Upon announcement of the iPhone 3G a couple of weeks ago, it was a forgone conclusion that I was springing for a new mobile phone. As time has elapsed since then, the impulse factor has essentially worn off and more reflection has been allowed. Do I really need or care if I have an iPhone?
I wonder how many other people are reconsidering an iPhone 3G purchase? Giving a month lag time for the availability of the iPhone
3G may actually work against Apple in this case.
What will the iPhone 3G provide that I don't already have (other than being able to say I have an iPhone)?
For productivity purposes, the iPhone 3G won't really add any efficiencies for me. As I utilize Microsoft tools (excluding Exchange), I will have to work through iTunes to sync up with my Outlook. Not a huge deal, but not optimal. I will also lose my mobile Word, Excel and PowerPoint capabilities. Okay, I admit I don't use them often. Okay, probably only once in the last year. Not the point.
Plus, do I really care if it has GPS? I don't get lost.
However, I really like the iPhone's Visual Voicemail feature (huge), the enhanced web browsing with Safari, and the other features provided with the touchscreen that enhance the user experience.
Interestingly, I faced these same questions last year and decided against the iPhone. So what changed? Is it simply that the iPhone now has 3G, as the other new features on the iPhone aren't that compelling to me? Or is it a better appreciation for the user experience of the iPhone, which may lead to better efficiency? Or both?
So, will I be at an Apple Store or AT&T Store on July 11, 2008 picking up a new iPhone? Yes. Although I still have another couple of weeks to decide. And I haven't even gotten into the AT&T phone and data plan issue.
Any thoughts on what I should do?