The iPhone 3GS is similar in looks to the previous generation 3G model, but does have a number of important upgrades that should get multimedia phone owners very excited. Not only has the CPU been upgraded from 412MHz to a maximum of 600MHz, but new features also include a practical and very fun internal compass, larger storage capabilities (16GB or 32GB options), improved digital camera, voice activation and also a fancy new graphics chip (PowerVR SGX), which provides sharp, robust visuals.

Apple have also released the new 3GS with the latest Apple operating system upgrade iPhone 3.0, which has a number of high tech features that really give rival multimedia phones a run for their money. This includes stereo Bluetooth, landscape keyboard, MMS and cut/copy/paste, which although is one of the most basic functions in modern computing, is actually very difficult to integrate successfully into compact mobile devices.

Apple have really nailed the cut/copy/paste feature on the iphone 3G S, allowing you to easily select a section of text simply by tapping on it, and then moving the anchors that appear around the selection to change the amount of text you want, (the iPhone starts of by predicting an amount for you, which is actually pretty accurate most of the time). Then you just use the menu that appears over the selected text to cut, copy and paste.

To undo any changes you have made you just give the phone a quick shake, which is a rather fun little feature, but may be annoying if you joggle the phone by accident whilst you are working. The beauty of this iPhone feature is unlike other multimedia phones the cut/copy/paste function also works on photos, images, webpages and other mixed medias.

Practicalities

The 3GS has a number of excellent features, but how does it fare in a realistic, day to day environment?

Well the answer to this is simply, the 3G S is not only a stylish multimedia phone filled with top end applications, but it is also very practical and easy to use. The extended landscape keyboard provides quick access to all of the main applications including mail, messages, Spotlight etc…, and also makes it much easier to type emails and messages.

The battery is not too bad for this type of multimedia device, and will provide at least five continuous hours or talktime/data transfer over the 3G network (more if using 2G), and for purely WiFi, video and audio use the 3GS has around 2-3 hours more battery life than the original 3G. Download speeds are not significantly faster than the 3G, accept for on graphic intensive applications such as 3D games, where the 3GS really excels, downloading quickly and smoothly for high quality mobile game play.

Look this video for “Apple iPhone 3GS Guided Tour and features”

Click here to view the embedded video.