IPhone 3GS Review

Just to start off this review, if you own the 3G model iPhone that came out last year, you don't need to go out and get this phone.

The iPhone 3GS is the newest model of the iPhone and comse with a few new improvements over last year's model. On the hardware side the 3GS offers double the RAM and processing power of the 3G and improved camera and the most noticeable feature the ability to take video. The new models also boast larger hard drives allowing for hard more content to be placed on each phone. One paper this may seem a like a major performance and functional upgrade, but in the real world the advantages are more negligible than noticeable.

The Performance
The iPhone3GS performance increase is quite noticeable. The biggest improvements is the near elimination of pauses in the core programs so if you're frustrated that iTunes or your camera didn't load fast enough you will be happily surprised with this new model. I personally found that games only loaded slightly faster and that with the majority of the Apps are only noticeably faster when you put the 3G and 3GS side by side. The battery life is about the same as the 3G model and you will only be able to squeeze and extra 1 to 3 addition hours of power. So pack that charger when you travel.

The Camera
Probably the biggest upgrade to this model is the new camera with video capability. The standard still camera has been upgraded from 2 to 3 megapixels and the software has been improved allowing the picture to be more vibrant and in focus, ah rejoice no more fuzzy washed out pictures. The new video option is great with the video maintaining the same visual improvements that the still pictures have but uploading sending video is a bit limited.

Storage Place
The iPhone3G had a storage amount of 8 Gigabytes the new iPhone3GS come in two sizes a 16 and 32 Gigabyte models in your choice of black or white colors.

Price
While a nifty little device it does come with a sizable price tag. The smaller 16 Gigabyte model has a price tag of $199.00 with a two year contract and is the cheapest 3GS available. The iPhone3GS also comes in a larger 32 Gigabyte model if you want to drop the $299.00 also with a two year contract. The contract is broken down into three major sections your Data Plan, Phone Plan, and Features that are combined to give you your monthly charge (I am using prices here in the northeast and will vary within your area). The Data Plan is essentially your internet and is a requirement for your iPhone to run its Apps and multiple other features, and is $30.00 dollars a month. Second is your Phone Plan which is also required and will range from $39.99 for a national 450 minute with rollover plan to $99.99 for a national unlimited minute plan a month. Last is your Features that can range from text message service ($5.00 - $20.00) and other options and these are optional for you to take. Here in the northeast that means that the lowest for you to get an iPhone3GS is the 16 Gigabyte for $199.00 plus taxes with a combine plan starting at $69.99 a month (Data Plan $30.00 + Phone $39.99 = $69.99) plus taxes and fees at the low end. But there are ways to bring down your cost and there may be trade in bonuses or other deals that you local dealer can grant you.

Service
The iPhone3GS' reception has not improved over last year's model, but it hasn't gotten worse. Where I live in Massachusetts AT&T service is great and I only experience minimal drops and that only when I drive thru a tunnel. If AT&T has a reputation of good service in your area you should lose any calls, but if the reputation is a bit wonky than the iPhone3GS will be as unreliable.

The iPhone3GS is a faster more improved version of the 3G and if you have the original iPhone is worth the price tag, but if you have the 3G I'd wait until future models.

Source List
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Apple iPhone3G Spec Page http://www.apple.com/iphone/specs-3g.html
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Apple iPhone3GS Spec Page http://www.apple.com/iphone/specs.html
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AT&T Plan Information http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/packages/packages-details.jsp?q_sku=sku3790233&q_package=sku3790236