Apple iPhone (8GB, AT&T)

Pros: Simple and un-problematic calling, great internet communication, "visual voicemail" is very useful, iPod controls are wonderful & easy, entire OS with great display is beautiful, headphones w/ mic

Cons: no 3G, camera settings are strict, prone to scratches, no voice control

Summary: The iPhone is one of the only phones you can say you have fun and love to use. The innovative sync between the multi touch screen and OS X is magnificent: and allows for a lot of innovative ways to use the device.

In phone mode, iPhone is simple and as you would expect: with voice quality that I can't complain about, and the included proximity sensor shuts off the iPhone's screen when it's close to your face (to avoid unwanted touches)

Mail mode is as you would expect. I have no problem not having push, because it checks my GMail inbox every 15 minutes. Reading through messages is just like on a PC, and deleting a message is as easy as swiping your finger over it!

In Safari: I'll admit I'll be upset next time I use the EDGE network. My home/school/and alot of town is a WiFi blanket, but that may not be the case for everyone. Surfing in WiFi is great and presents the web exactly how you'd like it (no re-configuring of text and space), but in EDGE mode... don't even bother. It's almost as bad as dial up. Incidentally, Youtube is also a waste of time on EDGE.

iPod mode is amazing. It works just like a normal 5G iPod, but the controls are so sleek and advanced its just fun! The quick menus on the bottom can, thankfully, be changed by clicking the ". . ." (more button), and that makes navigation in some ways quicker than the click wheel. I was hoping, though, that I'd be able to select songs or albums with voice.

The other features of the phone- widgets and google maps and such, are great as well. The phone is truly the best phone out there, and as for the keyboard.. Well I played with mine for hours: and on the 2nd day I feel comfortable to type almost as fast as I could on a numeric keypad.

I'd give the iPhone a ten if it just included a couple basic cell features (3G, different filters/settings for camera, voice dialing (even though I don't use that), and one or two others).


Alex