2008 WWDC iPhone 3G Announcement
As some of you may have heard, Apple has this little product known as the iPhone. It seems to be selling well (at least that’s the word on the street). Currently, only Apple and AT&T are authorized dealers, plus iPhones are not yet available in Vermont (as Don has blogged about in the past, and that Emily mentions below), so we’re anxious to see what everyone’s talking about…
Anyway, all joking aside, the iPhone took center stage yesterday at WWDC as Apple announced the iPhone 3G. iPhone 3G features some much-talked-about updates; here are some highlights:
• 8GB model: $199 (HUGE price drop from $399)
• 16GB model: $299 (also offered in White)
• GPS capability: uses cellular towers along with satellite data for accuracy and faster speeds
• 3G technology: with pageloads 36% faster than the N95 and Treo 750 and up to 2.8x faster than EDGE technology
• flush headphone jack: means no more special adapter!
• full plastic back: replaces the former metal backing (I’d like to see this in person because methinks metal would be preferable… maybe there’s a wireless signal benefit to plastic? We’ll get back to you on that one.)
• international availability with full language support
• 3rd party and enterprise support with SDK (Software Development Kit)
Many of the features had been leaked before the conference, so the changes weren’t a surprise to many, but they were definitely welcome. Apple deserves praise for making the once elite $599 iPhone accessible to the masses–if the July 15 rumor regarding iPhone success in Vermont proves to be true, I think I might just have to get in line!
Check out the full specs here.
*requires 2-year AT&T service plan
I totally agree. The lack of firewire really stinks. Id love a MB. but I cant use my sony camcorder on it. I am not ready to spend 1K on a new HD camcorder yet..
Why oh why drop 1394?
Long live the MacBook Pros. Placed an order for a 2.8GHz model with 4GB RAM right after watching Steve’s keynote.
I’ve purchased a new Apple pro notebook every year since the early 90’s. Just came back from the Apple Store where I had wanted to purchase a new 15” MacBook Pro.
Nice machine except the glossy screen is way too reflective and a deal killer for me.
So I’m hoping that either Apple will offer a matte screen option or some vendor will come up with a quality screen overlay to accomplish that. It is very frustrating to have Apple abandon its Pro users wanting non-reflective screens.
Agreed – losing firewire is the dumbest move – almost as dumb as putting the power button on the back.
Any word on case rigidity?
I remember a barkings post where you cautioned against one-handed lifting of a macbook, as the SuperDrive slot gets torqued by the user clamping the slot shut with their hand.
I’m wondering if the unibody construction has solved that problem. Thanks
“It is still possible to custom order the MacBook Pro with a non-glossy (matte) screen.”
I do not see that option on Smalldogs website or Apples for the new MacBook pros. Only on the 17inch model which does not have any of the new features. Am I missing something?
As a graphics professional, leaving off the option for a matte screen on the pro models makes the new Macbooks useless to me. I’m very disappointed in this decision by Apple to take away that choice. I’ve supported them for years but I can’t support this.
Very nice man! I like the design and colors! This is looking smooth!
jwalsh: the disk slot is much more rigid on the new models. However, it remains important to avoid picking the machine up with one hand gripping only by the slot.
Bish: The last-gen 15” model remains available through Small Dog, but you are right in saying the new models do not have a matte option
I’ve purchased a new Apple pro notebook every year since the early 90’s. Just came back from the Apple Store where I had wanted to purchase a new 15” MacBook Pro.
The lack of firewire really stinks.