What are the "pros and cons" of the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3G? Which one is right for my needs?

Like any other purchase, only you can make the decision whether or not the iPhone 3GS or iPhone 3G is the right smartphone for you, but you can evaluate the pros and cons to see if your needs are met. This "run down" may be helpful in making a decision:

Pros (All Models):

• Thin, sleek design.
• Bright, high-resolution display designed for video playback.
• Slick "multi-touch" interface, "self switching" accelerometer, "proximity sensors", and ambient light sensor.
• Large storage capacity for a mobile phone (8 or 16 GB for iPhone 3G, 16 GB or 32 GB for iPhone 3GS).
• Built-in support for 3G, wi-fi, and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (2.1+EDR for iPhone 3GS).
• GPS support.
• High-quality pre-installed applications, including a "desktop class" web browser, HTML capable e-mail client, and integrated Google Maps, as well as the potential for thousands of third-party applications via the AppStore.
• Support to read, but not edit, Microsoft Word
  
  , Excel, and PowerPoint as well as Adobe PDF files.
• Built-in camera for basic photography (2 megapixels for iPhone 3G, 3 megapixels and video support for iPhone 3GS).
• Inexpensive (but tied to a contract in many countries).

Additional Pros (iPhone 3GS over iPhone 3G):

• Significantly faster than the iPhone 3G (particularly graphics performance -- Open GL ES 2.0 -- which can make a big difference for gaming).
• Improved camera (except for low light performance), with autofocus, macro, and white balance support, and a "tap to focus" feature.
• Video recording support (VGA at 30 FPS, basic "video editing" -- cut the beginning and end of a clip "in camera").
• Support for faster 3G support (7.2 Mbps HSDPA).
• Twice the storage (16 GB or 32 GB rather than 8 GB or 16 GB).
• Modestly better battery life.
• "Oleophobic" oil repellent display.
• Digital compass (particularly useful for orientation on Google Maps).
• VoiceOver & voice control.
• Integrated Nike + iPod support.

Cons (All Models):

• Tied to expensive multi-year contracts in many countries.
• No support to edit Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files (online editing forthcoming).
• No support for Flash.
• Lack of tactile feedback may bother some users.
• Battery life may be insufficient for heavy users.
• Some competitive mobile phones offer superior cameras and additional features.
• Substantially larger capacity iPod models are available for less money per GB.

Ultimately, if you need a smartphone, and you are not bothered by the often expensive contract, then the iPhone 3G or iPhone 3GS may be a good choice for you.

In the US, the iPhone 3G with 8 GB of internal storage is available for US$99 with a two-year contract for new AT&T Wireless customers only and the iPhone 3GS is available with 16 GB or 32 GB of internal storage for US$199 or US$299, respectively. Non-qualified/existing customers have to pay US$499 for the iPhone 3G and US$599 or US$699 for the iPhone 3GS.