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What I've noticed so far on these forums and in general public, is that if you like the 3G/3GS design, you probably don't like the new design, and if you never really cared for the 3G/3GS design, then the new design looks awesome.

I'm with the latter, I was never a huge fan of the 3G/3GS design, plastic back and curviness, but I absolutely love the new square design. Already have a buyer lined up for when the "4G" comes out next month. :D

Actually, I loved the 3G design, and have one. It's beautiful when uncased, to look at and hold. But it's curved on the bottom, which makes for a slightly frustrating experience if you're using it on a flat surface. But I love the new one even more. It's different, but I'm certain that this is part aesthetics and part function. It's significantly slimmer, very slightly longer, but the flat back does it for me. And although it will be shame to put it in a case, that'll be the first thing I do - I'm not smashing another screen!

TT
 
no seams and make the screen larger instead of smaller and i'm in!

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no seams and make the screen larger instead of smaller and i'm in!

I doubt Ives added the seams for aesthetics; there must be a pretty compelling engineering reason for including them. The best suggestion I have seen is that they are shock absorbers which allow the aluminum case to deform to prevent shattering of the glass front and back. The plastic of the 3GS case currently performs that function.
 
It has a very 60's feel to it. I definitely like the concept.

I have a few quibbles with the design, still. I'm not so sure about the 2-button volume switch from an aesthetic perspective, but I understand why it was done and can agree that IF it becomes a camera shutter button then it will be worth it. (Likewise, I hope the 'seams' have a real-world reason. Otherwise I don't 'get' those either.)

But the 'squareness' and 'non-glossyness' are both major improvements. It looks less like candy and more like a classic piece of serious equipment. I guess I understand why some people want their phone to look like bubble-gum, but I'm much happier with this direction myself.

I can imagine the new phone sitting on top of this guitar amp and feeling like they belong together. The 3G does not fill that role.

(Photo is "a '66 Deluxe Reverb" according to this page.)
 

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as far as the software goes, i'm most concerned about being able to use folders. i want to be able to create folders for my pictures to keep them catagorized and more organized.

as for the new design, i like it. i think the 3gs was sharp, but it's time to update the design, especially losing the chrome trim and the exposed screws.

i bought my 3gs the day it went on sale, and i'm going to upgrade to the 4g as soon as i am able.
 
I'll be putting a case on the new one so I don't know how much the look matters to me.

Would have preferred a larger screen and an indicator light... but oh well.
 
Either way, after 1.75 years with the 3G my battery is for sh*t.

Just picked up a replacement on eBay for under $7. For $32 I'm fixing up my phone and getting it ready for sale. Wouldn't have, but gotta fix the broken power button. Figured I'll get a bit more money if I can say the battery and screen are new.
 
I like the new one better, the ones now look cheap to me and to be honest I was a iphone hater until I actually used one, the next day I bought one lol.

I will say this though, i hope it is as tough as my 3g, I have dropped it numerous times on concrete and once I forgot about it being between my legs while I was setting on my bike in town talking to a buddy. Once I took off and scooted back to get comfy it flew out and hit the black top and skidded a long frickin way.

It didnt hurt it a bit other than the little metal ring where you plug in the ear buds. I bought the phone used and it already had normal wear on the back and a cracked screen on the front but it didnt even hurt the touch screen any worse than it already was. I was quite impressed. As a biker I have had only two things survive hitting the black top at high speed.

My iphone and my prescribtion(sp?) glasses which are oakleys.
 
I don't know if I love it or hate it. Kinda reminds me of the 1st gen iPod Nano.

I actually think the first gen Nano is the nicest Nano made. I love it so much. I still use it just because it's so beautiful. It's got a retro yet modern look about it. I have it in white. I wonder if the new iPhone will come in white.
 
I like the new one better, the ones now look cheap to me and to be honest I was a iphone hater until I actually used one, the next day I bought one lol.

I will say this though, i hope it is as tough as my 3g, I have dropped it numerous times on concrete and once I forgot about it being between my legs while I was setting on my bike in town talking to a buddy. Once I took off and scooted back to get comfy it flew out and hit the black top and skidded a long frickin way.

It didnt hurt it a bit other than the little metal ring where you plug in the ear buds. I bought the phone used and it already had normal wear on the back and a cracked screen on the front but it didnt even hurt the touch screen any worse than it already was. I was quite impressed. As a biker I have had only two things survive hitting the black top at high speed.

My iphone and my prescribtion(sp?) glasses which are oakleys.

This is my concern. I love everything about the new design, but i fear i will need a case for it because i have butter fingers and unfortunately my 3g gets dropped all the time, including a couple 4 ft drops onto concrete, and hasn't missed a beat. The new ceramic back concerns me, but it looks amazing.

That said i'm still buying one on release day.
 
People tend to like change, which is why the fashion industry survives so well.

For me, I like the thinness of the new device but the aesthetics of the 3GS.

Just wait until the 5G appears next year sporting a curved design. Everyone will say how 'modern' it looks.
 
I think the new iPhone is pure sex. The back is absolutely gorgeous in every picture I've seen and can't wait to get a hold of my own. I am interested in seeing how the back feels (glass-like?). I like the 3G/3GS design but I like this better. I am not too keen on the rounded volume buttons, but I don't sit there staring at them anyways so what do I care?
 
I never really cared for the 3G/3Gs look, but I really like the new design. I hope it really does come out next month.
 
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