After trying for hours Friday to successfully update the software on my first generation iPhone, I finally managed to connect to the iTunes Store to get it to unbrick the phone.
One of the biggest pluses is the ability to receive "push" e-mail; i.e. when mail is sent to you, it is immediately forwarded to the iPhone. In the past, you had to either check the mail manually, or tell the iPhone to check all the accounts every 15, 30 or 60 minutes.
Another plus is the AppStore. Apple claims there are 500 apps you can either download for free or purchase. To be honest, I have little interest in most of the apps I've seen so far with the following exceptions:
- MLB.com. This low cost app ($4.99) enables you to receive updates on baseball games in progress PLUS allows you to view video highlights, even while the game is underway. They look pretty good when viewed on the EDGE network, and great when on a WiFi connection.
- AOL Radio. This free app allows you to listen to local radio stations from across the country.
- Pandora. This free site translates to the iPhone very well. You tell Pandora the kind of music you prefer, e.g. Bob Dylan, and it programs a "station" complete with Bob Dylan songs, and songs of that genre.
Battery life on the first generation iPhone seems no better or worse with this latest software version.
