Summer Round-Up: Apple iPhone 3G - AT&T

Previous Posts in this series:

Verizon Wireless: LG Voyager, LG Dare, Samsung Glyde, LG Decoy

Apple iPhone 3G - AT&T

The first-gen iPhone set the mobile phone world on its ear with its state-of-the-art multitouch display, best-in-class Web browser, and unprecedented ease of use.  Apple also left out many features phone enthusiasts are used to, including voice dialing, stereo Bluetooth and MMS picture messaging.  Apple's new release, the iPhone 3G adds 3G connectivity and true GPS to the mix, and features a tweaked industrial design, but doesn't address any of the aforementioned shortcomings found in the first version.  But the new version does include version 2.0 of the iPhone OS, which features support for Apple's new App Store for downloading and installing third-party software.  And, oh yeah, the pruchase price has been dropped by $200 but the monthly rate plan has gone up $10 ($15 if you want an SMS plan) - you do the math on that one, figuring for the mandatory 24-month contract.

Pros: Best touchscreen, Web browser, and media player currently available on any cell phone; App Store growing by the day; New design features flush mount headphone jack compatible with any earphones.

Cons: Still no voice dialing or stereo Bluetooth; Google Maps GPS system doesn't support spoke directions; Early reports indicate issues with 3G connectivity and some cracking of plastic housing; mediocre camera with no video capture.

Buying Advice: Personally I prefer the metal back of the first-gen iPhone to the new plastic design, but that aside the iPhone is still the weapon of choice if you want the best Web browsing and/or media player experience available on a cell phone.  AT&T and Apple apparently have some issues to work out when it comes to 3G connectivity and data speeds, and despite the new, lower pricing the total cost of owning an iPhone over two years has actually gone up.  Still, it's hard to argue with iPhone's ease of use, fun factor, and overall experience.  If you want a high-end media-centric phone and can live with AT&T, iPhone's a great choice.