The Apple iPhone 3G 8GB is probably the most anticipated pieces of technology this year; of course it's been out in the US for a while now with much anger from the US consumers over AT&T's iron grip approach to the use of the iPhone. Unfortunately it seems that AT&T was so influential in the design of the iPhone that no matter where you are in the world AT&T's influence can be felt. The iPhone is not just a phone. As always Apple has created a lifestyle product.
The iPhone is more an iPod Touch with a web browser, a camera, a go-anywhere mail client with the option to make phone calls when you feel the need. The excitement surrounding the iPhone is testimony to the brilliant minds in Apple's marketing department, because in all honesty the iPhone is not really that good. It's great to have a phone with extra functionality which the iPhone has a whole range of, yet it fails at the simplest phone orientated tasks. The iPhone has no Java app support, so those of you who use Mxit will be out of luck. The camera doesn't have a zoom, not even a digital one, and there is no option for taking videos. There is no MMS functionality which seems to be a step backwards for technology.
The fact that the iPhone is 3G and comes with a minimum of 250MB of data built into the contract will have some people dreaming of using the iPhone as a 3G modem, well unfortunately as we discovered there is no option to use the iPhone as a 3G modem (thank you AT&T) in fact to accomplish this little feat requires some serious workarounds.
It's these little nagging details that start to chip away at the iPhone's veneer, even Nokia's that go for less than half of the iPhone's price can meet these rather easy requirements. The iPhone does have a few redeeming factors, for those workaholics who have Microsoft exchange servers at their office the iPhone will happily receive your emails so you will never be out of contact; and for those who do not have to deal with the corporate world Gmail and Yahoolmail accounts are supported. Thanks to the 3G connection the iPhone web functionality really shines, Google Earth and Maps are built in, along with weather and stock market applications.
The best web app however is the YouTube application, with the 3G connection YouTube videos buffer extremely quickly and there is nothing like showing someone that funny YouTube clip that you saw instead of just telling them about it. The built-in WiFi means that you can use your home ADSL instead of the 3G connection. The iPhone's multi-touch screen is a great interface and it makes using the phone an addictive experience, while the sounds make the screen seem as responsive as a normal keypad until you attempt an SMS. The iPhone OS is extremely user friendly and the layout makes accessing all the functions simple. Apple hasn't included iTunes so you will need to download it to be able to move music and videos to the iPhone.
Although it lacks functions that most phones come with standard, there will always be a hushed tone when you pull it out your pocket in a crowded room - it really is that awe inspiring, even if it is just a fashion accessory.
