An Overview of the iPhone Features, Costs

The recent buzz on the wireless telephone front is the iPhone. It certainly seems to be chock full of features. What will these features be and are they worth the extra costs? On June 29 many found out.

The basics: Only AT&T service will work, so if you don't like AT&T service there is no point. Also, take a look at the coverage area to be certain you will even get service (http://www.wireless.att.com/coverageviewer/). If AT&T service is acceptable then there are many features and benefits to iPhone ownership, including the ability to play media, both music and movies purchased through iTunes. According to Apple, "you only need to decide how many minutes and SMS text messages you need." Obviously this new phone will do SMS and voice plans, however, what else are you buying?

The features: Voice calls like any other phone are a simple function included. Visual voicemail is included. What is visual voicemail? That is a fancy way for saying you don't have to listen to messages in a row, but can 'visually' pick the message you want to hear from a list. SMS messaging is made better by a full, visual keyboard that you can use to send messages as well as storing the messages sent and received much like a instant message conversation. Photos come organized and easily viewable gallery-style with zoom and pan features. You can sync your photos with a computer or take them with the 2-megapixel camera included. iPhones come with the ability to play media, both music and video as expected in an iPod-style interface. Email, Contacts and Calendar work much like you'd expect in a smart phone. Something you might not expect is that you will need iTunes to setup your account according to Apple. An Internet browser, mapping software - much like Google Earth (http://earth.google.com), many widgets - weather, stocks, etc, and the much advertised YouTube player built-in.

Taking a lesson from iPod's early days Apple includes a durable glass top surface and a better battery according to InfoSync.