Since the introduction of Apple's iPhone in June 2007, it has become the sine qua non in 3G mobile phones. With its sleek and sexy exterior, its high-tech touch screen, and its bright and colorful display, the iPhone stands in a class of its own.
But what is the secret to the iPhone's success? This article takes a closer look at why the iPhone has become so popular in the marketplace.
Smartphones and the Wireless Internet
Mobile phones in and of themselves are nothing new. Since the 1980s, mobile phones have captured the attention of the public. But while the mobile phones of that era were laughably bulky, the ones of this era are slender and small.
During the late 1990s and stretching into the first half of the 21st century, basic mobile phones became wildly popular. These portable communication devices offered basic wireless phone service plans to keep in touch with friends and family.
However in the last few years, a new generation of mobile phones has emerged that allows users to connect to the internet while combining the functions of other electronics including MP3 players, video players, digital cameras, and personal digital assistants (PDAs). These are called smartphones.
iPhone Applications
The iPhone is in the family of smartphones. Using their iPhone, mobile phone users can create and maintain an address book, view maps on the internet, or find restaurants. They can also download MP3 ringtones, watch video, surf the web, or listen to their favorite MP3 tunes.
Users perform these tasks through iPhone applications, those small colorful squares you see on the mobile phone's display. So popular are these applications that an entire industry has been built around iPhone application development.
Physical Description and Technical Specifications of the iPhone
In terms of its size, the iPhone is 4.5 inches tall (115 mm), 2.4 inches wide (61 mm), and .46 inches (11 mm) thick. Its weight is 4.7 ounces (133 g).
The iPhone's casing is made from a combination of metal and plastic. It comes in two colors: black or white.
The iPhone uses 3G as its wireless internet services protocol. Battery life depends on usage; for example, 10 hours talk time using 2G, or 6 hours of Wi-Fi internet use. The iPhone also features assisted GPS location and tracking capability. Other features include:
- 2 megapixel digital camera
- Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth wireless capability
- MP3 player
- Headphone jack
- 3.5 inch (89 mm) LCD screen
- 128 MB on-board memory
- 8GB or 16GB flash memory
- Speakers and microphone
Drawbacks to the iPhone
The main drawback to the iPhone is its high monthly cost of service due to to its included data plan.
The mobile internet is no doubt a contributor to the "wow" factor for consumers. But in today's poor economic climate with consumer spending on the decline, we should look for a decrease in pricing for the iPhone's AT&T wireless plans.
iPhone: The Bottom Line
Bottom line, the iPhone is a hip, fun, and very cool electronic gadget. Users can download dozens of useful, entertaining applications developed specifically for the iPhone. Similar competing 3G mobile phones include the BlackBerry Storm, the Samsung Eternity, and the LG Vu.
Despite the competition, Apple's iPhone will continue to remain an industry leader for the foreseeable future.
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