If you are a "baby boomer" and think you only need a mobile phone that will make phone calls, you might as well give it up! And if you haven't already done so, it might be time for you to bite the bullet and join the "in" crowd by purchasing a new iPhone! Not that a Blackberry is inferior, but I think you will be simply amazed at what the iPhone will do! Available from AT&T as well as many other retailers, the newest models start at around $200 (or less for the 3G model) with a new contract or upgrade, so they are not cheap! But, in my opinion, they are worth every penny! I have never met anyone who owns an iPhone who is not absolutely delighted with it and amazed at what it will do. The comment I hear most often is "I simply can't put it down!". And I know the feeling.....

 

One thing you should know is that most providers will charge you a flat rate of around $30 per month for unlimited access to the internet for the iPhone, IN ADDITION to your regular monthly wireless access charges. AT&T will make that mandatory in September of 2009.....check with your provider for details.

 

If you are like lots of people you probably thought the iPhone was much too complicated for you or had far too many features you would not find useful, but would be paying for anyway. Well, you simply could not be more wrong! The iPhone is very simple to use, although some of the features such as setting up your email, etc. can be a little complicated. Once everything is setup, using the phone is very simple. As for the features you would not use, you will probably surprise yourself when you become comfortable with the phone and begin to explore the different applications that are available, many of which are absolutely free!

 

You should also be aware that your new iPhone will use the iTunes application to manage all the information and files on your new iPhone. It is free and very simple, but you will be required to provide either a credit card or debit card to get your new iPhone setup! If you do not have a debit or credit card or are not willing to provide the card information to Apple, DO NOT PURCHASE AN IPHONE! It will be basically worthless. If you do provide the required information, be aware that your children might be able to log onto your account and purchase music, etc. that will be automatically charged to your card.

The basic system will probably include all the items you will need to use your phone and keep it charged as well as sync'ing it with your computer. Apple has done a really nice job of simplifying this by allowing you to charge the phone by using a USB cable that will connect to either your computer or a very small, compact ac/dc inverter you plug into your wall outlet. Your new phone might include all the items pictured below:

Your iPhone will probably include everything pictured above (from the AT&T store) except the dock, pictured above the USB cable. You can travel to the Apple store to purchase the dock for an additional cost of about $30 (but it is also available at local retailers such as Walmart & Best Buy). It makes it much easier to connect the phone to the charger or computer each day to both charge the battery and automatically sync the data with Outlook, although it is not actually necessary. The phone pictured below is resting in the dock mentioned above. If you often work at home, you will find it allows you to see your screen while it is charging so you know immediately who is calling.

There are hundreds or even thousands of different accessories available for the iPhone so you will almost certainly be able to find a case, cover or similar device that suits you perfectly!

For more information about the iPhone, click one of the following links: