5 reasons to hold off on the iPhone 3G

[TOW-19]

WHat I DON'T like is that Apple was billing the 3G as a faster phone (which is probably is) but is slightly being misleading in its price-point marketing. By selling the new phone cheaper, it's making you think you're getting a better deal on a phone, at least to those who don't do the math or are new to iPhone. I was thinking of picking one up myself, but not after the math.

Sure, the 3G is faster, and the phone itself is cheaper than the original iPhone. But will it save you money in the long run? Check out this cost comparison of the 3G versus the original over the life of a two-year contract.

Original iPhone
Phone cost: (8GB) $399; (16GB) $499
Plan cost: (900 minutes per month): $79.99 per month
Unlimited data fee: Included
Text messages (200 messages per month): Free
Total over two-year contract: $2,318.76 ($2,418.76 for the 16GB phone)

3G
Phone cost: (8GB) $199; (16GB) $299
Plan cost: (900 minutes per month): $89.99 per month
Unlimited data fee: Included
Text messages (200 messages per month): $5 per month
Total over two-year contract: $2,478.76 ($2,578.76 for the 16GB phone)

* Totals do not include activation fee, cost of accessories or taxes and charges included on monthly bill.

So is it worth it?
The short answer to that question is "maybe."

Even though the new iPhone's up-front cost is cheaper, at $199 or $299, depending on the model, the monthly fees are higher by at least $10. And because buying iPhone 3G at that price locks you into a two-year contract, you'll pay a monthly fee of at least $69.99 (and that's without text messaging) every month for 24 months.

So what's so good about iPhone 3G? Internet browsing is several times faster than the pokey EDGE network on the first-gen iPhone. And, with 3G, you can talk and surf simultaneously, something you can't do with EDGE.

Oh, and GPS. While Apple says iPhone 3G isn't suitable for turn-by-turn directions, the GPS will help you find your way home.

Beyond that, truthfully, there's not much else. It's still 8 gigabytes or 16 gigabytes of storage space. The audio is supposedly much improved and the 16-GB model comes in black or white, but that's really the end of the innovation. You'll find the rest of the cool-factor on all iPhones, new and old, in the form of Mobile Me and the iTunes App Store.

With Mobile Me, which costs $99 a year, you can access and manage e-mail, contact lists, your calendar, photos and files on your computer or iPhone. And when you make a change in either place, the change is instantaneous on the other device, no syncing required.

The App Store is just like the iTunes music and movie store, but for applications like games, Facebook and Instant Messenger. Some will be free and some will cost you, but thousands of programs that do everything from controlling the lights in your living room to balancing your checkbook will be up for grabs starting sometime Friday. You can even store all of your credit card information down to the number (because slipping out that credit card from the wallet is just oh-so-hard) as well as all your passwords to everything on your computer under a protection program they're billing as "unbreakable." You remember the LAST guy to boldly say his life's information couldn't be hacked at LIFELOCK?

All in all, I think the release of this new device shouldn't be as heralded as some are making it out to be.

[RNG187]

tow's newspaper just tore apple a new core.

[TOW-19]

J-Rite187 ]
tow just tore apple a new core.

I can't take credit.
I took most of that info from an article I read yesterday in the paper.
But they laid it out pretty well for me.

[RNG187]

better?

[TOW-19]

Yes.

[CDBS14]

i got a regular iphone and i pay just 20 bucks a month?

[Public-Defender-]

BIGDANIEL ]
And...

For those of you who may use it for business needs. While you are able to view things like Word Documents, Excel Spreadsheets, PowerPoint Presentations, and PDF's. You are not able to go in and edit them on the iPhone. You are also not able to connect to your companies Sharepoint with the ability to edit either.

Of course you are able to view full HTML on the iPhone. Which is a plus. But for those who are looking for true business functionality check out the AT&T Tilt phone.

Also both phones are World Phones so you're able to send and receive calls and emails in other countries just as though you were right at home.

I have the tilt ;D When it came out its was called the iPhone killer for business professionals.My twin bro waited 5 hours in line last night for the new iPhone.It is very nice. The iPhone really does have the upper hand when it comes to web browsing.Im no business pro but the ability to create & edit word & exel docs is why Im sticking with the tilt for now