[njuyhb]

There's a headline out claiming the next-gen iphone will only have a 2.8 inch screen. Is this for real? It seems to me like that would be a disaster. The biggest selling point of the iphone is it's big, pretty touchscreen. I have held off buying an iphone because of the lack of gps - but, if the only way to get gps in an iphone is to settle for some smurf-phone, I won't bother. Won't safari and the keyboard both be unusable on such a tiny screen? I really hope this is a bogus rumor, or maybe a description of a different product.

[EndlessMac]

Where did you hear this news? I don't know the original screen size so I can't picture how much smaller 2.8 inch will be but I do agree that it would be a mistake to make the screen smaller. Unless they are trying to make room for something else or cutting cost I don't see why they would want to make the screen smaller since the screen is such an important aspect to the iPhone.

I am waiting for the second generation iPhones in hopes that Apple will fix all the bugs and complaints with the current phones. Hopefully this rumor isn't true.

[Cold Warrior]

Originally Posted by EndlessMac 

Where did you hear this news?

AppleInsider | Paper: 3G iPhone smaller, lighter than existing model [u]

[Mac User #001]

Okay, so I wasn't the only one cringing when hearing this news.

[BRussell]

I could see it only if they have more than one model - a regular and a "nano?"

[mduell]

Throw a keyboard in the freed up space and I'd be down to 2 complaints (carrier choice and tethering).

[Big Mac]

A smaller screen won't do much for web and game UE.

[Eug]

With each new description of the 3G iPhone seemingly contradicting the others, it's important to recall that Apple is reported to have crafted bogus prototypes of the first-generation iPhone to show not just to Cingular/AT&T executives ahead of its release, but also its Apple's own workers. So it's entirely possible that quite a few decoy devices are making the rounds this time.

I wouldn't necessarily be mad to see a smaller footprint. While I do like the big screen of the iPhone for browsing. I don't like the phone's overall size and weight. 2.8" would be a big decrease in size though. That would work, but would make it higher than 200 ppi (if they kept the 480x320 resolution). If the font sizes and pixel sizes for images and the OS were kept the same, that'd be squint city, and it would make typing really hard.

So, I'm not convinced about the 2.8" screen size, although I could see them slightly decreasing the size nonetheless. How about 3.2"? That would be a more manageable 180 ppi.

The other possibility of course is that they just shrunk the screen size to match a lower resolution... for a different "light" model of the iPhone.

[greenG4]

Originally Posted by Eug 

...it's entirely possible that quite a few decoy devices are making the rounds this time.

I would certainly say it's likely.

[Dakar the Fourth]

Originally Posted by Eug 

With each new description of the 3G iPhone seemingly contradicting the others, it's important to recall that Apple is reported to have crafted bogus prototypes of the first-generation iPhone to show not just to Cingular/AT&T executives ahead of its release, but also its Apple's own workers. So it's entirely possible that quite a few decoy devices are making the rounds this time.

Man, I wish there were pictures of these.

[vln2]

If AT&T gives discounts this summer for choosing 2-year plan and locks the phone to their network then it means that other phones without 2-year plan could be moved after let's say 1 year to a diferent provider. Paying extra $100 or $200 may be worth that.
FORTUNE: Techland AT&T to cut the price of Apple’s new iPhone «

[Andy8]

smaller screen = better battery life, especially with a 3G chipset on the way.

[Don Pickett]

I don't imagine Apple would reduce the screen size, but I've been wrong before.

[Wiskedjak]

I would love to see an iPhone Nano

[f1000]

Originally Posted by Eug 

I wouldn't necessarily be mad to see a smaller footprint. While I do like the big screen of the iPhone for browsing. I don't like the phone's overall size and weight.

Wait a second, didn't Jobs claim that Apple couldn't squeeze enough juice into a 3G iPhone last year, and now they're going to be introducing a 3G iPhone in a reduced form factor (meaning less room for a battery)?

As I said before, 3G wasn't added to the first-gen iPhone because Apple/AT&T didn't want to overload AT&T's network, not because of any ridiculous technical issues. Probably a smart move on their part, as neither company knew what the increased load of hundreds of thousands of iPhones would've done to 3G service, but a bummer for all of the iPhone users who had to pay for 3G service in the interim. I'm just glad that a 3G iPhone is finally here.

[Eug]

Originally Posted by f1000 

Wait a second, didn't Jobs claim that Apple couldn't squeeze enough juice into a 3G iPhone last year, and now they're going to be introducing a 3G iPhone in a reduced form factor (meaning less room for a battery)?

As I said before, 3G wasn't added to the first-gen iPhone because Apple/AT&T didn't want to overload AT&T's network, not because of any ridiculous technical issues. Probably a smart move on their part, as neither company knew what the increased load of hundreds of thousands of iPhones would've done to 3G service, but a bummer for all of the iPhone users who had to pay for 3G service in the interim. I'm just glad that a 3G iPhone is finally here.

Technical issues were not ridiculous, just overstated. 3G phone users still report that their talk times are less than with 2.5G phones. However, talk times in new 3G models have improved... especially in the last year.

[moep]

Yeesh, let's hope that the display won't be shrunk. The size of the current iPhone model feels just right to me and I wouldn't want it any smaller.

For me the current keyboard in portrait mode and without the auto-correction turned on (e.g. URL fields and such) is already pushing it, reducing it in size would turn it into a PITA.

[Simon]

I don't necessarily believe these 2.8" rumors, but it would indeed be a simple way to get power down.

And since we all expect 3G, GPS, and a whole bunch of other doohickeys in the next iPhone which of course also should be much lighter, I'm sure Apple's engineers will try to reduce every type of power consumption.

[f1000]

Originally Posted by Eug 

Technical issues were not ridiculous, just overstated. 3G phone users still report that their talk times are less than with 2.5G phones. However, talk times in new 3G models have improved... especially in the last year.

If talk time is such an issue, and I've never found it to be such on my 3G phone, then why shrink the form factor? Keep the form factor the same and then Apple can install the largest battery possible.

Besides, imagine trying to touch-type on an even smaller iPhone screen. Maybe the form factor is going to shrink a little, but I'd be surprised if Apple really reduced screen real estate.

[Eug]

Originally Posted by f1000 

If talk time is such an issue, and I've never found it to be such on my 3G phone

Many people have, esp. with earlier models. Chipsets have recently been improved somewhat however.

then why shrink the form factor? Keep the form factor the same and then Apple can install the largest battery possible.

Simon already said it. A smaller screen is less power.

Besides, imagine trying to touch-type on an even smaller iPhone screen. Maybe the form factor is going to shrink a little, but I'd be surprised if Apple really reduced screen real estate.

I agree. In fact I already suggested that above. Perhaps something like a 3.2" screen, with the same resolution.

[lysolman]

"Besides, imagine trying to touch-type on an even smaller iPhone screen."

That was the first thing I thought about. It wouldn't make any sense for Apple to decrease the size of the screen. You think people complain about touch-screen typing now, just wait for the screen to get smaller.

There is never going to be a pull-out keyboard, a fold out keyboard, a pop up and hit you in the eye keyboard. It's never been Jobs' style to pull back after touting something so hard. (taking the analog audio input off computers don't count) Putting a real keyboard on the iphone would be like adding serial and a floppy to the iMac after everyone complained about it.

In my opinion, the iphone keyboard is just as easy to use, or easier than a real keyboard on other phones or smartphones. You have to remember that you're using your thumbs or fingers on tiny ass keys, it doesn't matter if they're real or not. You spend enough time with either, and you will become good at it. I bet someone good with his/her iphone could match someone with his/her blackberry in typing.

Lastly, f1000, what 3G phones have you used, and what carrier. I've had both a SYNC and a V3xx from AT&T and both of them blew you know what in the battery department. I'm just curious as I haven't had very good luck in the battery lottery.

[Eug]

Originally Posted by lysolman 

"Besides, imagine trying to touch-type on an even smaller iPhone screen."

That was the first thing I thought about. It wouldn't make any sense for Apple to decrease the size of the screen. You think people complain about touch-screen typing