iPhone 3G

[Brougham]

Okay, so it's been unveiled and coming to Australia in a month (July 11).



iPhone - Apple

BBC NEWS | Technology | Apple announces cheaper 3G iPhone



apparently, there's two versions:
a 3gig which has a RRP of US$199 (AUD$210); and
a 16gig with a RRP of $US299 (AUD$315).

if those prices remain accurate here in AU, i think it's gonna be a winner. if only it were NextG compliant, then it would rock. instead it's only got 3G/EDGE/WiFi connectivity.

[rz350]

Its UTMS 850 from the specs Ive read, which means it is Next G
I dont believe for a second its going to be available outright for those prices unfortunately. Probably will lock you into some high priced 24 month contract to go with it.

Looks pretty sweet though. GPS built in as well

[Tin Tin]

but I want it now!

[Captain Starfish]

I dont believe for a second its going to be available outright for those prices unfortunately. Probably will lock you into some high priced 24 month contract to go with it.

1. Order from USA via web.
2. ?
3. Profit

So next question, what kinda GPS?

It looks like it supports A-GPS based on wifi and cells. But does it allow you to go freebie GPS only? And what map software? Again - it looks like Google Maps (ie mucho bandwidth and you're stuffed if you're looking for directions out in the bush).

But... this looks like a sweet little machine.

[Brougham]

1. i'll just get one direct from my brother at apple.
2. 25% discount
3. sell on ebay
4. profit

[DaveR6]

no mention of size and weight...which cant be a good thing

[Pkunk]

Judging on the regular iPhone Dave, itll blow other "smartphones" out of the water in terms of size, weight and useability

(i've been holding out for a 3g one )

[Brougham]

Size and weight

Height:115.5 mm (4.5 inches)
Width:62.1 mm (2.4 inches)
Depth:12.3 mm (0.48 inches)
Weight:133 grams (4.7 ounces)

iPhone - Technical Specifications - Apple

[TORQ]

Skeptical about the whole touch-screen thing. They had a demo on Ch 7 this morning and it supposedly has the "best" touch screen, to which the presenter tried to touch a button on the screen about 3-4 times and it didn't work. Much like the sensitive touch buttons on my Samsung U700. Think I prefer the tactile stuff ...

[D'Artagnan]

A mate has one and I must say I was impressed. Very noice!

[shmoo]

the versions seem to be 8 gig and 16 gig.

[arwon]

Slight typo on the price, just add a 1 at the front.

[Brougham]

that's according to the press release arwon - $199 and $299

but that's a USA release note - they'd likely add a 0 to our price just for the hell of it.

[MikeC]

Are Apple actually selling them direct? The Apple .au site only includes links to Optus and Vodafone. This makes me a sad panda.

[Brougham]

most likely they will be sold thru outlets, just the same as other brands (e.g. Nokia, etc).

[Juffy]

The specs sheet says it requires iTunes - is that just for loading music onto it, or does it handle contact list syncing as well? Does the iPhone sync with Outlook like most decent phones?

[goof]

As a designer I should pay more attention to Apple stuff, because I don't get why they're so popular. I admit I haven't played with them much, but still. Yes some guy with a pony tail does good ergonomic design, but while you're distracted the marketing guy is lifting your wallet.

From what I could tell the iPod, which is not cheap, makes it difficult to load & play MP3s. Isn't that the point of an MP3 player? I prefer my cheap player that I plug in a USB port and it comes up as a drive I can copy to then I unplug and hit play. No software/drivers needed on any OS.

That new ultra thin notebook. There's web pages detailing it's significant shortfalls and better/cheaper alternatives that are as thin, but people still buy it.

The iPhone doesn't seem to have any features that other phones don't already have. And to use the 'GPS maps' costs you every time, all the time? WTF?

All their products just seem to tie you in to spending more & more down the track to keep using them.

[Brougham]

just like cars eh?

same features, different packaging = more moolah

[Dubs]

Originally Posted by goof

From what I could tell the iPod, which is not cheap, makes it difficult to load & play MP3s. Isn't that the point of an MP3 player? I prefer my cheap player that I plug in a USB port and it comes up as a drive I can copy to then I unplug and hit play. No software/drivers needed on any OS.

Sort of like the much anticipated "PSB Shonkpod" available soon...



I have a cheap chinese knockoff mp3 player that works super for my requirements, and am very happy with my moto for my phone, i do like gadgets tho and would prob get an iphone if the features were all inclusive on price.

Dubs

[Klink]

Originally Posted by Juffy

The specs sheet says it requires iTunes - is that just for loading music onto it, or does it handle contact list syncing as well? Does the iPhone sync with Outlook like most decent phones?

Actually... you need iTunes to use the phone... and heres why: When you first buy an iPhone, you are required to "Register" it to enable its use, which can only be done through iTunes (well its the only "legal/legit" way).

The touchscreen is actually really good. Ive got an iPod touch, which is basically the iPhone but without the phone bit. I have to say im fairly impressed with the interface. Some things are a bit small to be able to touch accurately but I dont mis-touch too often.

As far as it being 3G... Im not sure, unless its a new version of the iPhone. The original iPhone was EDGE network, which if you like can be equated to "Enhanced GPRS" but it falls inside the 2G model (Some countries have marketed it as 2.5G). I havent been keeping up with the development of the iPhone recently, so its entirely possible they have released a 3G version.