I purchased the 2G (EDGE speed) iPhone from Apple a few days after the initial launch in 2007. Since then, I have enjoyed the product thoroughly and love having the ability to carry a phone/mp3 player/mobile computing device in my pocket.
When Apple announced the 3G (super speedy) version of the iPhone, I was initially pretty excited. The EDGE speeds of the 2G version were one of the biggest annoyances for me, so the 3G speeds sounded like it would solve all of the problems. I had marked the release date on my calendar and had every plans of buying one during the first week or so.
Almost 4 weeks later, I still have not pulled the trigger. The reasons for me remaining “on the fence” are:
- Product Cost & Additional AT&T costs - The reality is that the phone is more expensive. I’d have to shell out $299 for the 16GB model and then pay an additional $10/mo. surcharge for the 3G service plan plus an additional $10/mo. for a new text message plan (which is already included in my 2G plan). I still feel that the new features don’t warrant those extra expenditures on my part.
- Lack of New Features - Aside from the 3G speeds, the only new feauture is the GPS ability. GPS would be cool to have, but I’m not sure it’s worth the extra $500 that will have to spent over the first year of usage due to the increased costs mentioned above. If the 3G iPhone had any of the following, maybe it would help change my mind:
- Better Camera (no improvements since 2G version)
- Ability to Record Video
- MMS multimedia text messaging
- Ability to play Flash content
- Battery Life Concerns - My 2G phone lasts pretty much throughout the whole day with my phone, music, web browsing tendencies. All of the 3G reports suggest that you will need to recharge the new version at least once a day, if it makes it through the full day (which is definitely not a guarantee). Being unable to actually use the cool features of the phone is a serious detraction.
- Looks Less Cool - The 2G iPhone has a cool looking aluminum back. The new 3G one is made of plastic that gets dirtier looking and has more potential for cracks.
- 2.0 Applications & App Store - All of the cool applications are available for the 2G version of the iPhone also. The applications are one of the best things about the iPhone and they can be used on the orginal 2G version.
It just doesn’t make sense from a financial perspective, nor does it make sense from an overall consumer perspective. The lack of features (only GPS, really) is pretty sad.
I still have high hopes for the iPhone, but for now, I think I will be waiting it out and seeing what the next incarnation is. I want more features or improvements to current features… not just faster speeds.
(PS - I still hate Apple and Steve Jobs, even if I do like the 2G iPhone!)
