The 411: No iPhone for Verizon

Welcome to the 411, my Q&A column answering all your questions about cell phones and cell phone accessories. At times, I might solicit answers from readers if I'm stumped. Send your questions and comments to me at nicole.lee@cnet.com. If you prefer to remain anonymous, let me know in the e-mail.

Hey there! I just need some advice. I really want the new iPhone 4, but I currently have Verizon. My contract is up and I am deciding to move to AT&T. Do you think I should wait for the iPhone to come on to Verizon or should I just switch to AT&T and get the new iPhone on the 24th? I really like Verizon but I also like the Iphone. I've also heard some rumors that the iPhone will come to Verizon by the end of this year. I don't want to switch to AT&T and then hear a few months later that the iPhone came to Verizon. So what should I do? Thanks! -- kevork, via e-mail.

Despite the many rumors that the iPhone would go to Verizon, we honestly don't think that will happen, at least not in 2010. Even Verizon's spokesperson has said they don't plan on carrying the iPhone in the near future. If you really do want the iPhone, I would go ahead and see if your neighborhood gets decent AT&T coverage--try asking your friends or co-workers--and if you feel like it's good enough for you, then make the switch. Note that you have a grace period of 30 days just in case you change your mind.

I have a habit of listening to speeches and audio lessons while i am at my job and at all other daily activities. I had a jabra bt8010 which served the purpose(i never hooked the other earpiece for listening to audio). Now the bt8010 are not available in a good condition with a good price. I see there are a lot of headsets coming up with A2DP. i have a iPhone and want a simple headset without any hanging wires or any other accessories. It should have a good battery life and should not have buds please(my ears are weird). -- swaroop, via e-mail.

You're right that many headsets have A2DP music streaming these days, even the mono headsets. Some of our favorites include the Jabra Extreme, the Samsung Modus 3500, the BlueAnt Q1, and the Aliph Jawbone Icon. The caveat is that most of them do have earbuds, but I do urge you to try at least the BlueAnt Q1 and the Jawbone Icon, as I feel those are two of the more comfortable options. If you're willing to wait a while, the Sound ID 510 will also get A2DP later this year, and I find that to have the most comfortable earpiece. That said, if you need a stereo headset that doesn't fit too deep in the ear, I liked the BlueFox Extreme BF-401 as it just sits gently outside the ear.

I've heard that Verizon is discontinuing the Env Touch and Rogue. is it worth getting the Samsung Reality that is out now? Or better off trying to find a Rogue or Env Touch for much higher cost? Reality seems good but better sticking with the other choices? So confused, please help. -- alan, via e-mail.

I'm not sure that Verizon has discontinued the Env Touch just yet, because I do see it available on its site. However, you're right in that the Rogue appears to be missing. If you do want a phone that is very similar to the Rogue, then yes, I would opt for the Reality. It's not quite as good as the Rogue in my opinion, but it's a very good multimedia phone for Verizon, so you won't go wrong there.

I will be getting the HTC Evo on June 4th, and im wondering if I would be able to run NAV and Music at the same time. Having Nav chime in when there is a direction change? -- scott, via e-mail

The answer here is short and sweet: Yes, Scott, you are able to run Navigation and play music at the same time. The navigation voice will chime in and interrupt the music playback when there is a turn coming up.