source: Apple.com
by Lori Cunningham (@wellconnectdmom)
You’ve heard the announcement that the iPhone 5 will be available soon. So now the question on everyone’s mind is, should I upgrade? Good question. First, let’s look at the features of the new iPhone 5:
Features:
- Its Faster – the new A6 chip takes less power and the CPU (computer) and graphics are twice as fast as the previous chip
- Latest Mobile Technologies – it utilizes faster mobile technologies like 4G, and LTE. Even the WiFi is faster now
- 4.0 inch display, a nice difference over the previous 3.5 inch screens and an improved 1136-by-640 resolution display
- 8MP iSight camera – same resolution but a more dynamic low light mode and 40% faster photo capture
- the thinnest and lightest iPhone ever, in fact, it’s the thinnest smartphone on the market. It is now 30% thinner than it’s predecessor
- 1080P video – same as the iPhone 4 but with improved video stabilization, face detection, and the ability to take photos while shooting video
Two Changes That Will Change Your Habits
The improved iPhone 5 incorporates two changes that will change the way support your iPhone.
1.) New Nano SIM Card
- source: iDownloadblog.com
First, the iPhone 5 uses a new nano SIM card, which is much smaller than your current SIM card. This really shouldn’t affect you too much unless you occasionally trade phones and need to put your SIM card in another phone. Because of it’s smaller size, it will not work in any other phone but an iPhone 5.
2.) New Lightening Connector
source: Apple.com
All of your built-up inventory of 30 pin Apple connectors and docking stations will no longer work with the iPhone 5. It uses a new Lightening connector that is lighter and more durable. It also is reversible, meaning it doesn’t matter which way you plug it in, it will still charge.
Fortunately, Apple will be selling an adapter so you can still use your old connectors. Although it’s not yet known whether this adapter will work with your 30 pin docking stations (found on iPhone radio’s, iPhone/iPod adapters for home stereo systems, etc.)
Free iOS 6 Upgrade
The good news is that if you have the Apple products pictured below, you will have the opportunity soon to upgrade for free to the new iOS 6.
The new iOS 6 has a number of enhancements including:
- upgraded Siri commands
- shared photo streams
- integrated social media for Facebook
- FaceTime over cellular now
- more organized browser surfing
- Find My Friends app
- the new Passbook app
iPhone 5 Pricing
Pricing for the iPhone 5:
16GB $199
32GB $299
64GB $399
The iPhone 5 will launch on Friday, September 21st.
A Mom’s Perspective
Should you upgrade? If you currently have the 16GB iPhone 4/4S and you find 16GB is enough space, than yes, it’s worth the upgrade. However, if you shelled out more than $199 to buy the iPhone 4/4S 32GB or 64GB, I wouldn’t upgrade. You can still benefit from the new iOS 6 in the meanwhile. I’d hold out for the next iPhone version, unless you find you don’t need that much hard disk space and a 16GB phone would work for you.
Apple makes a big deal about their upcoming products, capitalizing on secrecy and big announcements because they know their Star Trek-like fans will line up, even spend the night in line, to have the latest Apple product. Many people don’t even care as much about the latest features than they do about having the latest Apple product. It’s a status symbol in today’s society. But make sure you really need this upgraded iPhone 5 before you buy it.
If you have teens…or even pre-teens, I’m sure your kids will be bringing the new iPhone 5 to your attention. Many kids want to start out with the iPhone altogether, nixing the Android. Here’s one suggestion for you. When your teen starts driving, you don’t let them use your newest car, you typically want them to practice on an older car first. The same is true for the iPhone. Give them one of your older iPhones to start out with. Or, if you don’t have an iPhone in the house, you can buy them cheaper on eBay now, as people will be upgrading their phones, or directly through the Apple site, as they have dramatically reduced the cost of their older iPhone 4’s (plus a 2 year contract):
iPhone 4S 16 GB $99
iPhone 4 8 GB $ Free
Let’s hear your thoughts, are you going to upgrade your iPhone? If you’re an Android user, will the iPhone 5 cause you to jump to Apple iOS?
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