Thu 06/25/2009 2:23 PM

not jealous of iphone 3gs

This chart outlines the differences in features among the three iPhone models.

Remember how I was saying I would probably be whining about how jealous I am within a week of Chris getting his iPhone 3GS (yes, Apple has officially removed the space from the spelling)? Well, I'm not. I haven't even had the urge to grab it from him and play with it. To me the differences between the 3GS and the prior two iPhone models just aren't all that drool-worthy.

Only the five bottom-most features listed on this chart are exclusive to the newest model. Video recording is cool, yes, but not practical for me. I tried it, and I have the same problem I had with the Flip - from waist level where I hold the phone/camera, I can't point the camera lens forward and still see what's on the screen. I'd be able to shoot clips of Vixen playing on the floor, but that's about it. The chart doesn't mention the changes in the still camera: higher resolution, auto-focus with an admittedly awesome touch-to-focus function, and an automatic macro lens. I do like these features, but just like video it is difficult for me to take photos with the iPhone, so I don't rely upon it as my primary camera anyway.

The compass is a gimmicky feature that is amusing for all of about two minutes. True, its integration into the Maps application, allowing the map to orient to the direction you're facing, is handy for the directionally challenged. But I'm not exactly a geography master myself, and I've gotten along just fine with Maps as it is.

Voice control is one of those "duh" features that lesser phones have had for years, and it is great that Apple is catching up, and even improving upon such features. Not only will it dial any one of your contacts without the need to pre-record the name, it also accepts several commands for playing and controlling music, and even identifying the music it is playing. It is an impressive feature, and useful when one is driving or otherwise has their hands occupied (though you still need at least a finger to activate it). But it's not something I would use personally, for the same reasons I never stick with voice recognition on my computer for long: it's only accurate in quiet surroundings (not when you have two crazy dogs running around and barking at each other and everything else), and it's embarrassing to use when other people are around.

The 3GS contains some accessibility features for visually impaired users, which is a good thing but doesn't apply to me. It also supports the Nike+ iPod accessory for runners to measure their run distances, which again is not something I would use.

Another thing the chart doesn't mention is speed. The 3GS has not only the increased 3G data speed, but more RAM and a faster CPU allowing for a faster user experience all around. This is probably the only thing that makes me a little bit jealous.

Now, I could upgrade my phone to last year's 3G model, and at least right now I would just about break even by selling my old one to Gazelle. That way I would at least enjoy faster internet access when away from a wi-fi connection. Other than that, of the three extra features this model would give me, the only one that even mildly interests me is MMS (picture messaging), which isn't even functioning yet on AT&T's end - they're promising "later this summer". However, because of the phone body changes from the original model, upgrading would mean buying all new accessories, including my mophie Juice Pack (external battery) which would cost me another $100. So I've decided that for right now, it just isn't worth it. We'll see what Apple comes up with for a new model next year, when Chris is still locked into his contract... then I can have a better phone than him!

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not jealous of iphone 3gs

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