iPhone 3G feature tally
New features:
- 3G internet- Faster internet than in previous version.
- GPS- Those location-based services I’ve been pining for should follow shortly.
- App Store- Availability of third-party apps will definitely make iPhone a more useful and attractive device.
- Extended battery life- Anyone who owns a cellphone right now knows how sweet this is.
- Uniform, reasonable pricing- $599* was steep. $199* is very attractive. And if you’re feeling fancy, $299* isn’t too much to spend on a phone/device of this calibre. Interestingly, this also marks the first time Steve Jobs openly appeared to consider what price someone is willing to pay for one of his magical toys.
Missing features:
- Video capture. specs list shows that it supports a lot of different formats, but not .3g2, a common mobile video format.
- MMS can’t send picture messages.
Initial verdict: It was close, but I’m going to have to say it’s a pass right now for me. The lack of video and MMS are deal-breakers; for someone who does not carry around a separate camera, video capabilities are really convenient and have become a must-have feature. Still no MMS: this is somewhat offset by unlimited internet, but getting random pictures from- and sending spontaneous pictures to- family and friends is also on my “must have” list.
Amidst the abundance of coverage and analysis, I still have one lingering question: What was in all those mysterious boxes?
* $USD. Despite near-parity of Canadian and US dollars, expect it to be slightly more expensive when released.
Update (10/6/08): According to the Rogers press release, pricing will be $199 or $299 for respective 8GB or 16GB models. Looks like dollar parity finally paid off. Still no word on plan details or whether we’ll see UK-style subsidized prices.
