Gift Tip 71: Apple iPhone 3GS

Dec 8 2009, 7:21am CST | by Luigi Lugmayr

Apple announced the launch of its latest iPhone, the iPhone 3GS in June of this year. According to Apple, the iPhone 3GS is its most efficient and comprehensive iPhone yet. Apple has given it a camera with higher pixel rate, improved video capability and voice control. It is equipped with the latest version of the iPhone OS operating system, iPhone 3.1. Its performance has been pushed a step farther and it features up to 32GB of storage.

Improved speed is one of the most noticeable characteristics of iPhone 3GS compared to the iPhone 3G. Applications can be launched at a fraction of the time required for iPhone 3G. Web pages load more quickly and email attachments open more swiftly. Apple has also taken care of the ardent gamers by improving the overall performance and enhancing the 3D graphics capability.

The Apple iPhone 3GS also allows you to shoot VGA video, adjust its length by removing the desired portion of footage from start and end points and share your video with others through email, your MobileMe gallery or YouTube. The iTunes feature allows you to sync your video to your Mac or PC. The camera has been upgraded to 3-megapixel, which coupled with the integrated autofocus and display adjusting features enables you to take exceptional still photos.

Voice Control is an advanced characteristic of the Apple iPhone 3GS. You can initiate a call or play your desired song by just making a request to your iPhone. Honestly though, I never use this feature of the 3GS. The integrated digital compass in the iPhone 3GS has the ability to automatically align the map to the direction you are pointing to thus making route-finding easier. This iPhone also allows the cutting, copying and pasting of words and photos between different locations in an application or from one application to another.

You can also copy and paste data from the internet. You will also have the privilege of using a larger keyboard in Mail, Messages, Notes, and Safari. Enlarging the keyboard can be done by simply rotating your iPhone into landscape mode. With the Apple iPhone 3GS, you can also send messages with almost any type of content attached, search for any type of information using Spotlight and go online from literally anywhere you wish. Apple has provided features like VoiceOver screen reader, a Zoom feature, White on Black display options and Mono Audio to make things easier for the visually or hearing impaired.

The brand new Apple iPhone 3GS has added some new features in addition to upgrading some of the older ones. The only real downside to gifting an iPhone 3GS is that a new iPhone will most likely be released mid next year.

Great Gift For
The iPhone 3GS is a great gift for anybody who wants to do more than just make calls. I own an iPhone 3GS and I love it. The app catalog is an awesome advantage, making the iPhone a universal tool. Of course if you're not into Apple or AT&T, a Verizon Droid or a BlackBerry phone are interesting alternatives.

Price and Where to Buy
The easiest way to gift an iPhone 3GS is with an Apple iPhone Gift Card.

This gift tip is part of the I4U News Top 100 Holiday Gift Guide. Find many more tech gift recommendations across 10 categories and shopping tips here.

where to buy

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Luigi Lugmayr
Luigi is the founding chief Editor of I4U News and brings over 15 years experience in the technology field to the ever evolving and exciting world of gadgets. He started I4U News back in 2000 and evolved it into vibrant technology magazine.
Luigi can be contacted directly at ml@i4u.com. Luigi posts regularly on LuigiMe.com about his experience running I4U.