Smartphone Review: Apple IPhone 3GS

Apple iPhone Product Description and Commentary:
At just ¼ inch thick, the Apple iPhone 3GS is made to carry along wherever you go. The thin, responsive, specially made glass touch screen assures users can quickly access the app (i.e. application) needed.

To start with, the Calendar is incredibly convenient since people tend to carry their cell phones with them constantly. Need to double-check a doctor's appointment date and time? No problem. Want to check your work schedule for a specific date? It can easily be done on an iPhone 3GS. Life becomes more seamless with the capacity to see what you have planned no matter where you are.

The Contacts list is unbelievably efficient. It includes names, phone numbers, phone line type (mobile, home, work), and other relevant info for each contact. Mailing addresses and important notes can be made on the iPhone. There's a "Text Message" button on each contact screen so you can just tap to bring up the typewriter screen to quickly type in text and press "send." The type and amount of information you can store in the Contacts app is mind-boggling. It comes in handy daily.

A camera is a must-have wherever you go these days. Luckily, the iPhone has one built in. If you need to purchase a specific type of item to match something at home, pull out the iPhone and take a picture. This writer photographed a vertical blinds track needed and showed the sales people at a window treatment store what she was seeking. Voila, task accomplished, thanks to the iPhone's camera.

Photos stored on your computer can be synced to and found on your iPhone. So, at any point in time wherever you are, you can look through your pictures or share them with others. The enjoyment you will experience from your photos is vastly increased as you can look at them anytime during the day or show them to interested friends/co-workers.

The fantastic stock market app that came loaded on the iPhone keeps you up to the minute on what the stock market is doing. Users can even key in specific stocks they want to watch. It is quite helpful to be able to immediately access daily stock market information on stocks you own.

The Weather app, also pre-loaded, reveals with a tap what kind of weather to expect from moment to moment. Is this a good day for the beach? Maybe you should plan to shop at the indoor mall since it will be raining. The iPhone's useful weather app will keep you ahead of the weather when making plans for the day.

The iPhone's clock app has stopwatch, timer, and alarm features. Is that awesome or what? The date app is even more useful as the date is found on iPhone's main page. So accessible, it's a glance away.

The compass feature is cool because you can check to see which direction you are headed. Coupled with the GPS in the iPhone, you most likely won't get lost anymore. It's such a relief, especially when you move to a different city to know you have your iPhone with you to help you find your way.

But the pre-loaded app this writer loves the most is Voice Memos. That's right, just tap it and begin speaking to record whatever you like. Need something at the grocery store? Just thought of a great idea for an article? You will find yourself using this app to record reminders and deep thoughts.

With the iPhone 3GS, you can surf the internet, no matter where you are. If you need an answer to a question, pull out the iPhone. If you are out and about and want to know if you received an important email, just tap the "Mail" app on the main screen and the current list of new emails appear. Definitely a favorite, being able to check email when you are on the run is tops on this writer's list.

Want to listen to your favorite music? There's an iPod in your iPhone! No kidding, only it's one step better than a classic iPod because you can listen to the music without ear buds or other equipment.

In terms of apps that can be purchased for an iPhone, the possibilities are endless. There are programs to count calories/fats and to record exercise, minutes, and calories burned. There are apps to play music, read the classics and learn to write more effectively. Apps exist covering every possible hobby and interest. Anywhere you are, you can learn something by using your iPhone 3GS. No more boring waits at doctor's offices. If you have an iPhone, you will never be caught without something to do.

Cost of an Apple iPhone 3GS:
IPhone 3GS costs are $99 for 8 GB at A T & T's website. Although A T & T offers refurbished 16 GB and 32 GB iPhones at prices ranging from $99 to $149, no new iPhone 3GS with 16 GB or 32 GB could be found on the website. The new iPhone 4 is also now available and no doubt will make the iPhone 3GS obsolete. Above costs do not include monthly service plans which are required to operate the iPhone.

Complaints About the Apple iPhone 3GS:
There is no zoom on the camera, which hampers taking pictures, especially outdoors. Also, the camera phone does not have built-in flash. Both of these issues have been remedied on the iPhone 4. Although most of the new software for the iPhone 4 can be downloaded for use on the iPhone 3GS, certain functions will not work on the 3GS due to hardware differences between the two.

A T & T is currently the only cell phone company to offer iPhones with cell phone service. This will soon change as Apple recently announced a deal they have made with Verizon. Regardless, potential buyers of iPhones will be forced to deal with one company or the other for cell phone and data services to make their iPhones operable.

Which brings us to the next complaint about the iPhone 3GS-monthly costs for services to operate the iPhone. Many consumers believe these fees are too high and thus avoid purchasing an Apple iPhone.

Other Reviews of the Apple iPhone 3GS:
Interestingly, Engadget's reviewer, Joshua Topolsky was not all that enthralled with the iPhone 3GS. He concerned himself with how users of earlier iPhones would feel about having to spend more to get the new iPhone. He also expressed the opinion that there is not much difference between the iPhone 3G and the iPhone 3GS.

The Alatest website rated the iPhone 3GS as 95/100 which is an "excellent quality" rating.

Product Rating:
Apple iPhone 3GS gets 5 out of 5 stars.

Final Word on the Apple iPhone 3GS:
The Apple iPhone 3GS is a fantastic cell phone and even greater tool for living. Although it will soon be obsolete because of production of iPhone 4, of everything this writer owns the iPhone 3GS comes out on top as the best piece of technology. It makes life easier and a lot more fun. Plus, the iPhone 3GS's size makes it convenient to take everywhere. This writer loves her iPhone and doesn't want to live without it.

Sources

A T & T website.

Alatest website.

Apple website.

Chaney, Rita. November 7, 2010. Phone Reviews: IPhone 3GS. (Original version of this article found on Helium website.)

Engadget website.

Personal experience.

Pew website.