iPhone 3GS

CONS

iTunes
I hated that I had to install iTunes to sync the 3GS to my computer. I don't normally use it and I have no idea why it's even necessary. Still, it works fairly well and syncing apps and music is a snap. I guess I just hate being forced into a specific standard and program.


Network coverage
AT&T's 3G network is awesome-provided you can get service. I noticed that my 3GS would often drop to the EDGE Network and in some places, I couldn't even get service at all. I've never experienced this issue with Verizon and it was disappointing to see your phone suddenly go dead. When does AT&T's exclusivity contract end again?

Price
The phone itself isn't particularly expensive if you are a new AT&T customer or qualify for an upgrade but consider the associated costs. I took a quick, informal survey of the iPhone users in the GamePro offices and found that the average cell phone bill hovers in the $90 range. Sure, the iPhone has a lot of useful everyday features but a hundred bucks is a hundred bucks, so it's something to consider.

Lack of MMS
The 3GS is such a "connected" device that the lack of MMS texting is downright embarrassing. The fact that you can't snap a photo and send it to someone right away is almost criminal. Sure you can email it, post it to Twitpic or upload it to Facebook but the fact that AT&T won't enable MMS is sort of like Ferrari neglecting to put a stereo system in one of its cars.

Conclusion

After two weeks of using the 3GS, I am extremely reluctant to give it up. I went back to my Blackberry and it was like downgrading from broadband to dial-up. I'll miss the user interface the most, especially the home screen with its carefully organized cluster of app icons; I'll also miss the little touches that made the 3GS such a breeze to use. It's the best cell phone I've ever used; hell, it's the best "smart-device" I've ever used. Elegantly designed, incredibly intuitive and eminently useful, I'd happily drink the Apple Kool-aid to own one, small little warts and all. However, AT&T's spotty coverage and refusal to support MMS means I'll cross my fingers and pray that it comes to another wireless network like Verizon in the near future.

iPhone 3GS

Comments [16]

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Heather

Awesome review! I'm glad to see that you were very open to iPhone despite your aversion to the "apple cult". It is sad you had to go back to the Storm :/

wutisupmon

booyah. Not worth the upgrade from the 3G in my opinion, but still fantastic.

wutisupmon

btw, no mention of tethering in this review. It's not for everyone, but with it I was able to surf on my macbook on the highway.

TKK

I didn't try tethering because that isn't something the average user would do but it is a cool feather nonetheless.

I miss the 3GS.

TKK

mpvinny78

So i have no choice but to use itunes to put music on it. I used to use that and it was such a resource hog. There is no other way?

wuffenstein24

i love my 3g, and even though the 3gs is amazing (my friend has one), it isnt worth the price to change. btw, great review!

maranda

if only The Conduit had received an objective review, I might believe this guy.... sorry but had to bring that up

mpvinny78

Conduit is a last gen shooter up against current gen games. IGN's review chose to put it in a vacuum and only compared it to Wii games. His, and many others, including gamespot reviewed it for what it was, a last gen shooter. Don't bag on a guy for being honest.

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