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Does not support all ISP’s or mobile phone providers. iiNet, Telstra, OPTUS, Vodafone and Internode are only supported at this stage…

There is an iPhone application to make the process simple and the interface on the web app is relatively pretty. Powered by phpBB, it is relatively similar to other web based contact syncing apps out there.

If you’re wanting something else other than a backup of your contacts on your PC or Mac and you’re using an iPhone, this one gets the thumbs up!

Take a look

Firstly, a few criticisms

Not being a phone for everyone, there are a few things the iPhone cannot do which we would all be accustom to in our everyday handsets.

• You cannot forward SMS messages. Not a big issue but one just the same.
• Cannot send and receive MMS messages.
• Cannot connect to computers via Bluetooth (other options available though)
• Cannot use phone as modem.

It is worth saying though, in my opinion the pro’s far out weigh these cons. Plus there are also some sexy accessories available.

Now onto the applications.
Unless you want to jailbreak your handset, you are limited to installing applications via iTunes. Personally I do not see this as as issue at this point and there are some great applications available from the iTunes Store. Here are some that I have installed and have lasted the last few months on my iPhone and use regularly – and they’re all free!

• Sodasnap: Send postcards from handset vie email.
• 21 Pro: Addictive Blackjack game.
• Palringo: IM client.
• Google Mobile App: Google apps and more.
• To Do’s: To do list organiser.
• GPS Tracker: Exactly that, just for the hell of it.
• Speedbox: Uses GPS to estimate travel speed.
• Currency: Currency converter.
• MiGhtyDocs: Downloads your Google docs.
• ZIPcodes: Directory of ZIP codes.
• Spend Lite: Tracks spending and can email report in CSV format.
• 3in1 Mortgage Calc: Estimates mortgage repayments.
• Digital Clock: Digital clock, surprise!
• Speedtest: Measures bandwidth speed.
• AirSharing: Transfer files between computers and iPhone (very handy!).
• reMovem: Addictive bubble game.
• Flickup: Send your pics to Flickr.
• Bloomberg: Financial analysis and stock information.

The final word

If you’re after a phone/device just to make phone calls, the iPhone is not for you. If (like me) you lead an ‘always online’ life and want an all-in-one device (and are a Mac fan) then the iPhone is definitely for you. It is certainly different to the devices of old we are all used to but its ease of use and overall functionality make it a device to take us into the future of IP telecommunications.

For someone like myself that uses both a PC and a Mac for different reasons, it is not until you begin using services like MobileMe or familiarising yourself with OS X that you realise how much of your day is wasted waiting for your PC to boot, rebooting due to updates, waiting for programs to respond or wandering to yourself ‘why did that program just steal focus?’. These are all things you do not have to deal with when using Apples technology.

There is another angle to this new device, the view form the Telco. Does this really matter you ask, well not really but I find it an interesting one. Interesting because for so long the Telco has dictated what technologies we see and where. Basing decisions on perceived and intended future requirements of the general consumer (and business). Now the times are changing with consumers now wanting a device regardless of the requirement to enter into a contract and no matter which Telco you go with, ending up with the same service – 3G. Sure the plans will differ and this is where the arm wrestle begins. Contracted plans make or break the consumers decision to buy, the Telco knows this! If they don’t want to you to embrace the device their plans will reflect this and look very undesirable. Don’t believe me? See for yourself, take a look at OPTUS versus Telstra!

What I believe the iPhone has essentially done is put the power back into the consumers hands and planted an Apple seed in every household that now has one of these sort after hand held computer come phone. That too, is a very good thing!

Remember, this is nothing more than my 2cents.

If the OPTUS link times out click here to view in PDF

Download the complete set of 24 wallpapers (via Box.net)

The main thing I have against the iPhone (and it’s a personal one) is that to manage play lists or switch between tunes (particularly while on the train to work) I would have to take the device out of my pocket, unlock it, scroll through the menu, make my selection, lock the device, put it back in my pocket and neatly put the cord back in my pocket after it (if not in jeans pocket). Right now with my trusty 3rd Gen 60Giga I can control it entirely while in my pocket and without taking it out. Easy! I don’t really need the phone capability as I am very happy with the recently acquired Nokia 6300.

Now don’t get me wrong, the iPhone is a sexy device! Last year I said I could not wait for it to arrive on our shores but some time has passed since then and I am now over the hype. I now also spend most of my time at a laptop wherever I go so I have developed a nice selection of online tools to manage my life with. Right now I don’t need another one.

Update:
But there’s more…

Update:
Vodafone and Optus now taking pre-registrations of interest.