[Mobilepartners] Important Notes About iPhone 2.0 Software & iPhone 3G

[Andrew Yu]

Greetings!

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:
1. 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.

2. iPhone 3G Device:
The problems 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 Wall Street Journal's Walt Mossberg's Review for similar  
findings: http://ptech.allthingsd.com/20080708/newer-faster-cheaper-iphone-3g/)
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 at att.com). Note: If, however, you sill 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, please email iphone-eval at mit.edu.

Have a great weekend!

Andrew

________________________________
Andrew Yu
Mobile Devices Platform Coordinator
Information Services & Technology
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Phone: 617-324-8985
Email: andrewyu at mit.edu

*** MIT Mobile Web ***
Visit http://m.mit.edu from your mobile device

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