Apple - iPhone 3GS Cell Phone Review

I've been drooling over the iPhone 3Gs since it came out this summer. In fact, I've been drooling over all the iPhone models since they were released. Until now, I've been stuck with a Sony Erickson Walkman phone which pales in comparison to the iPhone or other smartphones. Since I use the Internet all the time and like to check my emails hourly, the iPhone has always seemed ideal. So when my Sony Erickson phone broke for the third time, I decided it was time to consider an upgrade. Enter the iPhone 3GS.

Here's what I was looking for in my new phone:

• Fast Internet
• Email updates
• Calendar function
• Camera
• Video
• Maps
• Easy to use -- I'm pretty good at technology but not a genius.

So how does the iPhone 3Gs measure up? So far, so good! I love it.

Here are the best parts of the iPhone:

Fast processing. It really is speedy, that is, when you have a good internet connection or are in 3G range. As soon as the connection starts to go down, so does the speed. In most major cities and suburbs, 3G is readily available so no problems for me! If you're in a remote area, this might not be the phone for you.

Super easy to use interface. I'm an Apple user so I pretty much expected this but the phone is very simple to use and get acclimated to if you're used to a regular cell phone. I've tried BlackBerries before and just found them to be too clunky and hard to navigate. With the IPhone 3GS, everything is streamlined!

Apps! I'd say the biggest draw to the iPhone was the ability to access the thousands of applications available through the app store. There really is an app for everything and it makes your phone that much more useful.

Video. I always wish I took more videos...but that would require always toting around my camera. Now, it's like I have everything right here. It's excellent. I can shoot video, snap pictures and post to my blog, twitter or facebook all using the same device. The camera doesn't measure up to my 8.0 megapixel Canon Powershot, but it takes good enough pictures/videos for my simple uses.

Here are the downsides to the iPhone 3GS.

The price. Unless you're up for a free upgrade the price is steep. You'll pay about $400.00 plus an extra $30.00 for the data plan. Ouch.

No picture text messenger. This will change hopefully by Sept. 2009 but as of summer 2009, there's not MMS available for the iPhone 3GS. This a problem with AT&T, not Apple.

Battery Life. If you can't manage to have your phone charging at least once a day, this might not be the right phone for you. The phone usually lasts about a day with a full charge but then by nightime, you've go to plug it in. 

If you decide to get an iPhone 3GS, here's some tips for other accessories you'll need....

• Definitely pick up a protective case so you're precious new phone doesn't get scratched.
• Get a plastic screen cover so your screen stays unscratched, too.
• Consider getting another charger other than the one it comes with. Since you have to charge it frequently, having more than one ( like a car charger or one you keep in your purse or briefcase) will come in handy.