Summary of Early iPhone 3G S Reviews

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/06/17/summary-of-early-iphone-3g-s-reviews/)


http://images.macrumors.com/article/2009/06/17/143018-iphone3gs_03_500.jpg

The early reviews for the iPhone 3G S are in and the conclusions seem pretty common across the board. As advertised, the new iPhone 3G S offers a faster experience, better camera, and impressive video recording. All reviewers felt that the upgrade from 3G was more evolutionary than revolutionary and the core phone remains very much the same as the existing 3G.

Here are a summary of key impressions from the early reviews that have hit the web.

Walt Mossberg / AllThingsD (http://ptech.allthingsd.com/20090617/new-iphone-is-better-model-or-just-get-os-30/)
- Speed: "the new model proved dramatically snappier in every way than my iPhone 3G. "
- Battery: "the new model did much better [than the iPhone 3G], never hitting the red zone and rarely requiring interim charging at the office or in the car, even though, because I was testing it, I was pounding it much harder than usual"
- Camera: "didn’t think the pictures it took were dramatically better than those on the old model"
- Conclusion: "Both the new iPhone and iPhone OS are packed with features that make a great product even better. But, for many users, the software may be enough of a boost to keep them from buying the new model."

Sun Times / Andy Ihnatko (http://www.suntimes.com/business/1626818,ihnatko-iphone-3-review-061709.article)
- Speed: "Everything feels faster. Safari on the iPhone 3G S seems as interactive as a desktop browser."
- Gaming: "Gaming has been kicked up a notch; intensive 3D games are elevated from 'Wow, that’s a great frame rate for a phone!' to simply 'Wow.'"
- Battery: "The 3G S has enough juice for a full day of normal use, but if you’re going to rely on it heavily throughout the day it’s still best to have an external battery."
- Video: "The video quality is impressively smooth and natural given the source, and the sound quality is practically astonishing"
- Voice: "Voice control is a tough feature to successfully pull off on any device. No, the iPhone doesn’t pull it off."
- Flickr set (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andyi/sets/72157619833958006/) of photos taken with the iPhone 3G S.

Engadget (http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/17/iphone-3g-s-review/)
- Game Performance: "If you're an avid gamer looking for the device with more power, the difference will be crystal clear: the 3G S obviously flexes in this department."
- Olephobic screen: - "The most surprising thing about the tech is that it actually does what the company says it will: namely, it resists new smudges and wipes almost entirely clean with a single swipe on a pant leg."
- Camera: "We do have some complaints about exposure, which seems to be permanently cranked to "blinding," and while the shutter speed is faster than on the 3G, it's still not quite snappy enough for our taste."
- Video: "Video recording on the iPhone 3G S is really quite impressive"
- Compass: "Once the compass picks up your bearing, it rotates the map to reflect. This may not sound like much, but if you've ever tried to walk a new city using just maps and geolocation, you'll understand quickly. "
- Conclusion: "For current users, we have this to say: the iPhone 3G S is a solid spec bump to a phone you already own... but it is, at its core, a phone you already own. "

Gizmodo (http://gizmodo.com/5293388/iphone-3gs-review)
- Olephobic coating: "Surprisingly, the coating actually works in preventing a good deal of fingerprints and face grease, and it allows the phone to still be smooth and usable even if there are fingerprints on the surface."
- Speed: " Safari, Email, Camera all load noticeably faster than on the iPhone 3G (both running 3.0 software). Even booting the phone takes about half the time. "
- Video: "Even if it's not quite 30FPS at all times, the video is smooth as hell. Recording still isn't great in low light since it's a physical limitation of cameras in general, but at least it's fluid."
- 7.2Mbpz data speed: "on average the 3GS scored about 50% higher than the 3G, occasionally, in individual runs, it could have ranged anywhere from twice as fast to about the same speeds."
- Battery: "What's also surprising about the 3GS is that you wouldn't expect battery life to be improved, but it is."
- Conclusion: "The only issue with the iPhone 3GS, if you already have the 3G, is that it's not all that different of an experience." ... "as a whole, the iPhone 3GS is the best all-around smartphone available"


Article Link: Summary of Early iPhone 3G S Reviews (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/06/17/summary-of-early-iphone-3g-s-reviews/)

[iPhoneNYC]

Overall, these aren't the raves that I was anticipating. Maybe people should try out the new software on their existing 3Gs before making the leap?

[iBeard]

Well those reviews make me happy I upgraded. I watched the videos on gizmodo and the speed difference is significant.

[NinjaHERO]

This just makes me look forward to the next model next summer.

[larrymarshall2]

I think this summarizes the new iPhone pretty well:

"For current users, we have this to say: the iPhone 3G S is a solid spec bump to a phone you already own... but it is, at its core, a phone you already own."

So avid love Apple people who have 3G's will buy it at full price, 2G owners will finally upgrade to the 3G world, and the planet will be a little happier.

My question is, the statement says that it's testing an average of 50% faster internet speeds...I thought the 7.2 speed wasn't going to roll out until later this year from ATT, or are we just seeing the phone itself process and display faster off regular 3G?

[ajcfreak]

Speed, performance, features.... This is the one to get.

Any ideas on pricing outside the States? Like in India, perhaps?

[ajcfreak]

This just makes me look forward to the next model next summer.

If you keep doing that, you'll always be looking to the next model next summer (for an iPhone) or the next September (for an iPod) :D

[JimmyDreams]

Sounds like I'll be VERY pleased on my upgrade from an old EDGE only iPhone.
:D

[Trixster]

I think this summarizes the new iPhone pretty well:

"For current users, we have this to say: the iPhone 3G S is a solid spec bump to a phone you already own... but it is, at its core, a phone you already own."

So avid love Apple people who have 3G's will buy it at full price, 2G owners will finally upgrade to the 3G world, and the planet will be a little happier.

My question is, the statement says that it's testing an average of 50% faster internet speeds...I thought the 7.2 speed wasn't going to roll out until later this year from ATT, or are we just seeing the phone itself process and display faster off regular 3G?

I´m not sure, but isn´t Gizmodo a German site? Anyway, they probably tested it outside the US on a 7,2mbit 3g net.

[themoonisdown09]

Sounds like I'll be happy with upgrading to the iPhone 3G S from a 2 year old LG Chocolate. :D

[kasei]

Think of all of us upgrading from 1st gen iPhones. This is going to be a huge leap in speed for us. People become so jaded so quickly.

[diabolic]

This just makes me look forward to the next model next summer.

I'll be getting that one too after using the 3G S for a year.

[mca7]

This will be a awesome upgrade for all 2g iPhone users, myself included! Can't wait until Friday

[dizzy13]

No word from the reviews on how much storage the video takes? I did some math and estimated about 27MB/min, but wanted to see how close I was. Guess I have to wait till Friday.

[bigmc6000]

""Visually impaired people can use Apple's Voice Over to navigate the handset's menus and type messages and e-mails. "

Does that mean I can dictate a text message?!?! Man, I've been wanting that ever since I started texting - texting while driving is horribly dangerous but being able to dictate it would awesome!

EDIT: Nevermind - it just helps you enter text, why they haven't expanded voice control to voice to text is far beyond me...

[BongoBanger]

Out of the lot of them I would trust Engadget's review most. It seems pretty clear:

If you've not got one, get it. If you've got a 3G don't bust your contract.

[JMax1]

This just makes me look forward to the next model next summer.

If AT&T will let you upgrade again! Sounds like they probably will bend again on leting iPhoners upgrade, eh?

[TurboSC]

can't wait to take ownership of my new 32GB 3GS, especially now with the ATT upgrade eligibility changes, $299 here I come! woooooooooooooo!

[Furi Kuri]

Well, I think I'm just going to end up sticking with my 3g and just wait.

[trustbyte]

can't wait for ifixit or somebody to tear it apart!

let me see some flash and blood babbbyy!

[Stately]

This just makes me look forward to the next model next summer.

Cooorectumundoooo . . . Just hearing what was to come, I could already ascertain, that the only things that would really mean much to those who already had the 3G, would be the minor speed bump and battery life. Current 3G'ers get most of the important stuff from the 3.0 firmware release. I had a feeling that most of the big stuff would need tweaking anyway. For example video editing will need a bump in the future, maybe a couple of times with software upgrades. As of now, one can not truly completely edit. Voice recognition was just another add-on, but needs refining from what I suspected and from what I have read so far and I wondered how the camera could truly be improved without creating a larger iphone. From the reviews, it seems I was on point. The 3G takes great pictures for a phone, I have no clue why people complain about it. In any event, I think those with the iphone 3G should hang tight.

[TRAG]

I'm running 3.0 on my 3G now and everything is 2 or 3x faster. Can't wait to see how it is on the 3G S.

[VanMac]

I'll be looking forward to picking one up. Hopefully Rogers plans in Canada are decent.

[jacinto45]

This post misses the 3G S review from David Pogue, by far the best tech reviewer out there.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/18/technology/personaltech/18pogue.html?hp

[KindredMAC]

What I want to hear from Walt is whether or not an original iPhone running OS 3.0 should be upgraded to an iPhone 3GS or should I wait one more year.

I don't NEED 3G speed, happy with EDGE and the fact that I always manage to find a free WiFi spot while traveling. GPS... nice but I bought my wife the 3G a few months back and we never travel apart from each other so I can always use hers.

Come on reviewers.... I don't think the real question for users is whether or not they should upgrade from the iPhone 3G to the iPhone 3GS, but it should be for those of us on the first gen phone. If you have a 3G it should be really painfully clear that it is the same phone in essence.

[guant]

This just makes me look forward to the next model next summer.

Yes, I already read yesterday that the next one will have a dual core proc

[jimmygb102]

""Visually impaired people can use Apple's Voice Over to navigate the handset's menus and type messages and e-mails. "

Does that mean I can dictate a text message?!?! Man, I've been wanting that ever since I started texting - texting while driving is horribly dangerous but being able to dictate it would awesome!

EDIT: Nevermind - it just helps you enter text, why they haven't expanded voice control to voice to text is far beyond me...

Wouldn't making a phone call be the same thing, except you don't rely on speech recognition software and its instant....LOL

[rburly]

This just makes me look forward to the next model next summer.

Exactly how I feel. I've had the 3.0 GM for about 10 days and it's enough of an upgrade for me. As most of the reviews said, "It's the same as the phone you already own, with a little more speed". I'm perfectly happy with the 3G.

[Stevamundo]

""Visually impaired people can use Apple's Voice Over to navigate the handset's menus and type messages and e-mails. "

Does that mean I can dictate a text message?!?! Man, I've been wanting that ever since I started texting - texting while driving is horribly dangerous but being able to dictate it would awesome!

EDIT: Nevermind - it just helps you enter text, why they haven't expanded voice control to voice to text is far beyond me...

You texting while driving? I HOPE NOT!

[duky]

What I want to hear from Walt is whether or not an original iPhone running OS 3.0 should be upgraded to an iPhone 3GS or should I wait one more year.

I don't NEED 3G speed, happy with EDGE and the fact that I always manage to find a free WiFi spot while traveling. GPS... nice but I bought my wife the 3G a few months back and we never travel apart from each other so I can always use hers.

Come on reviewers.... I don't think the real question for users is whether or not they should upgrade from the iPhone 3G to the iPhone 3GS, but it should be for those of us on the first gen phone. If you have a 3G it should be really painfully clear that it is the same phone in essence.

Considering you can trade in your phone to online places for around $150 and you're definitely eligible for the upgrade pricing, I don't see what the harm is in paying $50 for this upgrade--you're getting a completely different device. I don't think many 2G iPhone owners will be thinking about it that hard, us 3G owners are the ones who need to contemplate whether it's a necessary upgrade and for me the answer is OF COURSE

[ruinfx]

This post misses the 3G S review from David Pogue, by far the best tech reviewer out there.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/18/technology/personaltech/18pogue.html?hp

actually i thought that review was terrible. i felt like i was reading the iphone 3G S spec sheet and not a review. i dont want to read what features it has, i already know that. he needed to focus more on the performance and experience.

[QCassidy352]

Think of all of us upgrading from 1st gen iPhones. This is going to be a huge leap in speed for us. People become so jaded so quickly.

Yup, I can't wait to ditch EDGE (great as my iphone has been for 2 years!). :D

The funny thing about these reviews is that they all describe what sound to me to be substantial improvements across the board... and then they conclude the 3G S isn't that different from the 3G. It just sounds like the conclusions don't really match up with the reviews.

Anyway, seems like there's enough here to make upgraders happy and yet not so much as to make non-upgraders feel really left out. (which, btw, is exactly how I felt as a 2G owner when the 3G came out last year)

[RebootD]

Why don't you have better than single-bar reception in my neighborhood AT&T WHY?!?!?!? I'd buy one of these in a heartbeat (I have an old Samsung still) but it doesn't do much if I can't use it at home (where I work a lot).

Are they really talking about bringing this to say Verizon/Sprint etc? Every other vendor has better coverage than AT&T in NW Indiana. (Even T-Mobile).

[Goona]

This is a bigger upgrade over the 3g than the 3g was to 2g, if this one is not worth upgrading to, then I guess the 3g was an even worse upgrade.

[tommy8884]

Well those reviews make me happy I upgraded. I watched the videos on gizmodo and the speed difference is significant.

do you have a link to these videos?

[Dwalls90]

Well those reviews make me happy I upgraded. I watched the videos on gizmodo and the speed difference is significant.

It's not really that significant, the jump from G1 iPhone to G2 iPhone was larger.

This just makes me look forward to the next model next summer.

+1

This model doesn't look any different, and the improvements aren't as big of a jump from G1 to G2. Not worth it to me at all.

[jholzner]

I think this summarizes the new iPhone pretty well:

"For current users, we have this to say: the iPhone 3G S is a solid spec bump to a phone you already own... but it is, at its core, a phone you already own."

So avid love Apple people who have 3G's will buy it at full price, 2G owners will finally upgrade to the 3G world, and the planet will be a little happier.

My question is, the statement says that it's testing an average of 50% faster internet speeds...I thought the 7.2 speed wasn't going to roll out until later this year from ATT, or are we just seeing the phone itself process and display faster off regular 3G?

Well, it would seem to come down to other things as well. What if a 3G owner who wants to record video, use the compass, have a much faster processor and twice the RAM, a better camera, an oil resistant screen, 7.2 internet (if supported by your carrier). If none of those things are important to you than stick with the 3G but saying it is the same phone as the 3G is a bit of a stretch. I myself still have my trusty first gen iPhone. I'll probably upgrade sometime in the next month or so.

[Goona]

It's not really that significant, the jump from G1 iPhone to G2 iPhone was larger.



+1

This model doesn't look any different, and the improvements aren't as big of a jump from G1 to G2. Not worth it to me at all.

No the 3g iphone added 3g and gps, how is that significant?

[jholzner]

It's not really that significant, the jump from G1 iPhone to G2 iPhone was larger.



+1

This model doesn't look any different, and the improvements aren't as big of a jump from G1 to G2. Not worth it to me at all.

I just don't understand this statement at all. The jump from G1 to G2 added only 3G and GPS. This has that plus all the hardware updgrades (CPU, RAM, compass, upgraded camera, screen, better video "card"). I can totally understand not wanting to upgrade but this seems to be a much bigger leap than the previous upgrade.

[BornAgainMac]

Sun Times / Andy Ihnatko (http://www.suntimes.com/business/1626818,ihnatko-iphone-3-review-061709.article)
- Voice: "Voice control is a tough feature to successfully pull off on any device. No, the iPhone doesn’t pull it off."


Could it be the reviewer's accent? Mr. Ihnatko from Chicago.

[Doctor Q]

- Voice: "Voice control is a tough feature to successfully pull off on any device. No, the iPhone doesn’t pull it off."
Is this a matter of software (not hardware), so Apple will have the chance to improve it through software updates down the road?

[str1f3]

If you keep doing that, you'll always be looking to the next model next summer (for an iPhone) or the next September (for an iPod) :D

Not true. The move from this year to next year will (with multicore processors) is going to be like the move from PowerPC to Intel. If they didn't think that the 3gs couldn't handle multitasking it could only stand to reason that they think next year's model will. I'd seriously doubt Apple will hold off on multitasking another year. If they stuck with the A8, it would only be a bump in processor speed which will only hurt battery lie which is what Apple does not want. The A9 is far faster with better battery life. This is not even mentioning Open CL support. This will give Apple the ability to offer multitasking without battery life suffering. It would also be the intro of a PA Semi modded chip with all the ATI graphics people they hired. A revamped OS to combat the Pre will be coming and next year's hardware will get the full potential of it.

The move next year will signal a new shift in the iPhone's abilities that will stay around a long time. If you're contract is up, get a new one. It's a great product. For those under contract wait until next year because it will be special.

[Howardchief]

I have a few thoughts/questions on 3.0.

I'm running 3.0 on first gen iphone.

I cannot get voice control to work properly.

Wifi no longer works.

Syncing to iTunes is iffy.

I called Apple and they need me to take it to the store to have a genius look at it. Nothing over the phone seemed to resolve these problems.


Also.. I'm upset the recorder doesn't work during phone calls :(
http://www.flickr.com/photos/39568816@N04/3636695508


Anyone having problems like these?

[ruinfx]

I have a few thoughts/questions on 3.0.

I'm running 3.0 on first gen iphone.

I cannot get voice control to work properly.

Wifi no longer works.

Syncing to iTunes is iffy.

I called Apple and they need me to take it to the store to have a genius look at it. Nothing over the phone seemed to resolve these problems.


Also.. I'm upset the recorder doesn't work during phone calls :(
http://www.flickr.com/photos/39568816@N04/3636695508


Anyone having problems like these?

i thought voice control was 3G S only

[Howardchief]

i thought voice control was 3G S only

hmmm that's why it's not working? I didn't mean to say "not working properly." But, not working. I didn't realize it was 3gs only. I thought it was in the software. Well that explains it. But what about my wifi :(

[macjram]

That Flickr set is sexy.

[kycophpd]

I would have loved to see Walt's review end with the following:

"But will it blend???"

Then Walt pulls out a blender and destroys his demo iPhone 3G S. Then he destroys his demo Palm Pre. Screen then fades to black. When Walt re-appears, he is standing on a street corner with a setup like the old Coke vs. Pepsi commercials. He blindfolds someone and asks them which one tastes better, thus finally answering that the iPhone is better than the Pre..... with less calories too.

[trssho]

Sounds like I'll be happy with upgrading to the iPhone 3G S from a 2 year old LG Chocolate. :D

Yes you will!

[queshy]

Exactly how I feel. I've had the 3.0 GM for about 10 days and it's enough of an upgrade for me. As most of the reviews said, "It's the same as the phone you already own, with a little more speed". I'm perfectly happy with the 3G.

Apple was nice to offer 3.0 for free for current iPhone users. They could have easily made it all 3Gs only

The 3.0 is a nice enough upgrade for me. Now if only I can get the tethering to work on Fido...I have a connection and everything, but no websites are loading!

[twoodcc]

those reviews are about what i expected. i will still probably get one later, when they are readily available in stores

[xfiftyfour]

This is a bigger upgrade over the 3g than the 3g was to 2g, if this one is not worth upgrading to, then I guess the 3g was an even worse upgrade.
Really? Edge to 3G. GPS. A new look....

[SteamrollerStds]

I'm most excited about games being pushed even further on the phone. Can't wait to get in there and see what we can do!

[*LTD*]

Well the positive reviews are to be expected.

They should just come out and say it:


The iPhone saves lives.

[Dagless]

Sounds like the performance boost is most welcomed! Can't wait for mine.

[bigmc6000]

Wouldn't making a phone call be the same thing, except you don't rely on speech recognition software and its instant....LOL

Actually no. If you can't see the numerous advantages of texting vs calling that's fine but for me most everyone I talk to is via text message (no, I'm not 16, I'm 27).

I only text when I'm at stop lights with my phone held up high enough so I can see when the light changes.

[d21mike]

Any idea where this was tested? Is there a map of where ATT has rolled this out. I understand other country's already have it. I am only interested in the US ATT Network.


- 7.2Mbpz data speed: "on average the 3GS scored about 50% higher than the 3G, occasionally, in individual runs, it could have ranged anywhere from twice as fast to about the same speeds."

[LilBabiNothing]

Can anyone get the mms to work?:confused:

[*LTD*]

Can anyone get the mms to work?:confused:

Works just fine for me (Rogers, in Canada.)

Turn your iPhone off and then back on, maybe. Perhaps it has something to do with your carrier . . .

[bigmc6000]

Can anyone get the mms to work?:confused:

It won't work in the US until AT&T gets off their lazy bums and enables it.

[tommy8884]

Can anyone get the mms to work?:confused:

what country are you in and which version phone do you have? It won't work in the usa or on the 1st generation iPhone

[Wotan31]

- Compass: "Once the compass picks up your bearing, it rotates the map to reflect.
Ugh. I sure hope this "feature" can be disabled. Up = North is far far more preferable to the serious GPS user. A map that rotates based on your orientation is annoying, confusing, and verges on useless. :mad:

[iPhoneNYC]

About MMS in the US, quoting todays NY Times: "no way to avoid using AT&T as your cell company." So you have to wait for the weak link in the iPhone chain.

[LilBabiNothing]

what country are you in and which version phone do you have? It wonk work in the usa or on the 1st generation iPhone

In the uk and have the 3g one

[Wotan31]

Actually no. If you can't see the numerous advantages of texting vs calling that's fine but for me most everyone I talk to is via text message (no, I'm not 16, I'm 27).

I only text when I'm at stop lights with my phone held up high enough so I can see when the light changes.
Texting is idiotic. Tests have shown Morse Code to be a faster and more efficient method of transmitting text than SMS on a cell phone. Seriously.

Not to mention all the idiots who do it while driving down the highway. :mad:

[Colrath]

The funny thing about these reviews is that they all describe what sound to me to be substantial improvements across the board... and then they conclude the 3G S isn't that different from the 3G. It just sounds like the conclusions don't really match up with the reviews.


It's all about our high expectations from Cupertino.

Personally, I'm very happy Apple has taken (what we might consider) a step back. This year seems to be all about improving what is in our pockets, or luring more people into the market share with dropped prices across the board.

3.0 pretty much puts all other Smart-phones who wanted to be iPhone contenders back to the shadows. Whatever the Palm Pre had over 2.0 and 3G is pretty much dull at this point compared to 3GS and 3.0.

[fcb]

Think of all of us upgrading from 1st gen iPhones. This is going to be a huge leap in speed for us. People become so jaded so quickly.

I'm in that Boat - looking forward to GPS :)

[bigmc6000]

Texting is idiotic. Tests have shown Morse Code to be a faster and more efficient method of transmitting text than SMS on a cell phone. Seriously.

Not to mention all the idiots who do it while driving down the highway. :mad:

Not my fault some people can't type quickly on a cell phone and how, pray tell, will the person on the other end get the text if it's sent via morse code?

Like I said, if you don't see the multitude of advantages that's fine - I don't claim that you're an idiot because you don't use it - it's user preference, not idiotic.

It's like glossy vs matte - most have a preference either way but that doesn't mean the other view is wrong or idiotic...

EDIT: If you're going to use the tests as an argument point you should include a link to said test.

[wolfshades]

I'll be looking forward to picking one up. Hopefully Rogers plans in Canada are decent.

Here you go. Catch!
http://www.iphoneincanada.ca/iphone-news/the-absolutely-everything-you-need-to-know-to-buy-or-upgrade-to-the-rogersfido-iphone-3g-or-iphone-3gs-post/

[tufaw]

Does anyone know if there are any limits to recorded video length, other than free storage? That is, have they hardcoded any limits, such as "videos must be shorter than 10 minutes"? Of course limits apply to MMS/YouTube, but that's not what I'm talking about. (Endadgets recording was about 3.8 Mbit/s, which means a bit over 30 minutes per GB. It'd be awesome if it could do that continuously.)

[NokX]

WHERE ARE CONTACT GROUPS?!?

i want to be able to create a group called "Band" and i can send an email or text to that group and all of the people in that group receive the message.

so freakin' simple and groups have been in email clients forever.

[phpmaven]

Any idea where this was tested? Is there a map of where ATT has rolled this out. I understand other country's already have it. I am only interested in the US ATT Network.


- 7.2Mbpz data speed: "on average the 3GS scored about 50% higher than the 3G, occasionally, in individual runs, it could have ranged anywhere from twice as fast to about the same speeds."

Ya, I was thinking the same thing. Where the heck did these reviewers get the phones? We're all pining away waiting for 10:30AM 6/19 :(

[jamest71]

This will be my 1st iPhone. I will be happy with this version.
I do think that the next version could be a major upgrade(once Apple has their own multicore chip inside).

[tommy8884]

In the uk and have the 3g one

It should work then. Call o2 to confirm it's active on your account. If you are unlocked (doubtful on 3.0)most uk carriers have it active as default, call them to confirm.

[Data]

All the oploaded video's if seen so far from teh new phone al were without audio, so my question is does it record sound aswell?
I expect it does, why shouldn't it but i just haven 't seen it in the video' yet.

[brownieguy19]

I have a 1st gen iPhone. (4 gb) I will be upgrading to the 3GS, however, I really think Apple said F-U to At&t with this revision. i.e. This is "just enough" to get us through the contract with At&t, and then when we get a new contract with a carrier who has the same vision as we do, we will really shock the hell out of people. That is when we will see the "reinvention" of the iPhone.

[brownieguy19]

All the oploaded video's if seen so far from teh new phone al were without audio, so my question is does it record sound aswell?
I expect it does, why shouldn't it but i just haven 't seen it in the video' yet.

In the video guide on Apple.com/iphone it shows the editing ability of the video application and there is sound in the replay of the video that was just edited.

[saminsocks]

Ugh. I sure hope this "feature" can be disabled. Up = North is far far more preferable to the serious GPS user. A map that rotates based on your orientation is annoying, confusing, and verges on useless. :mad:
It's useful if you're driving, at least for me. That's the method I've become accustomed to. Also, if I want to know where a direction is in regard to where I am, I find it easier if where I'm pointing is up. Although I haven't seen the app, so it may not be how I'm picturing it.

Also, the jump from 2G to 3G vs 3G to 3GS depends on your preferences. For me, I have the 3G and don't plan to upgrade until I see what's coming next year. Although, if I'd had the original iPhone, I probably would have tried to upgrade last year. A faster network is more important than video recording (I barely even take pictures), although the current 3G network is fast enough for me. GPS has also come in handy, especially when I was wandering around California last year after I bought the phone. And many of the apps that came out last year only worked (or worked properly) with the 3G phone. As for the 3GS, the voice activation is a nice feature, but I'd prefer voice to text and for it to work in 3rd party apps, too. Like I said, I don't really take pictures, so I don't care about the better camera. And the few times I get frustrated over Internet speed or processing speed is not enough to spend $200+ to upgrade. I'm glad the new iPhone doesn't have super tempting features that makes me want to buy the new one. I'm just going to ride out this contract and hope that by the time the next version comes out I can switch to Verizon.

Although the new screen is intriguing. I wonder if anyone has tested to see if it works when wearing gloves. That's such a pain in the winter time.

[jholzner]

Texting is idiotic. Tests have shown Morse Code to be a faster and more efficient method of transmitting text than SMS on a cell phone. Seriously.

Not to mention all the idiots who do it while driving down the highway. :mad:

Well, I don't know Morse Code but I can read so I don't really care what you think about how I communicate with people.

[Adisah]

I have a 1st gen iPhone. (4 gb) I will be upgrading to the 3GS, however, I really think Apple said F-U to At&t with this revision. i.e. This is "just enough" to get us through the contract with At&t, and then when we get a new contract with a carrier who has the same vision as we do, we will really shock the hell out of people. That is when we will see the "reinvention" of the iPhone.

That was exactly what I was thinking!!!!!!! There are do much more they could have done. You could tell apple was done with AT&T when they were getting laughed at in the conference. I actually fellt embarrased for them. It was bad. MMS will be supported by 22 carriers at launch but um........ AT&T will be ready later this summer. Same thing with tethering. What a joke!!!!!

[Data]

In the video guide on Apple.com/iphone it shows the editing ability of the video application and there is sound in the replay of the video that was just edited.

Ok ty, thats good enough for me ;-).

[surfervb]

I´m not sure, but isn´t Gizmodo a German site? Anyway, they probably tested it outside the US on a 7,2mbit 3g net.

Using super creepy stalker skills you can extract the GPS metadata from their test images and see that they were taken in California :)

So if you want to stalk Gizmodo's Jason Chen I'm pretty sure these are the coordinates to his apartment where the test images were taken...

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=N37.532833+W121.967333&t=h&hl=en

[ratGT]

About getting the new iPhone, I read "Good idea, bad idea", "Keep existing 3G, skip 3G S and get the next one", "It's more or less the same", etc.

The MAIN point is that if you want ONE or MORE of the following things, it's only available on iPhone 3G S:

Maximum possible storage, because of large music/ video/ application/ game library (only 3G S comes in 32GB)

Great Speed-bump in your heavy application's workflow or hardcore gaming (new 600MHz processor, souble the RAM up to 256MB, PowerVR SGX graphics processing unit)

Better lens (autofocus) & photo quality (3MP)

Maximum speed from your 3G network, 7.2kbps, especially when tethering your iPhone/using it as a modem for your PC

Slightly extended Battery-life

Maximum performance from turn-by-turn apps (ex. TomTom) because of the Compass

I know that I'm being a realist, therefore a +16GB (up to 32GB), faster 3G and greater overall-speed is right about what I need, therefore the upgrade is just about right for me.

If you already own iPhone 3G and have been happy until now, then stop stop whining, be a realist, keep your current iPhone and wait for the next-one...

[Goona]

The 3GS also doubled the memory from the previous version, the 3g didn't when it first came out.

[Maskusee]

Sounds like I'll be VERY pleased on my upgrade from an old EDGE only iPhone.
:D


Yep, me too.

Going to miss the metallic back of my Edge iPhone though.

Was hoping Apple was going with the rumored flat black or rubbertone back .

[marksman]

If you keep doing that, you'll always be looking to the next model next summer (for an iPhone) or the next September (for an iPod) :D

Yeah people wanting for a monumental leap in the forward going progression of the phone will likely be unhappy forever.

How long has the ipod been out? Obviously video is a big deal, but the essential device has not changed substantially. Each model a bit better than the one before.

The main reason for this is mostly because Apple started with very solid devices as the foundation.

So at this point I would say get your iphone now if you want it, and then you could probably get a new model every 2-3 years, or switch to another phone if one ever comes out that is actually comparable.

Waiting for the next one to expect something bigger is going to be wholly unsatisfying.

[iPhoneNYC]

David Pogue just published a very favorable review in the NY Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/18/technology/personaltech/18pogue.html?hp

It's on the front page of their electronic edition.

[kallisti]

...Just hearing what was to come, I could already ascertain, that the only things that would really mean much to those who already had the 3G, would be the minor speed bump and battery life. Current 3G'ers get most of the important stuff from the 3.0 firmware release....

You are ignoring the bump in storage. For me personally that alone is reason enough to upgrade. Everything else is gravy. At 16G I have to be very choosy about which apps to keep loaded and what music I really need. At 32G, the choices become much easier.

[Maskusee]

Texting is idiotic. Tests have shown Morse Code to be a faster and more efficient method of transmitting text than SMS on a cell phone. Seriously.

Not to mention all the idiots who do it while driving down the highway. :mad:

Morse Code? Are you serious? Lmao.

[zedsdead]

You are ignoring the bump in storage. For me personally that alone is reason enough to upgrade. Everything else is gravy. At 16G I have to be very choosy about which apps to keep loaded and what music I really need. At 32G, the choices become much easier.

I agree. Given my huge iTunes library, the space is a major concern. It took me forever to get used to 8 gigs with the first iPhone, the 16 was better, but not good enough. 32 will at least keep me comfortable for a little while...really need 1tb;)

[Heijtink]

Ugh. I sure hope this "feature" can be disabled. Up = North is far far more preferable to the serious GPS user. A map that rotates based on your orientation is annoying, confusing, and verges on useless. :mad:

Uhm yeah if north is always up how would you know where north is from the position where you are standing? Sure you can look at street structure and buildings to determine and sync your view with what you see on your phone. But why go through all the hassle when you have a compass? It's got nothing to do with how "serious" a user you are. The orientation is not annoying. You think it is annoying. Don't make your perception a fact. And yeah, if this feature is too sweet for you and want to believe yourself to be a "serious" gps user. You might as well not have a map either. Just gps that tells you your longitude and latitude. OK I admit that's for the real "serious" gps user. Some people really act like humans sometimes. :D

[dwd3885]

Uhm yeah if north is always up how would you know where north is from the position where you are standing? Sure you can look at street structure and buildings to determine and sync your view with what you see on your phone. But why go through all the hassle when you have a compass? It's got nothing to do with how "serious" a user you are. The orientation is not annoying. You think it is annoying. Don't make your perception a fact. And yeah, if this feature is too sweet for you and want to believe yourself to be a "serious" gps user. You might as well not have a map either. Just gps that tells you your longitude and latitude. OK I admit that's for the real "serious" gps user. Some people really act like humans sometimes. :D

lol. I think that rotating the map would be annoying, or that I wouldn't know where north is. I just look up at the sun and see where it is. Of course, on a cloudy day that plan is kinda crap.

[bigmc6000]

Morse Code? Are you serious? Lmao.

Don't you mean ._.. _ _ ._ _ _ _ ?

I mean, that was way, way, way faster than typing! ;)

[mike000]

anyone know if our 16gb 3g cases would fit the new 32gb iphone 3gs ?

[kas23]

So, it loads games faster, has a moderately better battery, and video, thanks, but I'll definitely pass. For those of you who are still using an EDGE phone or need extra storage, I would definitely upgrade.

[bigmc6000]

anyone know if our 16gb 3g cases would fit the new 32gb iphone 3gs ?

Yeah, external dimensions are exactly the same.

[bigmc6000]

So, it loads games faster, has a moderately better battery, and video, thanks, but I'll definitely pass. For those of you who are still using an EDGE phone or need extra storage, I would definitely upgrade.

And voice control but, yeah, if I had a 3G I'd probably wait for the 3GSS next year (4G isn't coming until at least 2011 if not later)

[DELLsFan]

This just makes me look forward to the next model next summer.

Yep. Me too. Next summer will be a Quantum Leap in features and performance for current 3G owners.

[BongoBanger]

Pogue lost any credibility he had a long time ago.

[kennycheng93]

If AT&T will let you upgrade again! Sounds like they probably will bend again on leting iPhoners upgrade, eh?

Will it be AT&T next year?

[Goona]

Most of these reviews don't matter, we all know the reviewers are Apple fanboys who won't say anything bad about it.

[zuniga337]

My biggest issue with my 2G phone is, well... The phone. The speaker of the ear piece has such a low volume. Was there a significant boost in volume from 2G to 3G?

Other than that I'm still very happy with my humle little first gen iPhone.

[slffl]

Most of these reviews don't matter, we all know the reviewers are Apple fanboys who won't say anything bad about it.

Yes of course, because anyone saying they like the iPhone MUST be a fanboy right?

[brosmooth]

My biggest issue with my 2G phone is, well... The phone. The speaker of the ear piece has such a low volume. Was there a significant boost in volume from 2G to 3G?

Other than that I'm still very happy with my humle little first gen iPhone.

agreed, while in a phone call i usually keep clicking the volume up button and jamming the phone into my ear to make a better seal. Im also not going to miss the recessed headphone jack, the silent switch sometimes not working, better speaker on the bottom, and EDGE.... o and not being able to use gps, my dad has the 3g, and thought that was pretty cool. Plus i get the tapered back which makes it feel thinnner and easier to grap on-to with the shiny back o and White ftw, plus twice the storage (16gb)

[Ampidire]

I can safely say I'm annoyed that MMS isn't live right now, even though I was using it in the beta just fine, but I'll live.

Tethering would also be nice, as it's something I've been using through PDANet for a while, official is always better imho.

I've been without a jailbroken phone since I started running 3.0b3 and I can safely say I don't miss it, especially because the quality of the code isn't as high as in the App Store, it also always seems to make my phone really slow to start up.

So yeah, I fully expect the dev-team to jailbreak 3GS and they've shown then can unlock 3G's, but the official stuff offered this time (once fully live) around might make jailbreaking obsolete for the most part.

[dtich]

No word from the reviews on how much storage the video takes? I did some math and estimated about 27MB/min, but wanted to see how close I was. Guess I have to wait till Friday.

from pogue's review:

You can’t beat the capacity, either; in theory, the 32-gigabyte iPhone can capture 17 hours of video — just enough for the elementary-school talent show.

about 1.9GB/hr..? i assume he's ignoring system space, etc., and just using 32GB as a round storage number.

[jaw04005]

Could it be the reviewer's accent? Mr. Ihnatko from Chicago.

He's actually from Boston, but he doesn't really have an accent. However, he's famous for his long winded phrases on MacBreak Weekly with Leo Laporte.

www.twit.tv/mbw

Maybe Andy just talks too much, and the iPhone gets tired of listening! :D

[zuniga337]

agreed, while in a phone call i usually keep clicking the volume up button and jamming the phone into my ear to make a better seal. Im also not going to miss the recessed headphone jack, the silent switch sometimes not working, better speaker on the bottom, and EDGE.... o and not being able to use gps, my dad has the 3g, and thought that was pretty cool. Plus i get the tapered back which makes it feel thinnner and easier to grap on-to with the shiny back o and White ftw, plus twice the storage (16gb)

Is your dads 3G louder during phone calls?

[TitoC]

WTF happened to being able to open calendar events (.ics) files on the iPhone with 3.0? I was really looking forward to that feature. And now? It doesn't work at all. I can see the calendar icon, but I just can't do anything with it, like OPEN IT UP! I really hope this isn't one of these features that gets showcased by Apple, but then goes quietly away. Anyone one else have luck with this?

[seashellz]

missing from the raves are comments by MSNZD -ZDNet

[MacLover4491]

i told everyone before that its not worth it to upgrade. The new iphone is good for new customers only. Only dumasses would waste their money.

[kas23]

Most of these reviews don't matter, we all know the reviewers are Apple fanboys who won't say anything bad about it.

This is very true, but it's what they are not saying that speaks very loudly. For example, all of them are going to say very good things about the 3Gs. But, none of them are raving madly and saying you must go out and get one. Reading these reviews between the lines, they are saying "well, it's an iPhone, so it's the most fantastic phone on the market. But, if you have a 3G or don't want to extend your contract for another 2 years and really don't need the extra storage, you really aren't missing much because you already have this phone."

[Surklyn]

If you keep doing that, you'll always be looking to the next model next summer (for an iPhone) or the next September (for an iPod) :D

I just upgraded from the 2G... can't wait. If next years model is "revolutionary" (meaning significantly better, iChat (front facing camera... would easily fit the bill) I will upgrade NEXT year as well. WITH no complaints, no whining, no wishing I could get the subsidized price. Since I converted from Windows in 2000, I have always wanted a phone that spoke with my mac. This is it.. and unless the iPhone somehow goes away.. this is my phone forever....... NOW....... AT&T... can kiss my sorry ass goodbye, if this phone is available somewhere else.. LOL.

[fsmac10]

This is a bigger upgrade over the 3g than the 3g was to 2g, if this one is not worth upgrading to, then I guess the 3g was an even worse upgrade.

You are incorrect.

[Surklyn]

What I want to hear from Walt is whether or not an original iPhone running OS 3.0 should be upgraded to an iPhone 3GS or should I wait one more year.

I don't NEED 3G speed, happy with EDGE and the fact that I always manage to find a free WiFi spot while traveling. GPS... nice but I bought my wife the 3G a few months back and we never travel apart from each other so I can always use hers.

Come on reviewers.... I don't think the real question for users is whether or not they should upgrade from the iPhone 3G to the iPhone 3GS, but it should be for those of us on the first gen phone. If you have a 3G it should be really painfully clear that it is the same phone in essence.


I have had 3.0 running for a few days on my EDGE phone.. it's not exactly "slower" but not as zippy (lol if that could be said for the 2G) as it once was. However, the SEARCH page is a godsend, and I wish I could make it my home page.. I can't WAIT for the speed increase. my main want for the new phone. I can't stand the slowness... and now that I have 3G in my area, I can't stand EDGE.. LOL..

[Surklyn]

This is a bigger upgrade over the 3g than the 3g was to 2g, if this one is not worth upgrading to, then I guess the 3g was an even worse upgrade.

WHICH... lol.. is why I waited the extra year! :) LOL.. When the 3G came out, I looked at the map.. .NO 3G for MILES... that was last year.. this year.. they rolled out 3G in my area... :) SIKED!! :)

[Surklyn]

Not true. The move from this year to next year will (with multicore processors) is going to be like the move from PowerPC to Intel. If they didn't think that the 3gs couldn't handle multitasking it could only stand to reason that they think next year's model will. I'd seriously doubt Apple will hold off on multitasking another year. If they stuck with the A8, it would only be a bump in processor speed which will only hurt battery lie which is what Apple does not want. The A9 is far faster with better battery life. This is not even mentioning Open CL support. This will give Apple the ability to offer multitasking without battery life suffering. It would also be the intro of a PA Semi modded chip with all the ATI graphics people they hired. A revamped OS to combat the Pre will be coming and next year's hardware will get the full potential of it.

The move next year will signal a new shift in the iPhone's abilities that will stay around a long time. If you're contract is up, get a new one. It's a great product. For those under contract wait until next year because it will be special.

It's not that the 3GS can't handle multitasking.. I'm very sure it can. it's Apple's decision that by enabling multitasking you greatly decrease the battery life. They don't want their phone lasting 4hrs, and then people bitching about battery life.

[jayducharme]

I'm confused about these "new" features of remembering WiFi and webpage settings. I've never had that problem with my iPhone. Unless I tell it specifically to forget a network, my iPhone logs itself in seamlessly. And most web pages work fine when I check off "remember me" when I log in. I usually don't have to log in again.

[Surklyn]

Well the positive reviews are to be expected.

They should just come out and say it:


The iPhone saves lives.


Actually.. it can.. with all those new medical devices coming out for it.. :) :)

[Goona]

You are incorrect.

How?

[Surklyn]

Texting is idiotic. Tests have shown Morse Code to be a faster and more efficient method of transmitting text than SMS on a cell phone. Seriously.

Not to mention all the idiots who do it while driving down the highway. :mad:

Agreed. A 10 min text conversation would take 30s - 1min on the PHONE. Texting blows, unless you want a one way conversation (i.e - update someone on the status of "something" )

[iPhoneNYC]

Texting is an easy, fast, efficient and fun way of communicating. It is also useful when you need to be discreet. It has many advantages. I'm kinda shocked that some members of this forum fail to understand it. (But maybe they don't get reception in the cave they live in...)

[Surklyn]

I can safely say I'm annoyed that MMS isn't live right now, even though I was using it in the beta just fine, but I'll live.

Tethering would also be nice, as it's something I've been using through PDANet for a while, official is always better imho.

I've been without a jailbroken phone since I started running 3.0b3 and I can safely say I don't miss it, especially because the quality of the code isn't as high as in the App Store, it also always seems to make my phone really slow to start up.

So yeah, I fully expect the dev-team to jailbreak 3GS and they've shown then can unlock 3G's, but the official stuff offered this time (once fully live) around might make jailbreaking obsolete for the most part.

I totally agree. I jailbroke my phone (2G) once. It became slow, prone to random resets, etc.. granted the programs offered were awesome, but with winterboard etc.. on the phone it became unstable. Switched back, no problems.. not going through that again. With every new SDK jailbroken phones will become obsolete.

[Surklyn]

Texting is an easy, fast, efficient and fun way of communicating. It is also useful when you need to be discreet. It has many advantages. I'm kinda shocked that some members of this forum fail to understand it. (But maybe they don't get reception in the cave they live in...)

Yes.. it is fast... it is fun. IT is NOT efficient. Just like e-mail, emotions etc get lost in the text - meaning gets lost. A simple phone call can solve all these problems.

[fsmac10]

How?

I just feel as though there was much more in the 2G to 3G jump than in 3G to 3G S. The GPS and the 3G itself plus the change in design were all major shifts. Nothing like that has happened here.

[Surklyn]

I just feel as though there was much more in the 2G to 3G jump than in 3G to 3G S. The GPS and the 3G itself plus the change in design were all major shifts. Nothing like that has happened here.

Maybe.. but during the "time" of the switch (2G - 3G) AT&T had a crappy 3G network, (meaning why bother). GPS was/IS a major upgrade, however IMHO not worth it if that's it. The design change.. well that's fairly superficial. .. (as a 2G soon to be 3GS owner) I like the design of the 3G/3GS.. better than the 2G.. (the chrome back doesn't do it for me).. but that,for me, wasn't worth upgrading.

SPEEED... is what I want. I want GPS.. bad.. (using maps with EDGE really blows...), I could care lesss about the video and voice control. The Camera though, seems to be much better. I want the magnetometer (for GPS... and later on.. A-Reality). That's it.. I want my damn phone not to be so sluggish...

[mjtomlin]

Come on reviewers.... I don't think the real question for users is whether or not they should upgrade from the iPhone 3G to the iPhone 3GS, but it should be for those of us on the first gen phone. If you have a 3G it should be really painfully clear that it is the same phone in essence.

I agree. People who have the 3G aren't even eligible for the upgrade price yet. I didn't buy the 3G when it came out because after the OS 2.0 upgrade it was enough to continue using the original iPhone. I don't see why anyone with a 3G would be all that interested in upgrading already. They're most of the features with the OS update.

It'll be more interesting to see the differences between the 3G[s] and the original iPhone. I pretty much had to upgrade; the USB pin on the dock connector broke, so I can no longer connect my iPhone to my computer. :(

[mjtomlin]

You are incorrect.

Actually the only difference between the 3G and the 2G was GPS and, well 3G. (and of course the case).

The 3G[s] has many more improvements over the 3G

[dequardo]

Ugh. I sure hope this "feature" can be disabled. Up = North is far far more preferable to the serious GPS user. A map that rotates based on your orientation is annoying, confusing, and verges on useless. :mad:

You are as wrong about this as you are about the merits of texting.

[cliffjumper68]

Not true. The move from this year to next year will (with multicore processors) is going to be like the move from PowerPC to Intel. If they didn't think that the 3gs couldn't handle multitasking it could only stand to reason that they think next year's model will. I'd seriously doubt Apple will hold off on multitasking another year. If they stuck with the A8, it would only be a bump in processor speed which will only hurt battery lie which is what Apple does not want. The A9 is far faster with better battery life. This is not even mentioning Open CL support. This will give Apple the ability to offer multitasking without battery life suffering. It would also be the intro of a PA Semi modded chip with all the ATI graphics people they hired. A revamped OS to combat the Pre will be coming and next year's hardware will get the full potential of it.

The move next year will signal a new shift in the iPhone's abilities that will stay around a long time. If you're contract is up, get a new one. It's a great product. For those under contract wait until next year because it will be special.

I think I have found my upgrade rythm skip every other model. I have a 2G now to 3GS, then to 4G (LTE) in 2011. Sounds good. I wonder how much of a speed bump this will be from 2G, I have never seen the processor spec's?

[winterspan]

Not true. The move from this year to next year will (with multicore processors) is going to be like the move from PowerPC to Intel. If they didn't think that the 3gs couldn't handle multitasking it could only stand to reason that they think next year's model will. I'd seriously doubt Apple will hold off on multitasking another year. If they stuck with the A8, it would only be a bump in processor speed which will only hurt battery lie which is what Apple does not want. The A9 is far faster with better battery life. This is not even mentioning Open CL support. This will give Apple the ability to offer multitasking without battery life suffering. It would also be the intro of a PA Semi modded chip with all the ATI graphics people they hired. A revamped OS to combat the Pre will be coming and next year's hardware will get the full potential of it.

The move next year will signal a new shift in the iPhone's abilities that will stay around a long time. If you're contract is up, get a new one. It's a great product. For those under contract wait until next year because it will be special.

That is all speculation. It was the stupid Mac websites that suggested the 2010 iPhone will automatically have a dual-core Cortex-A9, when we have no idea what will happen. Although Apple uses Samsung (and perhaps PA SEMI + 3rd party fab in the future), volume production of Cortex-A9 based SoCs like TI's OMAP4 or Qualcomm's dual-core Snapdragon are not expected until Q3 2010 at the earliest.

The 2010 iPhone will have to have a Cortex-A9 based SoC integrated with the rest of the components on the PCB and tested, debugged, and validated in incredibly quickly to have volume production ready for a June launch. I find it unlikely unless the time tables move up.

Also, a higher-spec'd ~850-1000Mhz Cortex-A8 does not have to use more power as Apple would surely move to 45nm chips next year. The OMAP36xx and newer Snapdragon are 45nm as well.

[ken.m.wong]

Actually the only difference between the 3G and the 2G was GPS and, well 3G. (and of course the case).

The 3G[s] has many more improvements over the 3G

You know what it is? I think more people think 2G to 3G was a bigger shift than 3G to 3GS (myself included) is not so much of the specs (faster speed, bigger capacity), but it was the wow factor of the AT&T subsidized priced vs. the non-subsidized price of the 2G. That's what really pushed the huge adoption of the 3G phone vs. those who got the 2G phone.

While the 3GS can arguably have more features added than the 2G to 3G shift, the expectations are already there and faster speed and video didn't excite me as much as the "1/2" price off (yes, I know... the AT&T rates went up, but people don't think like that).

Just my 2 cents.

[MacBoucher]

I'm running 3.0 on my 3G now and everything is 2 or 3x faster. Can't wait to see how it is on the 3G S.


Use Copy to Email Photos Instead of Share, how does this work? I don't see the copy button in Photos? Hmmm...:mad:

[Wotan31]

Morse Code? Are you serious? Lmao.
Quite serious. LMAO. But don't take my word for it (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article381748.ece).

Uhm yeah if north is always up how would you know where north is from the position where you are standing? Sure you can look at street structure and buildings to determine and sync your view with what you see on your phone. But why go through all the hassle when you have a compass? It's got nothing to do with how "serious" a user you are. The orientation is not annoying. You think it is annoying. Don't make your perception a fact. And yeah, if this feature is too sweet for you and want to believe yourself to be a "serious" gps user. You might as well not have a map either. Just gps that tells you your longitude and latitude. OK I admit that's for the real "serious" gps user. Some people really act like humans sometimes. :D

Your ignorance on this topic doesn't make my statements incorrect. ;) Handheld GPS systems that are used off road i.e. on mountain trails are always displayed in Up = North mode. And all military GPS systems operate in Up = North mode. All Aviation GPS systems display in North = Up mode. All Nautical GPS systems display in North = Up mode. Just FYI.

In those kinds of more serious GPS applications, that you really need to know your track in relation to objects (like land, reefs, etc) that will ruin your day.. The last time I checked the earth doesn't rotate when you change direction. ;)

With North up, you can take a quick glance and know if you are still heading in the overall right direction in relation to your destination. The map constantly rotating makes it more difficult.

I just love it when the guy I work with (who insists on direction up) makes a wrong turn, is driving in a circle on an exit loop and asks which way to go while the map is spinning in circles.. If it were locked in North up, would be no problem to quickly see which way to head.

The aviation industry, coast guard, army, etc. have all performed extensive usability tests and come to this same conclusion - hence the reason all of their systems operate this way. Those are the serious GPS users. Not my "perception" as you say.

You are as wrong about this as you are about the merits of texting.
Is that so? Did you attend public school, or private school there son? I'm just curious which system it was that failed you so miserably. :eek:

[chr1s60]

I'm just looking forward to the increased speed for my applications and the new camera. I know there is nothing major about the improvements, but I think it is an overall good improvement over the current 3G. I am excited about getting mine next week.

[itsmenyc]

Ugh. I sure hope this "feature" can be disabled. Up = North is far far more preferable to the serious GPS user. A map that rotates based on your orientation is annoying, confusing, and verges on useless. :mad:

LOL! Are you for real?!

You think for a map to be oriented in the direction you are facing is annoying, confusing and verges on useless?! i'm betting that you have never looked at a map in your life...

I'm sorry but that has to be the most asinine thing I have heard in a loooong time!

[itsmenyc]

Quite serious. LMAO. But don't take my word for it (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article381748.ece).



LOL My perception happens to coincide with fact. Your ignorance on this topic doesn't make my statements incorrect. ;) Handheld GPS systems that are used off road i.e. on mountain trails are always displayed in Up = North mode. And all military GPS systems operate in Up = North mode. All Aviation GPS systems display in North = Up mode. All Nautical GPS systems display in North = Up mode. Just FYI.

In those kinds of more serious GPS applications, that you really need to know your track in relation to objects (like land, reefs, etc) that will ruin your day.. The last time I checked the earth doesn't rotate when you change direction. ;)

With North up, you can take a quick glance and know if you are still heading in the overall right direction in relation to your destination. The map constantly rotating makes it more difficult.

I just love it when the guy I work with (who insists on direction up) makes a wrong turn, is driving in a circle on an exit loop and asks which way to go while the map is spinning in circles.. If it were locked in North up, would be no problem to quickly see which way to head.

The aviation industry, coast guard, army, etc. have all performed extensive usability tests and come to this same conclusion - hence the reason all of their systems operate this way. Those are the serious GPS users.


UMMM... Genius, has it ever occurred to you that most people are using the compass feature in conjunction with google maps so that they can orient themselves, not in the middle of nowhere, but in a city where they actually get CELL SERVICE!

Huh? Yeah, I didn't think so...

[Wotan31]

UMMM... Genius, has it ever occurred to you that most people are using the compass feature in conjunction with google maps so that they can orient themselves, not in the middle of nowhere, but in a city where they actually get CELL SERVICE!

Huh? Yeah, I didn't think so...
After reading my post, this is your response? I mean seriously? You're actually making some kind of coorelation between having cell service, and navigating maps? And that getting from point A to point B is somehow intrinsically different when you're in a city vs. not in a city??? Good grief. I'm speechless over your atrocious reading comprehension. Seriously.

I'll quote myself here, cause this clearly applies to you too:

Is that so? Did you attend public school, or private school there son? I'm just curious which system it was that failed you so miserably.

[thejadedmonkey]

It's interesting that Macrumors only highlighted the positive stuff. For example, Engadget completely contradicted Walt Mossberg's review on the battery, stating that they didn't find it any better on the 3Gs than it is on the 3G... but only the highlights are on MR... Classy, real classy.

[PharmD]

Use Copy to Email Photos Instead of Share, how does this work? I don't see the copy button in Photos? Hmmm...:mad:

http://www.ismashphone.com/2009/06/how_to_use_best_40_features_of_iphone_3.html

#2 has your answer.

[cliffjumper68]

After reading my post, are you really asking this question? I mean seriously? Either your reading comprehension is below that of a 2nd grader, or the average IQ around here is plummeting. You're actually making some kind of coorelation between having cell service, and navigating maps? And that getting from point A to point B is somehow intrinsically different when you're in a city vs. not in a city???

I'll quote myself here, cause this clearly applies to you as well:

Makes sense for a cell data sourced gps service for casual users (google maps). This is not a high performance gps device nor meant to be one. I am assuming the Garmin, Tom Tom, and Navigon aps will have North always up as is expected for a more serious user. That being said a serious GPS user would have a better GPS chip set like those in the Garmin GPS60csx. This is fine for finding starbucks, but I would never go far from a road with one.

As for txting, more people in the world txt than talk on cell phones world wide. Drives me crazy, but I travel alot and that is how it works (especially in 3rd world nations).

[iMacoo7]

Looks like allot of mixed feelings. I think the more the reviews come in the more diverse they will be. Each review toting the feature/features they really liKe over others.

[itsmenyc]

After reading my post, this is your response? I mean seriously? You're actually making some kind of coorelation between having cell service, and navigating maps? And that getting from point A to point B is somehow intrinsically different when you're in a city vs. not in a city??? Good grief. I'm speechless over your atrocious reading comprehension. Seriously.

I'll quote myself here, cause this clearly applies to you too:

Ok, let me requote you as well:

"Your ignorance on this topic doesn't make my statements incorrect. Handheld GPS systems that are used off road i.e. on mountain trails are always displayed in Up = North mode. And all military GPS systems operate in Up = North mode. All Aviation GPS systems display in North = Up mode. All Nautical GPS systems display in North = Up mode. Just FYI.

In those kinds of more serious GPS applications, that you really need to know your track in relation to objects (like land, reefs, etc) that will ruin your day.. The last time I checked the earth doesn't rotate when you change direction."

Mountain trails, in the air, on the water: no cell service, means your iPhone's Google maps won't help you. That is what I was talking about. Is that really that hard to understand?

Let me quote you again:

"A map that rotates based on your orientation is annoying, confusing, and verges on useless."

That defies any kind of logic whatsoever!

Not to start a pissing contest, but in so far as education and prestigious schools are concerned, I recommend that you don't go there. Besides, your education and schools clearly have not made up for your obvious intellectual limitations.

[kas23]

This is a bigger upgrade over the 3g than the 3g was to 2g, if this one is not worth upgrading to, then I guess the 3g was an even worse upgrade.

As you can see, statements like these get people really hot and bothered. How dare you tell them they upgraded for nothing!!

[mkoval11]

I like the new features of OS 3.0 which I'm using on my 16GB 3G. I won't be getting a new unit until the following features are added.


Tethering (In the US)
A real spell checker
Auto Text (like the Blackberry)


The good news is that the iPhone is getting better and better. The interface blows the Storm out of the water and the App Store is second to none.

If I was in need of a new device, I'd go for the new 3GS but for now I'm just fine with my 3G and OS 3.0. I can't wait for next June for OS 4.0 and the next Gen iPhone. I won't be first in line but I'll certainly be getting one.

[iMaggot]

This just makes me look forward to the next model next summer.

Yep me to. It's to soon to switch my 3G for a 3Gs, plus i don't see a $299 difference between the two.

[vansouza]

Well the positive reviews are to be expected.

They should just come out and say it:


The iPhone saves lives.

Too funny... Heals the sick and raises the dead.:D

[muskratboy]

Ugh. I sure hope this "feature" can be disabled. Up = North is far far more preferable to the serious GPS user. A map that rotates based on your orientation is annoying, confusing, and verges on useless.

actually, when reading a 'real' map, the first thing you do is orient the map / yourself so the map matches up with what you are looking at.

finally, that orienteering merit badge comes through! :)

[redkamel]

+3 about the 3gs being a stopgap till the contract runs out. Poor ATT, too stupid to run a phone a network. Money they'd put in to upgrade their data network for iphone would have been repaid many times over in upgrades/new buyers...and even when it went multinetwork, theyd still have the rep, and a big data network. They can't even get MMS working for the most visible cellphone, and they had 2 years to figure it out, since everyone knew it was coming. Idiots.


Agreed. A 10 min text conversation would take 30s - 1min on the PHONE. Texting blows, unless you want a one way conversation (i.e - update someone on the status of "something" )

...or unless the conversation is going on in the background of what you are actually doing, like typing, so you can pay attention to two things. Or if you have more than one conversation going. Or if you want several minutes to think about your reply. Or if its not really that important, like most conversations. Or if its noisy where one person is. Or if they get REALLY bad reception....need I go on? Not saying texting is better, but its definelty very useful.

And seriously, morse code; better and faster than texting? Are you telling me in WWII the allies would have rather had morse code than text messaging? R.O.T.F.L.M.A.O. Got that study, whoever posted it?

[Ping Guo]

Originally Posted by Wotan31
Texting is idiotic. Tests have shown Morse Code to be a faster and more efficient method of transmitting text than SMS on a cell phone. Seriously.

Not to mention all the idiots who do it while driving down the highway.


Agreed. A 10 min text conversation would take 30s - 1min on the PHONE. Texting blows, unless you want a one way conversation (i.e - update someone on the status of "something" )

No, not really. Texting is pretty d*mn useful in a lot of cases. Like if you need to receive important info about a meeting, an address, etc. Would you rather have someone tell you over a crappy connection and hope you remember it, or have the info stored on your phone in a text?

When you're in an area with said crappy reception, or a noisy environment and don't hear your phone, or a quiet environment where you don't want to disturb others, texting is indeed very, very useful. You can miss a call, but not a text. The text is there waiting for your with the info you need, and if you're busy doing something you can read it when you're free, without worrying about missing an important call.

Not everyone uses their phone just to have conversations. Sometimes it is to send and receive important info, and before someone says "just send an email", A. not everyone has a phone that can do email, and B. typing an email on the iphone takes just as long as a text, if not longer.

But I suppose you think email is useless too? Why not just use VOIP all the time?

[ibosie]

The BBC chimes in with a video of iPhone 3G S versus Nokia N97

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8105203.stm

[LilBabiNothing]

Anyone who is still waiting to receive their MMS from O2, I phoned them this morning they said there is a back log and that we should have a MMS from them within the next 24hrs starting today.

[tufaw]

Does anyone know if there are any limits to recorded video length, other than free storage? That is, have they hardcoded any limits, such as "videos must be shorter than 10 minutes"? Of course limits apply to MMS/YouTube, but that's not what I'm talking about. (Endadgets recording was about 3.8 Mbit/s, which means a bit over 30 minutes per GB. It'd be awesome if it could do that continuously.)Found it myself in Andy Ihnatko's review (http://www.suntimes.com/business/1626818,ihnatko-iphone-3-review-061709.article) in Chicago Sun-Times (via AppleInsider (http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/06/17/review_roundup_apples_new_iphone_3g_s.html)): "File size of each individual video is capped at 2 gigabytes, which translates to about an hour’s worth of video per clip. But you can happily fill the iPhone to capacity with multiple clips."

An hour or so is good enough for me. Now all I need to know is how much battery it eats when recording...

[jayducharme]

The BBC chimes in with a video of iPhone 3G S versus Nokia N97

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8105203.stm

I can't see it because I'm on my iPhone. :rolleyes:

[YMI]

I cant wait to update to 3.0, but need the jailbreak to get released. Using a 2G iPhone in Australia (2G version not supported in Australia)
cant wait for jailbreak this update looks so awesome

Follow Me On Twitter @
http://twitter.com/yannim

[paulvee]

Mine restarted in Danish after the update and I had to re-set the language preference.

While not a big deal, it makes me wonder whether or not I'll find other glitches.

No matter, because the 3GS comes tomorrow, allegedly.

[paulvee]

Another thing - my apps were all scrambled up and on pages 4 and 5, with blank pages 2 and 3 of apps.

[bigmc6000]

Quite serious. LMAO. But don't take my word for it (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article381748.ece).



So there was 1 test conducted w/ 13 year old who, presumably, had old cell phones where lingo is really the only way to text with any decent speed. wow, that blows away everything - also, please note the article specifically says "t took another 18 seconds for Miss Devlin’s message to reach the mobile phone belonging to her friend. " Notice the "to reach" part - the morse code guy was sitting across the desk - that text message went to a tower miles and miles away and then came back. Furthermore if you can't type that sentence on an iPhone in less than 90 seconds, well, yeah, that's pathetic - most everyone who uses two thumbs (or even fingers) and a full keyboard (see the iPhone) types at least 30 wpm - personally the last time I tested myself I was up over 50 wpm so, umm, yeah.

Null and Void...

As for military GPS - there's a reason they also carry compasses - you still need to know which way you are facing when you start because GPS can't figure that out...

Edit: Umm, I finished the article and the girl who was texting sends all of 3 messages a day - you can't honestly expect to be any good at texting if you're only sending 3 a day where this guy has been using morse code for 80 years or so... seriously, fail...

[Stately]

You are ignoring the bump in storage. For me personally that alone is reason enough to upgrade. Everything else is gravy. At 16G I have to be very choosy about which apps to keep loaded and what music I really need. At 32G, the choices become much easier.

This is true.

[Doju]

Really? Edge to 3G. GPS. A new look....Yep. Two-three times as fast, advanced camera, video recording, voice control, twice the capacity, oleophobic screen, twice the RAM, Nike+, magnetometer...

I could go on. In everything but software, this destroys the last gen update.

[xerenthar]

lol at the morse code arguments. that's so wrong and far off-base that i have to ask you your own private or public school question.

[Rootus]

Yep. Two-three times as fast, advanced camera, video recording, voice control, twice the capacity, oleophobic screen, twice the RAM, Nike+, magnetometer...

I could go on. In everything but software, this destroys the last gen update. I agree. The Edge->3G upgrade was nice but hardly revolutionary, same for GPS. The CPU/Memory upgrade on the 3GS is the biggest feature I'm looking forward to. The first & second gen iPhones can be very laggy, especially when it knows you're in a hurry ;).

[archangel08]

i think video editing was a gift (cuz that definitely surprised me). count your blessings.

:rolleyes:

[eric_n_dfw]

I understand why the tap-to-focus feature is not available on the 3G with 3.0 software, since it's a hardware feature, but I really wish they could have put the exposure part of it into the 3G. I'm assuming that the exposure is being done digitally, by adjusting the gain, not by some little mechanical aperture in the 3GS's lens. Maybe they'll add it in a point release later in the year. (although I doubt it)

[casmith07]

I'll be getting that one too after using the 3G S for a year.

+1 haha

[casmith07]

Quite serious. LMAO. But don't take my word for it (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article381748.ece).



Your ignorance on this topic doesn't make my statements incorrect. ;) Handheld GPS systems that are used off road i.e. on mountain trails are always displayed in Up = North mode. And all military GPS systems operate in Up = North mode. All Aviation GPS systems display in North = Up mode. All Nautical GPS systems display in North = Up mode. Just FYI.

In those kinds of more serious GPS applications, that you really need to know your track in relation to objects (like land, reefs, etc) that will ruin your day.. The last time I checked the earth doesn't rotate when you change direction. ;)

With North up, you can take a quick glance and know if you are still heading in the overall right direction in relation to your destination. The map constantly rotating makes it more difficult.

I just love it when the guy I work with (who insists on direction up) makes a wrong turn, is driving in a circle on an exit loop and asks which way to go while the map is spinning in circles.. If it were locked in North up, would be no problem to quickly see which way to head.

The aviation industry, coast guard, army, etc. have all performed extensive usability tests and come to this same conclusion - hence the reason all of their systems operate this way. Those are the serious GPS users. Not my "perception" as you say.


Is that so? Did you attend public school, or private school there son? I'm just curious which system it was that failed you so miserably. :eek:

Being in the military myself, this is a good post. North = Up is the best way to use terrain association in order to determine if you're still going in the right direction. Only when trying to triangulate your position on a map should you rotate the map so that whatever major terrain feature you're facing (a tower, lake, mountain/hilltop, etc) is facing "up" on the map. You then find two other objects in a relatively cardinal direction and thus you can determine about where you are on the map.

[Journojulz]

I got my 3g last year - don't feel the need to upgrade to 3GS - the 3.0 upgrade is enough for me.

I think 2 years is a fair expectancy for phone life - especially one that costs so much.

[Journojulz]

I can't see it because I'm on my iPhone. :rolleyes:

Could be worse - if it was ITV - it would be on Silverlight! :eek:

[kas23]

Yep. Two-three times as fast, advanced camera, video recording, voice control, twice the capacity, oleophobic screen, twice the RAM, Nike+, magnetometer...

I could go on. In everything but software, this destroys the last gen update.

This post says fanboy all over it. 2-3X fast? No, this has already been clearly debunked in the numerous reviews. You do know what 2-3X means, right? It definitely is faster though. Advanced camera? Yes, definitely. Video? OK, but it's really not that high of quality. Twice the capacity? Only for people who choose this option, but good nonetheless. Oleophobic screen? You're stretching it. Nike+ and magnetometer? You're stretching it even more. RAM? The utility of more RAM is not the RAM itself, but the speed it offers, which you already mentioned and is simply not true.

[Lara F]

The extra RAM is probably the best reason to upgrade, unfortunately aside from games like The Sims it'd actually be most beneficial on jailbroken phones (imagine being able to use Winterboard without lag or never have a backgrounded app crash?) and who knows when that'll be possible. It took the 2G Touch six months after all.

[kas23]

The extra RAM is probably the best reason to upgrade, unfortunately aside from games like The Sims it'd actually be most beneficial on jailbroken phones (imagine being able to use Winterboard without lag or never have a backgrounded app crash?) and who knows when that'll be possible. It took the 2G Touch six months after all.

Agreed, it would make JB phones run much better. As for other uses, I watched those videos of the 3GS loading those games faster and found myself saying "Hmmm. I never even use those games." I guess if I was a big iPhone gamer, I would go for this. Other than that, I saw Safari loading 2-3 seconds faster. That's not much to me in the real world.

[brownieguy19]

I definitely notice a much warmer, yellowish tint on my new iPhone 3GS. Anyone else having this issue?

[djdole]

The accessibility voice-over feature is WAY annoying. Not in that it won't shut up, but in that it screws with the controls.
Cancel:button,Cancel:button,Cancel:button,Cancel:button,Cancel:button
I KNOW IT'S THE CANCEL BUTTON! JUST F'N CANCEL ALREADY! :mad:

Oh, and the "Black on White" option is WAY trippy. It inverts ALL the colors on the phone. It's like a photo negative. :rolleyes:

Now if the thing would just f'in activate. (two hours and counting)

[INCyr]

First off, let me say, I'm loving my new phone. Upgrading from an original iPhone, this thing is amazing - I'm glad I waited.

I did have a question though - does anyone know where we can put in requests to apple for future upgrades? I have a small request (seriously) that would actually make my life a hell of a lot easier.

The compass app (which I love, for some unknown reason) displays the lat/lon of your current position - which is great. But I want to be able to display it in decimal degrees, instead of Deg/Hour/Min. Like I said, a minor change, but this phone is going to actually have work applications for me, and I need it in Decimal Degrees (at least for now.)

[Doju]

This post says fanboy all over it. 2-3X fast? No, this has already been clearly debunked in the numerous reviews. You do know what 2-3X means, right? It definitely is faster though. Advanced camera? Yes, definitely. Video? OK, but it's really not that high of quality. Twice the capacity? Only for people who choose this option, but good nonetheless. Oleophobic screen? You're stretching it. Nike+ and magnetometer? You're stretching it even more. RAM? The utility of more RAM is not the RAM itself, but the speed it offers, which you already mentioned and is simply not true.Someone's trying to justify their lack of the new phone. :rolleyes:

Fanboy? Hardly, you just fail to see the facts. In many cases, things open three times as fast, such as games. You don't play them? Dandy! I guess that means I don't, right? Other things load two times as fast. Hey! Guess what that means! 2-3 as fast!

Video quality is great from what I've seen. It's better than no video on yours regardless.

Twice the capacity but only for those who choose the option? Oh wow, that wasn't obvious. Bananas taste good - but only if you eat them.

And I'm stretching it? The fact that it has a magnetometer capable of augmented reality and true position with GPS? The fact that the screen is much easier to wipe off and resistant to finger prints? THAT'S stretching it? As in, I'm stretching the facts? Oh please.

Weak post. Stop trying to justify your lack of initiative to upgrade by belittling a great phone. It shows.