iPhone 3G First Impressions

[Bruce551]

Mossblog

The 3G iPhone: First Impressions

Published on June 9, 2008

by Walter S. Mossberg

I?ll have a full, detailed review of the new 3G iPhone in a few weeks, but here are some first impressions based on Apple?s (AAPL) announcement today.

The Biggest Pluses

Speed: Because the biggest problem with the original iPhone was the slow AT&T (T) network, moving the device to the much faster 3G network, while no surprise, will have a huge impact. This is especially true since data already show that it is by far the most heavily used smart phone for Web surfing. It means that you won?t have to search for a Wi-Fi network to do decent Web surfing.

Price: Less than one year after it was introduced at a hefty $599 price, the 8 GB model of the iPhone will now be two-thirds cheaper, at just $199.

Third-party programs: Until now, in order to get third-party programs on an iPhone, you had to hack it. Now, there will be hundreds of them coming soon, and the handful that were demonstrated by Apple looked impressive, from blogging-on-the-go, to news and sports, to games and even medical software.

The Biggest Minuses

Still locked to one carrier: Even though the greater speed is a huge deal, it only matters if you have good AT&T reception. If AT&T?s coverage in your area is poor, the iPhone is still a bad choice, because Apple, unlike its competitors, doesn?t sell it through multiple carriers in one market.

Still missing some features: They haven?t added a real way to cut and paste, or to save files, other than emailed photos. And there still isn?t any MMS capability?the ability to instantly send or receive media files over the phone network without resorting to email. There?s also no instant-messaging program, though third-party developers are likely to offer these.

Still has a wimpy camera: The original iPhone camera was OK, but, given the phone?s brilliant screen and tight integration with computer photo software, it could stand to be better. It isn?t in this new model.

AND:

IPhone 2.0: What Might Have Been

David Pogue. 9 June 08

N.Y. Times

By now, you?ve probably heard the details of the new iPhone 3G, which arrives in stores July 11 at $200 for the 8-gigabyte model ? a cool one-third of its original price a year ago. The new model has built-in G.P.S., a normal headphone jack instead of a custom one, and slightly better battery life. And, of course, double the Internet speed (because of the ?3G? antenna).

Brokenhearted Apple watchers wasted no time in bemoaning all the missing features that remain unaddressed: There?s still no user-swappable battery, physical keyboard, copy-and-paste function, memory card slot, video recording, Bluetooth stereo audio or MMS (the ability to send photos to other cellphones).

The weirdest complaints, though, have to do with what was only a rumor ? that, thanks to the 3G speed, the new iPhone would be able to do hand-held cellular video chats, à la **** Tracy?s watch. (The rumor was wrong.)

I?ll admit that I was kind of psyched by the possibility. But all weekend long, one thing kept bothering me about this rumor: If you want to do video chats, you?d need a camera above the screen. That would mean putting the iPhone?s camera on the front instead of the back ? and that would mean you couldn?t use it for regular picture-taking. At least, not without some extremely awkward body contortion, as you watch the front screen to frame the shot and yet try to avoid being in the shot.

The only way to make this happen would be to put either a second screen or a second camera on the back, either of which would add cost, complexity and ugliness, and I knew Apple would never go there.

My other reaction to the new iPhone announcement is amazement that everybody accepts the new 3G speeds as a given. Don?t they know that 3G phones don?t give you any speed boost except in metro areas where the carrier has installed 3G networks? Not a syllable was said about the size of AT&T?s 3G network at Steve Jobs?s keynote presentation this morning, and so far, I haven?t seen anyone online or in the media express concern about this topic, either.

AT&T says it has coverage in 280 metropolitan areas, and will have 350 by year?s end. (I just checked AT&T?s 3G-coverage map Web site to see where and how big these hot spots are. It says only ?Maintenance in Progress.?)

So let me just say it: That Apple was able to incorporate a 3G antenna ? traditional battery-hogger ? into a cellphone that actually gets improved battery life is a genuinely amazing accomplishment. But unless you?re in an AT&T 3G coverage area, the new iPhone won?t be any faster online than the old one.

:?:

[stegee]

sounds rubbish!!

[Chatty]

i want one, but no money

[friendlyCat]

I think for most people, the 3G speed is either non-existent, in USA or over priced. BTW, I think that the The windows mobile software performs many functions well, but it just a bit to complicated for the average user to bother with.

[funky_house]

Remember that the iPhone came in from a totally different perspective to most other phones. Look at the tight integration with Mac OS and the touch screen.

I am sure Apple will slowly address the MMS issue, along with a better camera with each model progression. I personally think that these are two things that they will need to do to get the general public more on board, as opposed to the business community. you only have to look at how youngsters are using their camera phones nowadays to see that.

Still, I want one :-)

[Stramash]

2 cans, piece of string, nuff said :twisted:

[Bruce551]

Here's a pretty cool podcast on Apple iPhone (WWDC) and running Windows on a Mac.

Podcast - Mac Geek Gab #155: WWDC, Kindle, Screen Sharing, and Windows || The Mac Observer

http://www.macobserver.com/podcast/2008/06/09.1.shtml

I just found out that the "Notes" app on iPhone can read "Word" and PDF's file, so you can store your stuff on iPhone for reference, kinda neat.

See "iPhone View"

http://www.ecamm.com/mac/phoneview/

[haiku_newyork]

I'm having all types of problems with my 6 weeks old (I Touch)...

I'm trying to get my money back in Korea!

I want the new I Phone for just $199

**** I'm stupid....

[SweetieBabie]

First in Thailand with iphone 3G supported by truemove, with truemove simcard only. Starts from 1399baht/month

http://www.truemove.com/iphone/eng/index.htm

[MisterMatlock]

First in Thailand with iphone 3G supported by truemove, with truemove simcard only. Starts from 1399baht/month

http://www.truemove.com/iphone/eng/index.htm

Talk about a total ******* ripoff when you compare it to mobile internet packages from Manila. They're already onto closer to 4G while Thailand is still haggling over who will get the "licenses" (read 'corruption kickbacks') over a wireless service that should have been unveiled years ago. As I thought before, instead of dropping the existing GPRS/EDGE packages to lower price points, they INSTEAD keep them at the same price point and intro 3G at even HIGHER rates. Again, ripoff.

[Guest FLGlenn]

2 cans, piece of string, nuff said :twisted:

lol still using that technology?

[Neo]

Yay.. 3G iphone.. so now we'll be able to surf the net on our iphones. Or we would if the iphone supported Flash. But hey, we could still surf the non-flash websites right? Sure! Both of them!

Nokia 5800. Copy and paste, flash, high resolution screen, decent camera, video, handwriting recognition. One day Apple will get it right, until then there's Nokia (**** I sound like an ad).

[Guest FLGlenn]

Yay.. 3G iphone.. so now we'll be able to surf the net on our iphones. Or we would if the iphone supported Flash. But hey, we could still surf the non-flash websites right? Sure! Both of them!

Nokia 5800. Copy and paste, flash, high resolution screen, decent camera, video, handwriting recognition. One day Apple will get it right, until then there's Nokia (sh*t I sound like an ad).

You sound like a salesman! lol

[beej]

First in Thailand with iphone 3G supported by truemove, with truemove simcard only. Starts from 1399baht/month

http://www.truemove.com/iphone/eng/index.htm

Talk about a total f*cking ripoff when you compare it to mobile internet packages from Manila. They're already onto closer to 4G while Thailand is still haggling over who will get the "licenses" (read 'corruption kickbacks') over a wireless service that should have been unveiled years ago. As I thought before, instead of dropping the existing GPRS/EDGE packages to lower price points, they INSTEAD keep them at the same price point and intro 3G at even HIGHER rates. Again, ripoff.

It IS a joke!

I'm happy with whatever I connect through on my old iphone, it surfs the net fast enough and costs me pennies.

[MisterMatlock]

First in Thailand with iphone 3G supported by truemove, with truemove simcard only. Starts from 1399baht/month

http://www.truemove.com/iphone/eng/index.htm

Talk about a total f*cking ripoff when you compare it to mobile internet packages from Manila. They're already onto closer to 4G while Thailand is still haggling over who will get the "licenses" (read 'corruption kickbacks') over a wireless service that should have been unveiled years ago. As I thought before, instead of dropping the existing GPRS/EDGE packages to lower price points, they INSTEAD keep them at the same price point and intro 3G at even HIGHER rates. Again, ripoff.

It IS a joke!

I'm happy with whatever I connect through on my old iphone, it surfs the net fast enough and costs me pennies.

I don't have any problem with the iPhone per se, I just have a problem with how Thai telecom companies price their wireless internet packages. They offer a service that is slow, expensive as **** and totally inconsistent and then wonder why there's "no market"... Maybe if they offered a service with "this decade" speeds, dropped the price by 50% and made the service WORK on a regular basis, people might actually buy into it.

[Guest FLGlenn]

First in Thailand with iphone 3G supported by truemove, with truemove simcard only. Starts from 1399baht/month

http://www.truemove.com/iphone/eng/index.htm

Talk about a total f*cking ripoff when you compare it to mobile internet packages from Manila. They're already onto closer to 4G while Thailand is still haggling over who will get the "licenses" (read 'corruption kickbacks') over a wireless service that should have been unveiled years ago. As I thought before, instead of dropping the existing GPRS/EDGE packages to lower price points, they INSTEAD keep them at the same price point and intro 3G at even HIGHER rates. Again, ripoff.

It IS a joke!

I'm happy with whatever I connect through on my old iphone, it surfs the net fast enough and costs me pennies.

I don't have any problem with the iPhone per se, I just have a problem with how Thai telecom companies price their wireless internet packages. They offer a service that is slow, expensive as f*ck and totally inconsistent and then wonder why there's "no market"... Maybe if they offered a service with "this decade" speeds, dropped the price by 50% and made the service WORK on a regular basis, people might actually buy into it.

Cell phone expert too I see!

[MisterMatlock]

I don't have any problem with the iPhone per se, I just have a problem with how Thai telecom companies price their wireless internet packages. They offer a service that is slow, expensive as f*ck and totally inconsistent and then wonder why there's "no market"... Maybe if they offered a service with "this decade" speeds, dropped the price by 50% and made the service WORK on a regular basis, people might actually buy into it.

Cell phone expert too I see!

Yep. Two years at NorTel as well as two MORE years at a small telecom company that specialized in internet backbones as well as wireless networks and voice over IP. Ya can't claim THIS kind of work experience while you're giving oily handjobs to other men, eh Glenn?

[Guest FLGlenn]

I don't have any problem with the iPhone per se, I just have a problem with how Thai telecom companies price their wireless internet packages. They offer a service that is slow, expensive as f*ck and totally inconsistent and then wonder why there's "no market"... Maybe if they offered a service with "this decade" speeds, dropped the price by 50% and made the service WORK on a regular basis, people might actually buy into it.

Cell phone expert too I see!

Yep. Two years at NorTel as well as two MORE years at a small telecom company that specialized in internet backbones as well as wireless networks and voice over IP. Ya can't claim THIS kind of work experience while you're giving oily handjobs to other men, eh Glenn?

I see talking about oily handjobs really gets you hot (telling on yourself now). I don't understand why you keep thinking I'm a massage person, dreaming about me are you? Thanks for the unimpressive resume..zzzzzzzz....zzzzzz

[laragirl]

I don't have any problem with the iPhone per se, I just have a problem with how Thai telecom companies price their wireless internet packages. They offer a service that is slow, expensive as f*ck and totally inconsistent and then wonder why there's "no market"... Maybe if they offered a service with "this decade" speeds, dropped the price by 50% and made the service WORK on a regular basis, people might actually buy into it.

Cell phone expert too I see!

Yep. Two years at NorTel as well as two MORE years at a small telecom company that specialized in internet backbones as well as wireless networks and voice over IP. Ya can't claim THIS kind of work experience while you're giving oily handjobs to other men, eh Glenn?

I see talking about oily handjobs really gets you hot (telling on yourself now). I don't understand why you keep thinking I'm a massage person, dreaming about me are you? Thanks for the unimpressive resume..zzzzzzzz....zzzzzz

i think he mentions it a lot because it's funny to have an old guy as a "massage person" [it's called a masseuse by the way, i'm sure it's pretty difficult to spell for you based on the posts you've made].

it's been a long time since we've had an afook-kind here on TF. you are indeed the one...

[Guest FLGlenn]

I don't have any problem with the iPhone per se, I just have a problem with how Thai telecom companies price their wireless internet packages. They offer a service that is slow, expensive as f*ck and totally inconsistent and then wonder why there's "no market"... Maybe if they offered a service with "this decade" speeds, dropped the price by 50% and made the service WORK on a regular basis, people might actually buy into it.

Cell phone expert too I see!

Yep. Two years at NorTel as well as two MORE years at a small telecom company that specialized in internet backbones as well as wireless networks and voice over IP. Ya can't claim THIS kind of work experience while you're giving oily handjobs to other men, eh Glenn?

I see talking about oily handjobs really gets you hot (telling on yourself now). I don't understand why you keep thinking I'm a massage person, dreaming about me are you? Thanks for the unimpressive resume..zzzzzzzz....zzzzzz

i think he mentions it a lot because it's funny to have an old guy as a "massage person" [it's called a masseuse by the way, i'm sure it's pretty difficult to spell for you based on the posts you've made].

it's been a long time since we've had an afook-kind here on TF. you are indeed the one...

I guess it would be more funny if I were the old guy masseuse...otherwise I think it's a Freudian slip. Glad you're my spell checker (work on your use of caps first) and think I'm the "one". Be sure to vote for me next time you check out my profile!

[laragirl]

I don't have any problem with the iPhone per se, I just have a problem with how Thai telecom companies price their wireless internet packages. They offer a service that is slow, expensive as f*ck and totally inconsistent and then wonder why there's "no market"... Maybe if they offered a service with "this decade" speeds, dropped the price by 50% and made the service WORK on a regular basis, people might actually buy into it.

Cell phone expert too I see!

Yep. Two years at NorTel as well as two MORE years at a small telecom company that specialized in internet backbones as well as wireless networks and voice over IP. Ya can't claim THIS kind of work experience while you're giving oily handjobs to other men, eh Glenn?

I see talking about oily handjobs really gets you hot (telling on yourself now). I don't understand why you keep thinking I'm a massage person, dreaming about me are you? Thanks for the unimpressive resume..zzzzzzzz....zzzzzz

i think he mentions it a lot because it's funny to have an old guy as a "massage person" [it's called a masseuse by the way, i'm sure it's pretty difficult to spell for you based on the posts you've made].

it's been a long time since we've had an afook-kind here on TF. you are indeed the one...

I guess it would be more funny if I were the old guy masseuse...otherwise I think it's a Freudian slip. Glad you're my spell checker (work on your use of caps first) and think I'm the "one". Be sure to vote for me next time you check out my profile!

i think it's funny whether or not it's true since YOU brought it onto yourself saying that your are one. for now, i'd like to think it's true that you massage men for a living... very funny. it's entertaining.

[zeusbheld]

I don't have any problem with the iPhone per se, I just have a problem with how Thai telecom companies price their wireless internet packages. They offer a service that is slow, expensive as f*ck and totally inconsistent and then wonder why there's "no market"... Maybe if they offered a service with "this decade" speeds, dropped the price by 50% and made the service WORK on a regular basis, people might actually buy into it.

Cell phone expert too I see!

Yep. Two years at NorTel as well as two MORE years at a small telecom company that specialized in internet backbones as well as wireless networks and voice over IP. Ya can't claim THIS kind of work experience while you're giving oily handjobs to other men, eh Glenn?

I see talking about oily handjobs really gets you hot (telling on yourself now). I don't understand why you keep thinking I'm a massage person, dreaming about me are you? Thanks for the unimpressive resume..zzzzzzzz....zzzzzz

i think he mentions it a lot because it's funny to have an old guy as a "massage person" [it's called a masseuse by the way, i'm sure it's pretty difficult to spell for you based on the posts you've made].

it's been a long time since we've had an afook-kind here on TF. you are indeed the one...

I guess it would be more funny if I were the old guy masseuse...otherwise I think it's a Freudian slip. Glad you're my spell checker (work on your use of caps first) and think I'm the "one". Be sure to vote for me next time you check out my profile!

i think it's funny whether or not it's true since YOU brought it onto yourself saying that your are one. for now, i'd like to think it's true that you massage men for a living... very funny. it's entertaining.

not to be pedantic or anything (but i will anyway)... if the poster in question is a masseuse, that implies transgender...

[beej]

Right you slags, my 2 year old iphone is nearly dead, so if anyones going to Hong Kong I'll give them a bag of money to buy be a couple and some extra.

xxx

[MisterMatlock]

Right you slags, my 2 year old iphone is nearly dead, so if anyones going to Hong Kong I'll give them a bag of money to buy be a couple and some extra.

xxx

I'm in. I conveniently misplaced my ******* HTC Touch HD the other night.

[beej]

Right you slags, my 2 year old iphone is nearly dead, so if anyones going to Hong Kong I'll give them a bag of money to buy be a couple and some extra.

xxx

I'm in. I conveniently misplaced my f*cking HTC Touch HD the other night.

You goon, so who's off to HK?