I had a new iPhone for about 10 minutes. It was approved and I was ready to pre-order. Then someone asked a terrible question – “Is that in the budget?” Why I did not budget for a new iPhone this year I don’t know (and I’d prefer not to think about) but I am quite happy that I have an iPhone 3GS that can take advantage of the new iOS4 upgrade. Yes, I will freely admit to walking around the office targeting Droid user. “What’s that? I can’t hear you because I am listening to Pandora while checking my email.” The problem is that the novelty of that quickly wore off and business went back to usual. Now the question is, does it really matter that I have a 3GS and not a 4G if I can run the same version of the OS and get the same features? I’m tempted to say it does, but I don’t really have a very good reason why.
To me, there are three KEY hardware differences (there are a lot more but since you don’t necessarily SEE them, they don’t count): the camera has a flash, the camera can face you and the screen (the beautiful awesome screen that you only understand when you put the 4G next to a 3GS). To me, It looks the same, it feels the same and has the same old AT&T coverage (is that the right word?). But let’s talk about these features.
- The Flash – I’ve never had a smartphone with a flash before, but I know people who have. Anyone who has taken a picture with the iPhone understands how useful this feature is.
- The Camera – I watched the Jetsons as much as anyone else while growing up and I must say that I don’t want to video chat. I have webcams on laptops and on my desk that go unused and TO ME, this is not a useful feature. That said, if I had the capability, I may use it more but…
- The Screen – I thought my 3GS had a sharp screen. Then I compared it with the 4G that one of my team members waited in line for (&#%^$*%). The screen on the 4G makes the 3GS look downright blurry. I was and still am amazed. If you find the screen on the 3GS to be a problem, you will be quite pleased with the 4G.
As far as the software goes, the multi-tasking is a nice addition. I can now stop what I am doing, do something else, and then return to what I was doing. I can listen to music while doing other things and my Apps don’t have to reset. It really is convenient. I also enjoy the App Folders so I can better organize and manage my Apps. The easy Spotlight web searching is nice as well. Honestly, that’s it. I haven’t delved into anything else – oh, except for my custom home screen wallpaper! All in all, nice features but the 3GS now feels a little clunky. Things seem to “pause” a bit more now and apps seems to take a little longer to load. I wouldn’t not upgrade your 3GS, but I would be aware that some things may become a little slower than you are used to.
Overall, I’m still wrestling with wanting the 4G or not caring. Rumors are abounding (as they ALWAYS do after a new iPhone launch) that Verizon will be getting an iPhone next year – but that is only 4 years into the 5 year exclusivity agreement AT&T so it seems unlikely to me. In essence, I think I would enjoy the toy. I would enjoy the status, but I just don’t think it’s worth the money to replace a 3GS.
What do you think? Any early adopters who want to share their story and keep the conversation going?
Tags: Apple business, business strategy, corporate network services