Apple have already announced that their new IPhone will be released on 11th July on the O2 network only in the UK and my not be easily unlocked . ‘ Unlocking the new iPhone ‘ . The HTC touch diamond is popping up simfree already on various websites although HTC has warned that some of these might be selling “grey” (non UK) stock. T-Mobile’s version of the diamond, the MDA Compact IV is expected within 2-3 weeks.

Which one to go for we hear you ask?

The original IPhone was a seriously capable & stylish phone, but it has flaws. For the newer 3G version to succeed it is surely critical that, at the very least, these failings are addressed. The original was launched at £269 in the UK, a major obstacle to many. Apple have announced that the 8GB version will only be £99 on the popular £35 per month tariff. Not free like most phones on contract in the UK but a big step in the right direction at least. The original was also slow.

The newer version supports 3G but it’s also an HSDPA phone so it’s really a 3.5G phone, so it’s got what the original IPhone lacked, speed. Battery life has also been improved with Apple claiming 10 hours talktime, 5-6 hours surfing the web and 12 days standby, these figures are a big improvement. BUT- why oh why is the battery still not user-removable, batteries aren’t fail proof, they don’t last forever, why should folk have to trek off to an Apple service centre. Why shouldn’t the serious user be able to pop in his/her reserve battery kept in the briefcase?

No video calling either, fairly standard on most 3G phones these days. No improvement to the IPhone screen either, still 320×480 pixels. Why no option from O2 of a 12 month contract? Technology is moving so fast many people don’t want to commit to an 18 or 24 month contract. With the initial £99 handset cost on an 18 month £35 per month contract and a bit of “mobileme” the new IPhone isn’t going to give you much change from £800 over 18 months!

Overall, we believe the HTC Touch Diamond to be more than just a credible alternative to the new IPhone, it’s the clear winner in terms of technical specifications as well as having the IPhone’s sexy wow factor. While the diamond’s screen is 2.8″ and the IPhone’s is 3.5″, it’s still the same size as that of the hugely popular Nokia N95 but the diamond boasts a VGA resolution display making the touch sensitive screen a joy to use both visually and practically. Both phones have auto-flip to landscape mode when you rotate them. The Touch Diamond has assisted GPS (A-GPS) so users can add google maps or TomTom etc… The latest IPhone doesn’t have any GPS. Has normal GPS

LETS TALK MONEY- So the IPhone 3G is going to cost you about £800 over 18months, while T-Mobile’s version of the HTC Touch Diamondhas appeared on 12 month web n walk tariffs for £32.50 per month and an upfront cost of £39, total cost of £429 with a 6 month shorter contract length. So, is the IPhone worth nearly twice as much as HTC’s Touch Diamond, we think not, but Apple’s marketing might will doubtless try to convince the world otherwise.

Have a look at this attachment for the new iphone: IPhone forward facing camera