The iPhone finally faces a tough rival -- Palm's comeback device, the Pre. The Pre is a nimble multitasker, but the new iPhone 3G S offers snappier performance than its predecessor and can record video. Here's how the phones stack up.
| |
THE iPHONE |
THE PRE |
| TYPING |
The touch keyboard takes some getting used to. With new software, however, you can type e-mails on a larger landscape keyboard. |
The slide-out keyboard feels better than a touch one, but the layout is a bit cramped compared with that of most BlackBerrys. |
| CALENDARS AND CONTACTS |
The iPhone syncs with Outlook via USB. If you have Apple's MobileMe service ($99 a year) or use Exchange, it can sync wirelessly. |
The Pre automatically (and wirelessly) links information from sources such as Outlook and Google to provide a unified view. |
| MULTITASKING |
Only one app can be open at once. But the new notification system can deliver information in the background, such as instant messaging alerts, without draining the battery. |
Palm lets you have multiple programs open simultaneously and shuffle among them with ease. An elegant notification bar presents alerts without interrupting your work. |
| INTERNET |
The 3G S downloads webpages faster than the 3G, but AT&T's network is inconsistent. International data service is available. |
Web surfing is fast on Sprint's 3G network, but you can't use the Pre overseas. Webpages look good despite the smaller screen. |
| COST |
The 3G S costs $199.99 for 16GB or $299.99 for 32GB, and the 3G now costs $99 for 8GB. For monthly service, $89.99 includes 450 minutes, 5GB of data, and unlimited texts. |
The Pre comes in 8GB only and costs $199.99 after a rebate. For monthly service, $69.99 includes 450 minutes, unlimited data, and unlimited texts. |
