Apple's iPhone 3G: Perfect? Maybe.

July 11th kicked off sales for the Apple iPhone 3G for AT&T Wireless. This highly anticipated device surely did not disappoint in the realm of sales; 1 million units in its first weekend. But what’s so special about it? What does this one have that the other one lacked? And what separates it from the myriad of other cell phones on the market?

The first generation of the iPhone was released June 29 of last year after many months of speculation. It was almost perfect. It worked well, and looked amazing. The touch screen was cutting edge. The problem was simply that it lacked some of the latest technology the industry had to offer. The second generation seems to have resolved this lack-of.

To start off, the revised iPhone now incorporates the 3G wireless network offered by AT&T. Released just a few years back, the 3G data speeds put to shame the slower EDGE network. To be specific, the EDGE network offers users average download speeds of 70-135kbps. Hardly usable for large emails and intensive web browsing. The 3G data network, also called HSDPA, offers average download speeds of 400-700kbps. What this means to users is that you no longer have to rely on the sporadic availability of battery-draining Wi-Fi networks.

Though the visuals of the interface have remained the same, the underlying software is a new development from Apple. The iPhone 2.0 software allows business users to forward corporate email to their iPhone via Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync. Apple has also added what they call the Software Development Kit, or SDK. This allows businesses to create custom-tailored software specifically for iPhone users. It basically makes the iPhone an open access device. Has Steve Jobs been replaced by Mark Zuckerman?

Now let’s digress for a moment and touch on the competition in the cell phone industry. All of the major US carriers offer devices that incorporate similar features to the iPhone. Verizon Wireless recently released the Dare by LG, an all touch screen phone that packs many of the same features, including internet access via the 3G network. Sprint offers the Touch, a Windows 6.0 device that offers corporate email access. T-Mobile offers a wide range of Blackberry’s for all of those who need 24/7 connectivity. But what are they all missing? Why did Apple’s original release of the iPhone last year set sales records for the industry? And why did they, just one year later, annihilate their own records with the second generation?

AT&T offers several choices of plans for the iPhone, ranging from 450 minutes for $69.99 a month, up to unlimited domestic calling for $129.99. All plans which support the iPhone include unlimited domestic data service for email and web browsing. In addition, corporate users can have their email synced through a Microsoft Exchange Server for $45 per month.

Simply put, it just works. When describing the iPhone, I like to say that it works exactly how it should. Everything is beautifully intuitive. From scrolling, to navigating the internet, to texting on a touch screen keyboard, everything flows smoothly. For those looking for a versatile device that’s easy to use, and easier to look at, the newest iPhone from AT&T Wireless is a good option.