htm

Want to travel overseas with your iPhone 4? Here's a list of the network lock policy, and the unlock cost, for each of the Aussie carriers.]]> Thu, 29 Jul 2010 10:37:49 +1000 http://apcmag.com//vodafone-and-3-unveil-iphone-4-plans.htm http://apcmag.com//vodafone-and-3-unveil-iphone-4-plans.htm

The twin networks start their iPhone 4 offerings at $29 with 550MB of data and $18 per month for the handset, with plans topping out at $99 for 3GB and unlimited talk and text. ]]> Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:19:16 +1000 http://apcmag.com//iphone-4s-aussie-launch-set-for-july-30.htm http://apcmag.com//iphone-4s-aussie-launch-set-for-july-30.htm

The iPhone 4 gets an Australian release date on July 30th, with free bumper cases to address criticism of the phone’s signal dropout issues.]]> Sat, 17 Jul 2010 16:03:40 +1000 http://apcmag.com//vha-cuts-prices-boosts-talk-and-data-on-new-smarthone-plans.htm http://apcmag.com//vha-cuts-prices-boosts-talk-and-data-on-new-smarthone-plans.htm

It’s game on for smartphone carriers: Vodafone and 3 boost the value their smartphone cap plans, plus Telstra drops the price of the HTC Desire.]]> Wed, 30 Jun 2010 20:01:59 +1000 http://apcmag.com//vodafone-to-launch-nexus-one-tomorrow-on-79-cap.htm http://apcmag.com//vodafone-to-launch-nexus-one-tomorrow-on-79-cap.htm

Google’s very own Android phone is finally released in Australia, with exclusive carrier Vodafone launching the Nexus One ‘free’ on a $79 cap plan with 1GB of data.]]> Wed, 30 Jun 2010 16:35:38 +1000 http://apcmag.com//galaxy-s-pro-probably-not-for-australia-says-samsung.htm http://apcmag.com//galaxy-s-pro-probably-not-for-australia-says-samsung.htm

Samsung exec downplays chances of an Aussie release for QWERTY slider version of the just-launched Galaxy S Android smartphone...]]> Thu, 24 Jun 2010 00:04:56 +1000 http://apcmag.com//dell-streak-australia-android-slate-tablet-launch-release-mobicity.htm http://apcmag.com//dell-streak-australia-android-slate-tablet-launch-release-mobicity.htm

Can’t wait for Dell to decide if it will release the Android-powered Streak slate here? Aussie online store Mobicity is now taking orders for UK-sourced Streaks at $899...]]> Wed, 23 Jun 2010 17:47:45 +1000 http://apcmag.com//telstra-vha-confirm-iphone-4-launch.htm http://apcmag.com//telstra-vha-confirm-iphone-4-launch.htm

Mobile telcos Telstra and VHA today confirmed they will launch Apple’s new iPhone when the device hits Australia in July, but Optus has not yet flagged its plans.]]> Tue, 08 Jun 2010 23:38:33 +1000 http://apcmag.com//ipad-3g-a-sell-out-success.htm http://apcmag.com//ipad-3g-a-sell-out-success.htm

A slim $170 markup over Wi-Fi models plus low-cost prepaid 3G plans make the 3G iPad a sell-out success. Also: iPad customers cancelling Apple preorders to buy over the counter.]]> Mon, 31 May 2010 13:43:40 +1000 http://apcmag.com//ipad-3g-telstra-next-g-optus-vodafone-three-3-vha-test-network.htm http://apcmag.com//ipad-3g-telstra-next-g-optus-vodafone-three-3-vha-test-network.htm

We put Telstra, Optus, Vodafone and 3 to the test in Australia’s first comparison of iPad 3G providers – and if you expect Next G to be fastest, the results will surprise you!]]> Fri, 28 May 2010 09:24:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//3g-options-for-the-wi-fi-ipad.htm http://apcmag.com//3g-options-for-the-wi-fi-ipad.htm

If you’re buying one of the cheaper iPad Wi-Fi models there are still a few ways to enjoy Internet access anywhere without stumping up the extra money for a 3G version.]]> Thu, 27 May 2010 16:58:51 +1000 http://apcmag.com//vodafone-announces-unlimited-ipad-data-plan.htm http://apcmag.com//vodafone-announces-unlimited-ipad-data-plan.htm

Vodafone and Three unleash aggressive prepaid iPad 3G plans, starting at $10 for 250MB and topped by an ‘unlimited’ plan for just $50 per month, with up to 14GB of data rollover.]]> Wed, 26 May 2010 17:55:16 +1000 http://apcmag.com//apple-ipad-telstra-optus-prepaid-microsim-broadband-plan.htm http://apcmag.com//apple-ipad-telstra-optus-prepaid-microsim-broadband-plan.htm

Telstra and Optus confirm their respective iPad microSIM prepaid broadband starter kits will go on sale days ahead of the iPad’s launch this Friday.]]> Mon, 24 May 2010 17:49:26 +1000 http://apcmag.com//telcos-bait-the-hook-with-ipad-3g-plans.htm http://apcmag.com//telcos-bait-the-hook-with-ipad-3g-plans.htm

Apple’s decision to sell the iPad as an unlocked device for prepaid 3G sees carriers eagerly competing for customers who can easily sample and switch networks.]]> Wed, 12 May 2010 14:58:33 +1000 http://apcmag.com//telstra-announces-new-next-g-cap-plans-double-allowances-free-data.htm http://apcmag.com//telstra-announces-new-next-g-cap-plans-double-allowances-free-data.htm

Has hell just frozen over? Telstra has radically improved its Next G cap plans, making it far more competitive in price with other networks.]]> Mon, 10 May 2010 14:13:51 +1000 http://apcmag.com//has-apple-screwed-the-aussie-telcos-with-the-ipad-.htm http://apcmag.com//has-apple-screwed-the-aussie-telcos-with-the-ipad-.htm

It's hard to believe that Australia's mobile telcos would not be falling over themselves in naked lust to sell the iPad when it launches in Australia on 28 May. So what's going on?]]> Mon, 10 May 2010 10:37:12 +1000 http://apcmag.com//apple-ipad-3g-optus-plans-prepaid.htm http://apcmag.com//apple-ipad-3g-optus-plans-prepaid.htm

Optus will offer month-by-month 3G plans for the Apple iPad starting at $20 for 2GB, along with prepaid plans.]]> Sun, 09 May 2010 13:43:12 +1000 http://apcmag.com//apple-ipad-3g-australian-launch-release-date-price-pricing.htm http://apcmag.com//apple-ipad-3g-australian-launch-release-date-price-pricing.htm

The iPad finally arrives in Australia on Friday May 28 with pre-orders from this coming Monday; Wi-Fi models will start at $629 and 3G at $799.]]> Fri, 07 May 2010 23:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//dual-format-sim-cards-start-to-appear.htm http://apcmag.com//dual-format-sim-cards-start-to-appear.htm

There may be no need to be tied into the iPad 3G’s microSIM format and the telcos who support it, if smart carriers start adopting the new dual-SIM card format.]]> Wed, 05 May 2010 00:36:57 +1000 http://apcmag.com//optus-confirms-3g-plans-for-ipads-aussie-launch.htm http://apcmag.com//optus-confirms-3g-plans-for-ipads-aussie-launch.htm

As expected, Optus joins Telstra, Vodafone and 3 as all Aussie 3G carriers offer a group hug to Apple’s delayed iPad.]]> Thu, 15 Apr 2010 16:03:23 +1000 http://apcmag.com//telstra-confirms-dedicated-ipad-plans-for-next-g.htm http://apcmag.com//telstra-confirms-dedicated-ipad-plans-for-next-g.htm

Telstra follows Vodafone and 3 in announcing it’ll have Next G plans primed and ready for the iPad’s Aussie launch.]]> Thu, 15 Apr 2010 12:35:10 +1000 http://apcmag.com//vodafone-and-3-to-offer-dedicated-ipad-3g-plans.htm http://apcmag.com//vodafone-and-3-to-offer-dedicated-ipad-3g-plans.htm

VHA is first to confirm they'll back the iPad 3G – but will Aussie carriers also adopt subsidised contracts alongside Apple’s prepaid model in the US?]]> Thu, 15 Apr 2010 11:34:38 +1000 http://apcmag.com//vodafone-and-3-to-offer-month-by-month-mobile-broadband.htm http://apcmag.com//vodafone-and-3-to-offer-month-by-month-mobile-broadband.htm

New plans sit between prepaid and contract deals, starting at $15/month for 1GB with BYO modem, but they’re not for everyone…]]> Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:45:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//april-is-android-month-for-aussie-phone-vendors.htm http://apcmag.com//april-is-android-month-for-aussie-phone-vendors.htm

A fistful of phones running Google’s open-source OS are set to launch next month, giving Android a boost while Microsoft waits for Windows Phone 7.]]> Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//vha-readies-new-fleet-of-smartphones.htm http://apcmag.com//vha-readies-new-fleet-of-smartphones.htm

VHA’s smartphone roadmap includes Samsung’s new Bada-powered Wave, Sony Ericsson’s Xperia X10 Android handset and the BlackBerry Storm 2.]]> Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:21:22 +1000 http://apcmag.com//card-tricks-why-apple-put-a-microsim-into-the-ipad.htm http://apcmag.com//card-tricks-why-apple-put-a-microsim-into-the-ipad.htm

The 3G iPad will come unlocked and ready to use with any prepaid mobile broadband service – provided the carrier uses the new microSIM card format.]]> Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:50:07 +1000 http://apcmag.com//telstra-ceo-iphone-tethering-for-next-g-coming-soon.htm http://apcmag.com//telstra-ceo-iphone-tethering-for-next-g-coming-soon.htm

Better late than never, Telstra boss David Thodey says the carrier is working with Apple to enable Next G tethering on the iPhone.]]> Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:16:54 +1000 http://apcmag.com//htcs-challenge-what-price-a-hero.htm http://apcmag.com//htcs-challenge-what-price-a-hero.htm

Will HTC’s decision to sidestep the subsidised handset plans of mobile phone carriers and sell the Hero and Tattoo outright help or hinder its new Android smartphones? ]]> Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:22:46 +1000 http://apcmag.com//dse-offers-dell-mini-9-3g-netbooks-unlocked-for-549.htm http://apcmag.com//dse-offers-dell-mini-9-3g-netbooks-unlocked-for-549.htm

It’s not the newest netbook on the market but at $549 with an inbuilt and unlocked 3G modem the pint-sized Mini 9 is a pretty sweet deal...]]> Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//best-deals-on-the-blackberry-bold-9700.htm http://apcmag.com//best-deals-on-the-blackberry-bold-9700.htm

BlackBerry fans eager to upgrade to the new Bold 9700 are scooping them up from overseas stores and back-channel importers – and at less than $700, who can blame them?]]> Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:14:04 +1000 http://apcmag.com//htc-hero-tattoo-android-optus-telstra-vodafone-3g-carrier.htm http://apcmag.com//htc-hero-tattoo-android-optus-telstra-vodafone-3g-carrier.htm

Optus or one of its virtual mobile network operators will be the sole Australian carrier for HTC’s new Android-powered Hero and Tattoo smartphones.]]> Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:52:12 +1000 http://apcmag.com//htc-sets-aussie-launch-of-hero-and-tattoo-android-phones.htm http://apcmag.com//htc-sets-aussie-launch-of-hero-and-tattoo-android-phones.htm

The aptly-named Hero and the more mainstream Tattoo smartphones will make their Australian debut next week on Optus' dual-band 3G network.]]> Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:16:54 +1000 http://apcmag.com//3-slashes-its-own-iphone-pricing-but-drops-500mb-bonus-for-iphone-3gs.htm http://apcmag.com//3-slashes-its-own-iphone-pricing-but-drops-500mb-bonus-for-iphone-3gs.htm

Mere days after announcing its iPhone pricing, 3 has halved the monthly handset cost across most plans, but the 500MB bonus on the $49 cap has been dropped.]]> Thu, 16 Jul 2009 09:48:29 +1000 http://apcmag.com//3s-htc-magic-available-from-mid-june-starting-at-87month.htm http://apcmag.com//3s-htc-magic-available-from-mid-june-starting-at-87month.htm

The middle of June is when the magic happens on both Vodafone and 3, with 3's plans kicking off from $63/month for 1GB and 'free' handsets from $109/month.]]> Thu, 28 May 2009 13:04:13 +1000 http://apcmag.com//mobile-broadband-busts-loose.htm http://apcmag.com//mobile-broadband-busts-loose.htm

Vodafone’s new 900MHz 3G network and Three’s roaming deal with Next G help mobile broadband stay connected beyond the ‘big smoke’.]]> Thu, 16 Apr 2009 21:33:45 +1000 http://apcmag.com//competition-worries-over-3vodafone-merger.htm http://apcmag.com//competition-worries-over-3vodafone-merger.htm

The 3/Vodafone merger may result in higher mobile pricing across the industry, says a respected telco analyst.]]> Mon, 09 Feb 2009 13:16:21 +1000 http://apcmag.com//3_inq.htm http://apcmag.com//3_inq.htm

More communications options than your typical phone. Stay in touch.]]> Mon, 02 Feb 2009 09:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//vodafone_trims_mobile_broadband_prices.htm http://apcmag.com//vodafone_trims_mobile_broadband_prices.htm

But 3’s plans still offer the most data for your dollar, while concerns over Vodafone’s network performance remain.]]> Thu, 09 Oct 2008 15:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//vodafone_locks_up_blackberry_storm.htm http://apcmag.com//vodafone_locks_up_blackberry_storm.htm

EXCLUSIVE | Despite not supporting Vodafone's new 900MHz 3G network, the new touch-screen BlackBerry Storm will only be available from Vodafone.]]> Thu, 09 Oct 2008 14:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//3s_shared_mobile_broadband_for_business_under_the_microscope.htm http://apcmag.com//3s_shared_mobile_broadband_for_business_under_the_microscope.htm

3 is offering new mobile broadband deals which allow businesses to split broadband usage between multiple employees. How do the plans measure up?]]> Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:39:31 +1000