Hey first post here. I am thinking of getting an iPhone in the next few months. Should I be holding my breath for a 3G phone or not? I totally understand the problem of having stuff get outdated really fast. What is the benefit of having a 3G phone tho? I keep hearing different things from people on this thread. It seems the network is pretty bad for 3G here in the States. Would I really want to wait for G3 considering that I don't even know what it will do for me?
A lot of people are in this position right now. Here's the deal as far as I know (anyone can feel free to interject):
3G is only a factor for using "on-line" feature of the iPhone or other devices. Basically, it's what your internet browser will run on when WiFi is not available. 3G is much faster than the currently-used EDGE platform. The current iPhone will certianly continue to work in the US for a number of years to come, but does not and will not work in many other countries.
As to whether or not 3G a big deal to you, there are several factors to consider:
1)
How soon do you need your iPhone? If you can wait until June-August or so when the new one comes out, do so. A second generation device is always better than a brand new product line, regardless of the EDGE vs. 3G debate.
2)
How much do you expect to use internet features when you're not in wifi range? For many, the amount of time spent outside wifi range is very small, so the whole 3G issue is really no big deal. For many, much of their time is spent using the cellular online functions, so the speed difference between EDGE and 3G is a major consideration.
3)
Short vs. long term needs. Are you the type of person who buys a new phone every 2 years or less? If so, then it might not matter too much, since the next iPhone you buy will be 3G (or whatever is better by then). If you expect this iPhone to be your device of choice for 4 years, then you may want to wait until June. If you need a new phone NOW and can't wait, pick up an iPhone tomorrow. I doubt you'll be kicking yourself too hard in a few month's time.
4)
Is 3G even available in your area? Check the AT&T website for this. For example, where I live right now 3G is not even available, it's EDGE only. So even with a new 3G iPhone I'd be stuck on the slower network until we get upgraded on my area. So this get's back to the long vs short term issue. Even if your current area is EDGE only, if you expect it to become 3G by the end of the year, is it worth it to you to wait for a 3G phone?
5)
Are you planing on traveling internationally? The current iteration of the iPhone does NOT work in Europe or Japan, just to name a few places. It is believed that the 3G version will be able to do so.
For me personally, #5 is the clincher. I will be moving to either Europe or Japan in 15 months (US Air Force) and want to be able to still use my phone wherever I move too. Even if I don't join a network over there, I want to at least be able to use Skype for my calling, so I'll need 3G network capabilities.
It should be noted that
will continue updating the software of the current "first" iPhones even after later models come out. MOST 3rd party applications will therefore work on the first iPhone, even in a year or two. So software-wise, there is no reason to wait for the iPhone2.
iPhone2 will have 3G, and will of course have twice the memory of the current iPhones (a big deal to me). Others expect many and various other improvements, but no one knows for sure. Better camera? Built-in iSight? Longer battery life? Better GPS? Other amazing things that we didn't know we even needed before, but soon will not be able to live without? You never know with
, but it's always fun to watch and see what happens.
I plan on buying the new iPhone as soon as it comes out.
