Apple's 3G iPhone: First Reviews Are So-So

Tech's two big hitters -- the NYT's David Pogue and the WSJ's Walt Mossberg -- have out their reviews for the new iPhone 3G, and they're surprisingly so-so about Apple's (AAPL) upgrade. To be released Friday, the iPhone 3G is supposed to drive massive upgrades and new unit sales, but in reading Pogue/Mossberg you get the distinct impression that it could be more of a fizzle than Apple investors are hoping for.

The gist:

• Both like the improved 3G performance
• The improved system software comes in for plaudits, but both point out that's available to both old and new iPhone users
• Battery life is unimpressive in 3G mode, according to Mossberg, wiping out the iPhone battery by mid-afternoon. While 3G battery life issues are not unique to iPhone, Mossberg's battery comments are going to put some buyers on the fence.
• Both Pogue and Mossberg point chidingly to the increased cost of the new AT&T contract, with 200 SMS messages now costing an extra $5/month, and the underlying data plan another $10 /month, which wipes out the lower $199 price of the the device

Full text below:

- For 'Phone the 'New' is Relative, David Pogue, NYT July 9, 2008

- Newer, Faster, Cheaper iPhone 3G: Wider Versatility but Hidden Costs, Walt Mossberg, July 9, 2008

Comments

[wallawallab...:]

www.informationweek.co...

2008 Jul 09 06:44 AM

[Unbiased II:]

Paul. You did not read carefully the reviews. They are very favorable.

2008 Jul 09 07:15 AM

[Toni:]

Doris ? DORIS ???

2008 Jul 09 07:41 AM

[uncle:]

Paul, I don't think we even read the same reviews... I saw a much different tenor to the articles than you did. I always thought that meeting or exceeding expectations was not considered so-so. With each reviewer pointing out some of the short-comings of the new iphone (their job by the way) to a man they agreed that it delivered on its promise.

2008 Jul 09 08:21 AM

[mo_app_fan:]

I read the reviews and they seem very positive. The iphone apps that will be available from day one are amazing. Reminds me of the old Palm V days, but a whole lot simpler to install and more powerful.

2008 Jul 09 08:39 AM

[wallawallab...:]

Dr K, it appears you're a pointy headed fellow who can't park your bicycle straight.

Go back to school and read up.

2008 Jul 09 08:40 AM

[taojones:]

first of all i like most others are almost always near a wi fi point of some kind and I assume the phone will use the wi fi when it can (as does the present one) there is a way to avoid massive web surfing bills from At&t (whom we hate!) and like all apple products they will get better in time because apple is always refining their ideas not just piling on "features" A'la Vista ( defined as a "far off never to be reached horizon") there is a form of hedonism that sees the lack of pleasure as pain so you end up always disappointed by reality. the rest of us are delighted that the i- phone experience just got faster and cheaper (plus I'm sure mr Pouge ran his phone constantly the rest of us actually do some work during the day and leave the thing in our pocket)

2008 Jul 09 08:43 AM

[mo_app_fan:]

I read the reviews and they seem very positive. The iphone apps that will be available from day one are particularly interesting, reminds me of the old Palm V days, but easier to install and much more powerful of course.

2008 Jul 09 08:52 AM

[FreeRange:]

Some important facts that you forgot to mention as part of this article. FIRST, the ATT iPhone plan costs THE SAME as for their other, lesser, "smart" phones! So it doesn't cost more than OTHER phone plans. SECOND, since iPhone users use the data plan/internet SIGNIFICANTLY more than other "smart" phone users (google announced this week that number is 50 x compared to all other phones on their website, YES 50x!), the iPhone user therefore gets far more value out of the data plan. Third, even though the battery doesn't last as long in 3G mode, it still lasts SIGNIFICANTLY longer than other 3G phones' batteries, and backup packs are now available to extend that life when you need it. Fourth, even though as Pogue points out, 3G isn't available everywhere from ATT, it still covers something like 70-80% of the population, and will increase even more by the end of the year! You are supposed to be reporters - do your own work - try finding and focusing on the real facts!!!!!!!

2008 Jul 09 09:36 AM

[Toni:]

DORIS! My battery is depleted ! Cannot finish this po....

2008 Jul 09 09:39 AM

[Blue Duck:]

They still think it's a cell phone!

2008 Jul 09 09:47 AM

[wallawallab...:]

The iPhone is a computing platform.

That will be apparent to savvy investors and consumers when the App Store opens Friday.

As for small-minded folks who can't perceive the big picture, and pick compulsively at minor issues like crack addicts at sores, they'll simply miss the boat.

2008 Jul 09 10:00 AM

[.crazylegs..:]

reality is a bitch! the new iphone will no doubt sell tons but it won't be like the 2nd coming of jesus like many wallawalladingdong fanatics hope...

2008 Jul 09 11:43 AM

[texasgolfer:]

can jobs be the vp candidate of the enlightened one?

2008 Jul 09 12:43 PM

[mollytjm:]

bad review? only compared to absolute perfection coming in the year 2050. compared to other so called smart phones, compared to other phone plans, it's better than they are... and... it's really a computer. and we should all be happy that it doesn't have to have Vista on it...there is no battery life long enough for THAT.

2008 Jul 10 10:13 AM

[David Kings...:]

My current iphone 3G and previous iphone have both shut themselves down and no longer operate. I am contacting apple and 02 tomorrow, you may think i have done something wrong, but i have not, i am on contract and since they released the apple 2.0 software with applications store, they have both crashed and no longer turn on at all. I cannot be the only one and this will hit Apple big!

2008 Jul 13 06:41 PM

[sales:]

They are Brand New, Unlocked, Original, Full accessories and come with
1 yr International waranty from the Manufacturer

Nokia 5800 XpressMusic..............
SAMSUNG I900 Omnia...............$3...
SAMSUNG I8510 innov8 8gb..........$280
NOKIA N96 16 GB................$300
Nokia Vertu diamond...........$300
SONY ERICSSON x1....$300
HTC TOUCH DIAMOND........$350
iphone 8GB 3g ...........$350
iphone 16GB 3g..........$400
BlackBerry Bold 9000....$350
iphone 8GB...........$280
iphone 16GB..........$320

Email us your Full name , Shipping/postage Address and Phone number.
so as for us to calculate your shipping cost.

Here is our email
electronicsmobileplaza...

2008 Oct 31 07:18 AM

[sales:]

They are Brand New, Unlocked, Original, Full accessories and come with
1 yr International waranty from the Manufacturer

Nokia 5800 XpressMusic..............
SAMSUNG I900 Omnia...............$3...
SAMSUNG I8510 innov8 8gb..........$280
NOKIA N96 16 GB................$300
Nokia Vertu diamond...........$300
SONY ERICSSON x1....$300
HTC TOUCH DIAMOND........$350
iphone 8GB 3g ...........$350
iphone 16GB 3g..........$400
BlackBerry Bold 9000....$350
iphone 8GB...........$280
iphone 16GB..........$320
Email us your Full name , Shipping/postage Address and Phone number.
so as for us to calculate your shipping cost.
Here is our email
electronicsmobileplaza...

2008 Oct 31 07:19 AM