Apple iPhone 3G, starts at $199
Personally I never really cared for Apple, however, you must submit to the fact iPhone revolutionized cell phones as we know them today. Prior to iPhone hitting the market, the best selling phone worldwide for three years was the Motorola RAZR. The RAZR was no doubt a great phone and I owned one. However, not too long ago, the iPhone and Apple enjoyed mammoth success by becoming the best selling phone in or around the third-quarter of 2008. Every where in the world someone was selling the iPhone.
It’s been under two years since the release of the iPhone, and only a few months ago Apple released the long-awaited, next generation iPhone 3G, bearing a mildly tweaked design and a load of new features in comparison to predecessor the iPhone 2G.
Design: It’s hard to notice any design differences on the front of the iPhone 3G. The minor changes–the silver rim is thinner and the silver mesh behind the speaker–are so minimal we didn’t notice them at the start of this evaluation. Turn the phone on its side, and you’ll see some changes. Apple has replaced the aluminum silver back with a plastic face in either white or black. The shape of the 3G was the magor difference as the 3G’s edges are slightly tapered making the
device thinner around its perimeter than its predecessor, (0.48 inch versus 0.46 inch) measured in the middle. The phone’s height and width measurements (5.5 inches by 2.4 inches) remain the same, it’s weighs just a bit less at 4.7 ounces versus 4.8 ounces from the 2G. With that in mind the new shape means you won’t be using it in your original device’s dock. This really wouldn’t be all that bad if Apple included a dock
with the 3G like they did with the first iPhone, but now they want you to buy that separately. Did we mention they’re asking $30 for it? How lame is that, oh well. 
The screen size is the same as the 2G at 3.5 inches which provides an ultra-clear 480×320 screen resolution, but displays slightly more dots per inch (163 vs.160), and still puts out brilliant colors, sharp graphics, and fluid movements. The home screen layout is identical to that of thr previous version, all though you will see two new icons: A Contacts icon takes you to your phone book, and the App Store icon opens the iTunes App Store.
We’re pleased to see the iPhone 3G’s 3.5mm headset jack now sits flush with the surface of the phone allowing you to use any 3.5mm headset you desire. Inside the box you’ll find a syncing cable, the display cleaning cloth, a headset, documentation, a SIM removal tool, and an electrical outlet plug.
The Gold plated iPhone below will set you back about 2,000 US Dollars.
Features: The iPhone 3G hangs on to all the original iPhone features and throws in a few more, so we’ll concentrate on what’s new. The Apple iPhone 3G offers critical new features including support for high-speed 3G networks, third-party applications, and expanded e-mail. The call quality has improved and it continues to deliver an excellent music and video experience. The iPhone 3G introduced 3G speeds to Apple’s flagship model, and it also supports WiFi, GSM, and Bluetooth. This makes for a better experience surfing, watching Youtube videos, and downloading data onto the phone from the Internet. iPhone 3G also makes it possible to do more in more places: Surf the web, download email, get directions, and watch videos — while you’re on a call if you desire.
Access into the App Store and you’ll find applications in every category, from games to business, education to entertainment, finance to health and fitness, productivity to social networking. These applications have been designed to take advantage of iPhone features such as Multi-Touch, the accelerometer, wireless, and GPS. And some are free.
Find your location, get directions, and see traffic — all in the palm of your hand. Maps on iPhone 3G combines GPS, Wi-Fi, and cell tower location technology with the Multi-Touch interface to create the best possiable mobile map application I have ever seen on a phone.
With iPhone 2.0 software, iPhone does even more. It supports Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync, delivering push email, calendar, and contacts.
The Bottom Line is the iPhone 3G delivers on its promises by adding critical features and sharper call quality. The iTunes App Store is second to none. Critical features still are missing, and the battery depletes quickly under heavy use, but the iPhone 3G is a nice improvement over the original model.
[...] You were probably wondering where the iPhone would place. As we said before we measured the phones based on multimedia capabilities, call and 3G quality as well as productivity. We have to say that the iPhone is the mart that every phone has to meet in terms of touch screen and multimedia features. But we are a little disappointed that such basic features like copy and paste, laptop connect and Flash are missing as well as a third party productivity suite. But despite those few problems this is a solid system. While we wouldn’t recommend it for the business professional, this is the best phone for a first time Smartphone owner. For a more detail run down of this cell phone look here. [...]
Techman, I gave in and bought the 3G 16gb iphone, I barely talk on the thing, but as far as internet with the 3G, we’re talking light-speed compared to edge, I go crazy with a lot of the cracks/jail breaks, so there are tons and tons of great FREE apps that you can add, including video (which I have), you just gotta be careful anytime you do any type of jail breaking obviously. Make sure you do your research and all that before even attempting anything of that nature. As far as the plastic back, as with any other apple products, many manufacturers make great hard/rubber cases that are very durable. Anyway, keep posting on here, I’m interested in your thoughts if you do take the plunge. Good Luck!
Techman, If youre a big internet user on the iphone it might be worth it for you. My buddy bought the 3g 16gb white and the internet is amazing. If not, I agree with you on the faster procssor, memory, and quality. BTW iphone does have the option for video. Search on google.
It’s hard to make these choices when you know you already have a good working phone. I made the plunge as my phone was a bit on the old side as well. Good luck
I’m still using the original 2G iPhone. I’ve been contemplating the 3G since its release, especially since my 2G’s been getting old, since DAY 1 of the 3G release. I’m unsure what to do. I still have my $100 Apple credit from the price drop.
What would absolutely get me to upgrade is an option for more memory and a faster processor, which I feel are necessary. A better camera, option for video, a plastic back that won’t crack would be bonuses along with all the features we should have had since the beginning.