So in a couple of days the iPhone 3G is going to go on sale. Like many of you I am going to get this device as part of my duties as an intrepid reporter (and a shameless Apple-holic.) However, if you are rational, then you might want to read these reviews by the big three tech writers and their take on the iPhone 3G before you decide to hand over your credit card to the sales people.
- Walt Mossberg/WSJ: “I found it to be a more capable version of an already excellent device. And now that it’s open to third-party programs, the iPhone has a chance to become a true computing platform with wide versatility….if you can live with the higher service costs and the weaker battery life.”
- Edward Baig/USA Today: “With GPS newly added to the mix, this handheld marvel has no equal among consumer-oriented smart phones. While not everything on my wish list made it onto the new device, Apple has raised the bar with iPhone 3G. To which I offer an enthusiastic thumbs up.”
- David Pogue/NYTimes: “It’s not so much better that it turns all those original iPhones into has-beens. Indeed, the really big deal is the iPhone 2.0 software and the App Store, neither of which requires buying a new iPhone.”
I am sensing some hesitation on the part of the these reviewers. And now that you have read their reviews, are you still interested in buying the iPhone 3G.
3G iPhone is iRipoff
My mom switched a couple of months ago from T-Mobile to AT&T just so she could get the new iPhone. It’s fun to see her excited about electronics for once, but I myself am holding out until they produce a version that includes basic features (MMS? Copy/paste? Basic video?), w/o, hopefully, screwing the customer over in rate increases like this new one is doing.
On some level, the big SO WHAT begins when third party developer applications built using iPhone SDK start rolling out, and consumers experience the AHA moment of making an impulse buy wirelessly via AppStore.
For a detailed analysis on why the iPhone SDK and app/developer ecosystem is a big deal, check out:
iPhone SDK: Mobile Reasons for Optimism
http://thenetworkgarden.com/weblog/2008/03/mobile-reasons.html
Mark
Most people won’t actually benefit from 3G data, and the people who are able to get it will not like the decreased battery life. Therefore, considering that they’ve crippled the GPS, the only compelling feature of the iPhone 3G is the non-recessed headphone jack.
If I was in the market for an iPhone, I’d probably pick up a used one on eBay. I’m sure they’ll be selling for $200 after the new one launches, and there’ll be no AT&T contract involved.
I played with a friend’s unlocked iPhone for about half an hour once. My conclusion was: Nice interface; Interesting design. Nothing else stood out. And reading the specs for the 3G version I’m even more underwhelmed.
I dont get the orgasmic writhing I see across the intertubes. I read gushing posts and rapturous comments that Apple has lodged another patent for some “new” feature, and wonder how come no one is pointing out that maybe video conferencing and IM on a mobile device have been done before.
I’m left wondering, just what are all these fan boys smoking? And wondering where do I get some. As far as altered states of reality go, it seems to be an interesting place, with no apparent negative side affects.
Screaming!!!!! crying…..When will it come to India.
Won’t buy it for another year, as I have an existing phone contract. I didn’t want the first iPhone, because I didn’t see a good reason, but the new iPhone has GPS and I want to work with that. 😉
Its so overhyped its not funny, this phone does nothing revolutionary except make apple billions. Its a very gimmicky phone and theirs alot better alternatives with better price tags around.
Dear Om,
I am so very glad you have become an Apple-holic. I remember when you were a Sony-holic.
I’m thinking that waiting for the 32 gig version would be a much sweeter deal.. If people are patient enough to wait 4-5 months longer that is..
My love-hate relationship with iPhone v1 hasn’t yet run its course so I won’t be one of those upgrading. Mike Cern was right to call out one of the most overlooked faults of the current — and apparently new — iPhone: completely mediocre battery life. It’s pretty frustrating to own a mobile device that won’t even last 24 hours after reasonable use.
Err.. in my previous comment…..
Do you know two iPhone facts in India?
* iPhone does not support GPRS network.
* iNdia does not support 3G network!!!
So a “iPhone 3G” will be just like a toy for a billion kids in India.
Happy iPhonning. 🙂
Hey Saurabh,
In case you did not know, most telecom operators in India supports Edge.
The original iPhone worked over Edge and the new iPhone 3G will fall back to Edge in areas where there is no 3G coverage.
But its high time that 3G gets rolled out in India.
cheers!
No, I will not be buying this one. Not until Apple gives me reason enough. I have a first gen iPhone and absolutely love it. I don’t use Edge and only use the wifi for all my browsing/emailing from the iphone so the 3g part of the iphone is actually not for me. I don’t use exchange either. The only thing I like about the iPhone is the GPS which I’ve heard is also not so great. So, unless I see people using this phone for an year or two (and the phone surviving all the reviews that are going to come out after the launch), I’ll hold out till then.
@Saurabh: I use an iPhone in India and have used it with the regular GPRS/Edge that Airtel in India provides.
And yes India is still not a 3G country.
Even though I can’t afford the contract prices in the UK, I might have to sell parts of my body to afford it. The general assumption being passed around by the like of David Pogue confuses me, simply because of how unfased he is by the device and the worse thing comes when he says “Indeed, the really big deal is the iPhone 2.0 software and the App Store, neither of which requires buying a new iPhone”. Very very harsh!
Anyone even considering a new or upgrade purchase should immediately go to AT&T’s 3G coverage map. If you’re not going to find 3G coverage where you live and normally work/travel, you’re going to lose on two accounts: 1. you’ll be frustrated that you bought a 3G phone and can’t get 3G service. 2. and even worse: you’ll be paying for a high speed service you can’t use. I’m stuck in between two 3G cities and won’t benefit from the 3G. The GPS features would be nice, but not a must have for my needs. Since those are the only hardware benefits, I’m passing this up for now and sticking with my first-gen iPhone. Besides, I paid $599 for that device… need to get my money’s worth! 😉
I’m happy with my 8330 and have no interest in the iPhone. Living in Canada, you all have heard of the Rogers issue. I’m happy with my unlimited package on Telus.
Absolutely not. I’m waiting for the 3G capable HTC Touch Diamond to be unleashed on the US. That phone is 100x better than the iCrap with many, many more features.
Nope. I live in Canada, where owning an iPhone will be prohibitively expensive: http://ruinediphone.com/
Couldn’t answer your poll because my answer is a resounding maybe. Waiting to see if there are any must-have location-based apps that require GPS. Most of the breakthrough benefits are in the 2.0 software and app store–and I’ll get those without changing my hardware.
I was disappointed that the 3G iPhone didn’t include support for Near Field Communication (NFC). I’d like to see more phones released with NFC support & thus far Nokia is the only manufacturer in the U.S. doing anything. Will this stop me from purchasing the new iPhone? Probably not because I can’t stand the Internet speeds over the Edge network & I look forward to 3G!
wow… thanks for correcting me. 🙂
your all suckers. Iphone is garbage. Apple takes advantage of you all.
I’ll keep my “old” iPhone, thanks. Somehow bumping up the monthly data price from $20 to $30 just doesn’t work for me. And, half the time I’m on WiFi networks anyway. I find EDGE to be acceptable for light usage between WiFi hotspots. Plus, I’ve used ATT’s 3G network and its very spotty.
If there are 6 million “old” iPhones out there, how many users will upgrade? If its just 1-2 million of those, think of all the old iPhones that will be out on eBay or Craigslist soon! I bet they’ll go for $99 or less. I think the best thing about the iPhone 3G launch is that is makes the “old” iPhone available (slightly used) to millions of price sensitive customers. Old iPhone uptake will be massive for the new-to-the-market crowd, crushing the weak attempts of Palm and Blackberry to lure regular cell phone owners into the smartphone space for $99. Hurray for choice!
I can’t believe someone would even suggest that an HTC Touch Diamond (or many, though not all, of the phones on the market) is better than an iPhone 3G.
It has less storage (4GB, no expansion), a slower interface that still has Windows Mobile underneath, a still somewhat-clunky web browser, and decidedly worse media playback. The only real advantages of the Diamond are its better camera and the ability to tether the device to a computer.
As for me: I’m getting an iPhone 3G on launch day if at all possible.
The news in these reviews that the GPS is crippled and won’t work with nav systems is going to really hurt apple. If it is true. Somehow I doubt it.
For people without an iPhone, the 3G iPhone is a great deal. For people who already have an iPhone, there isn’t a compelling reason to upgrade. I’m waiting until the next model is out. The only thing that could change my mind is if the iPhone 3G supports tethering.
No upgrade for me right now either.
1. I’ll wait to see when/if AT&T’s 3G network gets to my area.
2. The 2.0 software update will satisfy me for now with no $$$ out of my pocket.
Love it, but don’t want such a large device. Bring on the iPhone Nano, or no sale for now.
Damn straight I am.
I currently own the HTC 8525 and I hope Windows Mobile dies a slow, painful death. I can’t wait to jump ship.
yes, I will be buying one on Friday morning (assuming they still have some when I get there!). Sure, it’s not perfect, it could have more things to it, but I don’t have one, and I don’t have a reason not to blow $200 on it right now. Thank you Uncle Sam for the stimulus check!
Jake
NoteScribe: Premier Note Taking Software
ill say this in a poem…
i shall buy an iPhone 3G,
but not MobileMe!
umm…u get the point
Hi, I love 3G iPhone. I bought my 3G iPhone from Greece last month. It has really wonderful features, I enjoy it. You can contact to good person who can help you out. Here is his email ID zoomobileslimited@gmail.com