3G iPhone

The first iPhone had its US debut over a year ago, but 2008 saw the Australian release of Apple’s 3G version – and it was huge.

For months before, rumours quickly spread over the internet about which carriers would provide the phone, along with questions regarding how much they would charge. As launch day approached, customers lined up overnight to be among the first to get their paws on one of the hottest products in a decade.

Since its release in July, analysts estimate between 40,000 and 100,000 units have been sold in Australia, and that looks set to grow further in 2009.

The hype is big, but so is the price tag. While you can get the iPhone in a plan deal for as little as $199, buying the device outright will set you back over $700. And if you want to unlock it to another network, that’ll be an extra $80.

So why does every want one?

Because it’s got the lot; Wi-Fi capability, the famous iPod media player capabilities, two megapixel camera, touch-screen, 3G capability, the ability to download applications from the App Store and “push” email from a home server, and organise contacts and schedules.

Oh, it makes phone calls too.