Is the iPhone 3G Worth Buying?

Chris Pirillo Dim Flight for BrightKiteIs the iPhone 3G Worth Buying?Do you Want an iPhone 3G? Where Can You Download a Company Brand or Business Logo? Are you Worried about the Gas Crisis?

Leon Ho: Lifehack: Apple – MobileMe (via FriendFeed)  - 11-Jun-2008 Jeremiah Owyang: Thank you Friendfeed for being so responsive with your quicky iterations of new features, really impressive. (via FriendFeed)  - 14-Jun-2008l0ckergn0me: Is the iPhone 3G Worth Buying? (via Blog) - 13-Jun-2008

Adesso che e’ ufficialmente nato, l’iPhone 3G fa parlare di se’ quasi troppo. Ne scrive anche Chris Pirillo che fa un’attentaanalisi comparativadel telefono, paragonandolo alla sua versione precedente. Probabilmente questa analisi interessera’ poco il mercato italiano, dove la prima generazione di iPhone non era ufficialmente in commercio, ma e

ey i find it all looking the same so i see no difference in even upgrading even if you do have the iphone 1.

Well, I never tought of those points, if I can’t put my current cellphone chip into the iPhone.. I might be thinking twice about getting it.. Because I want to keep my number, and don’t want any kind of plan or something, I just want like the device.

I was not planning to “upgrade” in any event but reason #3 would be a deal killer for me. Surely they must be kidding to require me to keep paying for my current contract even though I am using a different phone with the same carrier. My wife is with Verizon and she recently changed to a Blackberry and they required nothing other than a contract extension which we were planning to do anyway since our current contract was almost completed. With gasoline approaching $5.00 a gallon and the A380 airbus coming to town in the near future, I need my money for other frivolities rather than lining the pockets of Big Apple. Let’s have a congressional investigation of these tactics. Let’s have ‘change’. Power to the people.

I will be getting the new iPhone 3G when it comes out, but I doubt I will be standing in line. This will be the first iPhone, and almost everyones first Ipod where I live mostly because in Canada, where I live, the iPhone has not been released yet. I will also be picking one up because my current cell phone has a hole.

I’m most likely not getting the 3G at least for a few months. But, I’ve read you can simply upgrade your iphone with out having to change your service plan if you all ready own an iPhone.

Thanks for the Tweet about Photograview. I was wondering where all the traffic came from since I didn’t post a new interview that day.

Good post, Chris. And I can absolutely understand where you’re coming from when you say that you like to have ‘more than enough’ space. I am currently using my 5th generation 30GB iPod video, and yet, I haven’t even managed to fill 4 of those gigs yet, however, I still found myself wanting a 32GB iPod touch, before this iPhone was announced.

Before, with the 2G iPhone and most other Apple products, we had to pay more in the UK (including iTunes purchases). But with the new iPhone, o2 have just announced the new call plans, and although the contracts are slightly higher like AT&T’s, they are offering it to us on Pay As You Go soon (http://www.o2.co.uk/iphone)!

Because I am already in a nice, cheap and basic contract with o2 that I took out not too long ago, I was considering asking o2 if there was any way I would be able to switch over my current contract to a PAYG iPhone, and then just add on a web package.

I will let you know how my plan works out as soon as I speak to the guys at o2. Although, in my local store, they all seem to be a bit grumpy.. ;)

The pricing structures over here in the UK look a little different – and most cities should have good 3G coverage now, so this second generation iPhone looks like a much better deal than the old one.

So chris do u like the iPhone 3g

I am getting one in august just in case the price drops we pay less

I’ll agree that it is overhyped. but then again it will be the best phone on the market. and I am not talking about the hardware and all… there most top phone are very similar and all. the thing apple just gets right and better than all other mobile phone manufactureres is the interface. it is so much better to use and get to stuff und do things compared to its competitors. I decided a few month back to go with the nokia e90 instead of the iphone and the only reason I am now happy about that is that I can get the iphone3g with my old contract running out! in the end it should be about persona taste and what you like and “need”. thisis just my opinion and I am very much looking forward to the 11th of july.
oh and about the price… people start complaining about the lowered price and higher plan costs… c’mon… it is much more expnsive to run data via 3g, especially in the states where it still is not that common and there will be so much more data transfered because of mobile me alone. I think that makes sense that they need more money to run it. its a company after all and not a charity…

regards
t.

p.s.: :-D I will go for the black 16gb one!

I never had the original one, so it would make sense for me to buy the new one. But it will depend on what plan i have to take. No way that i’ll be paying more than i would otherwise for the same plan..

Hi Chris
I currently have an iphone witch has changed my use of my mobile phone it is really high quality and it has change the way I peronly think it is a great, peice of apple that you can talk, anywhere and when you can get the internet on it, makes it, and I am planning to get “Mobile Me” for my Mac Pro with the Samsung 46″inch widescreen monitor etc, I and I hope it will change the industry forever.

The Big Question is:
Will I get the 3G iphone???

The Answer is yes!!!
Because of the first good imprtion of the first iphone, I choose yes.

Thanks Chris,
Yours Aidan Allen (Felo Geek)

I’m glad to find the answer to the question I posted on my own blog below:

To iPhone 3G or not? That is the question.

Well a lot of Apple fans waiting for the “iPhone” 2.0 (aka.. the 3G iPhone) are really happy that finally the phone will be here in July. Hooray!!

Even with a nice decrease in overall price for the 8GB and 16GB models, but an increase in overall total cost of ownership it will still be an interesting prospect for all lovers of the iPhone.

Owners of the current iPhone will have some soul searching to do before running right out and getting the new 3G iPhone. (at least in the opinion of me and my brother-in-law) ………….First question we’ll have to deal with is beyond 3G and GPS capability (love it!!), but if we update our old iPhone with the new software/firmware, “then why buy a new one?” Will we gain some overall similar functionality (except 3G and GPS of course) that we can live without having to buy th 3G phone?

Secondly, if we decide to buy a 3G anyway,”then what should we do with the old iPhone?” Should it become a glorified paper weight, a re-gifted gift (personal favorite), or another iTouch like device spilling over my home office desk. (wife will not like this option)

So what’s a tech guys supposed to do??? It should be an interesting proposition as the date gets closer and closer. Any other opinions out there in tech-land?? What are your iPhone plans in the coming month?

I think that its really not thelat worth buying, thats only if you already own an iPhone( the 1st generation). Also even though the iPhone can be cheap that plan sill balance out when you use it for a while. Why spend more money to have “touchscreen” and have a apple on the back, when you can just get a blackberry that can do the exact thing as iPhone can do. Some people don’t realize that.

This is good, because I was considering selling my iPhone for a new one. But yesterday I changed my mind. Now this post makes me certain to not to do that!

Great post! Like many people I already went out and got an iPhone when they first came out and have an AT&T contract. I would love to go out and buy an iPhone 3G but, at this point

(in continuation) I think i will be waiting for either my contract to end or some kind of way to upgrade from 1st generation to 3G.I don’t think I would use the GPS much. I think at this point I will stick with my iPhone and the firmware 2.0 .

Hi Chris,

I was the whole day wondering how to sync audio to CamTwist. Now I saw your audio isn’t in sync too. So: I guess there’s no solution to this problem. If you can help, send me an email.

hang loose,

Lars

P.S. Great Show, great Video-Blog!

Well, the current iPhone doesn’t exactly “pinpoint” your location.

My question is not: Is it worth switching from the iPhone for, but is it worth switching to AT&T (from Verizon who I am very happy with), paying $30+ more a month than I am paying now, just to have an iPhone? Is it really that good? Also, do you ever get used to typing on that horrible touch keyboard?

I believe that as a device it definitley worth buying, but about the price i have some concerns. 2 year contract ? hmm , but the sam e thing they said about the iphone v1 ..who know , we ll find out in a couple of weeks

Hey, i am not sure! I know someone who owns an iphone… but maybe it is worth buying!

cool!

I’ve been thinking of buying the iphone 3g but still thinking of whether I should buy it or not. Chris, you have brought me to the next level of whethering I should buy it.

Well I just have to say that I think it is worth buying in my point of view. I am really proud about the price range on the iPhone. My whole family has iPhones and we the bill is just going to the roof, but you know what it is worth it. I can not wait for the 2.0 upgrade with the app store. Kudos to Apple on that.

no it is not worth buying.
The new plan just blows… you are paying waay to much for what it is after all.

I am happy with 20 bucks data plan with at&t and my N95… which does 3g also.

I would love to get a regular iPhone, but now that the 3G is out and at a lower price, I can actually afford to get it. So I get a better product for a better price. :D

For $200 for a Electronic Planer, Mobile Web Browser, Phone and a 8GB Music/Video player sounds like a great deal.

i dont think ill buy one, never was a fan of ipods, always like the zunes better

notgona buy one, sorry, lmao

I’d probably get an upgrade if I had an iPhone already. But I don’t. And I’m not going to get one. If I could get an iPhone for $200 and keep my deal with Verizon, I would think about it more seriously. But until that comes, I’m not switching to nor signing a separate contract with AT&T and I don’t think I should be forced to do so just because I want a new phone with cool features. By the way, since they’re lowering the price of the iPhone, won’t they want to lower the price of the iPod Touch…..and possibly even the Macbook Air? I personally think they should.

I don’t know I don’t even have a regular i phone lol

I think the 3G i phone is an amazing deal for all that you get its only $200. The only thing i dont like is that its only with AT&T.

I wouldn’t say the iPhone exactly “pinpoints” your location. (Unless you use pins the size of city blocks)

I so wish I could afford an iPhone :(

Great video, I think the new iPhone is great, but unfortunately, I cannot get one because I am not on AT&T and am not old enough to sign my own contract.

I don’t think I’m going to buy the iPhone 3g. I am happy with my Kaiser! Keep up the good Work Chris!

I think getting the 3GB iPhone is a mistake because of how much money it was and how many other phone r like it and that r like alot less than the iPhone.
Thanks Chris.

yea a lot of people are looking to upgrade but there isn’t rely a need to.. for the people that couldn’t afford one in the past few months

yess if it is verzion i whoud get one

Can’t wait to get mine! :)

Well I think that you make alot of great points on this but I am Planing on Upgrading my iPhone to the New iPhone Im not Quite sure how yet but I am but there is one thing I dont agree with that place where you can send your phone to get money that place will only give 100$ for an iPhone. well great video chris

I know I won’t be getting a iPhone 3G because I would just use the phone to call people, not for the extra features it will provide.

I think that the place you talked about with the giving away the fone for money was bad they are only gonna give you 100$ for the iPhone you did make some good points in the video but i would not use that place

I believe alot of business users will now get the iPhone now it has Exchange Support. I use Exchange daily and thats why I Didn’t get a iPhone. But now I am going to get one since it has more support for the Enterprise support.

I personally don’t see the point in buying an iphone. I’ve got an iPod touch :) and I wouldnt consider buying an iphone. The only thing the iPhone has that the ipod touch doesnt is the phone.

And besides, I don’t use my phone :P

Its a good price but it still needs a tactile keyboard, video, and removable battery.

The price is really a killer in this case. The normal iPhone isn’t exactly cheap and it’s the same case with the 3G, but even worse. Not in a million years I would by either one.

Thanks for this information Chris! I find the iPhone 3G to be a big thing. The use of MobileMe and the new use of Microsoft Mail Exchange to be a good thing! It makes the iPhone one of the best things to have. I think that this along with the use of 3G to re revolutionize the iPhone and it will become one of the best phones in the world. It makes the iPhone become what it was made to do. With 3G, you are always on, always connected, and always up to date with everything! I would deff buy it because I love the new features that are in this version of the iPhone and it made me see that the iPhone really is the best phone =]

In the UK at least, the 3g iphone is welcome because you can finally, legally, have one on pay as you go.
Also, re having to change number, that isn’t true.
Just call up your provider and get a port code (PAK).

people who have the iPhone should really think twice before buying this phone. I have the 1st gen. iPhone,and fell that ugrading to this new phone really makes no sense. If you can deal with 2G speeds and its not really a huge problem for you, I think you should what until apple releases a truely new and better iPhone, mean improvements to its’ hardware, all around (from better screen resolution to a better camera)(trust me a newer iPhone will come sometime). I know there’s apple fan boys out there who want the latest and greatest from apple. but they should really think twice before making a upgrade… upgrading will mess up your contract rates and add a whole bunch of confusion. Just wait until apple phone releases newer phone.

@James Madison:

You dont need to keep paying or change your number. Apple has said so.

I will most likely be getting a 3G iphone considering my verizon contract ends on july 11th. the thing to remember is that when they do come out with a future iphone (which they will), there are only a few things they can improve. The camera for one, but the iphone camera really isnt horrific, because honestly if you are looking to take professional photos with a phone, you should have a digital camera. 2, There is not really a better technology than 3G. and lets keep it real people, 10 dollars more is not that much of a price increase for the technology. The on-screen keyboard can be improved with software updates (app store maybe?), and is not in need of new hardware. The thing you have to remember with iphones is that you are truly buying a “shell” and filling it with Apps that can be upgraded..just thoughts..

Maybe, we should all wait until the new update comes out. It might just be good enough to change your mind.

I’ve over the last couple of months been arguing with a friend here in nigeria about why my htc tytn trumps his iphone and why i wouldnt get one yet…and he pointed me to some of your youtube videos and the contradiction of your comments were so obvious it perplexed me how u couldnt see them. it was the video u compared the apple iphone to the htc touch. first of all you compared the iphone with the touch only because they used the same innovative touch based system, thus setting the iphone as the benchmark as u put the touch as an iphone wannabe. what u needed to have done was compare them as two “smartphones” side by side, feature by feature not touting one as the others wannabe. if we are doing any comparison we should compare the iphone and the htc tytn or the tilt. side by side what does each offer? at that point you can call the os x as one of the win points on the iphone as well as the safari browser. it becomes a feature on the iphone and not some revolutionary “the way the future is gonna look like thing that apple has done that should now be a benchmark”. we’ve had touchscreens for years, apple just took it a step further. if it wasnt them someone else would have. you ket saying when the sdk comes and the iphone catches up with the features of the htc then it would be a killer. that was so contradictory. why dont you say when the htc touch with all its killers features catches up with the implementation of the iphone then it would truly be killer. your arguments are biased and heavily onesided. i looked at you to give me an honest impression but all i got was someone who had been dazzled by the glitzy graphics and transition effects of the iphone. the iphone is great …really.. but it shouldnt , cannot be touted as revolutionary because it has a pretty interface and took existing technology a step further. every one is doing multi touch interfacing now and with the coming of the skyfire browser what else is left of the iphone.

the iphone 3g is here and apple is still leaving us shortchanged. no mms? my nokia 3650 five years ago had mms. no video? nokia 3650. bluetooth tethering? nokia 3650..five years. copy and past ? my green screen nokia 3310 6-7 years ago had copy and paste.

dont tout a phone as being rev wen u cant put in the basic features… the features are there, put them in if you plan to compete. ur viewers keep saying i neva need mms, flickr is there, email blal blah blah…put it there, some of us want it.

you said the touch flo is like perfume on a pig, well the iphone interface with its safari is the pretty sweet smeeling prom queen who’s as dumb as doorknob.

The iPhone 3G certainly looks like an amazing phone. There were a lot of wonderful apps and games shown at WWDC08. The amount of applications that will be available will saticfy so many needs. I was really impressed with the games in particular. Most mobile games just feel terrible and boring, in my opinion. This may be the phone to revolutionize mobile gaming. MobileMe is a really great looking feature, and I’m sure a LOT of people would use it, but I can’t see myself ever needing it. everything the iPhone has to offer easily makes it one of the best mobile devices.

I won’t be getting the iPhone 3G, mainly because I wouldn’t be able to afford it. If the plan didn’t cost so much, the iPhone 3G would most likely be my next phone.

My wife and I have always shared a cell phone for “emergency” use. But now, it’s getting to a point where I’d really like to have a second phone. We’d also talked about getting GPS. So, since I’ve recently inherited some money, I’m going to splurge and get the 3G iPhone.

I didn’t have the first one, so it’s not an upgrade issue for me. My only reservation is that I wish they offered a 32GB version; I could totally replace my 30GB 5.5g iPod.

I think that the iPhone 3g is an amazing machine, but for the average user I don’t think it is worth upgrading.

1. The service plan is more
2. People who already have an iPhone get a free software update.
3. the only three upgrades worth bothering with are the gps, 3g speeds and a plastic back for better reception.

Although if you are more of a pro, don’t have an iphone, or just have some money burning a hole in your pocket it would be a good investment.

Your information is so far off.
#3- You can upgrade if you are a current iPhone customer for the price that everyone else is getting, and you WOULD still keep your phone number and you can sell, or give your old iPhone away. You wouldn’t have to have to plans at the same time.

#4- You can cancel your contract, IF THERE WAS A NEED TO, buy you can just upgrade for the same cost like I said. Meaning you wouldn’t have to get a new phone number. There is no way that a cell company could keep you in a contract no matter what, that’s illegal.

Just thought I would point that out for everyone, of HOW WRONG THE AUTHOR is.

how do people already know the monthly contract will be more? I have looked all over apple.com and the web and not seen any monthly plan charts or anything!!

I will be in line at about midnight to get it. Call me crazy, I don’t care… I want iPhone 3G. Heck, I just want a cell phone… I’ve been without one for over a month… =[

Umm… I’m not sure all the points listed are correct. You can keep your old number, so I’m not sure what that point was about, and also you can cancel your contract if you are coming from another provider, usually for about $150 (so about two months of service), so you won’t be paying for two contracts at the same time. AT&T does let you upgrade your iphone if you are a customer, and you are not going to have double numbers and contracts with AT&T.

That said, I probably am going to hold off with my current iphone for a while, as the expense to get the 3G speed, I’m not sure is worth it.