Phones: Apple iPhone 3GS – Review

Let’s note one thing right from the start: the iPhone 3GS (‘S’ for speed) won’t stop you dead in your tracks, especially with all the features the 3.0 update already brings to existing iPhones. But while this latest model may use the same shell as its predecessor, there are a number of not inconsequential hardware additions not apparent to the eye but worth consideration, and that’s without even mentioning the oil-resistant coating on the screen that blows smudges away.

First, the processor running the iPhone 3GS is faster and more powerful, up to two times, according to Apple. I’ve seen apps come up quicker and web pages render much faster than the previous model. Plus animation and motion in games like Super Monkey Ball and Pocket God are looking just brilliant.

I can now shoot VGA-quality video – helped along by more memory to store the vid and a 3 megapixel autofocusing camera sensor. Taking any kind of video while walking the dogs used to mean carrying my Flip camera along, but now it’s just the ever-present iPhone 3G S that does the job whenever I want, and I’m a great fan of the ‘trimming bar’ for minor edits prior to saving it back to the computer (admittedly, I’ve yet to take the plunge to upload any videos directly to YouTube).

There’s also a digital compass, which, while it might seem a minor thing, does allow for more accurate GPS use since now the iPhone can ‘know’ the actual direction I’m facing. That makes using maps and following directions much easier and I could have really used this when I needed to orient my satellite antenna last April. I’m also looking forward to how the 3GS enhances GPS navigation-based programs, like that coming from TomTom and others soon.

But my favorite is Voice Control for making calls or working the iPod-like music interface (activated by holding the home button till a beep is heard with a corresponding onscreen appearance). Whether walking the streets or driving the highway, Voice Control has proved itself to be extremely useful and consistent, especially when I give the commands through the built-in microphone in the earbuds. I’m not saying that it works perfectly every time or that surface noise can’t be a problem, but when I’m loaded down with groceries it’s a whole lot easier to make a call or pick a tune to hear using Voice Control. And I’m fine with the female voice repeating the command to ensure what is going to happen is what I wanted in the first place.

So say that the 3GS is an incremental step up from last year’s 3G if you want. But I’m pretty darned pleased with all the new horsepower Apple’s placed under the hood.

MARSHAL M ROSENTHAL

TECH SPECS

Apple iPhone 3GS
16GB $1179  32GB $1379 (handsets only, other prices dependent on plan)

Display: 3.5-inch multitouch, 480 x 320
Camera: 3 megapixels, autofocus
Video Capture: VGA up to 30fps (with audio)
Audio Formats: AAC, protected AAC, MP3, Audible, Apple Lossless, AIFF,
WAV
Video Playback Formats: H.264, MPEG-4
Battery Life: Up to 5 hours talk time on 3G; up to 12 hours talk time on 2G; up to 300 hours standby; up to 5 hours internet on 3G; up to 9 hours on Wi-Fi

Dimensions: 115.5 x 62.1 x 12.3mm (H/W/D)

Weight: 135g

CONTACT

www.apple.co.nz

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• Speedier processor provides faster access to programs and smoother animation

• Video recording is easy and quality better than acceptable

• Voice Control is fairly consistent and useful

• More storage capacity

CONS

• Those not aware/concerned with the hardware changes will not see this as a necessary upgrade to their existing 3G phone

VERDICT

• The hardware additions of the 3GS increase the useability of the iPhone and again raise the bar for other smartphone makers