I bought my first generation iPhone 6 months after it had debuted in the market. It’s the first mobile device that I’ve actually bought myself. All of the previous mobile devices that I have had (including the terrible Windows Mobile Phone) have been owned by the company that I used to work for.

From the minute that I got it, I’ve loved it. Simplicity and elegance, Internet access from anywhere (where there was an EDGE connection), a full web browser and more.

As an Apple enthusiast, when the 3G iPhone version was released, I wanted to pick up the new model but there was little reason to upgrade (with the exception of the 3G speed boost). With very little motivation to upgrade, I stuck it out with my 1st generation iPhone.

A year after 3G model was released, I was completely frustrated with the speed of the EDGE connection. It reminded me of the old modem days. Anytime that I wanted information quickly the connection sputtered; traffic, email, weather, maps, directions, you name it. It reminded me of the old modem days and that’s something that I would rather forget.

When Apple released their new iPhone 3GS model, I knew that I was going to upgrade. In my mind, the main reason for upgrading was the 3G speed increase, everything else would be extra toppings.

I have to say that this is one of the best upgrades I’ve ever done (on any device; computer or electronic device). I came for the 3G connection, but everything about this new phone is better. Here is my list of reasons to upgrade from earlier versions of the iPhone:

• 3G speed (Obviously the 1st gen 3G iPhone already had this)
• GPS (The 1st gen 3G iPhone already had this)
• Device specs upgrade (although Apple doesn’t publish the new specs the CPU increase and memory bump are noticeable)
• Oleophobic screen (my 1st gen iPhone was a magnet for the oils that your skin secretes. This one has a new coating that keeps it to a minimum)
• Better camera (new 3 mega pixel camera with auto focus)
• All new video camera (VGA recording up to 30 fps with audio. Takes surprisingly good video for a phone (even in low light))
• Better built in speakers (I believe the 1st gen 3G iPhone had the new speakers. I can finally hear my phone ring inside of my messenger bag)
• Voice control (for voice calling and controlling iPod)

If you have a 1st gen iPhone and can afford it, I think that this upgrade is a no brainer. Even if you have a regular 3G iPhone, I think that this upgrade is still worth it (unless you rarely use the camera).