…or Perhaps an iPhone User.

So, this is part two of my quest for a new personal device.  Part one is my attempt at loving the Android-powered HTC Incredible on Verizon Wireless.  This section is my opinions of the iPhone 3Gs.  I am not really interested in the 3Gs, but rather the new 4G that goes on sale this month.  Since I can’t get my hands on one of those yet, I have no choice but to compare the HTC with the 3Gs and then only anticipate how much more awesome the 4G will be.

As with the Android review, I will be updating this blog as I develop new opinions.\

The Device:

iPhone 3GS (32GB)

http://gizmodo.com/5293388/iphone-3gs-review

 

The iPhone 4G!!!!

What I like:

I said I liked the Verizon Network over the AT&T network in my android review, and while that is true, there is one thing I do prefer on the AT&T network – simultaneous voice and data. Folks, 3G data networks are not all created equal, and this is one thing I learned when I swapped from a Blackberry on AT&T to one on Verizon.  Call quality is better on Verizon.  Coverage (where I need it) is better on Verizon.  But AT&T has them beat on capability.

I haven’t played with the camera yet…so I can’t speak to that.  However, the 4G (which is really what is being desired here) does get an updated 5MP camera. You may be like me thinking 5MP < 8MP so the Android wins.  And that may be true..but Apple claims its improved how the camera takes pictures on an ISO level, rendering the MP argument a non-issue.  The 4G also will have a flash (which does not exist on this 3Gs). Another notable point…it will come with a front facing camera for video chats and the like.

The new 4G looks hot and is marketed as the thinnest smart phone ever.  It actually ends up thinner and similar length and width of the Incredible.  The 3GS already is a nice size, and fits well in the front pocket (important for me).  Of course there is the question of old: white or black?

The iPhone is much more stable in operation than the Android.  Of course, with the market share iPhone has…they is a lot of development money and time already invested over the last few years to get things right.  Android will get there…but iPhone has a head start in this area.

The iPhone screen is MUCH more visible in bright, direct sunlight.  The HTC is almost unusable at the lake or the pool…its just so hard to see the display.  Answering a phone call on the HTC was even a challenge (and I couldn’t tell who it was). The iPhone, however, appears to excel in this area…although I’ll need more time to know for sure.

Battery life on the 4G iPhone is supposed to be more than double that of the HTC.  I didn’t think battery life would be that big of a deal for me, since I am often someplace I can charge…30 min in the car, at my desk, etc. But when I am using the HTC…I have a hard time keeping it charged through a full day.  It is something that I have to be conscious of.  I’ve only had the iPhone for a short time…but it’s very first day…with apps installations, tinkering, configuring…I made it through the whole day ( a long one at that ) with a single charge.  This wasn’t on purpose btw…it turns that all of my iPod Touch accessories will not charge this phone! Yikes! Gotta buy a new charger.

There is something unusually and unexpectedly cool about the little lever switch that puts the phone in vibrate mode. I don’t know why I like that so much…but I really find it cool.

Of course, since iPhone and iTunes were made for each other, and my entire 50GB+ music library is on iTunes…there is a synergy there that cannot exist with the Android based HTC.  Synchronization is simply a breeze.

What I don’t like:

It doesn’t have native flash support.  Oh well.  I guess you can’t have everything.  There is an app that will let you get to flash content from the iPhone…see the “Must Have Apps” section.

It isn’t as seamless to interact with my Google apps as the Android. Duh! There are plenty of ways to work around…but the Android…well…it just plays so well with the apps I am used to using to manage my email and contacts, etc. With that said, I set up my Google account to push my email, and set the iPhone up for a Microsoft Exchange type account…and it works well.  Calendar items, Contacts, and Email is automatically synced…very much like I am used to on the Blackberry.

I have lots of chargers and docks laying around for my iPod Touch..but none of them will charge the iPhone.  I am forced to buy a new car charger.

No expandable storage.  You get what you get, so don’t throw a fit!  : ) Of course, apps like HomePipe and DropBox come in handy here.

Must have Apps:

(stand by for updates)

Must have accessories:

(stand by for updates)