The iPhone 3G

Everyone has heard of the iPhone and the recently released iPhone 3G. This phone is amazing and Apple have raised the bar in terms of how a phone should work. Other manufacturers are now having to lift there game. This hub has more about the iPhone 3G.

The iPhone 3G, the back is now plastic (black on the 8GB model, black or white on the 16GB model) and the volume buttons on the left side of the phone are now silvery metal.

The headphone port on the top of the device is now flush with the iPhone's body, not recessed like the jack on the current model. That means you if you have a favorite pair of headphones, you'll no longer need a headphone adapter to make them work with the iPhone.

The handset's edges are thinner and more curved than in the previous version. That helps hide the fact that in the middle, this model is a little thicker than the original. Of course, the new phone also weighs a little less than the current model, though we're talking a tenth of an ounce. If you notice that difference, a career in weights and measures awaits you.

How does the iPhone 3G's GPS features work?

In the Maps application, there's now a tracking icon in the lower left corner. Tap it, and the GPS technology built into the phone zeroes in on your location-a blue pulsing button will appear on the map, and it will move as you do. This should prove to be particularly helpful for searching for businesses, restaurants, and locations. And if you look up directions with GPS tracking enabled, the iPhone will set your current location as your starting point.

Sometimes you are not going to be able to pick up a GPS signal. In that case, the iPhone will use Wi-Fi and cellular tower data to pinpoint your location. Is battery life better on the iPhone 3G?

Apple says the iPhone 3G should get up to 5 hours talk time on 3G and up to 10 hours on 2G; up to 300 hours of standby time; up to 5 hours of Internet usage on 3G and up to 6 hours on Wi-Fi; up to 7 hours of video playback; and up to 24 hours of audio playback. You'll be able to switch between 3G and 2G to save battery life.

The original iPhone was rated for up to 8 hours of talk time; up to 250 hours of standby; up to 6 hours of Internet use; and the same audio and video playback times as the iPhone 3G.