Apple iPhone 3GS Black (16 GB) Smartphone

Review of Apple’s Iphone AND AT&T’s Service

I’ve hesitated about reviewing my experience owning and using the Iphone for about six months now.  I am glad I did because my initial assessment was not pretty.  For those that do not know what an Iphone is, it is an advanced cell phone coupled with access to the internet.  You can use it for many of the same things you use a computer to do, only in a miniature form. 

On top of that, there are thousands of applications you can download and apply to your Iphone to make it even more useful.  It is also coupled with Apple’s popular IPod – a digital music player of sorts.   You may download songs and hear them via the unit.  It also includes a built-in digital camera (and in the case of this 3GS unit, a video camcorder) for taking pictures and filming.

The product was released as a combined effort from two giant industrial leaders:  Apple and AT&T.  Apple provides the hardware and software.  AT&T provides the exclusive voice and data networks.  To accurately review the Iphone, I think it is only fair to rate each company’s contributions individually. So here it goes:

Apple

The Iphone 3GS is the second model Iphone launched by Apple.  The first Iphone was simply the 3G model and had minor differences: 8GB RAM for the 3G vs. either 16GB or 32GB RAM for the 3GS.  Also, the 3GS has a built-in video camera not included with the earlier model.  Beyond that, I am not aware of any other differences.

The 3GS is sleek.  It looks sooooooo cool compared to any other cell phone I’ve ever seen.  It lacks a lot of buttons and protruding objects (like antennas, buttons, flip doors, etc.) making it kind of sexy!  The case measures 2.5” X 4.5” X less than 0.5”.  It slips right into a pocket or purse and it so comfortable to use!

To operate, you simply press a button on the face of the unit.  A crisp, clear screen will open up and ask you to slide your finger to unlock the unit across the touch screen.  All other operations are handled via a touch-screen device.  The device will either open to a menu or the last application you were using.  You may select an application by simply touching it.  The heat from your finger tips will activate as if you pushed a button, and the selected application will open.

I have dozens of applications on my Iphone!  Here are just some of them:  Phone service, Safari internet access, email, iPod, text messages, calendar, camera, calculator, YouTube, Stocks, Maps, Weather, Voice recorder, Note pad, clock, various radio broadcasts, Pandora (music application), gas station locator, Google Earth, audio books, guitar tuner, games, and a bunch more!  Many of the applications are free or can be purchased online for less than a few bucks. 

Once you select an application, you can move around within the application using touch-screen controls.  You can access the internet via the Safari application and all links are operated by simply touching them.  To move around within a screen, simply lightly touch it and flick it upward or downward, left or right.  You can zoom in by holding your thumb and finger over the screen, then spreading them apart – the screen expands accordingly!   There are other simple to use tools located on the bottom of the screen that allow you to navigate easily.

When done, simply press the button on the face to power the unit down to stand-by mode or just leave it alone for a few seconds and the unit will power down on its own.  There is also another button on the top of the unit that allows you to permanently turn the unit off so no calls can be received while it is off.  There are also two buttons on the side one for volume up and another for volume down.  The only other button on the entire unit is a small switch used to put the phone either in ring mode or vibrate.  All of these buttons are perfectly located and unobtrusive – you really need to make a conscious effort to use them.

There are also two ports on the unit.  The first port is for inserting either a headset (earphones and mic) or a 3.5mm banana plug adapter to connect to an amplifier or other device.  The other port is the combination data and power port.  You must use Apple’s special unique style plug to access this port.  Generic plugs will not work (that is, except for bootleg connectors).  To use this port, simply connect the cable end into the bottom of the iphone and put the other end into a standard USB port of your computer or other USB port device (TV, stereo, etc.)  You may also plug the USB side into a handy little adapter that plugs into a standard AC outlet to charge your iphone! 

The iphone also comes with a built in microphone for standard telephone or voice application use.  It also has a small speaker built in with pretty decent sound, for its size.  You can easily use it to listen to a digital broadcast radio program, audio book, or even music! 

The battery may be charged by either connecting the iphone to a USB device, such as a computer or powered on stereo or via an electrical wall outlet using the charger unit.  It can also be charged via a mobile charger that connects to a mobile power source, with the appropriate cable.  The battery charges rather quickly: In less than an hour?  Seems that way to me...  My battery rarely drains down to the bottom since I usually have it plugged into my laptop.  The battery life between charges will last for several hours, more or less, depending on how you use your iphone (if you play the iPod feature using the battery and internal speaker, you will obvioulsy need to charger it quicker).

For the most part, Apple did a fine job putting the iphone together.  I would certainly give them a pat on the back.  However, this being relatively new technology, the iphone is loaded with flaws and bugs.  It takes a bit of getting used to it and a lot of patience.  Here are some examples:

I often use the speakerphone option when making phone calls.  However, even with the volume turned all the way up, the speakerphone is difficult to hear.  So, I use the phone as I would a traditional phone.  However, my face often touches the touch screen on the phone and activates the mute button.  I get a lot of dropped calls this way from people thinking I disconnected with them….

Also, the touch screen is super sensitive!  Often a light touch meant to flick the screen upward will erroneously launch a link in a web site I am reviewing.  Ugh!  Similarly, when touching the keypad buttons, the digits are so small that I often press the wrong buttons making typing with my thumbs very time consuming. 

Many of the settings and instructions I need to follow to get applications or built in features are not very intuitive.  You really need to research in order to figure things out.  Thank God for the internet and forums!  Many times I will dial Customer Service on 611 to ask a representative.  Usually, my advanced type questions are too much for the representative and they end up sending me in circles.

That leads to the biggy: Customer Service.  I don’t know which Customer Service unit gets the biggest Bozo award: Apple or AT&T.  Whenever I ask an Apple Customer Service a question, they circle me around to an AT&T Customer Service representative.  When I speak to the AT&T Customer Service representatives, they direct me to contact Apple!  On one occasion, early when I first got the iphone, something go into the power port and shorted the contacts.  The iphone worked, but with difficulty.  I called the Customer Service and they directed me to visit an Iphone store to speak with a genius (that is what they call their technical people).  I had to make an appointment via the internet to reserve time.  Once at the store, I was greeted by a Customer Service Rep who immediately asked me if I had an appointment.  When I met with the genius, he looked over my iphone to try out the controls, and then looked into the power port.  He used an air spray gun to spray out the port, tried it out again, and then handed it back to me fixed.  I guess that is why he is a genius….

Another sour note about Apple is their price gouging.  They really know how to squeeze a buck!  Fortunately for me, this is my first iphone and I did not have to upgrade.  But friends of mine who had the original iphone and upgraded to 3GS claimed that many of the old iphone components (such as cables and docking stations) are not compatible with 3GS…and these devices are VERY expensive!  That said, a stinking audio/video cable needed to use the iphone with a TV costs over $50 at the Apple store!!!  The cell phone cases cost anywhere from $15 and upwards.  Even a replacement charging unit costs handfuls of cash.  Well, guess what?  You can get many of these items direct from the Chinese manufacturers via sites like eBay for only a couple of bucks!  (Caution: Apple Customer Service claims that these “non-original” knockoffs can cause the iphone to short circuit and if so, the warrantee is void.  Well, my iphone has not short circuited yet!)

Opps!  One more gripe! With all the words in the world to choose from and the various letters and number combinations, coudn't Apple give the iPhone and iPod more unique names and model numbers?  (Many of the iPhone accessories are not compatible from one version to the other and also the same is true for iPod).  Also, the iPhone looks to much like the iPhone and can be very confusing...especially if you own both types of units (I can't tell you how often I grabbed the wrong unit!)

Overall, I give Apple high marks at getting this phone out to the market.  Bugs or no bugs, the device is super cool and a lot of fun to use!  There is NOTHING like it on the market today!  Even the highly acclaimed Blackberry is only a raspberry compared to the iphone.  Apple provides iphone users with their itunes internet application software as an interface to the iphone.  You must download itunes and interconnect with itunes periodically to update software and load certain features.

AT&T

As mentioned previously, AT&T is the sole backbone network for the iphone.  I was told that when Apple approached AT&T they did not want to deal with any other provider – they only wanted the very best!  Well, having tried several cell phone carriers Verizon, Sprint, and most recently T Mobile, I couldn’t agree more with them!  AT&T does a fine job!

Since switching over to the iphone, after my contract ended with T Mobile, I have great connectivity everywhere!  In the past six months, I’ve only had three dropped calls and I am not sure the drop was on my end or the other end.  I also live in a very rural, open area with not many cell towers nearby.  I have travelled all over the country with the iphone and it works equally well everywhere I go.
The 3G network is awesome!  It is very high speed and it is also available everywhere I go.  I use it all the time and it has been smooth sailing since day one. 

I’m not a big TV viewer, but I recall having seen a TV commercial put out by Verizon comparing two maps: One with AT&T coverage (in blue) and one with Verizon coverage (in red).  The red map appears to be more robust and extensive then the blue one.  The commercial totes that Verizon has the greatest 3G network.  Hmmmm….. Really?  I wonder why AT&T does not sue the pants off of Verizon!  AT&T not only has a very large 3G network, but in areas where it does not have 3G, it has something called the “Edge” network that fills in the gaps (or edges?)   From what I am told, there is not much of a difference in speed of data download and it works as well as 3G.  In addition, AT&T is ramping up their 3G network.

I also read an article the other day that AT&T is very protective of the relationship it has with Apple.  They do not pass blame onto any problems Apple has created with their hardware or software.  A buddy of mine who works for Verizon Wireless (in a managerial position) told me that AT&T’s exclusive contract with Apple’s iphone is due to expire this year.  When I checked this out with Apple, they simply downplay it or try to change the subject. 

Anyway, kudos all around to AT&T for their outstanding voice and data network!  Whoooooaaaa!  Way to go!  Well, almost….  Their customer service needs a little bit of help, as mentioned previously.  They try hard to help out, but many times they end up having to send me back to Apple for software issues.  (Such as how to rip an MP3 file and use it as a ring tone for the iphone?)  T Mobile would have answered that – or any other question on the spot.  Also, what the heck is it with the 9 – 5PM Customer Service hours?  Come on!  T-Mobile has around the clock 24 hour/day Customer Service Support and they are much smaller then AT&T.  But, that’s about all the bad stuff with AT&T.  Being that I rarely need Customer Service anyway, AT&T gets an A+ for their service!

There are several ways to purchase and sign up for the iphone.  You can visit either an Apple or AT&T retail store (check Google for locations).  You can order one via the internet or via the telephone.  I paid $199 for my iphone – for just the device that came with the ear bud headset and charging device.  There are various data and voice plans that are offered by AT&T.  Here’s a special tip for those who want the iphone but are on a budget:  You can order an ordinary voice plan from AT&T with no 3G network plan.  Once activated, simply change the settings to airplane mode and you can use an existing Wi-Fi network to access the internet or email via the iphone.  I personally have the 3G network so I have not tried this, but friends of mine have tried it and they say it works pretty well!

Overall, I am glad I switched to the iphone. Prior to this, I had an old Motorola phone that I used on the T-Mobile network.  I never used it for any other purpose other than to make a phone call…which was rather rare.  With the iphone, I use it ALL the time – at least 10 times a day on average.  I am surprised I haven’t worn it out with all the heavy use I’ve put it through!  It is fun to browse the internet, check my email while riding as a passenger in a car, or playing some tunes while sitting on the tractor (ala an MP3 Player).  True you can do many of these things with other cell phones now available, but none of them are as cool, full of applications, or as easy to get to.  If I were to go back to the old cell phone, I’d find myself quite bored.  Thanks for reading my review and best wishes for a nice day!

Mike