A few weeks ago I posted about ordering the iPhone 3G S. Now that I have had some time playing with it I can give a bit of a review.
iPhone 3G S First Impressions
The first thing you notice, at least when upgrading, is a significant increase in speed. It seems like load times are significantly reduced. The iPhone does not multi-task, meaning it does not run multiple apps at the same time. On the S model switching apps feels like switching apps where on the original 3G it feels like closing one and opening another.
iPhone 3G S Video
Aside for the increased speed the newest feature is the video camera. I am surprised at the quality. It is on par if not better than the video my point and shoot camera takes. For a cell phone I would say its very good. This is the cool part. You can do minor edits to the footage right on the phone and then upload that to YouTube. Check out the screen shot of the editor (the usability definitely qualifies as “Apple Easy”):
One quirk with the camera. Before you hit play you probably want to think about the direction you are holding the phone. If you take footage in the the phone normal position and then upload it, the YouTube will come out looking like this: (note the black bars on the sides)
iPhone 3G S Compass and Maps
Having a compass on your phone is cool for about two minutes. Yup… I now know which way’s North. So what does this do for me? One of the uses is actually really cool. Now when you are looking at your location on the map, the map orients so you are less confused as you navigate.
When the compass gets confused it asks to be waved in figure eights.
Conclusion
There are a ton of other features that are subtle or came with the iPhone 3.0 OS that I won’t go into. I feel that if you are upgrading you will be pleased with the increased performance the new features. If you are buying an iPhone of the first time, I would say it comes down to price sensitivity. I would add one caveat, you are signing a two year contract when you buy an iPhone. The 3G S will probably stay current technology for longer than the original 3G, something to keep in mind.
