Video:Tips on Choosing an iPhone Generation

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Transcript:Tips on Choosing an iPhone Generation

Your options are as follows: the iPhone 1st Generation, the 2nd Gen iPhone, the iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, and iPhone 4.

Facts About iPhone Generations

All of the iPhones share the same set of major weaknesses. The battery is irreplaceable, and will get consumed quickly if you're using 3G functions, playing games, or performing other demanding tasks. Like the iPad, none of them can support flash video either, although this situation is beginning to improve with the iPhone 4 with certain app support. The 1st through 3rd generation 3G phones cannot multitask at all with third party apps. That means if you want to use any program that's not Mail, Safari, etc, you need to close one before you can open the other.

More Information About iPhone Generations

Multitasking exists on the 3GS and iPhone 4, but it's slightly limited and roughly executed. Certain basic functions work very well: you can now listen to music on Pandora while browsing the web or keep VoIPs like Skype running while doing whatever else you want. Unfortunately most of the apps you'll see in the App store won't be consistent in their functionality though. Some may require that you close them while others will work but slow your performance; others will work flawlessly. The 4th generation has a few other impressive tricks up its sleeve that make it superior to the previous models. It can record video, take pictures at higher resolutions, features a sharper display, and has a front facing camera as well for face to face video chat. When you add on all the additional apps and the generally improved stability included in the modern iOS, this is clearly the sharpest iPhone.The iPhone 3GS model is no slouch either though. Besides multi-tasking, it was the first to use Apple's mobile e-book reader, and has a 3 megapixel camera instead of the previous generation's 2 megapixel. It can also support iOS4.

Additional iPhone Facts

But the major reason to not just go with the iPhone 4 would be price. AT&T and Verizon both have refurbished 3rd generation iPhones for a fraction of the price. You can also find used 1st and 2nd generation iPhones on eBay and craigslist and save a ton of money. If all you care about is searching the internet and the basic phone functions of texting and calling, this could be perfect for you. Whatever choice you make, you're going to end up with a hi-tech smart phone. If it's your first, even the "lowly" first generation will doubtlessly impress you. Surfing the internet, cruising around google maps with a flick of the finger, moving the accelerometer to play games, everything will feel impressively effortless. Check out About.com's dedicated iPod and iTunes channel for more information on your Apple media products.

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