If you didn't give in to the hype of the Apple iPhone last year, hoping for a less expensive model with additional features, this year's model may be for you. While the new 3G is less expensive, it doesn't come without its own unique issues.
Last year's creation was praised for it sleek design, functionality and ease of use. It was just as quickly panned for it's cost and lack of speed. In addition, Apple rebated part of the cost to early buyers, irking those who chose to wait until later in the year to purchase their phone. At this years World Wide Developers Conference, Apple CEO, Steve Jobs, touted the new version to the delight of attendees.
The most attractive feature is the price. Slashed to $199 for its 8GB model and $299 for the 16GB version, this is the single biggest improvement sure to please consumers. The 3G is also thinner and has been redesigned to accommodate most third party headphones. Previous models required user to purchase an adaptor. The second-generation iPhone also sports new technology, which allows it to use third party software and businesses users access to corporate e-mail programs.
Another added feature is improved GPS technology. While it's not designed to replace a Garamond, the improved navigation feature gives easy to read traffic information and maps to points of interest by typing a single word. The GPS also will “geotag” a photo by embedding information about the exact location where the picture was taken. Something that could prove useful when taking vacation photos. Although the phone lets users view video and photographs, the camera function has minuscule resolution. Also disappointing is the new model cannot record video. Something iPhone fans were hoping would be available this year.
As with last year's model, the battery in the new iPhone is still a fixed item inside the phone and cannot be changed by the user. While Apple claims the battery, when fully charged, allows for 5 hours of talk time or Internet use, it is still disappointing and inconvenient for users to send in a unit and pay $85 for battery replacement.
For the casual user the new iPhone 3G might not be a good fit, especially if you use the camera and video functions frequently on your current phone. Cost may also be an issue. Although, the retail price is almost half of its predecessor, the monthly fee for unlimited data use has been raised $10. Also keep in mind; AT&T is still the exclusive service provider requiring a minimum 2-year contract. The additional charges for some of the services on the plan cancel the initial purchase savings.
Improved performance in accessing corporate e-mail programs and the ability to view Power Point presentations as well as save images from e-mail make this an appropriate alternate to a bulky laptop computer for the business traveler. The addition of a bulk delete function and scientific calculator make it even more attractive.
Overall, the 3G remedies the concerns from consumers who loved the first iPhone but had issues with price, speed, spotty signal reception and accessing corporate e-mail. As with any other higher price electronic device your individual needs and usage should be considered before purchase.
