Pros: Apple’s best overall iPhone yet; an iterative but legitimate upgrade to the original iPhone 3G, doubling its predecessor’s storage capacity for the same prices, while adding a much-improved still and now video-capable camera, a compass, Nike+ support, and a more powerful chipset capable of voice-controlled dialing and music playback. Faster at running apps, displaying web pages, and rendering 3-D graphics than before; makes creation and sharing of videos and photos extremely straightforward. Base 16GB model is now available in both black and white rather than just black, and both 16GB and 32GB versions now include support for headphone cable-mounted volume controls. Screen is now smudge-resistant. Battery life for non-3G purposes has been improved somewhat. Modest audio and video output tweaks bring performance in line with second-generation iPod touch.

Cons: Battery life for 3G calling and data remains unacceptably low, requiring heavy phone or 3G data users to perform mid-day recharging; use of other new features, including video recording, drains battery at even more rapid rate. Preserves problematic plastic body design of iPhone 3G, which proved susceptible to cracking, scratching under normal usage; AppleCare policy is strongly recommended for body and battery in second year of ownership. Video uploading is slow, and downloading speed increases will be inconsistently realized by users for a variety of reasons, including widely varying 3G networks, which offer different maximum speeds in different regions, and in some places continue to suffer from capacity constraints. Users may need to take advantage of 30-day return policy if calling and data performance are unacceptable in their areas.

Company: Apple Computer

Website: www.Apple.com

Model: iPhone 3G S

Price: $199/16GB, $299/32GB with New 2-Year Contract, $599/16GB, $699/32GB without

Compatible: PC/Mac

Pros: Apple’s smallest, lightest iPod yet, and first iPod shuffle with remote control functionality. Offers modestly better transfer speeds and audio quality than prior shuffle, replaces prior dock with simpler USB sync and charge cable. Adds VoiceOver feature to let you switch playlists, identify certain tracks, determine battery levels.

Cons: Needlessly and seriously complicates controls by switching to a buttonless body, which cannot be controlled without Apple headphones or not-yet-manufactured third-party proprietary remote control solutions; presently next to useless with car or home stereos. Confusing interface will be hard for many users to totally grasp and use. Poor value as either a 4GB media player or 4GB flash drive. Very slow at file transfers by current iPod standards. Battery power diminished considerably from prior model. Boring design.

Company: Apple, Inc.

Website: www.Apple.com

Model: iPod shuffle 3G

Price: $79

Pros: An entry-level pair of earphones with solid sound quality for their price, particularly strong in the lows and highs. Now includes a three-button in-line remote control designed to allow recent iPod purchasers to control volume and track playback, and iPhone users to control tracks. Both iPhone and recent iPod users can also use the new integrated microphone for voice recordings and potentially other applications. Together, the earphones, remote, and microphone constitute a strong value for the low asking price.

Cons: Microphone is treble-pushed for voice intelligibility at cost of some fidelity. Remote’s mouth-level location may not be ideal for some users. Earphones remain the same in fit and comfort as prior models, which will be great for some users’ ears, but may not fit well or perform well in bass in others. No carrying case leads to higher risk of user damage.

Company: Apple Computer

Website: www.Apple.com

Model: Earphones with Remote + Mic

Price: $29

Compatible: iPod classic 120GB, iPod nano 4G, iPod touch 2G, Other iPods*, iPhones*