Originally Posted by jarofclay73
I disagree that the jump from the 3G to 3G S is the bigger upgrade than the v1 to 3G.
The jump from EDGE to 3G was huge for internet speed. The inclusion of a GPS changed the way we socially network. And the creation of the App Store opened up a huge box of possibilities and has made the iPhone an actual gaming platform.
The main upgrades for the 3G S:
Video camera - nice, but not a must-have.
Voice recognition - with the right app, you can do it on the other iPhones (I use vlingo).
Compass - another convenience feature but not necessary, unless you like to do a lot of Man vs. Wild.
Nike + iPod - mostly for serious runners. I already use Distance Pro for what I do and it's great.
32GB - the one really needed upgrade but I'm not shelling out $399-$499 for the unsubsidized price just for this.
I think next year's iPhone will be the major upgrade with a multi-core processor, video teleconferencing, redesigned backing and possibly even compatibility with a future 4G network that AT&T will be starting up. I'm not sure if a 64GB flash drive that can fit in the iPhone has been produced yet.
I really can't understand why people downplay the 3GS upgrade. I have noticed that it's usually people who haven't upgraded and experienced the improvements first hand and care about the fact that it looks the same as the 3G. Personally, I'm glad it's the same size as the 3G because my cases and Mophie juice pack charger work with it.
The stock video recorder has more features than the JB apps as well as better quality, and you don't have to JB to have it. Being able to edit them in the app itself is awesome. The processor is faster (the 3G used the same processor as the V1). Apps load much faster and internet browsing is faster. It has a better camera with autofocus and touch to focus. The voice controls are far superior to any app store voice controls. You simply push the home button and regardless if it's locked or not, activates the voice controls (you don't have to slide to unlock and open an app). It has double the RAM (the 3G had the same amount as the V1). It has more storage capacity and a louder speaker. It has an a fingerprint resistant screen. The compass feature is very handy for orienting the maps to the direction you are traveling. It has a longer lasting battery. It includes headphones with additional features. The voice control from the headphones is very convenient and impressive. It also has additional OS features not available on the 3G like remaining battery percentage, reverse video (for low light situations like movie theaters), increased bluetooth compatibility, and touch to focus camera features.
Is any of this a "must have"? No, of coarse not, but neither was the jump from a V1 to a 3G. It's just a better user experience. With all the above improvements, who cares if it looks the same?