The Apple iPhone 3G, weighing 133g and measuring 62.1 x 12.3 x 115.5mm is the 3rd evolution launched after the previous 2G models, not with much difference though between it and its two predecessors. Based on three main concepts, namely being a phone, an iPod and an internet browser, this model, to which has been added the 3G functionality, a GPS mapping system and the well-known Microsoft exchange, has been designed to focus mainly on business purposes.
As a whole, the iPhone 3G possesses UMTS, HSDPA, GSM, Wi-Fi, EDGE, GPS and Bluetooth+EDR technologies for connectivity. the headphone socket has been changed and you can now use any headphones you want with this iPhone 3G. however, neither the outer look nor the software has changed much as compared to its first two launches. It has the same design and the same iPhone interface. the few changes include the grey metal back plate which has been replaced by an either white or black plastic curved back and the added chrome finish on the side controls. Moreover, the battery, though larger than the original ones, do not provide a better performance as expected. It possesses the same 8Gb and 16Gb chip memory and has the same two megapixel camera.
On the other side, along with this new release, third party applications can now be easily accessible as iTunes App Store has been launched to facilitate the acquisition of paid-for and free add-on software.
The 3.5 inch 480 x 320 colour TFT multi-Touch display lets you control everything whatever the rotation of the screen whether it being portrait or landscape with your fingers whether you flick, tap, pinch to type, scroll or glide through its various applications.
Dotted with the HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) technology, the iPhone 3G allows data download over any UMTS networks (Universal Mobile Telecommunications system networks), thus a faster browsing as compared to using an EDGE network. nevertheless in the absence of a 3G network, the connection to a 2G EDGE network is still possible for data and GSM for calls. Connectivity can thus be either 3G, EDGE or through WI-FI. iPhone 3G will seamlessly detects the fastest one to connect to.
Another great improvement is the GPS system added. no matter where you are, your progress as you move around the globe can be tracked through an A-GPS (Assisted GPS) mapping system, thus giving you the results faster as compared to a normal GPS. iPhone 3G will calculate your position using whenever present either signals from satellites, Wi-Fi hot spots or cellular towers. If you want a guided route, all you have to do is to indicate a destination; the GPS will highlight the route on a map and even allows you to follow your progress with live viewing.
Moreover, email has never been easier on a mobile. iPhone 3G supports rich HTML email and everything is displayed in their original format, not as stripped down versions and the same applies to web browsing delivered by Safari. Installed Microsoft Exchange enables push email, synchronization of calendar, notes and contacts while accessing secure resources as Cisco IP VPN and WPA2 Enterprise support have been included.