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iPhone: what you need to know

iPhone, Mac

With less than 6 days to go before the iPhone goes on sale in the US, anticipation is reaching fever pitch.

Probably the biggest iPhone related event last week was the release of a 20 minute 'how-to' tutorial on Apple's website covering how to use the iPhone's main features. The tutorial answered some big questions about the iPhone interface and left just as many unanswered.

iPhone Tutorial and more multi-touch

We still haven't seen the calendaring functions that the iPhone provides. But we do know that you can customise the shortcuts at the bottom of iPod application and also got to see some of the new multi-touch gestures the iPhone uses, like a 'left flick' that lets you delete email.

In fact, if you actually take the time to watch the demo you'll never look at your current phone the same way, and you'll quickly realise that the iPhone is the start of something big.

Revamped iPhone website

In posting the video Apple also revamped the rest of the iPhone website - it now includes lots of high-res photos and even a 3D Quicktime VR movie.

More importantly, Apple has also announced that it'll be selling the iPhone via apple.com as well as Apple and AT&T stores. We also know that Apple and AT&T will be closing their stores at 4pm, and re-opening at 6pm for the iPhone launch. This comes as good news for those who don't have all day to queue. But if you do order online there is no guarantee as to when you'll actually get your phone.

What we still don't know

Lastly, AT&T still hasn't announced the data/voice plans that iPhone buyers will be able to choose from, and how the sign-up process is going to occur. It did, however, announce that there will be a US$175 contract cancellation fee if users decide to opt-out of the 2 year contract.

There will be lots of foreigners (me included) that would happily arrange for someone in the 'States to sign a contract, and then pay out the $175 cancellation fee just to have the iPhone before 2008 (when it's due to hit our shores).

That's why there are still rumors afoot as to the availability of an unlocked iPhone. The only problem with this rumor is, nobody can find the SIM card slot.

Whichever way you swing it, whether you are an Apple fan or not, you've got to hand it to Apple for engineering the iPhone product launch as one of the biggest, most intensely followed of all time.

Whether the iPhone is an instant hit, or whether it takes some time like the original iPod did there is no doubt that the industry views Apple as the poster child of where tech is going.