Apple's iPhone is fun, but is it useful? After trying one out for herself, Debbie Mayo-Smith is a convert

Apple's iPhone 3G went on sale in NZ last week. Photo / Bloomberg

Apple's iPhone 3G went on sale in NZ last week. Photo / Bloomberg

Okay, so the new iPhone is sold out. But if you want one, is it worth the money and all the hype?

Back in March, my husband Steve and I were at David and Gail Nathan's home. David showed us his new toy, an iPhone, and as he demonstrated the features, all you could hear was "Oh my goodness", "Isn't that great" and "How marvellous". When you first see the iPhone's features in action, you can't help but be impressed. Two weeks later, Steve and I had our own "his and hers" iPhones.

I called David on Monday to ask permission to mention his name here. I asked, "David, what do you think of your iPhone now?"

"It's turned my life around, Debbie," was his response. "Before I had the iPhone, I was a complete technophobe. I've had mobile phones, but never bothered much about them. Because the iPhone has been such an easy-to-use application, it has been my eye-opening introduction to the world of technology."

While David, Steve and I have the original iPhone, the new one launched in New Zealand last week is not substantially different. The three new features are: 3G to browse the internet faster; GPS; and the phone now syncs with Microsoft Exchange for access to Outlook emails, calendar and contacts.

So if you're like me, what things would a middle-aged, technology-friendly businessperson like or dislike about the iPhone?

Things you'll love
* No buttons. As David found, no matter how mobile phone or computer illiterate you are, it's easy to use. The touchscreen puts everything at your fingertips.

* Legibility. Anyone over 30 will concur - the huge screen is a delight. The joy of being able to actually see the numbers and letters you type. To be able to read email in 10 point font.

* Even bigger. You can instantly magnify what's on the screen simply by moving your thumb and forefinger.

* Tall or wide. The phone has a built-in motion sensor. Turn it sideways and the display automatically adjusts to a wider landscape view.

* Predictive spelling. The predictive text is the best I've experienced and very useful.

* Text trails. If you receive/send lots of texts, you'll love the iPhone. It keeps conversation trails in "you said/they said" form. Your text shows in green conversation balloons; the response is in a grey balloon.

* Email when you want it. A significant shortcoming with BlackBerries is that for those on a non-enterprise plan (for example, if you're self-employed or in a small business) you're either bombarded with emails, or you totally turn off the feature to receive them. I hated this. It is an impediment rather than an enhancement to productivity. With the iPhone you call for your email when you want it by pressing the mail icon. Only then will it check and download email for you.