I am still trying to figure out how to write the g and s after 3 since Apple places the s in a box after a capitalized S, however if you hover over the logo, the tool tip shows iPhone 3gs. Most news organizations are using 3G (space) S, which is it Apple?
Anyway back to the topic at hand. The key improvement to the iPhone is really the new OS 3.0 functionality. Some of that functionality is only available on the 3G S because of the required hardware. Here is the list of 3G S only functionality:
- 3MP camera with auto focus and video recording
- 2X times faster
- Voice control
- Compass
Everyone with an older iPhone 3G and 2G will get these key features:
- Cut, copy and paste
- MMS
- Spotlight search
- Landscape keyboard
- Voice memos
On the Exchange front iPhone OS 3.0 will include the ability:
- Invite others to appointments
- Search through emails
On the battery front, there is some improvement. Here is Apple comparison of max times between the 3G S and 3G:
- Talk time: 5 hours on a 3G network for both, 12 hours for the 3G S vs. 10 hours for the 3G on a 2G network
- Standby time: 300 hours for both
- Internet use: 5 hours on a 3G network for both, 9 hours for the 3 G S vs. 6 hours for the 3G on a WIFI network
- Audio playback: 30 hours on the 3G S and 24 hours on the 3G
- Video playback: 10 hours on the 3G S and 7 hours on the 3G
Why upgrade to a 3G S (my list in preference order):
- Faster processor
- Better GPS functionality enabling precise turn by turn navigation
- 3MP camera with video
- 32GB of storage
- Voice control
- Access to the volume control on the Apple in ear headset
- Somewhat better battery performance
- 7.2 Mpbs 3G network, although AT&T won't have that upgrade completed until 2011
- Having the latest and greatest
If I was a 2G owner, upgrading to the 3G S would be a no brainer, especially if I was in the lower upgrade pricing zone of my contract. If you are, as I am a 3G owner, then the decision is harder because most of us are probably still in year 1 of the contract meaning that the upgrade pricing is essentially the list price of $399 (16GB) and $499 (32GB), but if you are a heavy user or you need turn by turn GPS then it probably makes sense. I decided to take the plunge and pre order a 32GB 3G S from AT&T. The confirmation page said they were going to attempt (key word) to deliver the units on the 19th via FedEx, if you ordered by the 17th 12 noon Central Time. We will see how well AT&T is able to meet that criterion.
I went ahead and ordered the 32 GB iPhone today and went to switch my plan from T-Mobile to AT&T. I have been waiting for this phone (32 GB) for 2 years and am looking forward to only carrying 1 device with me, for phone, music, applications etc. and am excited to get the phone next week. We'll see how seamless the number porting will be. T-Mobile has been bombarding me with incentives to renew my contract, but the lack of 3G where I live (Toledo, OH) and lack of phones I want gave me the final push. Because nearly all of my friends and colleagues are already with AT&T I could get the cheapest family plan and not worry about ever going over in minutes. That means I will probably end up saving money month-over-month (I hope) vs. my current T-Mobile plan. I must say I'm sad to leave T-Mobile, as I thought their network quality (3G excluded) and customer service was excellent, but it wasn't enough to keep me as a customer. Here's looking forward to seeing the FedEx truck next Friday!
Posted by: Chris Beard | June 10, 2009 at 10:49 PM
When I switched from T-Mo to AT&T, AT&T gave me a number which activated the phone, then I called CS and the number port happened while I was on the phone. I was quite impressed. Same here, more and more of my friends and family are switching. Over the last year I found that I have accumulated about 1000 minutes of rollover, which is really handy for those months you go over you base bucket. I only check my usage once or twice a month anymore.
Posted by: Stephen Skarlatos | June 11, 2009 at 07:33 AM