So anyways since Im also Ipod-less and just about cellphone-less, I figured the 3G is what Im looking at. I know that the 3G's are half the price, half as thin, and twice as fast as the old IPhone models. So what do you think I should end up doing? Get the 3G?
Full Version: IPhone 3G??
So Im in the market for a new cell phone and since Im a HUGE fan of Apple products Ive got my eye on the new IPhone 3G. Ive always liked the IPhone but Im so hard on my cell phones Ive always have been scarred to get one. Im afraid that if I get one I'll end up dropping it (which I do all the time with the cell phone I have now) or something like that and end up messing up the screen. Ive been asking myself do I need it? Right now I have the Ipod nano that half way works, and the reason behind that is I left it in my pocket after getting out of my truck and forgot that it was still in there. Well at the end of the day I threw my pants into the washer machine and well....I think you get the point So anyways since Im also Ipod-less and just about cellphone-less, I figured the 3G is what Im looking at. I know that the 3G's are half the price, half as thin, and twice as fast as the old IPhone models. So what do you think I should end up doing? Get the 3G?
So anyways since Im also Ipod-less and just about cellphone-less, I figured the 3G is what Im looking at. I know that the 3G's are half the price, half as thin, and twice as fast as the old IPhone models. So what do you think I should end up doing? Get the 3G?
Well Jared, I've been meaning to post some sort of review of the iPhone 3G, having just upgraded from the 2G model a few days ago. Here are some things you may want to consider.
The iPhone 3G is certainly a wonderful addition to Apple's line of already strong products. Knowing that, you can't go wrong with an iPhone (either the 2G or the 3G.) It is easily the most functional and intuitive hand held device on the market today, and it blows all of it's so-called competition out of the water in terms of performance, reliability, ease of use, and the quality of the overall user experience. Since you're already a die-hard mac user, you already know what I'm talking about to some extent. Just imagine having OS X in the palm of your hand. Literally.
Okay, let's get down to business.
The iPhone 2G has basically everything the 3G has. Same screen, same accelerometer, same processor etc. The 3G adds GPS functionality, clearer speakers, a sleeker back and yes, 3G HSDPA capability. Keep in mind that the "twice as fast" thing is more of a marketing ploy than anything else, as MANY people seeking the iPhone 3G may not actually live in a 3G coverage area (myself included - but I did my research so I wasn't surprised like so many other people are.) You're from Jacksonville, Florida, so according to AT&T's 3G Data Coverage Map, you're set. The 3G voice quality is noticeably clearer than 2G voice quality (you can turn 3G off on the iPhone 3G to increase talk time and usage - and in some cases get better signal quality - see below)
The drawbacks that I have experienced with the 3G are minor. Certainly not anything to make me tell you NOT to get one, but they're definitely things you should keep in mind:
1.) 3G vs. 2G signal quality will obviously vary from location to location. However, many people in 3G coverage areas (I've been in a few recently with my new phone and have experienced the following myself) report that the 3G signal quality tends to be weaker in many areas than the 2G signal quality. So basically, if you turn 3G off you actually get more bars in some (many) areas.
2.) 3G vs. 2G voice quality is noticeably different, as the 3G network supports a higher quality audio codec than AT&T's standard network. The voice quality in 2G is still very good, and it's just something you'll want to test on your own to see what you like best.
3.) Most importantly, keep in mind that having 3G turned on will drain the battery much quicker than when you have it off. There is a setting where you can turn 3G off (the phone will then be on the standard GSM network with the somewhat slower EDGE data connection) and you'll notice much better battery life.
4.) As far as battery life is concerned, I have yet to do any serious side-by-side testing between the iPhone 3G and the iPhone 2G. However, I have noticed that my battery seems to be a bit shorter lived in the 3G. Now, keep in mind that this could be for a NUMBER of reasons. I am just finding out about all of the new and exciting applications available in software 2.0 so I have been using my phone a lot more. I think that's partially to blame. However, I used to do a LOT of web browsing on my iPhone 2G and rarely saw my battery go below 1/3 power at the end of the day.
KEEP IN MIND that you will use the HELL out of your iPhone when you get it. You will be so stoked to play with all of the nifty features and applications that you will crap your battery out faster than you can imagine. This is okay. I promise, the battery life is much better as you start to use the phone at a more "normal" pace. That will probably take a few weeks.... so just have fun with it and don't worry!
5.) The iPhone 3G feels better in your hand than the 2G. The 2G is still a very comfortable phone, but the 3G's thinner edges make for a much more comfortable feel. The aluminum back on the 2G is very susceptible to scratches, DENTS and scuffs. The 3G's polycarbonate back is actually very durable and although I have not tested it's drop damage resistance, I think it will actually do a bit better in terms of not denting like the aluminum back of the iPhone 2G. The black polycarbonate on the 8gb 3G and the 16gb black 3G model certainly collect fingerprints and tend to look dirtier than the white 16gb 3G. I opted for the 16gb white and have been very happy with it.
As far as protecting your phone, I HIGHLY recommend that you get a case/protector for it. Being the minimalist that I am, I swore by the Incase rubber protective cover for my iPhone 2G and I intend to buy one soon for my 3G (Click here for the Incase rubber cover for the 3G!) The Incase covers are very unobtrusive, and they protect the sides, back, buttons and corners of your iPhone. The drop resistance is INCREDIBLE. I saw my friend drop his 2G a number of times with the Incase sleeve (on tile, pavement, hardwood floors...) and that's what prompted me to buy mine. They also make the phone a bit more comfortable to hold (at least for people with larger hands) and they also prevent the phone from sliding around, since the back of the protector is nice, grippy rubber. I tend to lay my phone on my thigh while driving and talking on my Jawbone, and the case keeps the phone from sliding off into the abyss between my seats and center console.
As you can see, the Incase rubber sleeve adds very little bulk to the phone. Other cases just don't compare.
Alright, so I know this is getting a bit long but there's one more thing I want you to know about protecting your iPhone. People will argue that since the screen is glass it is very hard to scratch. Yes, that's true, but why risk it? The Power Support Crystal Film Set is an absolute MUST HAVE. It adds a beautifully invisible and durable "adhesive" film to your iPhone's screen, which will protect it from skin grease, scratches, minor dings and other elements. For $14.95, you get two of the films, each of which will last 3-6 months depending on how anal you are about how your screen looks. They don't come off under use, they don't degrade the screen quality AT ALL (keep in mind I said they're invisible - they really are, except for being able to see the slight edges of the film) and they don't degrade the multi-touch sensitivity of the phone either.
So there you have it. My not-even-complete review/comparison/suggestion list for the iPhone(s)
As always, if you have any questions, feel free to let me know. Being as it's 1:05am I'm sure there's something I left out.
Enjoy your new iPhone!!
The iPhone 3G is certainly a wonderful addition to Apple's line of already strong products. Knowing that, you can't go wrong with an iPhone (either the 2G or the 3G.) It is easily the most functional and intuitive hand held device on the market today, and it blows all of it's so-called competition out of the water in terms of performance, reliability, ease of use, and the quality of the overall user experience. Since you're already a die-hard mac user, you already know what I'm talking about to some extent. Just imagine having OS X in the palm of your hand. Literally.
Okay, let's get down to business.
The iPhone 2G has basically everything the 3G has. Same screen, same accelerometer, same processor etc. The 3G adds GPS functionality, clearer speakers, a sleeker back and yes, 3G HSDPA capability. Keep in mind that the "twice as fast" thing is more of a marketing ploy than anything else, as MANY people seeking the iPhone 3G may not actually live in a 3G coverage area (myself included - but I did my research so I wasn't surprised like so many other people are.) You're from Jacksonville, Florida, so according to AT&T's 3G Data Coverage Map, you're set. The 3G voice quality is noticeably clearer than 2G voice quality (you can turn 3G off on the iPhone 3G to increase talk time and usage - and in some cases get better signal quality - see below)
The drawbacks that I have experienced with the 3G are minor. Certainly not anything to make me tell you NOT to get one, but they're definitely things you should keep in mind:
1.) 3G vs. 2G signal quality will obviously vary from location to location. However, many people in 3G coverage areas (I've been in a few recently with my new phone and have experienced the following myself) report that the 3G signal quality tends to be weaker in many areas than the 2G signal quality. So basically, if you turn 3G off you actually get more bars in some (many) areas.
2.) 3G vs. 2G voice quality is noticeably different, as the 3G network supports a higher quality audio codec than AT&T's standard network. The voice quality in 2G is still very good, and it's just something you'll want to test on your own to see what you like best.
3.) Most importantly, keep in mind that having 3G turned on will drain the battery much quicker than when you have it off. There is a setting where you can turn 3G off (the phone will then be on the standard GSM network with the somewhat slower EDGE data connection) and you'll notice much better battery life.
4.) As far as battery life is concerned, I have yet to do any serious side-by-side testing between the iPhone 3G and the iPhone 2G. However, I have noticed that my battery seems to be a bit shorter lived in the 3G. Now, keep in mind that this could be for a NUMBER of reasons. I am just finding out about all of the new and exciting applications available in software 2.0 so I have been using my phone a lot more. I think that's partially to blame. However, I used to do a LOT of web browsing on my iPhone 2G and rarely saw my battery go below 1/3 power at the end of the day.
KEEP IN MIND that you will use the HELL out of your iPhone when you get it. You will be so stoked to play with all of the nifty features and applications that you will crap your battery out faster than you can imagine. This is okay. I promise, the battery life is much better as you start to use the phone at a more "normal" pace. That will probably take a few weeks.... so just have fun with it and don't worry!
5.) The iPhone 3G feels better in your hand than the 2G. The 2G is still a very comfortable phone, but the 3G's thinner edges make for a much more comfortable feel. The aluminum back on the 2G is very susceptible to scratches, DENTS and scuffs. The 3G's polycarbonate back is actually very durable and although I have not tested it's drop damage resistance, I think it will actually do a bit better in terms of not denting like the aluminum back of the iPhone 2G. The black polycarbonate on the 8gb 3G and the 16gb black 3G model certainly collect fingerprints and tend to look dirtier than the white 16gb 3G. I opted for the 16gb white and have been very happy with it.
As far as protecting your phone, I HIGHLY recommend that you get a case/protector for it. Being the minimalist that I am, I swore by the Incase rubber protective cover for my iPhone 2G and I intend to buy one soon for my 3G (Click here for the Incase rubber cover for the 3G!) The Incase covers are very unobtrusive, and they protect the sides, back, buttons and corners of your iPhone. The drop resistance is INCREDIBLE. I saw my friend drop his 2G a number of times with the Incase sleeve (on tile, pavement, hardwood floors...) and that's what prompted me to buy mine. They also make the phone a bit more comfortable to hold (at least for people with larger hands) and they also prevent the phone from sliding around, since the back of the protector is nice, grippy rubber. I tend to lay my phone on my thigh while driving and talking on my Jawbone, and the case keeps the phone from sliding off into the abyss between my seats and center console.
As you can see, the Incase rubber sleeve adds very little bulk to the phone. Other cases just don't compare.
Alright, so I know this is getting a bit long but there's one more thing I want you to know about protecting your iPhone. People will argue that since the screen is glass it is very hard to scratch. Yes, that's true, but why risk it? The Power Support Crystal Film Set is an absolute MUST HAVE. It adds a beautifully invisible and durable "adhesive" film to your iPhone's screen, which will protect it from skin grease, scratches, minor dings and other elements. For $14.95, you get two of the films, each of which will last 3-6 months depending on how anal you are about how your screen looks. They don't come off under use, they don't degrade the screen quality AT ALL (keep in mind I said they're invisible - they really are, except for being able to see the slight edges of the film) and they don't degrade the multi-touch sensitivity of the phone either.
So there you have it. My not-even-complete review/comparison/suggestion list for the iPhone(s)
As always, if you have any questions, feel free to let me know. Being as it's 1:05am I'm sure there's something I left out.
Enjoy your new iPhone!!
Great review Trevor- bottom line Jared- there is nothing like the Iphone in the mobile world- no competitors that can offer the same features- the 3G Iphone is an improvement on an already incredible phone- Speaking from personal experience- I dont think there would be anyway that you would regret the purchase.
On a side note- I have been very pleased thus far with the battery life I am getting- after a few charge cycles- it really does get better. There would be really no reason to buy a 2G Iphone unless you were in an edge only area of the country and wanted to save money- but still- Im not sure I would get a 2G- the 3G just feels better
On a side note- I have been very pleased thus far with the battery life I am getting- after a few charge cycles- it really does get better. There would be really no reason to buy a 2G Iphone unless you were in an edge only area of the country and wanted to save money- but still- Im not sure I would get a 2G- the 3G just feels better
If you decide you don't need it but still have the money, you can buy me one.
-- actually, I'll buy it. I'll just need you to pay for the service.
-- actually, I'll buy it. I'll just need you to pay for the service.
I wish I could get an iPhone to use with my Verizon service.
I hear the Samsung Instinct kicks the 2G's butt, but it won't sync directly with Outlook so it's off the table for me. I don't know how it compares to the 3G. Verizon has the Samsung Glide, which is a great phone too.
From the iphone blog...
"Compared to the original iPhone 2G, the Instinct actually holds up quite well. It’s not as elegant as the iPhone, the touchscreen isn’t as responsive (but it does give you a little haptics-vibrate on every tap), they keyboard isn’t as good (but does offer a landscape version throughout), the apps are a mix of quality iPhone knocks off and java craplets, the browser is decent but nowhere near the quality of the iPhone’s, …I could list the “not as good as” for quite awhile. The bottom line is that, feature-for-feature, the Instinct holds its own, and it’s especially nice that Sprint’s ‘unlimited’ plan includes sms, data, gps, etc.
------------------------------
My two cents...
Ok so the instinct has a better GPS system if you are into that and a camcorder- but when it comes to the User interface of the two phones- its kind of like comparing a cell phone to a computer- the new 2.0 software on the iphone is amazing- it truly makes the device a capable handheld mobile computer- and it is only the beginning of what a worldwide developer base is creating. Pretty sure people all over the world wont be developing applications for the instinct- im just saying- if you have a cell phone like the instinct- you are limiting your experience to the UI limits of the cell phone
"Compared to the original iPhone 2G, the Instinct actually holds up quite well. It’s not as elegant as the iPhone, the touchscreen isn’t as responsive (but it does give you a little haptics-vibrate on every tap), they keyboard isn’t as good (but does offer a landscape version throughout), the apps are a mix of quality iPhone knocks off and java craplets, the browser is decent but nowhere near the quality of the iPhone’s, …I could list the “not as good as” for quite awhile. The bottom line is that, feature-for-feature, the Instinct holds its own, and it’s especially nice that Sprint’s ‘unlimited’ plan includes sms, data, gps, etc.
------------------------------
My two cents...
Ok so the instinct has a better GPS system if you are into that and a camcorder- but when it comes to the User interface of the two phones- its kind of like comparing a cell phone to a computer- the new 2.0 software on the iphone is amazing- it truly makes the device a capable handheld mobile computer- and it is only the beginning of what a worldwide developer base is creating. Pretty sure people all over the world wont be developing applications for the instinct- im just saying- if you have a cell phone like the instinct- you are limiting your experience to the UI limits of the cell phone
Heh. didja think the iPhone blog would say anything else?
Another point of view here...I didn't have an iPhone before I got the 3G on Friday. I used to have a Blackberry 8830, so any comparison is being done with that:
Pros to iPhone vs. other phones:
-Access to "MobileMe" to sync all changes on all Mac products for contacts, schedule and stuff
-Use of "Apps" from Itunes...some of these are awesome.
-Incredible, easy to use platform for showing your work when a larger screen isn't available
-"push" email which comes right to your phone
-pretty awesome use of the web
-Voicemails are retrieved selectively...just got one and it is SO much fun (and less time consuming than having to rifle through old voicemails)
-GPS, though the cell-tower locate is pretty accurate as well
-Can use the iPhone as a remote for your Itunes on your other mac machines
-Listen to music, watch TV
-small charger
-MUCH cheaper than my blackberry plan with sprint
-Phone was really inexpensive to begin with
-That little camera is amazing!
Cons:
-no cut and paste option
-ringer is very quiet, even at loudest volume
-earphone speaker is very quiet
-can't show flash applications in web browser
-no integrated "to do" application to mirror the iCal "to do"s.
-battery life is pretty anemic
Overall, I've found the iPhone to be an incredible upgrade for me. Mobile Me has been a bit of a hassle to get started and it's still not working right, but once it is, I'll no longer need to constantly be manually updating all of my resources. It's the major reason I got the iPhone - as a business tool.
My only major complaint is the volume and vibration strength. My old blackberry practically jumped out of my pocket when it rang and I had to turn the ringer down as not to startle myself or others. The iPhone...not so much.
If you are a Mac User who runs a photography business, if you don't already own the iPhone, this phone is an absolutely necessary upgrade, even if you have to pay a fee to break your old contract with another carrier. Just get it.
If you already own the first iPhone, I would wait. Most of the great features available in the 3g (from what I understand) are because of the 2.0 software upgrade which both phones take advantage of.
Ummm...I am sure there is more but that's all I can think of after using it for 3 days.
Pros to iPhone vs. other phones:
-Access to "MobileMe" to sync all changes on all Mac products for contacts, schedule and stuff
-Use of "Apps" from Itunes...some of these are awesome.
-Incredible, easy to use platform for showing your work when a larger screen isn't available
-"push" email which comes right to your phone
-pretty awesome use of the web
-Voicemails are retrieved selectively...just got one and it is SO much fun (and less time consuming than having to rifle through old voicemails)
-GPS, though the cell-tower locate is pretty accurate as well
-Can use the iPhone as a remote for your Itunes on your other mac machines
-Listen to music, watch TV
-small charger
-MUCH cheaper than my blackberry plan with sprint
-Phone was really inexpensive to begin with
-That little camera is amazing!
Cons:
-no cut and paste option
-ringer is very quiet, even at loudest volume
-earphone speaker is very quiet
-can't show flash applications in web browser
-no integrated "to do" application to mirror the iCal "to do"s.
-battery life is pretty anemic
Overall, I've found the iPhone to be an incredible upgrade for me. Mobile Me has been a bit of a hassle to get started and it's still not working right, but once it is, I'll no longer need to constantly be manually updating all of my resources. It's the major reason I got the iPhone - as a business tool.
My only major complaint is the volume and vibration strength. My old blackberry practically jumped out of my pocket when it rang and I had to turn the ringer down as not to startle myself or others. The iPhone...not so much.
If you are a Mac User who runs a photography business, if you don't already own the iPhone, this phone is an absolutely necessary upgrade, even if you have to pay a fee to break your old contract with another carrier. Just get it.
If you already own the first iPhone, I would wait. Most of the great features available in the 3g (from what I understand) are because of the 2.0 software upgrade which both phones take advantage of.
Ummm...I am sure there is more but that's all I can think of after using it for 3 days.
QUOTE(Ryan J @ July 21 2008, 08:46 AM) 
My only major complaint is the volume and vibration strength. My old blackberry practically jumped out of my pocket when it rang and I had to turn the ringer down as not to startle myself or others. The iPhone...not so much.
Really? I think mine is ridiculously loud and have to constantly turn it down. I was in the shower last night and heard my phone ringing in my room! lol
Ryan give me a call and I'll help you with mobile me...
My cell is the second number on the contact page of my site, but you can reach me at either one.
Oh... And I am posting this from my iPhone
My cell is the second number on the contact page of my site, but you can reach me at either one.
Oh... And I am posting this from my iPhone
Great review Meeksdigital thank you for taking the time to type that up for us!! After seeing the different types of cases for the Iphone I dont think that dropping it would be a issue as I thought at first. Right now I have the razor phone and its not even close to what the IPhone will be capable of doing for me. My wife and I shoot wedding photography and I think this could be a great tool to add in our bag. Not only you can use it for your photos/gallery I think the GPS will be helpful as well. Thanks again guys/girls for replying back to this topic!
can anyone give a review of the iPhone and using a PC? (I know I know, I don't want to hear mac vs PC, all our software is pc, and we can't afford to switch.......... yet)
QUOTE(JenStewartPhotography @ July 21 2008, 01:07 PM)
can anyone give a review of the iPhone and using a PC? (I know I know, I don't want to hear mac vs PC, all our software is pc, and we can't afford to switch.......... yet)
Works great.
QUOTE(JenStewartPhotography @ July 21 2008, 01:07 PM)
can anyone give a review of the iPhone and using a PC? (I know I know, I don't want to hear mac vs PC, all our software is pc, and we can't afford to switch.......... yet)
Should work fine. I haven't heard any complaints!
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