Important Notes About iPhone 2.0 Software and iPhone 3G
Andrew Yu
The Apple iPhone 3G and iPhone 2.0 software were released this morning. Information Services & Technology (IS&T) is testing this device and software and will report its findings to the MIT community next week.
Very Important!
If you’ve been planning to purchase the iPhone 3G or upgrade an original iPhone device by adding iPhone 2.0 software, IS&T strongly recommends that you wait until test results are available.
Meanwhile, please note the following initial findings:
- iPhone 2.0 Software:
This software upgrade allows existing iPhone users to access new features on the original iPhone. The iPhone software can be updated using iTunes. However, there are numerous early reports of original iPhone users having difficulty upgrading. If you have not done so already, IS&T strongly recommends that you not upgrade until Apple addresses the problem.
- iPhone 3G Device:
The issues that IS&T anticipated earlier may affect whether you decide to purchase the iPhone 3G device. IS&T will send out more details about these known issues. For now, please note the following:
a. AT&T Network Coverage: AT&T's voice and data service in many areas around the MIT campus is poor. The iPhone 3G does not change this fact.
b. AT&T 3G Coverage: AT&T 3G coverage is still intermittent at best. IS&T is seeing speed and coverage issues in many locations around MIT.
c. Battery Life: Because the iPhone uses the 3G network, it consumes more battery power. Initial testing shows poor battery life compared to the original iPhone. (See Walt Mossberg's review in The Wall Street Journal for similar findings.)
d. Obtaining the iPhone: If you are purchasing the iPhone as an MIT affiliate, you MUST order the iPhone through the AT&T Store or the AT&T representative (Jim Pappas: 617.365.3300 or james.pappas@att.com). Note: If, however, you still decide to visit an Apple Store, Apple will redirect you to an AT&T Store.
If you have questions or concerns about the iPhone 3G or iPhone 2.0 software, send email to iphone-eval@mit.edu.
Related article: Purchasing Information for the Apple iPhone 3G
|
