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| Apple iPhone 3G |
| Full review » Video » Scoreboard » Specs » Gallery » |
 With its faster networking, GPS for location-based services and, best of all, the App Store, Apple takes a significant step forward with the iPhone 3G as a consumer-centric device. This phone is special, and though it's not for everyone (hardware keyboard lovers need not apply), it is a great choice for consumers who wants a true convergence device. It's not only a decent phone, it's the best iPod on the market and the best portable Web browser money can buy. And with so many new apps coming to market in the near future, the Apple iPhone 3G will only get more exciting when it comes to entertainment and gaming. We're still bothered that Apple's iPhone 3G omits some obvious technology and solutions. Still, if you are looking for an entertaining phone, there's nothing that comes close to the iPhone 3G right now. Release: July 2008. Price: $200.
Pros: Faster networking. GPS for location-based services. App Store. New design provides better reception.
Cons: Camera should be better. Lacks some functions that even basic multimedia phones provide, like video recording. No removable battery.
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| Apple iPhone 2.0 |
| Full review » Video » Gallery » |
 The new Apple iPhone 2.0 firmware offers some nice improvements for business users, including Exchange Active Sync support, as well as the new App Store. Unfortunately, the software didn't address many of our ongoing concerns with the iPhone, and we even had trouble getting the Exchange support to work properly. The App Store was truly impressive, but the first-party software didn't go far enough to make this a version 2.0 release. Of course, as a free update, the price is right, and we're still happy that Apple is paying attention to original iPhone buyers. Release: July 2008.
Pros: Exchange support. Live, while-you-type searching for the contacts list. App Store.
Cons: Some mail features seemed buggy. Not a lot of improvements for a 2.0 release.
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| Apple iPhone |
| Full review » Video » Scoreboard » Specs » Gallery » |
 In reassessing our original opinions about the iPhone, nothing speaks to the phone's abilities more than the fact that it has become our primary phone as well as our primary music player. On long trips, it has proven invaluable as a PMP, and driving around locally, has even replaced our GPS-enabled phones (though it won't replace a good PND, by any means). It is important, in understanding this phone, not to underestimate the importance of a great user interface, and the more we use the iPhone the more we find lacking in other devices. That being said, there is still much work to be done. Admittedly, much of that will be handled by third-parties, and some of the features we crave will require a hardware upgrade to 3G networking, and perhaps better hardware for camcorder recording. Still, some of these omissions, like MMS and voice dialing, are still puzzling, as greater and lesser features have been added since the iPhone's launch. We can't recommend that anyone waiting for features beyond GPS jump on board immediately, as no other improvement has been so impressive. But users who understand the limitations of the iPhone will be delighted by what they find. And with ActiveSync support and more third-party apps on the way, the future for the iPhone looks bright indeed. Release: June 2007. Price: $400.
Pros: Fantastic touch screen. Fun, intuitive interface. Best-in-class audio and video player capabilities.
Cons: Poor messaging, hampered by a questionable touch keyboard. Lacks some key features. Myriad functions drain battery quicker.
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