Payton H. Wilmott, Gleaner Writer

This week, we have a special treat for you folks who are going gaga over the iPhone. We will be looking on the technical differences between the iPhone 2G, 3G and 3GS. Also, we'll dish out the top five applications you should have on your iPhone.

Did you know that ...?

The iPhone was first released on June 29, 2007?

Claro is the only authorised dealer for the iPhone 3G in Jamaica?

There are currently three different versions of the iPhone?

What's the difference?

A lot of folks out there don't know the difference between the real iPhone and the cheap fake Chinese HiPhone. Here is a tip: If your iPhone uses a memory cardz it isn't the real deal. The other main concern most individuals have is what is the main difference between all three versions of the iPhone.

Here goes:

The main difference between iPhone 2G and 3G are as follows.

The iPhone 3G has support for 3G data service that provides much faster web access on the go.

The 3G has a better battery, doubles the juice lifespan of the iPhone 2G.

The iPhone 3G has a plastic back, which is different from the aluminium back that the 2G has. This adjustment was made to improve the signal receptivity of the iPhone 3G, as metal would interfere with it.

The iPhone 3G's outer surfaces are fitted with earphone jack, so no more converters to use general earphones.

The iPhone 3G has MMS capability.

The iPhone 3G has A2DP support (the ability to use stereo Bluetooth headphones).

The main difference between iPhone 3G and 3GS is as follows.

The iPhone 3GS has an improved camera, which is a three-megapixel beauty with auto focus.

The 3GS has video-recording capability; it can capture up to 30 frames per second. You can also edit your video instantly and share it.

The iPhone 3GS has the capability to send video via MMS.

The iPhone 3GS has a built-in magnetometer, which is just a fancy name for a digital magnet (Compass).

The iPhone 3GS has a better battery life, 20 per cent more than the 3G.

3GS has a better processor and more RAM, making it more than twice as fast as the 3G.

The iPhone 3GS has voice control.

iPhone 3GS has a PowerVR SGX processor that provides better graphics for games and applications.

Making your choice

The final conclusion any person would come to is that the 3GS is easily the best of the three iPhone versions, and I totally agree with that.

But you don't have to own the best version to enjoy most of the amazing applications available on Apple's App Store. So, for the common user, the iPhone 3G would be enough to satisfy your needs. Otherwise, if you are a power-hungry junkie like myself, you can't settle for anything less than the 3GS.

That's a wrap

The iPhone has always boasted having gazillions of applications, and after seeing the list myself, I'm now a sold-out believer. Explore and enjoy the many features for yourself.

The products mentioned in this article were provided courtesy of Royale Computers and Accessories; telephone 906-1067, 906-1068 or 754-5048. Email feedback to saturdaylife@gleanerjm.com.

5 must-have applications for any iPhone

No matter which version of the iPhone you own, it's not complete without these applications.

1. Facebook: This application gives you full control of your Facebook account via mobile.

2. Tweetie 2: This is the most feature-rich and simple application out there for all you Twitterers.

3. Tunewiki: This application gives you the lyrics for any song you play on the iPhone and can also find the video for it as well.

4. Need For Speed Undercover: No phone is complete without a decent game and this one is done well in every department.

5. Photoshop Mobile: Yes, Photoshop is on the iPhone to satisfy your entire photo-editing needs.