The new iPhone 3G is so fast on the network and such an improvement over the iPhone 2G that is truly has become like a mini Mac in the palm of your hand, according to Eric Benderoff at the Chicago Tribune.

"With the faster network speeds, there are several functions that benefit but none more than the new App Store. This is the reason for getting an iPhone. There are already more than 800 third-party applications available for the iPhone, and more than 200 are free. Thousands more are coming," Mr. Benderoff wrote.

The Chicago Tribune blogger surmised that with all the new applications for the iPhone available, the iPod aspect of the iPhone is obsolete. One example of that is AOL Radio. One can actually listen to CBS radio stations over the 3G network while other traditional Internet Radio stations rely on Wi-Fi.

Another application that received his attention was AP Mobile News Network. "Headlines, photos and videos from the Associated Press. Freshly updated to keep you posted on what's happening around the globe," he noted. "The video is good, with roughly minute-long pieces, but there are not enough at the moment. One nice touch: You can e-mail stories directly from the phone."

In fact, Mr. Benderoff wrote that the most telling aspect of the new iPhone is that, in an entire day, from 9 am to 4 pm, he only made one voice call. The day-long spree of "downloading Apps, playing on Facebook, listening to music and a too-brief test of the GPS" took its toll on the battery. He advised to have a charger handy.

The author admitted that he would have posted the story sooner, but he just couldn't put down his iPhone 3G.