Iphone 3G News

Before snagging a cheap 3G iPhone from the US on ebay there are somethings to think about. Firstly the iPhone 3G is priced similarly here and abroad however network and contract deals are different. 

The original iPhone could be bought anywhere and unlocked to your preferred network however there is a requirement for the iphone 3g from both AT&T in America and O2 in the UK,  that you sign up to a contract before you take it home. So even if you do unlock the iPhone 3G you have to first pay a monthly contract  to get hold of one.  

Unlike the US in the UK, we're will be able to buy a 3G iPhone on the Web (where stocks exist!) and providing you have a contract (before delivery).

The good news is that if you sign up to a 02 contract at £45 a month or more, you'll get the 3G iPhone 8gb for free. O2 are rumoured to be offering the iphone 3g on Pay As You Go in the future without a contract for around £370.Whilst demand exceeds supply this is likely to not be the case for some time especially whilst the "new" factor applies.

There are some differrences between countries for example US iPhone owner's who give their old iPhone to someone else are forced by  AT&T (the us network carrier) to make that person sign up to a 2-year contract.

In the UK to upgrade an old O2 iphone you have to sign up for an 18 month extension to that contract. You can give your old iPhone to another 02 contract user or buy a brand new iPhone pay-as-you-go sim card.

US iphone 3g users get a better deal in terms of minutes however they do not have subsidised or free handsets. For now in the UK the contract is  600 minutes (£35p/m) and 75 minutes (£30 p/m), so it's a no brainer which contract is going to be most popular

• Faster more capable version of the world’s best mobile phone operating system
• Enhanced voice and data communications  
• Expandable with third-party software and features for technie users.
• Better compatibility for international telephone networks
• Keyboard and language support for users in most countries.
• GPS locations via phone masts, Wi-Fi hotspots and satellite positioning placing you on Google Maps, turn-by-turn directions (no voice) So don't sell the sat nav yet (sounds ripe for an application).
• Better sound quality through a redesigned sunken headphone port  that connects with all earphones. No more crappy white ear plugs!
• The aluminium backplate is gone replaced by a glossy sleek back.
• Push email makes gives all the functions of a blackberry and synchronises between your home computer.
• FREE applications rumour has it we can expect about 25% of downloadables to be free or upgradable for pro-users. 
• Widgets and gadgets from all the big websites, google, yahoo, facebook, ebay and many more.
• Senses your presence via 2 sensors, one checks ambient light the other recognises when your not using the phone and powers down.
• Accelerometer = a Wii type controller allows you to control games by moving the phone.

The Downsides

• Likely higher cost of ownership  than the older iphone.
• Battery life especially when using data features is significantly worse, heavy user will require a daily top up charge. Although you can toggling 3G off when making voice calls, enabling Bluetooth & Wi-Fi only when necessary & setting the phone to sleep when not in use.
• Some reported compatibility issues with some iPod accessories
• Defects and battery replacement will likely require Apple Store (at least in the short term)
• Buying one and activating it can in some cases be a headache according to the service provider.
• The GPS doesn't give voice instructions, so keep the sat nav till an application is in the iphone store
• No voice dialling as standard, you have to buy iSpeak in the iStore.
• Boring same old poor quality 2 megapixal camera from the old iphone!