Apple iPhone 3G review

Apple likes to call the iPhone 3G the only mobile that's better than the iPhone.

The reason for this version's superiority has less to do with hardware improvements than the new features of the operating system and the availability of third party applications.

The hardware improvements are welcome: 3G makes the Internet much faster; GPS enables all sorts of geographical functionality; and memory is boosted from 4 or 8GB to 8 or 16GB. The back of the case is now black or white curved plastic rather than aluminium, and the headphone socket finally accepts an ordinary 3.5 inch plug. Sadly, the camera still only has two megapixels.

Of the improvements in the operating system, the most significant is push email, which delivers new messages without being asked. To take advantage, you have to pay £59 per year for Apple's MobileMe service. This is genuinely useful, syncing contacts, appointments and bookmarks on Macs and PCs with your iPhone. The iPhone 3G also works with Microsoft Exchange servers.

Allowing developers to offer applications for the iPhone was a brilliant decision. Controlling distribution through the iTunes App Store is controversial, but makes finding and installing apps easy. Whether you want to play Super Monkey Ball, check exchange rates or send a post to your TypePad blog, there's an application that'll do it.

The iPhone 3G is also cheaper. With an 18 month contract at £35 per month, including 600 minutes and 'unlimited' data (both via the network and at participating WiFi hotspots), the 8GB model is just £99. Pay £45 for twice the minutes and it's free. If you don't make many voice calls, however, the cheapest tariff is poor value at £30.

If you already own an iPhone, you can update the software free, which may be enough. If you don't, and want anything more than a basic mobile, the iPhone 3G is the obvious choice.