6 Things to Consider Before Buying an IPhone

Many people assume the major reason for not buying the iPhone is ... the iPhone. (It costs too much, has too few GBs and so forth.) But far from it! A major purchase (and any item that costs a few hundred dollars plus a monthly fee qualifies) is a decision you make about how your lifestyle fits with the product you are buying. So how you will use the product is the most important thing to consider. This article tells you what the major features are and lets you know if it's the right phone for you... Also, now that Apple has come out with iTouch, you may realize that the features you best like on the iPhone are available for a much cheaper price!

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT BEFORE BUYING THE IPHONE

1) There is no built in keyboard, but instead the iPhone uses a touch-system keyboard. This means that you will frequently (at least until you get used to it) find it frustrating to type. Even if you are good with your pointer finger, if you're looking to write long emails or Helium articles on your phone, this may be frustrating. CAVEAT: keyboard is more for short phrases than long emails.

2) Depending on how many multimedia files you have, the 8GB storage space might mean you're constantly rotating music in and out of your iPod. On the other hand, you might want a constant change of music and videos, but keep in mind you'll still spend time transferring files. CAVEAT: If you have a number of large files, the smaller storage space may be a problem. The iTouch does have up to 16GB so that might be worth considering.

3) The wireless, one of the neatest features, is a tad slow, even on a fast wireless network so pages will not load as quickly as they will at home. Also consider how you're going to use the internet: do you want to browse, read game reviews, articles and so forth? You may find the screen is too small to do more than strain your eyes, even with the nifty tool that effortlessly magnifies. Think about how you view the internet and try visiting your usual sites before you purchase it. CAVEAT: reading webpages on a small screen may be difficult.

4) If you are prone to dropping your cell phone frequently, you may want to rethink getting an ultra slim iPhone. After all, if you drop it you're out much more than $100 for a new phone. Wireless insurance will not cover an accidental drop. CAVEAT: I'm clumsy.

5) If you want to replace your Blackberry, some business VPNs do not sync with Apple because it uses an unsecure connection. If you want to buy the iPhone for business, check with your computer tech support first. CAVEAT: your iPhone might not work with your business network.

6) It comes with a 2 yr service contract with AT&T. Apple ships a proprietary product, which means that they expect you to use it in certain ways and only support those ways. If you're not willing to pay the monthly fee, but still want the cool features of the iPhone, consider the iTouch iPod. (It has wireless, photos, video and music, but no phone. To use the internet service, you must be in a location that already has wireless internet.) CAVEAT: AT&T is your only service provider.

So, before you set out to buy the iPhone, visit your Apple retailer and take it for a spin: browse webpages, type an email, ask about protection options and think carefully about your current phone and internet habits. Do they mesh with the type of functions that the iPhone provides? If not but you still want the spiffy latest design, look into the iTouch.