2011 iLounge iPod/iPhone/iPad Buyers' Guide

2011 Buyers’ Guide IPODS, iPHONES + iPADS
Unlike the iPhone 4 and
all iPods, iPhone 3GS
has a chippable plastic
rear shell, glossy black
with silver writing, logos,
buttons, and camera ring.
The front is glass with an
oil-resistant coating.
There are now five primary differences between the iPhone
3GS and iPod touch that play out in hardware and software.
First, iPhone 3GS includes the Phone application and the
ability to make or receive calls over a cellular phone network,
though third-party VoIP applications offer Wi-Fi calling for
the iPod touch now, too. Second, the 3GS has SMS and
MMS messaging capabilities, which can be replaced on
the iPod touch with free apps or e-mail. Third, iPhone 3GS
has a GPS chip that makes its Maps application faster and
more accurate at determining your current location, as well
as the fourth difference, a magnetometer that enables it
to offer rough directional information in Maps or its own
Compass application. Fifth is a big difference in camera
technologies. The iPhone 3GS includes a 3.2-Megapixel rear
camera, which easily beats the iPod touch’s 0.7-Megapixel
still capabilities. But 3GS falls short on video, and doesn’t
include FaceTime support or a second, front-facing camera.
Other differences include the 3GS’s lower-resolution screen,
lack of a gyroscope, and weaker battery life under some
circumstances. You can choose what’s right for your needs;
bear in mind the iPhone 3GS’s 2-year contract, though.
Autofocus and extra pixels
make the iPhone 3GS capable
of better photos and video
than predecessors, though the
lens is smaller and does worse
in low light than iPhone 4.
Unlike iPods, the iPhone
3GS includes Apple’s
Earphones with Remote
and Mic, standard
earphones with a threebutton
remote control
and microphone built in.
It also comes with a small
wall power adapter and
a Dock Connector to USB
charging cable, Apple
stickers, and instructional
booklets, plus a SIM tool.
81