I was joining the discussions in some online forums dedicated to mobile phones and I noticed that a lot of people want to know about the difference bet ween the iPhone and the 3G version. So I decided to do some research on this topic and detail the difference between the two popular handsets.

I think the first difference to look at is the mobile network. The 3G iPhone is largely distinguished from the original iPhone by 3G technology. That's obviously why it's commonly called the 3G iPhone or iPhone 3G.

The original iPhone operated on the standard network and people were complaining that the EDGE network was just not fast enough. So the major upgrade on the new iPhone is that it can access high-speed 3G mobile networks built on the UMTS/WCDMA technology. With this upgrade, the 3G iPhone can achieve speeds of up to 3.6Mbps.

Next let's tackle the appearance or the design of the devices. The original iPhone has a unique and sophisticated look that emphasizes that it's a touchscreen device. The 3G iPhone does not really look very different from the original. It's a successful design so there's really no point in making radical changes. The iPhone is not as tall as the original but it is slightly wider. It's obvious that the significant differences between the first and second iPhone models can be found inside the unit.

Let's proceed with the Audi quality. Some experts were unimpressed with the audio quality during phone calls of the original iPhone so Apple made sure to make improvements in the next generation device. The 3G iPhone offers improved audio quality during phone calls and loud speaker. It also comes with a standard 3.5mm stereo plug top allow users to use any headphones.

Battery life is one of the concerns that have been expressed by some experts. You see 3G technology is infamous for using up a lot of energy. Obviously this is not a concern for the original iPhone because it's 2G. Unfortunately, some early reviews on the 3G iPhone indicates that the battery isn't performing well.

Let's move on to the camera. Some mobile phone fans were disappointed when the found out that both the iPhone and the 3G version will offer practically the same 2.0 Megapixel, fixed-lens camera. However, putting in a more powerful camera would drive up the price and that doesn't jive with the plan to sell the 3G iPhone at a cheaper price. Apple claimed that software tweaks will improve the camera's performance. However, tests shows that there is no significance differences in the image taken from the camera.

When it comes to features and services, it's logical that the 3G version offers more than the original iPhone. After all, it's an upgrade so it's bound to offer more in this category. For instance, the 3G iPhone offers the built-in GPS receiver which offers maps for navigation.

Well, I think this is long enough. I hope that this post can answer some of the questions posted by those who want to know more about the iPhone 3G. Tune in to this blog for more mobile phone news and info.

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Here's some breaking news from AT&T. The 3G iPhone set to hit AT&t stores on July 11th, the Mobile phone carrier has decided to announce the pricing information for Apple's hit device.

According to the company, new and existing AT&T customers will be able to choose from several attractive voice and data plans if they want to get the 3G iPhone. AT&T also provided some tips on how to be "iReady" when iPhone 3G goes on sale at AT&T retail stores.

Ralph de la Vega, the president and CEO of AT&T's wireless unit released this statement as part of the announcement.

"We can't wait to offer iPhone 3G to our customers, and we want to make sure the buying process is as easy as possible. Considering all the great new features of iPhone 3G, we think our pricing and monthly plans present a tremendous value for consumers and businesses alike."

You can read the whole announcement or press release by clicking this link: AT&T Announces iPhone 3G Pricing and Tips. But I have also prepared a summary of the information on the announcement. Here they are:

• Customers who purchased an iPhone before July 11, new customers, and customer who are eligible for an upgrade discount will get the 8GB 3G iPhone for $199 and the 16GB iPhone for $299.

• The 8GB model will be offered for $399 to customers who are not eligible for a discount. They will also be charged $499 for the 16GB model.

• New and old customers will be required to commit to a new two-year agreement.

• Apple's new iPhone will require one of four plans, which bundle voice minutes with unlimited data for web and email use.

• The unlimited minutes and data plan will cost $130 per month, the 1350-minute plan will cost $110, the 900-minute plan will cost $90 and the 450-minute plan will cost $70.

• Messaging is not included in any of these plans and must be added separately. $20 buys unlimited messaging, $15 buys 1500 messages, and $5 buys 200 messages per month.

• Any iPhone customer seeking corporate email support will need a $45 business data plan.

• AT&T will offer no-contract availability of the 3G iPhone at the full retail price of $599 for the the 8GB model and $699 price for the 16GB models in the future.

Tune in to this blog for more updates on the 3G iPhone and other mobile phone topics.

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It seems that Apple's iPhone will now conquer the globe? Will this put an end to the fake iPhones in the mobile phone market? I don't know but let's explore the rest of the story. After all, the iPhone may soon be launched in your country.

Recently, there have been stories and rumors about an operator making a deal to launch the iPhone in several countries. This time, Orange has announced that they have completed a deal with Apple that will give them the authority to launch the iPhone in ten markets around the globe.

Orange will be releasing the Apple iPhone on the following countries:

• Austria
• Belgium
• The Dominican Republic
• Egypt
• Jordan
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Switzerland
• Africa

However, the launching dates for these countries have not been revealed. Is your country on that list? If not, then you shouldn't worry. At this rate, the iPhonwe will be released in your country. Anyway, let's get back to the story.

In Austria, Egypt, Portugal and Africa, the iPhone may be available from multiple carriers. T-Mobile has also announce it will release the iPhone in Austria. Vodafone has its own list of “ten countries for the iPhone” which include a few countries listed in Orange's list.

It's probable that other global operators will be releasing the iPhone in more places. The iPhone may be spreading like wildfire around the world to make way for the next generation device. The 3G version is rumored to be released soon and some say that it will be the standard communications device in the near future.


More iTunes for the iPhone

Here's a juicy iPhone update:

The New York Times has punlished that some multiple label executives have confirmed that Apple is looking to expand its iTunes ringtone collection by June. The number is said to be far more than was targeted in the past. Downloadable song snippets and ringback tones are included in Apple's list. However, the labels feel that these ringtones should cost more over a hypothetical 3G iTunes store than the current Wi-Fi option.

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There is no doubt that the iPhone is one of the most sought after handsets today. A week after it was released, between 250,000 to 700,000 iPhone units were sold. That's a truly impressive number for a handset that cost around five hundred dollars.

The success of Apple's handset has spurred the creation of similar devices. Recently, Sprint and Samsung worked together to create the Instinct, a high-end device projected to challenge the dominance of the top mobile device. Not to be outdone, Nokia has also been busy at creating a device to topple Apple's hit handset.

Recently, Nokia's response to the iPhone was shownthrough a slide at the Evans Data Developer Relations Conference in Redwood City, California. Observers noted that Nokia's device looks similar to the iPhone. The project was codenamed the "Tube" and was shown to feature a touch interface in the presentation. Apple's bestseller was dubbed "Puple2" during its development.

Nokia's device showed graphical displays and as a promotion for the movie Shrek the Third was shown. The ability to upload photos ans other capabilities will be featured on the device. The "Tube" will also support Java which was a bit of an issue with the iPhone.

Reports say that Nokia is confident that its project can match and may even overcome the success of the iPhone. The company's spokesman noted that the company has equaled the number of shipped iPhone units. As of now, the company has not yet set a shipment date for the "Tube."

I guess we all just have to wait and see if the "Tube" can indeed dethrone the iPhone. So far, other challengers have not been able to uproot Apple's top mobile phone. Developers are also trying to develop improvements for the iPhone and a 3G version is due yo be release this year. The device is already so popular that it has became a household name and so holds an advantage over the competition.

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