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Newest iPhone worth the wait

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July 24, 2008|By MIKE HIMOWITZ

There are some downsides to the iPhone, besides the flakiness of the AT&T (formerly Cingular) network, which consistently ranks near the bottom in Consumer Reports' user surveys for coverage and reliability. For example, the otherwise excellent built-in camera has no flash.

But the real problem occurs when you use the iPhone behind the wheel. With no physical keys, the iPhone requires you to look at the screen when you make a call, and its size makes one-handed use difficult. Nor does it offer the option of voice commands.

With more Nanny States enacting legislation requiring hands-free operation of cell phones while driving (a bill to that effect just missed in Maryland this year), an iPhone could be problematic for commuters who like to chat on the road.

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That said, the iPhone 3G is a superb piece of multipurpose technology. Apple's engineers solved most of its early problems, and buyers who are willing to pay the monthly freight will have a wonderful tool at their disposal.

mike.himowitz@baltsun.com

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