Simultaneous Data and Voice Is Overrated For Most Mobile Warriors - For Now

There, I said it.  Being able to access data while fielding a phone call is a good feature to have but for a vast majority of mobile users, we don't really do that all the time.  As a matter of fact, I cannot remember a time when I've had to do that while using the G1 on T-Mobile.  I think you'd have to think hard to remember having to do that and I'm willing to wager that it isn't often.

Nor do I remember a time when I'm on the 2G iPhone telling someone I'll call them back so I can access something via the wireless Internet.  Once again, if this occurs, it's a rare instance.

Having said that, there are some heavy users that live on their mobile devices and they probably need to chat and access data at the same time.  

This issue is suddenly important once more because the iPhone is now on Verizon's CDMA network which does not allow this ability that the GSM iPhone is capable of on AT&T's network.  

The millions of Droid and other Android users on Verizon or Sprint's networks obviously does not see the inability to make calls and access data wirelessly at the same time as a hindrance to their mobile life.  Otherwise, they would have long left for AT&T or T-Mobile.  

Having said that, I do believe that as more of us refine our mobile uses and behaviors, this will become a must have ability, in social as well as in business settings.  But for now, it is not a major issue for folks who want the CDMA iPhone or the biggest Droid they can get their hands on.

So, while AT&T will make an issue out of this, I say this in response:

You're absolutely right.  Between the two versions of the iPhone, only yours can make calls and access the 3G network simultaneously.  Provided we can get a signal at all.  Only the GSM iPhone have this magical ability.  But what is the point when calls drop or when the user is not able to access the network?  

For users who are leaving AT&T or current Verizon users upgrading to the CDMA iPhone or Droid, it's like Steve Jobs said, "It's like giving a glass of ice water to somebody in hell!"

So until our social needs change further with regard to our mobile devices, simultaneous data and voice access is overrated.