| Desription ......... As perhaps the most eagerly anticipated high-tech gadget of the year, the Apple iPhone has a lot of hype to live up to – and we’re pleased to report that it does it very well.
The 4 GB iPhone model should be adequate for the average user (while hardcore media junkies might need the 8 GB model to store their videos and music). Either way, users are in for a lot of fun and functionality. From the patented design of the cutting-edge touchscreen, to the many pre-loaded software applications (like Apple’s Safari browser), the iPhone is not only beautiful to look at, it’s easy to use.
The Patented TouchScreen Display
Start with the 3.5” display that is at the heart of the iPhone’s interface: Apple has patented the technology behind the touchscreen, which features a virtual QWERTY keyboard for quick typing of emails, text messages, phone book entries, and much more, without using a stylus. Remember, the iPhone’s generous display offers plenty of room for even thick fingers. Scroll down phone contacts, or use the iPhone’s multitouch technology to zoom in and out of pictures, Google Maps, and more with only a simple tap. In all, the display and touchscreen performs beyond expectations, and your media content will look great on the brilliant full color of the 480 x 320 pixel resolution display (160 dpi.). An added plus: the iPhone’s amazing motion sensor technology (utilizing what’s known in tech talk as an accelerometer device) rotates the screen image depending on how you hold the phone, adjusting it to fit the screen as the phone moves.
Amazing Features:
With advanced email, web browsing, and software functions that even the smartest phones can’t touch, the iPhone is one heck of an amazing device. The integrated Safari browser fully replicates an internet web browsing experience, while the Apple Media Player software, a version of iTunes and a specially configured YouTube interface deliver a guaranteed good time for media lovers – even those spoiled by their iPod. The iPhone is loaded with tons of widgets, or mini applications, that make it an indispensable gadget for travels anywhere. Among these widgets are: a language translator that allows you translate to and from English and 10 other languages; an address book; a flight tracker; a unit converter; up to the minute weather data; stock info; a world clock; a dictionary; and much more. Other features include a 2.0 megapixel digital camera; a speakerphone; and visual voice mail.
Physical Design:
The iPhone is lightweight and compact enough to be carried just about anywhere. At 4.5 inches tall, 2.4 inches wide, and 0.46 inches deep, the iPhone manages to pack more features into a small package than any other smart phone. This elegant device is designed with only a couple of buttons and switches, including a navigation button just below the display that sends your Safari browser back to your home page, as well as a multifunction button that controls calls and the iPhone’s power. A rocker volume switch and a mute switch on the side end the list.
Everything else is done through the iPhone’s touchscreen display. With speakers on the bottom, along with syncing and charger docks and headphone jacks, this is one well-equipped phone for hooking up to your computer or listening to media with. One consideration: though the iPhone’s internal battery should last for about two years of average use, it is not user replaceable, which means you’ll have to send it Apple for replacement. The good news is that the battery is surprisingly robust, offering an advertised 24 hours of music playback per charge, 7 hours of video playback, and 6 hours of Internet. The standby time is said to be 10.4 days. Concurrent Wi-Fi use tends to cut these times significantly, however.
GSM Equipped
As a quad-band GSM (group special mobile) phone, the iPhone is compatible with the world’s most common cellular network technology (CDMA phones represent the majority of phones in the U.S), positioning it for widespread global acceptance. Certainly there is no disadvantage to users of the iPhone for utilizing the GSM standard. In addition to allowing the use of a removable SIM card that allows different users to customize the iPhone to their needs, Apple’s use of GSM technology led to a deal with AT&T, who has exclusive rights to provide cellular service to iPhone users for 5 years.
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