What have we got to say about one of the newest fun gadgets in town, the Apple iPhone 3G? We enumerate the pros and cons…

In terms of physical appearance, the new iPhone 3G is nearly identical to its first model. Significantly, the biggest change in its look is found at the bottom part, which is now completely covered in high-grade, scratch resistant plastic, as opposed to the 2G’s aluminum and plastic combination. This is actually an improvement, as it contributes to a better GPS reception, which, incidentally, is what the 3G is all about. This smartphone’s GPS functionality is not problematic, compared to other fun gadgets where you’d have to struggle with getting a signal. Reception for the 3G is expectedly much clearer. Before its release the iPhone 3G was promised to have improved sound quality and it does deliver. Only slightly taller and thicker than the 2G, the back side of the 3G is slightly curved, too. This makes handling of it a little easier.

The screen of the 3G is a bit warmer, almost yellowish, than its predecessor. And it isn’t exactly a plus factor for someone with a less-improved vision. The interface loading time is noticeably slower compared to the 2G, especially when browsing the contact apps. Although both these observations are nothing that firmware upgrade should fix.

The usual features are, of course, still there and very much handy, user-friendly and stylish. Gaming capabilities mimic a Wii-like control and some of its choiced applications are pretty cool. The iPhone 3G is both and MP3 and MP4 player with a 2mp camera that most users would love having. Its supreme web browsing function and compatibility with third-party software makes it one of the ultimate must-have fun gadgets for 2008.

Now for the critical part — the battery life. Unfortunately, the iPhone 3G isn’t quite a fun gadget when it comes to this aspect. While twiddling with the 3G over the weekend, it unbelievably only lasted a little over four hours after continuous talking, texting, web surfing, a little internet surfing and one movie. Using the 3G under normal circumstances should ease battery life to about six, eight hours or so, but one can’t help but pay close attention to it all the time. Hopefully, the phone doesn’t die while outdoors and without the convenience of a dock charger. Because it’s still a new release, Apple should have something in store to correct this inconvenience soon.