Eight reasons to think twice about buying an iPhone

Computerworld - Apple made a big splash when it announced the iPhone last month. Many who watched Steve Jobs demonstrate the device thought, "That is so cool -- I want it now!" But with its hefty price tag, restriction to a single carrier and departure from many traditional smart-phone features, buying the iPhone requires careful forethought.

Here are eight questions to ask yourself before walking into a Cingular Wireless or Apple store later this year to shell out $499 for a 4GB model or $599 for an 8GB model.

1. Is the cost of switching mobile carriers worth it?

For anyone who isn't a Cingular customer, this is a big question, particularly if you aren't near the end of your subscriber agreement. The cost of breaking a subscriber agreement varies among carriers, but it's always pricey. Most carriers charge in the range of $150 to $200. That's a lot of money to tack onto an already expensive device.

But that may not be the only cost. You may find that Cingular's rate plans, which have not yet been announced for the iPhone, are more expensive than what your current carrier offers for the usage and services that you need.

2. Does Cingular provide coverage where you need it?

Cingular has impressive coverage across the U.S., particularly in the eastern half. That doesn't mean that it has complete coverage or that it offers the best coverage in some areas. As with any choice of a mobile carrier, you need to be sure that you'll have coverage where you live, work and regularly travel.

This may not be an issue for people who live in large cities, but for many, the extent and quality of Cingular's coverage in outlying (and even some urban) areas could be a major consideration. If you're thinking of switching to Cingular for the iPhone, maker sure that you will have coverage where you need it. You don't want to switch carriers and spend the money on an iPhone only to discover that your back yard or part of your route to work is a dead zone or has spotty reception.

3. Is 2G data coverage enough?

One of the big criticisms of the iPhone is that it will only support 2G data service. Apple has said this is to provide the broadest level of coverage until 3G service is more available throughout the country. While that is laudable, consider whether the 2G/EDGE service provides speeds fast enough for your Internet and data needs. (Most users equate 2G data access as similar to or slightly better than dial-up, which is fine for limited Web browsing and e-mail, but not for anything more intensive.) The iPhone's Wi-Fi access may mitigate this, but only if there is an available Wi-Fi network or hot spot.