New iPhone 3G S - first review

[SK-1]

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/fun/gizmo/2486597/First-review-of-Apple-iPhone-3G-S.html

[El Fiendo]

Engadget got one up yesterday too.

Linky Linky Bo Binky (http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/17/iphone-3g-s-review)

[SK-1]

As usual, a day late and a dollar short...:o

[Wile E]

Dammit. I want the S. I wish my 3G had 256MB of ram. That would go a long way to making it more smooth. Maybe I'll try to talk the mrs into buying me the 3G S 16GB, and give her my regular 3G 16GB. lol.

[T3hPwn3r3r]

So it does the same thing as all of the other phones on the market.

/still doesn't get it.

[Wile E]

So it does the same thing as all of the other phones on the market.

/still doesn't get it.

I didn't either. Until I got one. It's so much easier to find the apps you need, or didn't know you needed, compared to other platforms. The only 2 things I wish it really had were a flash, and a real keyboard. I got over those 2 shortcomings very quickly.

[El Fiendo]

Don't forget the 600 MHz processor (rumored) as opposed to the 433 (I think).

[erocker]

This all makes me want to do a Zack Morris phone computer mod. Put an Atom in it.

[DIppyskoodlez]

... 3.0 has been jailbroken.. just a matter of time for the 3Gs...

I really want a 3Gs just to play with the PSX Emulator..... >.>

[T3hPwn3r3r]

I didn't either. Until I got one. It's so much easier to find the apps you need, or didn't know you needed, compared to other platforms. The only 2 things I wish it really had were a flash, and a real keyboard. I got over those 2 shortcomings very quickly.

Eh, I just need texting and calling and tetris and I'm good :cool:

[Wile E]

Eh, I just need texting and calling and tetris and I'm good :cool:

Well then yeah, a smartphone in general probably isn't for you.

[T3hPwn3r3r]

I really want a 3Gs just to play with the PSX Emulator..... >.>

How would you control it?

NOW I'm interested...

[DIppyskoodlez]

How would you control it?

NOW I'm interested...

The screen, ofcourse! ;)

http://img.techpowerup.org/090624/IMG_0058.png
http://img.techpowerup.org/090624/IMG_0059.png

Controls aren't perfect yet, but they are rapidly improving.

and its just a matter of time until SOMEONE makes a controller that plugs into the iPhone :D

NOTE: Both of those pictures are screenshots from my iPhone 2G. The PSX Emulator isn't playable on the 2G because its just too slow. The 3Gs is SIGNIFICANTLY faster, so it should play well. Sonic is perfectly fine. There are also SNES, Genesis, Gb, GBA, and NES emulators.

[T3hPwn3r3r]

Not shitting you, I'm now interested... Though the touchscreen rather ruins it for me, as does the price and the horrible Apple service.

[DIppyskoodlez]

Not shitting you, I'm now interested... Though the touchscreen rather ruins it for me, as does the price and the horrible Apple service.

Like I've said before, Apples touch screen is not a "con" of the device like most devices. It's a reason TO buy the device. Like it should be :D And by "Apples service" you mean apple care? I've taken stuff in, and had OUTSTANDING service. Far better than you get from nokia, samsung, palm, or Motorola. (Although Sprints service is pretty good -IF- you have a business account... :/ )

You can try em out at the apple store ;) the shear amount of creativity from developers will make your jaw drop when you see how crazy some of the applications are. Every day I'm finding a new and creative thing I can do with my iPhone. Today it was "how to control your DSLR via WiFi", yesterday it was "Control your computer with a phone based trackpad+keyboard" :D

And def. try out "Air mouse". Its too awesome to pass up for anyone that has to give presentations. ;)

Beejive also now supports Push notifications for all common IM's. Its smexy.

Wish I could just get a 3Gs tomorrow :(

*sad panda*

[Wile E]

Don't forget little proggies like Simplify, that stream your entire music library to your phone, from anywhere, on WiFi, 3G or EDGE.

Not to mention Remote Desktop and VNC control apps. I set up a Virtual Server on my router, and signed up for a free DDNS service. I can now control my computer from anywhere I can get internet with my phone.

And I can't wait to get accessories like controllers. From what I heard, 3.0 firmware opened that up. So maybe we'll be able to add controllers, or a keyboard/mouse, perhaps even a printer to our phones.

The emulators would be a hell of a lot nicer with a real controller. I saw a render or prototype of a controller that was basically a plastic case for the iPhone. The iPhone slid right into it.

[DIppyskoodlez]

Don't forget little proggies like Simplify, that stream your entire music library to your phone, from anywhere, on WiFi, 3G or EDGE.

Not to mention Remote Desktop and VNC control apps. I set up a Virtual Server on my router, and signed up for a free DDNS service. I can now control my computer from anywhere I can get internet with my phone.

And I can't wait to get accessories like controllers. From what I heard, 3.0 firmware opened that up. So maybe we'll be able to add controllers, or a keyboard/mouse, perhaps even a printer to our phones.

The emulators would be a hell of a lot nicer with a real controller. I saw a render or prototype of a controller that was basically a plastic case for the iPhone. The iPhone slid right into it.

Yeah, they're working on a TomTom attachment for iPhone, so I really hope a controller addon comes out soon too. There could be some really cool devices IMO.

Xbox 360 controller is already USB. I imagine someone could come up with a conversion box. :D

Sega is already spot on with their Sonic control though. It works extremely well. Carmack did pretty well with his Wolf 3d controls too which are similar. The JB emulators are all similar to the sonic example.

[Wile E]

Yeah, but all games that use buttons, right now lack the very important tactile feedback.

[DIppyskoodlez]

Yeah, but all games that use buttons, right now lack the very important tactile feedback.

:confused:

Tactile feedback is extremely overrated around here.

While its not as effective, thats true.

But Sonic 1 from sega is still VERY fun to play, and the touch is just a matter of getting used to. When you get over the tactile-instinct, its just as effective of a control mechanism IMO.

The problem isn't the fact that it doesn't have tactile feedback. The problem is phychological IMO.

Sega added an animation to the D-Pad and A button, and it "Simulates" it being tactile fairly well. when you can see it out of the corner of your eye, it feels very very effective. Not to mention the screen is already extremely responsive as is.

[T3hPwn3r3r]

Like I've said before, Apples touch screen is not a "con" of the device like most devices. It's a reason TO buy the device. Like it should be :D And by "Apples service" you mean apple care? I've taken stuff in, and had OUTSTANDING service. Far better than you get from nokia, samsung, palm, or Motorola. (Although Sprints service is pretty good -IF- you have a business account... :/ )

You can try em out at the apple store ;) the shear amount of creativity from developers will make your jaw drop when you see how crazy some of the applications are. Every day I'm finding a new and creative thing I can do with my iPhone. Today it was "how to control your DSLR via WiFi", yesterday it was "Control your computer with a phone based trackpad+keyboard" :D

And def. try out "Air mouse". Its too awesome to pass up for anyone that has to give presentations. ;)

Beejive also now supports Push notifications for all common IM's. Its smexy.

Wish I could just get a 3Gs tomorrow :(

*sad panda*

The nearest Apple store is 1.25 hours away. Also, if I'm paying 3x+ the price of the competing device, I certainly hope there are no errors with it.

How is the touch screen a plus though? I still fail to see that.

As for "Air mouse", they sell those cheap as hell at Radioshack and other electronics stores that work with actual computers.

[T3hPwn3r3r]

Don't forget little proggies like Simplify, that stream your entire music library to your phone, from anywhere, on WiFi, 3G or EDGE.

Not to mention Remote Desktop and VNC control apps. I set up a Virtual Server on my router, and signed up for a free DDNS service. I can now control my computer from anywhere I can get internet with my phone.

And I can't wait to get accessories like controllers. From what I heard, 3.0 firmware opened that up. So maybe we'll be able to add controllers, or a keyboard/mouse, perhaps even a printer to our phones.

The emulators would be a hell of a lot nicer with a real controller. I saw a render or prototype of a controller that was basically a plastic case for the iPhone. The iPhone slid right into it.

If I ever used any of that stuff, ever, yeah, it'd definitely be worth it.

[Wile E]

:confused:

Tactile feedback is extremely overrated around here.

While its not as effective, thats true.

But Sonic 1 from sega is still VERY fun to play, and the touch is just a matter of getting used to. When you get over the tactile-instinct, its just as effective of a control mechanism IMO.

The problem isn't the fact that it doesn't have tactile feedback. The problem is phychological IMO.

Sega added an animation to the D-Pad and A button, and it "Simulates" it being tactile fairly well. when you can see it out of the corner of your eye, it feels very very effective. Not to mention the screen is already extremely responsive as is.I have to call BS on this Dippy. Tactile feedback is way better for video gaming. Ive played the emulators on both my iPhone, and my dad's Fuze, and the Fuze is infinitely better at it. Tactile feedback makes all the difference.

[DIppyskoodlez]

I have to call BS on this Dippy. Tactile feedback is way better for video gaming. Ive played the emulators on both my iPhone, and my dad's Fuze, and the Fuze is infinitely better at it. Tactile feedback makes all the difference.

I have almost beat sonic on it.. It's not really that bad at all. The lack of tactile feedback for games suffers the same problem as the on screen keyboard does. USERS DON'T TRUST THE DEVICE. trust it! It works! :)

Finger touching the glass is tactile confirmation you hit it. After touching it, release. Is it really that hard? :confused:

Wasn't the keyboard really wierd to use when you first learned it? but you learned it anyways.

Gamers are by far the most in-grained against change people I've ever seen. :p


How is the touch screen a plus though? I still fail to see that.

As for "Air mouse", they sell those cheap as hell at Radioshack and other electronics stores that work with actual computers.

How is the touch screen a negative? :p

As for air mouse, I've seen the "air mice" radioshack has, and normally you have wierd button configurations, sketchy movement tracking, and with this you get media buttons, and don't have to rely on drivers made by some 12 year old chinese kid that -MIGHT- function in windows 7. :p

Plus the app is already on your phone, so theres 1 less device you have to carry around, AND it has a keyboard.

[T3hPwn3r3r]

I have almost beat sonic on it.. It's not really that bad at all. The lack of tactile feedback for games suffers the same problem as the on screen keyboard does. USERS DON'T TRUST THE DEVICE. trust it! It works! :)

Finger touching the glass is tactile confirmation you hit it. After touching it, release. Is it really that hard? :confused:

Wasn't the keyboard really wierd to use when you first learned it? but you learned it anyways.

Gamers are by far the most in-grained against change people I've ever seen. :p

Because time is spent staring at the keyboard or not having a feel for what you're pressing (my fingers when typing on that damn keyboard hit the wrong letter all the time).

How is the touch screen a negative? :p

As for air mouse, I've seen the "air mice" radioshack has, and normally you have wierd button configurations, sketchy movement tracking, and with this you get media buttons, and don't have to rely on drivers made by some 12 year old chinese kid that -MIGHT- function in windows 7. :p

Plus the app is already on your phone, so theres 1 less device you have to carry around, AND it has a keyboard.

Media buttons?

Lolwut? Also, I hate to be the tool doing any kind of presentation using any kind of Apple product - breaking away from basic PC hardware is something I would never do. I once was at a linguistics conference and they tried to hook a Macbook Pro up to a projector.

They couldn't figure out how to plug it in...





Anyway, the touch screen is a negative in nearly every aspect.

You're in a car crash - your phone's screen breaks, you can't dial 911.

I'm in a car crash - my Palm's screen breaks, even if the buttons fell out 911 can be dialed.



I live, you die. :p

But really, aside from being smudgy and giving no feedback or response whatsoever, it's not that bad. However, I've used the keyboard and find it to be one of the most counter intuitive things possible. This goes for any cellphone touchscreen. I turned the touchscreen on my Palm off for the sole fact that whenever I'd touch it after a soccer game or something, it'd get smudgy and hard to see.

But either way, a touch screen offers no real benefits over a regular button interface, and if anything, is inferior.

[Wile E]

I have almost beat sonic on it.. It's not really that bad at all. The lack of tactile feedback for games suffers the same problem as the on screen keyboard does. USERS DON'T TRUST THE DEVICE. trust it! It works! :)

Finger touching the glass is tactile confirmation you hit it. After touching it, release. Is it really that hard? :confused:

Wasn't the keyboard really wierd to use when you first learned it? but you learned it anyways.

Gamers are by far the most in-grained against change people I've ever seen. :p



How is the touch screen a negative? :p

As for air mouse, I've seen the "air mice" radioshack has, and normally you have wierd button configurations, sketchy movement tracking, and with this you get media buttons, and don't have to rely on drivers made by some 12 year old chinese kid that -MIGHT- function in windows 7. :p

Plus the app is already on your phone, so theres 1 less device you have to carry around, AND it has a keyboard.
I still disagree. I tried games on my iPhone for weeks. It took 2 minutes for me to do better on my dad's phone. Great, you beat Sonic using the touch screen. Guess what, you would've beaten it faster and easier with buttons that give a tactile feedback.

A touch screen is not a positive on games that were designed with a real controller in mind. Even the DS has real buttons in addition to a touch screen for a reason. They could've just as easily made the whole bottom of the clamshell a multi-touch screen. But guess what? They don't because it is far easier to play games with proper buttons. Same goes for PSP.

As far as gamers being stubborn, that's not the case here. It is fact that we, as humans, respond to regular buttons better. I'm sorry to say it Dippy, but this is more of a case of an Apple fan gone too far. It's like you refuse to see any negatives about the phone, and try to defend it to the death. I'm an Apple fan too, Dippy, but you are encroaching on Apple zealotry.

[DIppyskoodlez]

A touch screen is not a positive on games that were designed with a real controller in mind.

How exactly was sonic designed with tactile feedback in mind?


Last I checked sega games weren't pressure sensitive buttons. But hey, I guess you mighta got the really cool sega genesis :rolleyes:

A button is a button.

Whats the difference between a fully pressed, held down button, to a touch screen button being held down?

None. The only tactile difference is the amount of pressure being used, of which isn't used in the signal at all, so its just wasted energy, and will actually slow the response of you hitting the button down. It's a keyboard without key travel time.

Is a D-Pad on a controller, nothing more than 4 hot spots on a PCB? So isn't the iPhone screen a more accurate circular hot spot on an LCD?

Lolwut? Also, I hate to be the tool doing any kind of presentation using any kind of Apple product - breaking away from basic PC hardware is something I would never do. I once was at a linguistics conference and they tried to hook a Macbook Pro up to a projector.

They couldn't figure out how to plug it in..

And you couldnt figure it out either?

DVI ports are hard, I know :(

Air mouse server runs on Windows too btw. Its not mac only.

[Wile E]

How exactly was sonic designed with tactile feedback in mind?


Last I checked sega games weren't pressure sensitive buttons. But hey, I guess you mighta got the really cool sega genesis :rolleyes:

A button is a button.

Whats the difference between a fully pressed, held down button, to a touch screen button being held down?

None. The only tactile difference is the amount of pressure being used, of which isn't used in the signal at all, so its just wasted energy, and will actually slow the response of you hitting the button down. It's a keyboard without key travel time.

Is a D-Pad on a controller, nothing more than 4 hot spots on a PCB? So isn't the iPhone screen a more accurate circular hot spot on an LCD?


And you couldnt figure it out either?

DVI ports are hard, I know :(

Air mouse server runs on Windows too btw. Its not mac only.OK then, try to find your buttons by feel, dippy.

[T3hPwn3r3r]

And you couldnt figure it out either?

DVI ports are hard, I know :(

Air mouse server runs on Windows too btw. Its not mac only.

I could've figured it out easily, but I'm not going to go up there in front of everyone and do the tech guys' jobs for them. I was sitting maybe 30 rows back in a theatre.

But still, no need for air mouse when I have wireless laser mouse.

[DIppyskoodlez]

OK then, try to find your buttons by feel, dippy.

So you're saying you can't find the buttons on a screen you're staring at?


But still, no need for air mouse when I have wireless laser mouse.

You might have one..

But I don't. Now I do, for $2, and I carry it around with me everywhere my Phone goes.

Since when have people been so adamant against a new "gadget"? If an ANDROID phone came up with this app, people would be stampeding to line up to buy it.

[Wile E]

So you're saying you can't find the buttons on a screen you're staring at?
Shouldn't have to look at buttons when you are concentrating on the content of the game. Even if it's on the same screen, you still have to break your concentration momentarily to focus on the button.

Seriously, why are you adamantly defending it, when you know damn well buttons would be better? Are the on-screen "buttons" terrible? No, not that bad, but still not as good as a proper controller, and terribly distracting for many. Every single person I let try the emulators on my iPhone agree with me. You are clearly in the minority, and most people do feel it's a disadvantage to play on the touchscreen.

Again, if the touch screen alone is such a great gaming interface, why do all hand-held gaming systems feature buttons?

[T3hPwn3r3r]

Well said Wile E.

I still prefer tactile response to the touch screen as well even for regular keyboards.

[DIppyskoodlez]

Again, if the touch screen alone is such a great gaming interface, why do all hand-held gaming systems feature buttons?

Notice every other touch screen is pressure sensitive?

My DS has (DEEP) marks from playing Zelda: Phantom Hourglass. it just isn't durable enough.

Worn out touch screen is bad :mad:

My iPhone however, is still spotless. (My screen protector doesn't even have any major marks in it.)

Since I'm in the minority, explain to me why Zodttd is getting enough demand for GPsPhone and his PSX Emulator to warrant working on them to get them performing better on the 3Gs? I know I'm certainly not alone in enjoying the iPhones interface for gaming.

IMO the only major downside is the loss of screen realestate.

[Wile E]

Since I'm in the minority, explain to me why Zodttd is getting enough demand for GPsPhone and his PSX Emulator to warrant working on them to get them performing better on the 3Gs? I know I'm certainly not alone in enjoying the iPhones interface for gaming.

IMO the only major downside is the loss of screen realestate.Because they enjoy the iPhone, and are willing to sacrifice the buttons for being able to keep their phone of choice. It's called a tradeoff.