The iPhone 3GS - You can't beat them, so join them, but you can still hate them...
Posted on 10th Jun 2009 at 07:56 by Antony Leather with 48 comments
So the iPhone 3GS is here. And with it, a host of new features that promise to make it even better and faster than the iPhone 3G.
Combined with the latest version of the OS (which will also add quite a few features to the existing iPhone 3G), it's without doubt a force to be reckoned with. Naturally, within a team with four iPhone owners, there's been a bit of a debate about whether it's worth an upgrade. And even I'm feeling tempted.
Now, I hate Apple - so I never thought I'd see myself checking the Apple Store for news on prices and contracts minutes after reading the closing snippets of information from the keynote at WWDC 2009.
I don't own an iPhone, or an iPhone 3G for the simple reason that when it launched, I already had a fairly capable smartphone that played music and videos, could surf the net and unlike the iPhone 3G, could also run any one of many true turn-by-turn sat nav apps such as Tom Tom - something I use quite regularly despite having a BSc degree in navigation. I also hate the hype surrounding Apple products, so if I do buy an iPhone 3GS it will be the first Apple product I've ever owned.
This hate stems from the early days of the iPod, when players from Apple's competitor Creative were far superior yet people still bought the iPod because of its street cred. Everyone wanted those poor quality white headphones. It's also fairly well known that Apple products tend to be quite expensive for what you get, if you're talking about what the product actually does and also consider its performance (in the case of the iMac). Custom PC's 'Make a Mac Killer' article this month is testament to the fact you can build, or even buy, a PC that outperforms a Mac for a lot less cash.
In the Apple vs Creative battle that took place five years or so ago, the Apple PR machine won the day, not the iPod. Even in the face of poor sound quality, batteries dying and god awful early versions of iTunes, the iPod still reigned supreme.
Today, this PR machine is even more efficient than ever and combined with the undoubtedly sexy demeanour of many of Apple's products, it's all that's needed to win over many million hearts and minds.
That actually sounded quite harsh and I apologise but I've lost count of the number of people who, when questioned about their obsession with the iMac for example, simply say "they're just awesome." I know then and there I'm fighting a losing battle.
It's not that I like to be different, but maybe I'm more immune to marketing than some. I'm happy to put the time in to pick through the facts so I choose the product that's best on paper or even better, has a good review.
In the case of the iPhone 3GS, countless people have already pledged to buy themselves out of their half spent iPhone 3G contracts on O2's Twitter page at considerable expense to get their hands on the newer model, even though much of what it can do will be possible on their current handset. This kind of blind faith is pretty scary - and at the same time it's a shareholder's dream.
I guess I don't actually hate the iPhone, or the iPod, or even Apple for that matter. What I do hate is how ruthlessly efficient the Apple PR machine is. I'll see you in the nearest O2 store on 19th June then...
Combined with the latest version of the OS (which will also add quite a few features to the existing iPhone 3G), it's without doubt a force to be reckoned with. Naturally, within a team with four iPhone owners, there's been a bit of a debate about whether it's worth an upgrade. And even I'm feeling tempted.
Now, I hate Apple - so I never thought I'd see myself checking the Apple Store for news on prices and contracts minutes after reading the closing snippets of information from the keynote at WWDC 2009.
I don't own an iPhone, or an iPhone 3G for the simple reason that when it launched, I already had a fairly capable smartphone that played music and videos, could surf the net and unlike the iPhone 3G, could also run any one of many true turn-by-turn sat nav apps such as Tom Tom - something I use quite regularly despite having a BSc degree in navigation. I also hate the hype surrounding Apple products, so if I do buy an iPhone 3GS it will be the first Apple product I've ever owned.
This hate stems from the early days of the iPod, when players from Apple's competitor Creative were far superior yet people still bought the iPod because of its street cred. Everyone wanted those poor quality white headphones. It's also fairly well known that Apple products tend to be quite expensive for what you get, if you're talking about what the product actually does and also consider its performance (in the case of the iMac). Custom PC's 'Make a Mac Killer' article this month is testament to the fact you can build, or even buy, a PC that outperforms a Mac for a lot less cash.
The original iPod
In the Apple vs Creative battle that took place five years or so ago, the Apple PR machine won the day, not the iPod. Even in the face of poor sound quality, batteries dying and god awful early versions of iTunes, the iPod still reigned supreme.
Today, this PR machine is even more efficient than ever and combined with the undoubtedly sexy demeanour of many of Apple's products, it's all that's needed to win over many million hearts and minds.
That actually sounded quite harsh and I apologise but I've lost count of the number of people who, when questioned about their obsession with the iMac for example, simply say "they're just awesome." I know then and there I'm fighting a losing battle.
It's not that I like to be different, but maybe I'm more immune to marketing than some. I'm happy to put the time in to pick through the facts so I choose the product that's best on paper or even better, has a good review.
In the case of the iPhone 3GS, countless people have already pledged to buy themselves out of their half spent iPhone 3G contracts on O2's Twitter page at considerable expense to get their hands on the newer model, even though much of what it can do will be possible on their current handset. This kind of blind faith is pretty scary - and at the same time it's a shareholder's dream.
Image of the iPhone 3GS courtesy of Engadget during WWDC 2009
I guess I don't actually hate the iPhone, or the iPod, or even Apple for that matter. What I do hate is how ruthlessly efficient the Apple PR machine is. I'll see you in the nearest O2 store on 19th June then...
48 Comments
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But i do have a lothing for the PR machine and for those fan-boi's that just keep telling me that apple's are the best thing since sliced bread and they are great for graphics.......
The main reason being that there havent really been any decent phones released so far this year (at least in my eyes).
This year should be great for phones, there are 2 new players to the Smartphone market, but so far the 2 android devices are largely disappointing due to poor hardware, and the Palm Pre wont be released until later in the year (in the UK). Then there is WM 6.5, which isnt released until later in the year, and lets face it the previous versions have been buggy to say the least, so I am unsure if I want to take the risk.
Im tempted with the N97, but I have had Nokias for about 5 years now and want a change, and Symbian seems a little dull compared to its rivals now.
Though the 3G S isnt released in the UK until August so hopefully by then there will be some more decent phones on the horizon.
Then check out some of the efforts by HTC - namely the Touch HD 2, or Diamond 2. They also made the two Android phones that you refer to (the Dream, which is the G1, and the Sapphire, which is the G2), but their Windows Mobile efforts are much better. They're pretty much the market leader in Windows Mobile based phones, but you won't usually find them being branded as HTC...
Now the web is awash with little hard drive or huge capacity flash players but the fact is apple might not have done it first but they did it right which is the exact same argument for the iPhone. For the record i don't own one and don't aspire to one.
I have an iPhone 3G but have no intention of upgrading to the 3G S. Its just not that big a gap between the two, especially for the cash input required. Plus I already have a SatNav, don't use video or take many photos without using a proper camera.
I'm probably only half Apple fanboy, i love the products but still need to justify buying them, I could afford a mac but still choose to buy PCs!
Shame Apple didn't raise the bar - just a little bit - with the 3G S.
You say this like it isn't still.
I'm the first to confess that I'm not an Apple fan, but I have honestly tried to objectively evaluate the iPhone. No two ways about it, I hate the thing. Like generations of Apple products before it, its software initiates a frustrating and perpetual fight against it to get what you want done - and that's before you even consider the additional restrictions that come with it being a mobile phone. Let's face it, there's no stopping the momentum, nothing I say is going to stop people buying Apple products. But this 'centre of the known universe' **** has got to stop.
There's no easy answer to this problem though, I can't seem to find one single phone that has all the features I want. The HTC Touch Diamond 2 with a capacitive touchscreen instead of the its resistive one and Android instead of WinMo and we'd be about there. If only we could have mix-and-match phones like that in real life.
You're also failing to mention Mac OS X, which is the reason why I've used Macs for so long. Granted hardware is limited, but the OS shines.
I've owned iPods since the first generation not because they have white headphones or they're fashionable but because they are easy to use and I have always felt the quality has been excellent. One of the best iPod's I owned was a Shuffle (before it went around the washing machine a few times).
ergh! it's not £540 with a contract. only an idiot would buy it on PAYG. and you are forgetting something:
EVERY smartphone EVER released gets priced at the £500 range on pay as you go! there are no exceptions! apple is not unique in this regard. at least with the iphone you get the 12 months free 3G, which is worth a minimum of £120!
I am/was considering the Touch Pro 2, however it runs WM 6.1 so I am unsure.
I had a TyTn/Vario 2 when it was out and while the phone was great Windows Mobile was buggy as hell.
I do agree they make some great phones I just dont know why android has been put on arguably the 2 poorest phones they have released this year
Lying to your colleagues is bad, mmmkay?
First year:
£35 * 12 = £420 plus cost of phone.
Subsequent years you'll be paying:
£45 * 12 = £540
to compare the one-off cost of the PAYG iphone to the TCO of a phone on contract and say 'look, the same lol' is, honestly, retarded, and i'd expect a lot more from a professional journalist site such as this place.
I've used SE phones for the last few years starting with the P900 (which was great), then the SE camera phone (died just after giving it to mum). I'm currently using the W910i, which while I like it, it's started getting the same problems that the camera phone had before it died (screen knocks off, backlight switches on and a red light on the back of the unit lights up and the vibrate function kicks in). Dad had a small silver SE phone and that also had the same problem.
I'm not overly keen on any of the other phones I've seen lately (and I'm not really sure I want another SE phone as they seem to have a short shelf life going by the last 3, although the p900 is still going strong apart from the battery life), and I haven't liked the Nokia offerings since the Matrix phone.
Finally, how on earth can you say the build quality of the stock earphones with the iPod is anywhere near decent, they're as bad as the £3 Tesco Value rubbish. Whilst the iPod itself is a capable device, and I wouldn't be unhappy to recieve one as a gift, the supporting software and bundled headphones are total c**p. I'll stick with my Zen X-fi and Denon 771's I think.
BTW: Plumbers and electricians are expensive:P
What I want to know with respect to tethering, is how O2 will differentiate between data used on the Phone, and data used through a laptop? Will they also be able to differentiate between data used for tethering on a Jailbroken phone?
All I can say is XDA-Developers.com forums. Even if you're not comfortable with reflashing/cooking ROMS, there are still ways of speeding performance up.
FWIW, I went from a TyTN II to a Touch Diamond, and I found the TyTN II to be much more responsive & slick than the Diamond ROMs I've seen so far! Had to get rid of the bulk, though...
The screen on the Touch HD looks amazing - the resolution is utterly incredible
There won't be a difference, even with a jailbroken phone - the phone handles all of the data communication, so all your laptop sees is a network connection. Similarly at O2's end, all they'll see is data traffic.
... I think I just died a little inside.
Seriously, am I the only one who scoffs at the suggestion that the iPhone is a 'smartphone'?
it wasn't, initially. but they fixed a bunch of the issues stopping it from being called that. so yes, it's a smart phone.
The iPhone is a good phone - but you really have to question whether you (Ant) really need the features enough to pay £540 for them (or £30ish for 12 months, if you prefer). The OS is nice and the games are cool and all that, but do you NEED those features in a phone, really? If not then you may as well find a different phone for cheaper that gives you the features you do need and consider picking up an iPod touch for the nice OS, games and extras at a fraction of the price IMHO.
fair enough you don't like contracts and are more of a PAYG user. that tells me you just don't use your phone that much anyway. in which case any smartphone (or indeed the iphone) is wasted on you; you're not the target audience.
Windoze gives you a bit more freedom in this regard, linux even more so.
My real reason for not buying apple is a bit more prosaic, simply, my flatmate is a rabid apple fanboi and there's no way I'd ever live it down if I bought something appley...
(I swear he asks me at least once a week if I'd consider buying an iPhone)
oh, that and I like having a different phone to everyone else.
In essence, O2 have by default removed all the current iPhone users from their potential sales pool. Which I imagine would be 80% of the potential users. How many people who want an iPhone haven't got one already? And of those people, how many are willing to spend such a massive amount?
I predict very poor sales personally.
I want that iPhone!
in terms of iPhone, IMHO it's a fantastic iPod touch with phone and camera stuck-on. i use it on Vodafone PayG and only use wifi when avaliable. it's a very cheap path without having to carry around 5 gadgets.
iPhone 3GS looks great, if only it's on vodafone....... (need vodafone family or i die of lack of phone calls)
Apple happened.
I'll stick with My Nokia E51, and will likely upgrade to a smiliar Nokia E-Series handset when the time comes. And i'll pay nowt for my phone and just £20 a month.
That's just the thing. With this new, 32GB iPhone 3GS, the only change they need is a proper camera (my Nokia N82 is practically unbeatable in this area) and I'd swap all my devices for it.
* My phone + camera, (I don't use a full-size camera, I would always forget to bring it)
* GPS built-into the iPhone (hence why I don't need one currently, as N82 has GPS)
* With the 32GB model I could carry all my music, negating the need for my iPod Touch as well.
It would solve everything, but alas, good cameras is not what they stick in 'high-end' phones. It makes me sad.
Also: even PAYG iPhones (on O2) come with unlimited internet as part of the deal. So you only pay for calls and texts. Sounds like a winner to me. If only for that camera..
Very true. All I've heard is that 02 will make you pay the rest of your contract to be able to upgrade. Seems silly to release the 3GS so early - if they'd released it in 6 months time when everyone's 18 month contracts were coming to an end, they'd be laughing.
Still, while initial sales will likely slump, the number of units shifted in two years time will probably still be massive as everyone who has an iPhone or iPhone 3G will probably want to upgrade.
http://fc06.deviantart.com/fs12/i/2006/297/e/7/Comic_106__Iconclastic_by_lolwebcomic.jpg
At that rate, people are going to start calling Macs 'real computers'.
Pffft, yeah right
You're also forgetting the bluetooth issue
sigh, if you're going to go down that bigoted route it's pretty obvious that it's not worth debating the issue. suffice to say that in my job as a researcher at university, all three major operating systems are used heavily by all staff members.
Shall I send you my address then? Could do with a back-up phone ;).
MMS is part of the new v3 software (for 3G and 3GS). It was hailed as "something that should have been there but wasn't, but is now. So that 's nice."
and with a bit of hacking, im sure the original iPhone will also be able to do MMS and stero bluetooth.
http://www.pcworld.com/article/166343/atandt_tightlipped_on_iphone_3gss_lack_of_mms_and_tethering.html
iPhone OS 3.0 has MMS capability.
however i get unlimited internet, 300 mins, 100 texts and a free phone worth a few hundred quid all for 17.50 a month...
that's what happens when people want to keep your business. the iphone needs to be available on other networks then you would be able to get it for a sensible price, as long as 02 have the exclusive you're going to have to pay dearly for the priviledge of having one.
and for the record i don't particularly like the way apple operate but i would like an iphone and i do have an ipod or two
The problem with apple products is they forget what people actually use these devices for. The original iPod was meant to play music, which it did terribly. I could have found better sound quality by shoving my head of the business end of a yak.
If my phone can get to google, youtube, and bit-tech, all while making calls in a fast and simple manner, what the hell else do I need it for? I've got a tiny, nice camera. I use my cell phone for when I see funny **** that I want a picture of, not to take shots of my vacation. If I need to do anything past "dude check out this youtube vid" or "what's the address to that thai place?" then I've got an acer aspire one, which I adore, coupled with my MiFi there's no comparison.
I will not pay top dollar to use a mish-mashy half-assed device and pay actual real money to run that device on AT&T's gloriously shitty network. No thanks, I'll keep my Palm/Samsung/Blackberry and stay with Sprint 3G and EVDO, and I'll only pay about $25 (that's what? £13?) a month.
iPhones are the incarnation of the word "gimmick."
they are designer products. If you walk into a designer clothes outlet, you pay £150 for a jacket that could be had for £15 at a bargain basement. Or you could get something for £60 from a outdoors supplies shop that would be more effective in its purpose (to keep you warm and dry).
The problem is, everything about consumer products these days from the food we eat, to the clothes we wear, to the computers and phones we use - are all sold on marketing and that 'feel good' factor. You know, when you buy something and it makes you feel like you are inside this trendy lifestyle? When you sit in an overpriced coffee shop in a town and buy a fancy coffee and cake and sit there feeling sophisticated? That's all manufactured (whether intentionally or not).
The bottom line though, is this isn't a bad thing. If businesses and entrepreneurs can find ways to make their customers feel good, and in doing so can add a premium onto the price of their product and sell it for more than it's material value, well everyone's a winner. The business gets a hefty profit margin, and the consumer feels awesome.
You can't say you've come across some mac fan who when splurging the best part of £1000 on a new macbook, isn't over the ****ing moon! How do you quantify that 'glee' that they got from buying a mac? Say it would cost £750 to make them *that* happy through other means. But the next cheapest computer that does the same job is £500. Which means if they get the cheapest computer, they need to pay an extra £750 to go on holiday or something to feel good about themselves.
With Mac, they hit two birds with one stones. So as Steve Jobs said in his 1997 keynotes speech "Apple's most important asset, is it's brand".
^^ very well said mate!!
my phone can call people and send text messages.... aaaand I think there is a game of snakes on there as well....somewhere:D
It cost me £10 from new (on PAYG) and it just works.. battery lasts weeks and if I drop it and it breaks.. I get a new one. Sure its not the best phone in the world ever.. but it does what I need it to do.
I don't need one of those schizophrenic devices that one minute thinks its a phone, then a camera, then a GPS navigator and then a gaming platform... I need a Phone that can make and receive calls and send a sms every now and then.. that's it!
I'll admit I was looking a bit for an android phone... but solely for the geek powar of it, not cause I need it.. and ultimately I will probably not get an android phone.