As you are all more than aware, whether you are an Apple lover or hater, the highly anticipated iPhone 5 was released to the public on Sept. 21.
Most people were, and still are, wary about purchasing it. This article delves into main points that may help you decide if this phone is worth your hard-earned cash.
First and foremost, the screen of the iPhone 5 is larger than any model before it. It measures an astounding four inches. With the new screen, the phone’s length is a bit longer as well. Not much (less than half an inch taller) from previous models, but you can clearly distinguish an iPhone 5 from any other Apple product.
This model also has a brand new design. Along with the new four 4-inch screen, the iPhone 5 is also only 7.6 mm (millimeters) thick. Because it’s so thin, Apple had to create a new, smaller SIM card. It is being called a “nano-SIM” card.
So, if you have the 4S or any model before it (or any other type of phone) you will need to get a new SIM card to fit the iPhone 5’s SIM slot. A new SIM card is free of charge, no matter which carrier you use.
Another thing that will cause you to purchase new items, such as an iHome, is the new “port” or “dock.” For some people, this is a nightmare because it means buying all new accessories. For others, it’s a dream come true. “The intelligent, reversible Lightning connector is 80 percent smaller than the 30-pin connector” (apple.com). Apple will be selling $29.99 conversion kits for old chargers, or iPhone users can buy new chargers outright.
One hot topic of conversation is the new operating system, iOS 6. With iOS 6, iPhone users can now get turn-by-turn directions using the Maps app. Along with that, the Maps built-in app also features “FlyoverView.” For example, if you’re looking at New York City, you can see almost every detail of the skyline, as if you’re actually flying over the city.
Siri can now make you dinner reservations at your favorite restaurant. She can also give you movie times, and the scores of your favorite teams. She can also open apps now, which is extremely helpful. Also with iOS 6, you can now tweet, and update your status either using Siri, or the notifications bar.
“FaceTime now works over cellular networks as well as Wi-Fi, so you can make and receive FaceTime calls wherever you happen to be. You can even make and receive FaceTime calls on your iPad using your phone number. That means you can use FaceTime wherever you are, on any device. And never miss another wink, smile, air kis, or eye roll” (apple.com).
The iSight camera also comes with a really awesome new feature—Panorama. “The new panorama feature for iPhone and iPod touch lets you capture everything from a momentous family reunion photo to a sweeping vista.6 With one simple motion you can shoot up to 240 degrees — even vertically, to get that redwood tree, say. Then hardware and software work together to create one seamless, high-resolution panorama” (apple.com)”
iOS 6 is compatible with the following devices:
– iPhone 3GS
– iPhone 4
– iPhone 4S
– iPhone 5
– iPod touch (4th generation)
– iPod touch (5th generation)
– iPad 2
– “The new iPad”
If you’re interested in purchasing Apple’s newest, must-have gadget, prices and models vary, as well as the colors. The only two available colors of the iPhone 5 are “black & slate” or “white & silver.” For the 16 GB (gigabyte) model, the price (when available for an upgrade) is $199. The 32 GB (when available for an upgrade) is $299, and the 64 GB model when available for an upgrade will cost $399.
The closest Apple Retail Store is located at the Lehigh Valley Mall (250 Lehigh Valley Mall Whitehall, PA 18052. However, to save yourself a 45 minute trip, you can just go to http://store.apple.com/us or call Apple at 1-800-MY-APPLE.