The iPhone 4.0
- Post-WWDC, AVT answers WWTC: What would a tech pro choose?
- Check out our run-down of iPhone 4.0 features. Then take AVT’s quiz to decide for yourself.
FACT: Two cameras let Wi-Fied iPhone 4 users video chat with a front-facing camera via Apple’s “Face Time” software, and simultaneously stream HD video from the 5 megapixel, zoomable, flash-equipped camera on the back. Light sensors automatically apply the flash for photos, and constant light for video when it is needed.Would you remotely demonstrate the features of a state-of-the-art touch panel live, via your iPhone? Could streaming live videos of comparative technologies help your clients or colleagues make the right product choice?
Could you capture the intricacies of your AV equipment and expertise with a handheld recorder?
FACT: With a 960 x 640 pixel resolution (326 pixels per inch), the iPhone 4 screen has four times as many pixels as the 3GS. The enhanced ISO and tap-to-focus feature boost photo and video quality, and a built-in gyroscope stabilizes user-recorded and other video content. A mic dedicated to noise cancellation minimizes auditory interference.How often would you watch HD videos on your phone? Are you likely to use the higher resolution to take inventory of a product’s nuances? Could the iPhone 4 cams be your primary tools for capturing the subtle nuance of your company’s product?
FACT: iMovie HD for the iPhone 4 is available in the App Store for $5. It supports video quality up to 720 p, and can export files to a lower resolution.Is iMovie your primary editing software? How frequently would you use your 3.5-inch phone to edit video footage?
FACT: The new iOS4 operating system offers built-in support for bluetooth keyboards, unifies your inbox, accesses your conversation threads with a tap, and allows multitasking.How often do you use the iPhone a productivity tool? Do you need to use two iPhone apps simultaneously to complete professional tasks? Could the SplitBowser App perform the same function?
FACT: The iPhone 4’s efficient A4 chip, which premiered on the iPad, consolidates the A Cortex-A8 (main processor) with a Power VR SGX 535 (for hi-def graphics), and two 128MB DDR SDRAM memory chips. Though flash drive capacity options are still limited to 16 or 32GB, the A4 boasts a processing speed of 1GHz and consumes minimal energy by shutting off the subcomponents you aren’t using. The conservation-conscious technology allows 7 more hours of talk; 6 more hours of browsing (10 hours via Wi-Fi); 10 more hours of video; 40 more hours of music; and a whopping 300 more hours of stand-by, than the iPhone 3G.
FACT: The iPhone 4 is .37” thick (34% slimmer than the 3GS) and weighs 4.8 oz (3g heavier). The stainless steel rim allegedly increases the antenna’s receptivity, but users are still exclusively bound to AT&T.Do you want an iPhone upgrade bad enough to sign on to another two years with AT&T?
FACT: The iPhone is $499 (16 GB) and $599 (32 GB) without a contract. Existing iPhone users can upgrade for $399 or $499. The cost for new users and users with a contract that expires in 2010, is $199 or $299. The 200 MB plan is $15 (a $15 fee gets users who exceed the limit another 200 MB of data). The 2 GB plan is $25 (a $10 fee gets users who exceed the limit another GB of data).For which price are you eligible? Do you have an iPad? Do you need an iPhone 4 now?
FACT: iPhone 4 does not offer cloud syncing or subsidized MobileMe ($99/mo.)Would you need other mobile devices if you had an iPhone 4?
Virginia Rubey is a New Orleans-based writer and journalist.
