3 iPhone 3G Reviews are in

[bsharp]

Apple Insider highlights three reviews of the iPhone 3G from the Wall Street Journal, USA Today and the NY Times.

http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/08/07/08/first_iphone_3g_reviews_via_the_wsj_usa_today_and_ ny_times.html

Here are some highlights:

"Walt Mossberg | The Wall Street Journal
iPhone 3G "is much, much faster at fetching data over cellphone networks" than the original version.

"Surfing the net was typically between three and five times as fast on AT&T's 3G network. In Washington and New York, 3G speeds ranged between 200 and 500 kilobits per second compared to 70 and 150 kbps on EDGE.

"With 3G enabled, the iPhone 3G's battery drained much more quickly in a typical day of use than the battery on the original iPhone.

"Apple has greatly improved the iPhone's audio. The built in speaker is much louder for music and speakerphone conversations, but the phone produced an echo when used with the built-in Bluetooth system in Walt's car.

"Exchange ActiveSync works well and setup takes just minutes. Any changes made on the iPhone are reflected instantly in Microsoft Outlook. Email is also pushed to the phone instantly.

"A side benefit to 3G coverage is that it improves voice coverage: "At my neighborhood shopping center, where the first iPhone got little or no AT&T service, the iPhone 3G registered strong coverage."

"Edward Baig | USA Today
"No equal among consumer-oriented smartphones."

"Baig's corporate data (through Exchange) was a "relative cinch" to setup and works well.

"Most websites take 10 to 30 seconds to load through 3G, which is a lot faster than on EDGE (which often takes an extra 30 seconds or more).

"The phone feels "perfectly comfortable" in the hand courtesy of the plastic back.

"Apple confirms that the plastic should improve reception versus the original's aluminum.

"The journalist is "impressed" by the accuracy of GPS, but says the phone begs for voiced turn-by-turn directions.

"Audio quality is better overall, particularly the speakerphone; headphones are of course still better.

"Parental controls actually remove icons outright from the home screen; they don't just block access.

"You'll still want to charge the phone about once a day if used regularly.

"Old iPod accessories meant to charge over Firewire circuitry (such as a Belkin car kit) don't work; iPhone 3G still only recognizes USB.

"Overall: an "enthusiastic thumbs up."

"David Pogue | The New York Times
"The "gracefully curved" back feels better in the hand than the original iPhone.

"Call quality takes a "gigantic leap forward" and is "crystal clear" on either end of the call; few other phones rival it.

"Apple: the GPS receiver's antenna is too small to replicate turn-by-turn navigation of a full unit.

"Examples of third-party apps: iCall for VoIP calls over Wi-Fi, G-Park for position-based parking, and Urbanspoon for picking a random nearby restaurant by sharing the phone."

[Zanthe]

at it improves voice coverage: "At my neighborhood shopping center, where the first iPhone got little or no AT&T service, the iPhone 3G registered strong coverage."Why would the 3G phone get better reception? I thought that was purely a AT&T coverage issue and had no possible link to the 3G network.

Thoughts?

[bsharp]

Why would the 3G phone get better reception? I thought that was purely a AT&T coverage issue and had no possible link to the 3G network.

Thoughts?

I'm guessing here, because I've just listed comments from the reviewers. Baig says (in the article) that "Apple confirms that the plastic should improve reception versus the original's aluminum."

[Zanthe]

Ah....could be but I'm still a little skeptical.

[3Guser]

You have to charge it every day? Wow...well I guess its not too big of a deal. Someone I know said his V1 lasted a week on a charge maybe he does not use his much.

[Lincoln]

Pogue says that audio improvement is through the roof. Excellent.

- John

[iconone]

You have to charge it every day? Wow...well I guess its not too big of a deal. Someone I know said his V1 lasted a week on a charge maybe he does not use his much.

NO WAY it last a week its not possible. I use the internet alot and im lucky to get a 1/2 day out of it. Full charge at 7am at 400pm im in the red.

[Nemss316]

"Old iPod accessories meant to charge over Firewire circuitry (such as a Belkin car kit) don't work; iPhone 3G still only recognizes USB.

I have a car kit that I use with my IPod 30Gig, does this mean I will have to buy a new kit? It's a kit that uses an FM transmitter.

[iconone]

"Old iPod accessories meant to charge over Firewire circuitry (such as a Belkin car kit) don't work; iPhone 3G still only recognizes USB.

I have a car kit that I use with my IPod 30Gig, does this mean I will have to buy a new kit? It's a kit that uses an FM transmitter.

I dont know but i have a i go car charger it works for my 30gb video ipod and my iphone. With the igo you can change the tips out for ipod/iphone, psp, 5pin usb, ds, cameras anything and everything the best charger if you have alot of devices. I have had it for over a year and no problems.

[aenti]

this battery issue is a major turnoff. and if you want to avoid such a crappy battery life, you'd have to use the option to switch to EDGE instead of 3g.

which in itself defeats the purpose of the iphone 3g

[iconone]

this battery issue is a major turnoff. and if you want to avoid such a crappy battery life, you'd have to use the option to switch to EDGE instead of 3g.

which in itself defeats the purpose of the iphone 3g

That is true.

[aenti]

holy crap, i actually found a vid review. apparently CNET got their hands on it:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=RzoZGNsJ71w

[iconone]

holy crap, i actually found a vid review. apparently CNET got their hands on it:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=RzoZGNsJ71w

Haha Lame!!

[iphone1027]

this battery issue is a major turnoff. and if you want to avoid such a crappy battery life, you'd have to use the option to switch to EDGE instead of 3g.

which in itself defeats the purpose of the iphone 3g
I don't know what type of battery the iPhone has but as a PPC/Smart phone user (All with 3G, push email, etc) I can tell you that the battery life improves as you "cycle" it (charging/discharging). I remember when I first got my TILT (which I still use), the battery would last about a full day (8am-9pm). With about 1 hr talking total, 1 hour surfing the web, and auto-checking 2 email accounts every 30 min. I would be down to 20%. Now after almost more than 8 months, I get 1.5 days of use( of course charging on the second day). So Im a bit skeptical about this "old man" stating something which he has no knowledge about (electronic circuitry) or in this case chemistry, which is the basis of what a battery is.

[Perplex]

You have to charge it every day? Wow...well I guess its not too big of a deal. Someone I know said his V1 lasted a week on a charge maybe he does not use his much.

I think the comment maybe have been for the Lithium-battery, and not as much for the device itself. Just so you won't run out of full charge cycles, its good to top of the battery daily, and about every month or so, drain the battery, and give it a good full charge.

[Youngbinks]

I hope people are satisfied with the audio improvement as that was definitely a huge concern for people with v1.

[patrickj]

If audio improvement is as significant as Pogue makes it sound, that would be a huge plus ...

[aenti]

I don't know what type of battery the iPhone has but as a PPC/Smart phone user (All with 3G, push email, etc) I can tell you that the battery life improves as you "cycle" it (charging/discharging). I remember when I first got my TILT (which I still use), the battery would last about a full day (8am-9pm). With about 1 hr talking total, 1 hour surfing the web, and auto-checking 2 email accounts every 30 min. I would be down to 20%. Now after almost more than 8 months, I get 1.5 days of use( of course charging on the second day). So Im a bit skeptical about this "old man" stating something which he has no knowledge about (electronic circuitry) or in this case chemistry, which is the basis of what a battery is.

you made my day:smile:
but one question:
if that were true, why does battery life degenerate significantly after 300 charges?

[toyotaisme]

this battery issue is a major turnoff. and if you want to avoid such a crappy battery life, you'd have to use the option to switch to EDGE instead of 3g.

which in itself defeats the purpose of the iphone 3g

This is the same reason Im keeping my original iPhone. Battery is going to be a big issue.

[|3are]

This is the same reason Im keeping my original iPhone. Battery is going to be a big issue.
QQ

I'm not buying all this "battery issue" talk. Battery life is one of the main reasons Apple didn't make the first iPhone a 3G capable phone. If they still thought it was a problem and that they couldn't build the phone with good battery life, they wouldn't have made this one 3G, either.

I'm fine with charging the phone every night. I don't even have a car charger and don't plan to get one, yet I don't anticipate any problems.

[eye-Fone]

this battery issue is a major turnoff. and if you want to avoid such a crappy battery life, you'd have to use the option to switch to EDGE instead of 3g.

which in itself defeats the purpose of the iphone 3g
Unless you want to use GPS location-based applications.

[billnye97]

This is the same reason Im keeping my original iPhone. Battery is going to be a big issue.

I don't understand people. Don't at one time or another you sleep? That's when I charge my V1 iPhone or any other phone that I've owned. I have heavy usage using my iPhone as a phone, listening to music to and from work, and using the internet a lot also. I also keep wifi on at all times which supposedly is even more of a battery drain and I've had no problems.

[projectdarkside]

NO WAY it last a week its not possible. I use the internet alot and im lucky to get a 1/2 day out of it. Full charge at 7am at 400pm im in the red.Well I go to school at like 7:00 and get out at like 3:30 so its perfect for me:tounge:
-So I get home and charge it for later

[bsharp]

It amazes me that I read an article, find that I like it, and someone else claims it says something totally different.

Gary Krakow(?) with The Street.com says Pogue's and Mossberg's reviews are terrible. They "stink".

Here's the link:

http://www.thestreet.com/_yahoo/video/the-slot-tech-news/10425423.html?cm_ven=YAHOOV&cm_cat=FREE&cm_ite=NA# 10425423

[iphone1027]

you made my day:smile:
but one question:
if that were true, why does battery life degenerate significantly after 300 charges?

I don't know if that is indeed a fact, however, you have to remember the battery is a chemical reaction therefore after a while it looses it's properties, thus not being able to hold a 100% charge like it did in the beginning of its life.

[kisstine]

This is the same reason Im keeping my original iPhone. Battery is going to be a big issue.

So what you're saying is that you'd rather not even have the feature available if using it is going to reduce battery life? That makes no sense.

I use wi-fi when I'm someplace with wi-fi. I turn Bluetooth off when I'm not in my car. I'd never elect not to have these tools available to me on an as-needed basis.

I'll use 3G when I'm at work, but turn it off when I return to the 3G-less town where I live. I hope I don't see a significant reduction in my battery life, but if I do, I'll charge more frequently. No big deal.

[enigmanic]

"Apple: the GPS receiver's antenna is too small to replicate turn-by-turn navigation of a full unit.


Anyone else disappointed about this? I hope it's not true -- I was really hoping for voice turn-by-turn directions. Oh well, I guess I'm sticking with my Garmin.

[aenti]

I don't understand people. Don't at one time or another you sleep? That's when I charge my V1 iPhone or any other phone that I've owned. I have heavy usage using my iPhone as a phone, listening to music to and from work, and using the internet a lot also. I also keep wifi on at all times which supposedly is even more of a battery drain and I've had no problems.

true, but you can recharge so much. isn't it better to let rechargeables to die before you recharge them? besides, constant charging+crappy battery=time to shell out 80 for a new iphone battery.

[iphone1027]

true, but you can recharge so much. isn't it better to let rechargeables to die before you recharge them? besides, constant charging+crappy battery=time to shell out 80 for a new iphone battery.

Depends what type of battery you are charging.

[iphone1027]

Anyone else disappointed about this? I hope it's not true -- I was really hoping for voice turn-by-turn directions. Oh well, I guess I'm sticking with my Garmin.

"Apple: the GPS receiver's antenna is too small to replicate turn-by-turn navigation of a full unit."

I would really like to know how this man obtained this information? Did he physically take apart the phone? Did he receive some "special" spec sheet from Apple that the public doesn't have? I really don't understand how people base their opinions/reviews without backing it up with factual evidence. I really am displeased with that old man's review or any review that has no factual evidence to back it up.

[projectdarkside]

So how are you supposed to "properly" charge your iPhone to get the max life out of it?
-I thought using it until it died then charging it were bad for it, and instead charging whenever you get home regardless of battery life were better:gasp:

I mean thats what it says in my smartphone manual
-but I'm using a windows mobile phone with a changeable battery so I guess its different :(

[iphone1027]

So how are you supposed to "properly" charge your iPhone to get the max life out of it?
-I thought using it until it died then charging it were bad for it, and instead charging whenever you get home regardless of battery life were better:gasp:

I mean thats what it says in my smartphone manual
-but I'm using a windows mobile phone with a changeable battery so I guess its different :(

Well I have read somewhere(dont quote me) that the iPods, etc should be charged always(after use) even when down to lets say 60%,etc. On the other hand, I havent had any problems with both of my PPC phones (BJ II & TILT) charging it when it reaches about 30% or less

[eye-Fone]

Anyone else disappointed about this? I hope it's not true -- I was really hoping for voice turn-by-turn directions. Oh well, I guess I'm sticking with my Garmin.

I thought that as long as it gets a signal to pin-point your location (which it does), then a live nav app could be written to use it. I don't think it has anything to do with the "antenna".

[bsharp]

"Apple: the GPS receiver's antenna is too small to replicate turn-by-turn navigation of a full unit."

I would really like to know how this man obtained this information? Did he physically take apart the phone? Did he receive some "special" spec sheet from Apple that the public doesn't have? I really don't understand how people base their opinions/reviews without backing it up with factual evidence. I really am displeased with that old man's review or any review that has no factual evidence to back it up.

I'll say this much for the reviewer - David Pogue. He's a long-time Mac Enthusiast. He's written several books about Apple products, including "iPhone, The Missing Manual" and he generally knows what he's talking about. I trust him, but I've followed his stuff for years.

[Perplex]

So how are you supposed to "properly" charge your iPhone to get the max life out of it?
-I thought using it until it died then charging it were bad for it, and instead charging whenever you get home regardless of battery life were better:gasp:

I mean thats what it says in my smartphone manual
-but I'm using a windows mobile phone with a changeable battery so I guess its different :(


basically from what i've read and understood about charging batteries is that, you don't waste your charge cycles.

For instance, a lithium ion battery may have 1,000 charge cycles (1 cycle equals from full to dead battery) before it loses capacity. If you always deplete the battery to dead before recharging, you just have 1000 charge cycles. If you recharge it to top off the battery everytime it hits 50% capacity, you now have 2000 charge cycles...get it?

So i guess in conclusion, try to charge everynight, and once in a while (every month or so) recharge fully from dead:laugh2:

[Reverserewind]

Well I have read somewhere(dont quote me) that the iPods, etc should be charged always(after use) even when down to lets say 60%,etc. On the other hand, I havent had any problems with both of my PPC phones (BJ II & TILT) charging it when it reaches about 30% or less


My ipod I only charge when basically drained and the life I get is still great 2+ years. For my Treo I just walk in my door at the end of the day and plug it in, again 2+ years and I've never had any problem with either device. I'd say do what is recommended and if it screws up you've at least got some recourse with the manufacturer.

[iphone1027]

My ipod I only charge when basically drained and the life I get is still great 2+ years. For my Treo I just walk in my door at the end of the day and plug it in, again 2+ years and I've never had any problem with either device. I'd say do what is recommended and if it screws up you've at least got some recourse with the manufacturer.

Exactly, good point. Follow manufacturers specifications and instructions. I have always done that and have never needed to replace a rechargeable battery.

[projectdarkside]

basically from what i've read and understood about charging batteries is that, you don't waste your charge cycles.

For instance, a lithium ion battery may have 1,000 charge cycles (1 cycle equals from full to dead battery) before it loses capacity. If you always deplete the battery to dead before recharging, you just have 1000 charge cycles. If you recharge it to top off the battery everytime it hits 50% capacity, you now have 2000 charge cycles...get it?

So i guess in conclusion, try to charge everynight, and once in a while (every month or so) recharge fully from dead:laugh2:Gotcha:2cool:

[eye-Fone]

...once in a while (every month or so) recharge fully from dead:laugh2:
Why? . . .

[aenti]

lots of good info on charging guys, thanks

[Napoleon_PhoneApart]

I don't understand people. Don't at one time or another you sleep? That's when I charge my V1 iPhone or any other phone that I've owned. I have heavy usage using my iPhone as a phone, listening to music to and from work, and using the internet a lot also. I also keep wifi on at all times which supposedly is even more of a battery drain and I've had no problems.

Agreed. I have no problems with charging the iPhone 3G overnight, as I did with v1. And I have a car charger, just in case I need a little boost.

[Napoleon_PhoneApart]

So what you're saying is that you'd rather not even have the feature available if using it is going to reduce battery life? That makes no sense.

I use wi-fi when I'm someplace with wi-fi. I turn Bluetooth off when I'm not in my car. I'd never elect not to have these tools available to me on an as-needed basis.

I'll use 3G when I'm at work, but turn it off when I return to the 3G-less town where I live. I hope I don't see a significant reduction in my battery life, but if I do, I'll charge more frequently. No big deal.

Such common-sense comments as yours could be construed as heresy! :laugh2:

[Napoleon_PhoneApart]

It amazes me that I read an article, find that I like it, and someone else claims it says something totally different.

Gary Krakow(?) with The Street.com says Pogue's and Mossberg's reviews are terrible. They "stink".

Here's the link:

http://www.thestreet.com/_yahoo/video/the-slot-tech-news/10425423.html?cm_ven=YAHOOV&cm_cat=FREE&cm_ite=NA# 10425423

Heheh -- this "Krakow" guy sounds really bitter that he didn't get an iPhone 3G to review. Plus, he looks like a fugitive from some fantasy gaming convention...

[Napoleon_PhoneApart]

lots of good info on charging guys, thanks

Here's a link from one source on charging the different types of batteries (the iPhone uses a lithium-ion battery):

http://www.cellpower.com/FAQs.cfm

[ColsTiger]

I'm not crazy about the battery issue. I've enjoyed at least two days and almost three days with my first gen version.

[bsharp]

Heheh -- this "Krakow" guy sounds really bitter that he didn't get an iPhone 3G to review. Plus, he looks like a fugitive from some fantasy gaming convention...

Very well said.:smile:

[NateEssex]

Heheh -- this "Krakow" guy sounds really bitter that he didn't get an iPhone 3G to review. Plus, he looks like a fugitive from some fantasy gaming convention...

LOL...that bitterness will eat him up inside :gasp:

[joe]

Heheh -- this "Krakow" guy sounds really bitter that he didn't get an iPhone 3G to review. Plus, he looks like a fugitive from some fantasy gaming convention...

It would have to be D&D. :gasp:

He "stinks." His comments were awful. It was not a journalistic report or review. It was painful to watch.

[Napoleon_PhoneApart]

It would have to be D&D. :gasp:

He "stinks." His comments were awful. It was not a journalistic report or review. It was painful to watch.

Yeah -- in his case, Drunk & Delusional...:laugh2:

[NateEssex]

It would have to be D&D. :gasp:

He "stinks." His comments were awful. It was not a journalistic report or review. It was painful to watch.

Please don't insult D&D like that...

I'll bet he's a Pokemon hard-core gamer.

[Saverino]

Im really glad about what they said about the audio improvements.

[Napoleon_PhoneApart]

It would have to be D&D. :gasp:

He "stinks." His comments were awful. It was not a journalistic report or review. It was painful to watch.

I totally agree with your assessment. His comments weren't journalistic at all. He sounded (and looked) as if he had just woken up and debarked the red-eye from London to the US.

[Napoleon_PhoneApart]

Im really glad about what they said about the audio improvements.

Yes -- all three commented on the improvement in audio quality, so it has to be there...

[kevlar08]

Apple Insider highlights three reviews of the iPhone 3G from the Wall Street Journal, USA Today and the NY Times.

http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/08/07/08/first_iphone_3g_reviews_via_the_wsj_usa_today_and_ ny_times.html

Here are some highlights:

"Walt Mossberg | The Wall Street Journal
iPhone 3G "is much, much faster at fetching data over cellphone networks" than the original version.

"Surfing the net was typically between three and five times as fast on AT&T's 3G network. In Washington and New York, 3G speeds ranged between 200 and 500 kilobits per second compared to 70 and 150 kbps on EDGE.

"With 3G enabled, the iPhone 3G's battery drained much more quickly in a typical day of use than the battery on the original iPhone.

"Apple has greatly improved the iPhone's audio. The built in speaker is much louder for music and speakerphone conversations, but the phone produced an echo when used with the built-in Bluetooth system in Walt's car.

"Exchange ActiveSync works well and setup takes just minutes. Any changes made on the iPhone are reflected instantly in Microsoft Outlook. Email is also pushed to the phone instantly.

"A side benefit to 3G coverage is that it improves voice coverage: "At my neighborhood shopping center, where the first iPhone got little or no AT&T service, the iPhone 3G registered strong coverage."

"Edward Baig | USA Today
"No equal among consumer-oriented smartphones."

"Baig's corporate data (through Exchange) was a "relative cinch" to setup and works well.

"Most websites take 10 to 30 seconds to load through 3G, which is a lot faster than on EDGE (which often takes an extra 30 seconds or more).

"The phone feels "perfectly comfortable" in the hand courtesy of the plastic back.

"Apple confirms that the plastic should improve reception versus the original's aluminum.

"The journalist is "impressed" by the accuracy of GPS, but says the phone begs for voiced turn-by-turn directions.

"Audio quality is better overall, particularly the speakerphone; headphones are of course still better.

"Parental controls actually remove icons outright from the home screen; they don't just block access.

"You'll still want to charge the phone about once a day if used regularly.

"Old iPod accessories meant to charge over Firewire circuitry (such as a Belkin car kit) don't work; iPhone 3G still only recognizes USB.

"Overall: an "enthusiastic thumbs up."

"David Pogue | The New York Times
"The "gracefully curved" back feels better in the hand than the original iPhone.

"Call quality takes a "gigantic leap forward" and is "crystal clear" on either end of the call; few other phones rival it.

"Apple: the GPS receiver's antenna is too small to replicate turn-by-turn navigation of a full unit.

"Examples of third-party apps: iCall for VoIP calls over Wi-Fi, G-Park for position-based parking, and Urbanspoon for picking a random nearby restaurant by sharing the phone."

i read this, im glad to hear about the 3g speeds and the audio improvment