iPhone 3GS – A game changer for college students?

As you probably already know, the iPhone 3GS was released this past Friday, June 19th. Mac fiends everywhere scrambled to pick up Apple’s newest toy—but what does this new gadget mean for students? Could an increase in speed and a fancy video camera make college life easier?

Features

The new 3-megapixel sensor and macro lens on the camera boasts the title of being the biggest upgrade to the iPhone. This is a real improvement, considering pictures from the old iPhone looked like webcam shots from 1996. As students, we don’t always get to use our camera phones enough during everyday life; however, the new iPhone could make campus life run much more smoothly with a dash of fun. For example, during the first week of classes—take pictures of the buildings where your classes are, so you can remember where you’re going instead of having to consult a map. You can even take pictures of a class syllabus for quick access during the semester, rather than looking through that binder you never use anyway. Throughout the year, the ease of being able to take pictures of class notes and handouts that professors won’t put online will come in quite handy.

FINALLY, they add video—something that should have been there in the first place. With this long-awaited feature, it almost eliminates the need to have to lug around your digital camera. The video quality is actually pretty good, becoming a great asset for YouTube enthusiasts and party-goers alike. Just think of it—now, whenever your roommate breaks down and does their first keg-stand, you’ll be able to eternally blackmail them thanks to that nifty iPhone of yours. You can even edit clips right on the iPhone, and then instantly send it off to YouTube…oh, the possibilities.

Some other new features include the voice recorder, which will also prove to be useful during lectures. Just be sure to sit up front and that you have a full battery, because you can keep recording even while using other applications. Luckily, you can edit the voice clips just as easily as a video clip. And lastly, don’t forget about the overall higher speed of the iPhone 3GS. This will definitely make surfing Facebook in class much easier…or let you quickly look up whatever question your professor might be asking you.

Unfortunately, with all of this positivity, there’s got to be some sort of negativity. That comes with the addition of a compass which is, in my opinion, useless—but I’m sure people will be able to use it to help them find their way around campus. On the upside, the compass does have the capability of linking up with Google Maps, which is a bit handy if you need to reassure yourself you’re headed the right way.

Although the new iPhone 3GS probably isn’t a completely necessary upgrade, the video recorder, updated camera, and faster speed certainly make it tempting. Now, if only they’d release it to other cell phone carriers…

Anything we didn’t mention? Have a great use for your new iPhone? Leave a comment below, and let us know what you think!

[tags] apple, Applications, computers, iPhone, iPhone 3GS, Mac, new media, Tech, technology[/tags]