iPhone 3G features and specifications

Smartphones Comparison

Smartphones

Context of the Problem

Research Question and Sub-questions

Organization of the Study

COMPARISON of the APPLE I-PHONE to OTHER "SMARTPHONES"

"In today's age of high-speed Internet and smartphones, unlimited information is only a few key strokes or mouse clicks away"

(Guillot 2009).

Context of the Problem

Smartphones

Back in time, teachers sometimes struggled to ensure students brought their own communications technology to class. In "What's That in Your Students' Pockets?," Jim Hirsch (2007) recounts that past "technology" tools consisted of a pen or a No. 2 pencil paper, and paper to write on. In addition to a pen, pencil and paper, the wide array of personal communications technology devices a student may bring into schools and classrooms may include an iPhone 3G or other smartphone (Hirsch). In the work place, consumer-targeted smartphones, which continually claim cooler features currently cause "some telecom pros to wonder which devices are beneficial for their end users, and which are a waste of company time and money. Whether in school, in the workplace or in personal environments, the use of smartphones, Craig Guillot (2009) asserts in "Top of the Line: Businesses find leading the search on Google trumps paper directories," will continue to spread and expand the presence of the Web.

A 2008 survey of 2,000 individuals, implemented by WebVisible and Nielsen, found that approximately 82% of the study participants used Web searches to locate information on local businesses, compared with 57% who utilized paper phone books (Guillot 2009). The continuing increase in the use of online searches for information attributes to the fact the iPhone 3G currently headlines one contemporary global phenomenon, the smartphones' growth. The number of smartphone units, as well as the proliferation of brands and styles depicts one the key trends in the wireless world during 2008. In line with the smartphone's growth, this qualitative study, which utilizes the case study design, compares/contrasts the Apple i-Phone 3G with four other contemporary smartphones. The technology and applications, as well as the special features of the Apple i-Phone 3G is compared and contrasted to the following four "top selling" smartphones:

1. Research in Motion's BlackBerry 8100 Pearl

2. Motorola Q

3. Samsung BlackJack II SGH-i617

4. Samsung BlackJack SGH-i607

Statement of the Problem

"3G"

In "The 5 Top Selling Smartphones," Phil Goldstein (2009) reports that sales of the iPhone 3G contribute to bolstering at&T Mobility into becoming the top carrier in terms of smartphone growth. "3G," denotes third-generation wireless cell phone networks. "First-generation networks were analog, and second-generation networks were relatively low-bandwidth digital networks" (Van Horn 2006 ¶ 9). Due to bandwidth constraints, the majority of contemporary cell phone users currently operate on "two-and-a-half generation" with relatively slow Internet access. True 3G networks are wireless networks with broadband speeds generally equal to between half and one high-speed DSL or cable connection. With 3G networks, one may stream or download high-quality video to portable devices such as cell phones, PDAs (portable digital assistants), and laptop computers. Using 3G networks, one may also participate in two-way video conferencing on portable devices

On its promotional Web page for the iPhone 3G, apple proclaims this particular smartphone "with fast 3G wireless technology, GPS mapping, support for enterprise features like Microsoft Exchange,, as well as the new App Store" puts a myriad of features at the owner's fingertips. But wait, there's more. Just like its predecessor, the original iPhone, iPhone 3G simultaneously serves as a three-in-one product (Features 2009):

1. A revolutionary phone,

2. A widescreen iPod, and

3. A breakthrough Internet device with rich HTML email and a desktop-class web browser. (Features 2009 p.1)

A myriad of similar advertisements bombard consumers as manufactures of smartphones, as well as service providers/carrier seek to contract them, which sometimes contributes to questioning if any major differences exist in smartphones. Understanding the differences between smartphones, the researcher asserts, will help the consumer choose the smartphone to best fill his/her needs.

Research Question

To contribute to the exploration of a number of differences in smartphones, the focus for this study, the researcher purports the following research question: What primary difference, if any, sets the Apple i-Phone 3G apart from other smartphones? Addressing this question also contributes to maintain the focus for this study.

Research Design and Methodology

A case study research design provides the researcher a basic blueprint to guide in crafting his/her study. When the researcher utilizes the case study methodology, a form of qualitative descriptive research, he/she closely examines "an individual or small participant pool, drawing conclusions only about that participant or group and only in that specific context" (Case Studies 2008, Introduction and Definition section). The write of Case Studies (2008) stipulates that researchers who implement the case study methodology typically focus on exploration and description. For this study, as the researcher explored and described the Apple i-Phone 3G, the study compares and contrasts this phone with other smartphones.

Along with implementing an abbreviated survey of five questions to 10 smartphone owners, the researcher conducted a methodical search through a variety of sources retrieved from search engines, which included, however, were not be not limited to: (a): Highbeam Research database; (b): Google Books database; (c): Questia Media database.

Significance of the Study

As the use of smartphones to conduct online searches currently surpasses paper directories, and the use of smartphones projected to continue to increase, the researcher purports this study to be significant. Smartphone manufacturers and suppliers, along with service providers, routinely sponsor a myriad of advertisements, which clamor to try to convince consumers to "buy me." With current economic constraints also factoring into buying decisions, as this study contributes to enhancing the consumer's understanding of smartphones, the researcher asserts, it may also benefit the reader with considerations regarding which smart phone offers "the best buy."

The NPD Group, the leader in market research for the wireless industry, reports that from January through July 2008, consumer sales of smartphones to U.S. consumers totaled 9 million units, increasing 84% over the sales during the same time period during 2007. Although "overall handset sales and revenues declined in the U.S., smartphone revenue increased 71% -- reaching nearly $1.7 billion" (the NPD Group: Smartphones 2008 ¶ 1). The launch of Apple's iPhone 3G during July 2008, contributed to Apple rising to second in smartphone unit sales, behind RIM.

Organization of the Study

Chapter I: Introduction

Chapter I of this study presents the study's focus, while it also relates the background of the phenomenon, the technology and applications and the special features of the Apple i-Phone 3G, as compared and contrasted to a: Research in Motion's BlackBerry 8100 Pearl; b: Motorola Q; c: Samsung BlackJack II SGH-i617 d: Samsung BlackJack SGH-i607.

This introductory chapter of the also relates considerations regarding its 10 subsections.

Chapter II: Review of the Literature

In Chapter II, the researcher presents the literature reviewed for the study. Information for this section of the study was retrieved from Web sites; articles; books; newspaper excerpts; etc., relevant to considerations of the technology and applications, as well as the special features of the Apple i-Phone 3G, as compared and contrasted to a: Research in Motion's BlackBerry 8100 Pearl; b: Motorola Q; c: Samsung BlackJack II SGH-i617 d: Samsung BlackJack SGH-i607.

The researcher initially accessed and reviewed more than 60 credible sources to narrow down the more than 40 noted in the reference section in this study. The literature review chapter presents a sampling of literature to support the research questions the study addresses. The researcher specifically relating to the study's focus exists.

Chapter III: Methodology

During Chapter III of the study, the researcher relates the methodology the researcher utilized to investigate the technology and applications, as well as the special features of the Apple i-Phone 3G, as compared and contrasted to a: Research in Motion's BlackBerry 8100 Pearl; b: Motorola Q; c: Samsung BlackJack II SGH-i617 d: Samsung BlackJack SGH-i607.

This chapter also presents the overall methods and techniques the researcher implemented to conduct this qualitative case study.

Chapter IV: Analysis

During Chapter IV of the study, the researcher examines the information retrieved/reviewed/related for this study, and in turn dissects results relevant to the technology and applications, as well as the special features of the Apple i-Phone 3G, as compared and contrasted to a: Research in Motion's BlackBerry 8100 Pearl; b: Motorola Q; c: Samsung BlackJack II SGH-i617 d: Samsung BlackJack SGH-i607. The researcher additional notes the study's most relevant findings in this chapter. The researcher adapts, creates, and presents a variety of tables and graphs to depict particular, vital noteworthy information/data from the collection of documents reviewed in the literature review chapter. The analysis of information the researcher retrieved from the documented available evidence contributes to the results the researcher draws from the research to answer the research questions (Pope et al., 2000).

Chapter V: Discussion, Conclusion and Recommendations

During Chapter V, in the discussion section, the researcher recounts the study scenario and further expounds on the findings from the retrieved information and analysis chapter. In the conclusion section, the researcher confirms that this study's research questions were appropriately addressed and relates the determination of the study's hypothesis. Ultimately, based on this study's findings, the researcher proffers recommendation for future researchers to ponder for potential, future study projects. The researcher also notes any lessons, in hindsight that this study's efforts recovered.

Aims and Objectives

The researcher's primary aim for the study is to explore particular aspects of the technology and applications, as well as the special features of the Apple i-Phone 3G, as compared and contrasted to a: Research in Motion's BlackBerry 8100 Pearl; b: Motorola Q; c: Samsung BlackJack II SGH-i617 d: Samsung BlackJack SGH-i607.

Objective 1

Conduct a thorough Literature Review of relevant information relating to particular aspects of the Apple i-Phone 3G, particularly as it compares/contrasts four other smartphones

Objective 2

Develop or secure an abbreviated questionnaire dedicated to collecting customer contentions regarding smartphones.

Objective 3

Implement questionnaire developed, retrieve results and compile with findings from the literature review to address this study's research question.

Conclusion

As the quote introducing this chapter/study explains, when one compares things, this typically indicates the discussion will emphasize similarities of the two items. When one contrasts items, however, this indicates differences in the two items will be considered (Columbia Guide… 1993). During the next chapter, the literature review, the researcher, as the quote notes, compares and contrasts the technology and applications, as well as the special features of the Apple i-Phone 3G, as compared and contrasted to a: Research in Motion's BlackBerry 8100 Pearl; b: Motorola Q; c: Samsung BlackJack II SGH-i617 d: Samsung BlackJack SGH-i607.

CHAPTER II

LITERATURE REVIEW

"Compare usually implies that a discussion will emphasize similarities;

contrast usually implies that it will emphasize differences"

(Wilson 1993).

As chapter I purports, this study, primarily utilizes secondary information to compare and contrast the technology and applications and the special features of the Apple i-Phone 3G to four other contemporary smartphones. This literature review chapter utilizes a thematic organization with the five following themes:

5. Apple iPhone 3G (8GB model)

6. Research in Motion's BlackBerry 8100 Pearl

7. Motorola Q

8. Samsung BlackJack II SGH-i617

9. Samsung BlackJack SGH-i607

For this literature review chapter, the researcher presents the a sampling of information retrieved from Web sites; articles; books; newspaper excerpts; etc., relevant to considerations of the technology and applications and the special features of the Apple i-Phone 3G, as compared and contrasted to a: Research in Motion's BlackBerry 8100 Pearl; b: Motorola Q; c: Samsung BlackJack II SGH-i617 d: Samsung BlackJack SGH-i607.

The researcher initially accessed and reviewed more than 60 credible sources to narrow down the more than 40 noted in the reference section in this study. The literature review

Apple iPhone 3G (8GB model)

Apple's iPhone 3G (8GB model) reportedly does not have any credible peer, according to Goldstein (2009). Some fans of this smartphone, which launched July 2008, claim it "has it all," while some reviews denounce the iPhone 3G as it may at times prove unreliable in its connection to at&T Mobility's 3G HSPA network, which continues to remain popular. The Apple's iPhone 3G (8GB model) has become a top seller for the following key reasons:

An attractive scope of its functions (includes doubling as a phone and an iPod);

Accelerometer functionality (includes Google Maps and other available applications available the Apple App Store offers);

Stylish sleek look;

The accompanying "Apple" brand aura.

Figure 1 portrays the Apple's iPhone 3G (8GB model).

Figure 1: Apple's iPhone 3G (8GB model) (Goldstein 2009).

Advertisements for the iPhone 3G assert that using this smartphone simplifies making a call to tapping a name or number. Each of the owner's contacts appear as he/she scrolls through in a list with a flick of his/her finger. In addition, Visual Voicemail, just like email, plays the owner's messages in whatever particular order he/she designates (Features 2009).

Email on iPhone appears and works like email on the computer; with support by popular email servers which include MobileMe, Microsoft Exchange, Yahoo! Mail, Google Gmail, and AOL, along with the majority industry-standard IMAP or POP mail systems to bring the owner's email to their hand, wherever they may be (Features 2009).

Safari, reportedly the most advanced web browser available, serves as the browser for the iPhone. With 3G and Wi-Fi, the owner may browse the Internet faster than ever, promoters proclaim. "With its beautiful 3.5-inch widescreen display and Multi-Touch controls, iPhone is also one amazing iPod. Browse your music in Cover Flow and watch widescreen video with the touch of a finger" (Features 2009 p.4). Owners of the iPhone also have access to a chat-style view. An intelligent Multi-Touch keyboard predicts and suggests words as the owner types, which contributes to Apple's claim that iPhone texts prove to be smarter than any smartphone. (Features 2009).

Other "smart" perks for the iPhone owner include the ability to easily find his/her location, obtain directions, and view traffic from his phone. "Maps on iPhone 3G combines GPS, Wi-Fi, and cell tower location technology with the Multi-Touch interface to create the best mobile map application ever" (Features 2009 p. 6). In addition, along with the opportunity to choose from reportedly millions of DRM-free iTunes Plus songs, he iPhone owner only pays what he/she would pay if downloading iTunes on his/her computer (Features 2009).

Specifics for the Apple's iPhone 3G include:

Height: 4.5 inches (115.5 mm)

Width: 2.4 inches (62.1 mm)

Depth: 0.48-inch (12.3 mm)

Weight: 4.7 ounces (133 grams) (Features p.12)

Capacity: 8GB or 16GB flash drive (Features p.12)

iPhone 3G Power and Battery

Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery3

Charging via USB to computer system or power adapter

Talk time:4

Up to 5 hours on 3G

Up to 10 hours on 2G

Standby time: Up to 300 hours

Internet use:

Up to 5 hours on 3G

Up to 6 hours on Wi-Fi

Video playback: Up to 7 hours

Audio playback: Up to 24 hours (Technical Specifications 2009)

Research in Motion's BlackBerry 8100 Pearl

The BlackBerry 8100 Pearl, RIM, Goldstein (2009) notes, further expanded RIM's line beyond the previous bulky devices the government and enterprise customers utilized in the past. Replicating "he candy bar," the Blackberry 8100 Pearl, the first BlackBerry to possess a 1.3 megapixel digital camera, is reportedly stylish and skinny. This smartphone "features video and music playback, an EDGE data connection, push email support and is Bluetooth-capable" (Goldstein 2009).

Figure 2 depicts the Research in Motion's BlackBerry 8100 Pearl, the smartphone that proclaims that as a small smartphnone, it makes the phrase "ring" true: "Good things come in small packages" (Goldstein 2009).

Figure 2: Research in Motion's BlackBerry 8100 Pearl (Goldstein 2009).

Features Available for the BlackBerry® Pearl ™ models:

Wireless Email

Organizer

Browser

Phone

Camera

BlackBerry® Maps

Video Recording

Wi-Fi®

Media Player

Corporate Data Access

SMS

MMS

GPS

Size & Weight

Length

4.2"

4.2"

4.2"

4.2"

Width

1.97"

1.97"

1.97"

1.97"

Depth

0.57"

0.55"

0.55"

0.55"

Weight

Appox.

3.1 oz

Appox.

3.1 oz

Appox.

3.1 oz

Appox.

3.4 oz

Standby Time

15 days

15 days

15 days

9 days

Talk Time

3.5 hours

Memory

Expandable Memory

support for microSD card support for microSD card support for microSD card

Flash Memory

64 MB

Specifications. Blackberry. 2009 Research in Motion Limited http://www.motorola.com/motoinfo/product/details.jsp?globalObjectId=113

Motorola Q

Even though the Motorola Q (Q) may resemble a Palm Treo, Goldstein (2009) points out, it is definitely not, as it is much slimmer skinnier than the Palm Treo. The Q. operates on Windows Mobile 5.0, "features a full QWERTY keyboard, an EV-DO connection, integrated Bluetooth and 1.3 megapixel camera" (Goldstein, Motorola Q. section). The Q. offers video and audio playback, while also supporting a broade range of multimedia formats, which include WMV, MPEG, MP3 and AAC formats.

Figure 3 pictures the Motorola Q.

Figure 3: Motorola Q (Goldstein 2009). .

Summary of Key Features

One of the first devices to run on Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0; Optimized for Microsoft Exchange 2003 and a variety of third party email solutions that enable a broad set of corporate email capabilities.

Thinnest QWERTY device in the world -- 11.5mm

Full, ergonomic QWERTY keyboard, 5-way navigation button and thumb wheel

Video clip capture and playback

Connectivity via Bluetooth, IrDA and mini-USB; compatible with Motorola H500,

HT820, H5, H600, H700 Bluetooth wireless headsets

Multi-Media Messaging (MMS)

Dual, stereo-quality speakers

Audio formats supported: iMelody, MIDI, MP3, AAC, WAV, WMA, WAX, QCELP

Image formats supported: GIF87a, GIF89a, JPEG, WBMP, BMP, PNG

Video formats supported: H.263, MPEG-4, GSM-AMR, AAC, WMV

Mini-SD removable memory card slot

Large, high-resolution display (320 x 240 pixels, 65K TFT)

1.3 mega pixel camera with photo lighting

PIM functionality with Picture Caller ID

Advanced speech recognition and speakerphone (Moto Q. 2009).

Samsung BlackJack II SGH-i617

Goldstein (2009) purports the popular Samsung BlackJack II SGH-i617 possesses a number of evolutionary perks that contribute to it qualifying as an improvement over its predecessor. The phone, which runs on Windows Mobile 6.1, possesses a jog wheel for prompt scrolling, a built-in GPS radio with an optional TeleNav GPS Navigator, and a 2 megapixel camera. This phone is also compatible with at&T's Video Share service.

Figure 4 reflects the Samsung BlackJack II SGH-i617.

Figure 4: Samsung BlackJack II SGH-i617 (Goldstein 2009).

Features

Size: Dimension (HXWXD): 4.4" x 2.3" x 0.4"

Camera: Resolution: 2.0 Megapixel

Music & Sound: Windows Media® Player 10

Fun & Entertainment: FM Radio: NO

Document Viewer: Picsel Viewer

Instant Messaging: Yes

User Memory: flash memory 128mb/256mb

External Memory:

microSD ™ External Memory Slot

Touch Screen: No

Samsung BlackJack SGH-i607

The original Samsung BlackJack II SGH-i607 the predecessor to the Samsung BlackJack II SGH-i617 may not have all of the flashy features its next-generation sibling, Goldstein (2009) contends, but this particular smartphone continues to "pack a punch." This smartphone operates on Windows Mobile 5.0, and has a QWERTY keyboard. It possesses multimedia capabilities, a 1.3 megapixel camera, and microSD memory card slot.

Figure 5 mirrors the Samsung BlackJack II SGH-i607.

Figure 5: Samsung BlackJack SGH-i607 (Goldstein 2009). .

Consumer Smartphone Sales

Ross Rubin, director of industry analysis for the NPD Group, purports that the lower-priced iPhone 3G contributed to a boon for overall consumer smartphone sales. "While the original iPhone also helped win customers for at&T, the faster network speeds of the iPhone 3G has proven more appealing to customers that already had access to a 3G network." (Rubin, as cited in the NPD Group: One 2008 ¶ 2). Prior to the iPhone 3G's launch, Phone sales represented 11% of the smartphones'consume market share. Following the launch of iPhone 3G, however, from January through August 2008, Apple rose to 17% t of the smartphone market (the NPD Group: One 2008).

As the market responded positively to Apple's iPhone 3G in July, 2008, albeit RIM and Palm both experienced consumer unit-sales gains; and posted growth of 24% and 9%, respectively. The consumer unit-sales of smartphone manufacturers rank as follows:

1. RIM

2. Apple

3. Palm

4. Samsung

5. Motorola (the NPD Group: Smartphones 2008 ¶ 4)

Contrast and Comparison Considerations

The following denote several considerations for contrasing and comparing the iPhone 3G with the BlackBerry and the Samsung BlackJack II SGH-i617.

Nick Agostino, analyst, contends that the BlackBerry proves similar to the iPhone. In the future, the Blackberry will utilize 3G wireless technology on a GSM network, widely utilized in Europe and Asia; approximately 70% to 75% of the global market (Canada: RIM 2008).

The iPhone's lack of corporate email support appears to make it less appetizing to individuals who currently own the Blackberry (the NPD Group: iPhone's 2007).

Samsung BlackJack II SGH-i617 does not support touch screen capabilities

Figure 6: Four Smartphones Compared/Contrasted (adapted from Goldstein 2009).

During the next chapter of this study, Chapter III, the researcher relates the methodology utilized to compare and contrast the Apple i-Phone 3G to other contemporary smartphones.

CHAPTER IV

METHODOLOGY

A case study research design includes

"logic that ultimately links the data to be collected and the conclusions to be drawn to the initial questions of the study"

(Case Studies 2008).

The Case Study Methodology

This qualitative study utilized the case study methodology. Leedy and Ormrod (2005) assert that researchers may choose from five differing qualitative research designs for their studies. Options Leedy and Ormrod relate include:

1. Case study;

2. Ethnography;

3. Phenomenological study;

4. Grounded theory study;

5. Content analysis.

For this study, the researcher chose to utilize the case study methodology. The research question, according to M. Dereshiwsky (1999) in "Electronic Textbook - Let Us Count the Ways: Strategies for Doing Qualitative Research," constitutes "The heart and soul of any investigation is" (Master Plan section, ¶ 1). Catherine Marshall and Gretchen Rossman, according to Dereshiwsky (1999), crafted an excellent formula for "matching up' research questions, designs and qualitative data collection procedures" (Master Plan section, ¶ 3). The following guide by Marshall and Rossman served to help the researcher focus on the primary goal to answer this study's question.

Table 1, according to Dereshiwsky (1999), which Marshall and Rossman developed, depicts a guide to matching up research questions, designs and qualitative data collection procedures. The guide helps to:

1. Keep the researcher focused on the study's overall goal: to answer his/her research question(s).

2. Determine the best design and procedures to proceed with the study.

Table 1: Matching Research Questions with Strategy (Dereshiwsky1999).

Study Purpose

Research

Question

Research

Strategy

Some Related

Qualitative

Data Collection

Procedures

EXPLORATORY:

to investigate little-understood phenomena to identify / discover important to generate hypotheses for further research

What is happening in this social program

What are the salient themes, patterns, & categories in participants' meaning structures?

How are these patterns linked with one another (to provide the broader explanations for what I'm trying to understand)?

Case study

Field study

Participant

observation

In-depth interviewing

Elite interviewing

EXPLANATORY:

to explain the forces causing the phenomenon in question

to identify plausible causal networks shaping this phenomenon

What events, beliefs attitudes, & polices are shaping this phenomenon?

How do these forces interact to result in this phenomenon?

Field study

Case study

Ethonography

Participant

observation

In-depth interviewing

Document analysis

Unobstrusive measures

Survey

DESCRIPTIVE:

to document the phenomenon of interest

What are the salient behaviors, events beliefs, attitudes, structures & processes occuring with regard to my phenomenon of interest?

Field study

Case study

Ethnography

Participation

observation

In-depth interviewing

Document analysis

Unobstrusive measures

Survey

PREDICTIVE:

to predict the outcome of the phenomenon to forecast the events & behaviors resulting from the phenomenon

What will occur as a result of this phenomenon?

Who will be affected

(individuals, groups)?

In what ways?

Experiment

Quasi-experiment

Survey (large sample)

Kinesics/

proxemics

Content analysis

When implementing a case study, an empirical research approach, the focuses on a contemporary phenomenon, process, social group, event, or organization, to provide a detailed description, and/or spotlight a phenomenon or social process (Qualitative research: Approaches…" 2008). Methods utilized in a case study include:

interview, observation, text analysis, document analysis, archives (but also questionnaires). (Qualitative research: Approaches…," 2008)

A "case" may consist of a, classroom/team, school/organization, program, activity, event, activity, ongoing process or an individual. The following denote the three various types of cases: