With the Apple iPhone 3G being released just three weeks ago, there is still buzz about the elusive smartphone and all of its capabilities.  And while many people are still dying to get their hands on this device, AT&T can remain confident in its relationship with Apple as there are talks of a new agreement to bond the two together until 2010.  That’s right .. if you want an Apple iPhone  3G, you will have to go and sign-up for a two-year contract with wireless phenom AT&T.

According to an engadget.com article, USA Today says that AT&T’s US exclusive on the iPhone isn’t officially announced, but it’s being citied in the context of a long interview with AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson.  According to Stephenson, “The iPhone has repositioned AT&T as the premier wireless brand in the world.”  Even better for AT&T, iPhone customers are spending almost double on rate plans compared to the average AT&T customer.  This isn’t surprising though as data plans are increasingly expensive.

Apple iPhone 3G — More Powerful that Nintendo DS?

We’ve heard the rave reviews on the iPhone 3G with its amazingly fast speed and ever-appealing graphics, but Id Software co-founder John Carmack makes a bold statement.  According to Apple Insider, while Carmack admits that graphics memory could be a limiting factor, he describes the phone’s hardware, in terms of raw specs, is “more powerful than Nintendo DS and PSP combined.”

Apple continues to pave the way for future smartphone’s, and with its new relationship with AT&T, Apple should continue to dominate the market.  To see accessories for the Apple iPhone 3G, check out Gammoth’s accessories page.

With the debut of the iPhone 3G, Steve Jobs had the world buzzing about the low, low $199 cost of this beauty of a phone. Until, that is, you waited in line all night, snagged your new iPhone, and found out how much that little guy was REALLY going to cost you with the higher price of the mandatory data plan. With smartphones getting cheaper all the time - only $99 for a Samsung Blackjack II, in a variety of colors, $149 for a Blackberry Curve, and $199 for a new iPhone (all with a plan, from AT&T), the cell companies have to do something to make some money!

Although the iPhone’s price is far lower than  makes sense, you’ll still get hit in the wallet with the purchase of one of these new, 3G speed-machines. How? The mandatory $30 data plan, up 50% from the original iPhone’s data plan, will hike your bill to nearly $100 a month. The additional $10 a month you’ll spend with a new iPhone as opposed to the original will end up costing you $240 over the 2-year period you are locked into when you buy your new iPhone 3G, which kind of takes the “bargain” out of that sub-$200 price-mark. While the 3G network is undoubtedly faster than the EDGE network, to get unlimited access you’ll pay $45 a month on top of your calling plan.

Apple and AT&T aren’t the only ones to get you with data. According to MSNBC, T-Mobile is being sued for not allowing customers out of their $20-$30 per month text messaging plans. According to Marco Zaldivar, his family was subject to extra fees of up to $30 because of text-message-spam that TMobile would not allow them to avoid. Zaldivar’s lawyer claims the family was charged whether they opened the messages or not, and that when they tried to disconnect their text messaging service altogether, TMobile said no.

The Bottom Line

While data-enabled phones make the world go around for some of us, and many enjoy being connected wherever you may be, make sure you know what you are getting yourself into. Ask every question you can think of as you set up your plan, and ask your customer service rep how much your monthly bill will look like, and where any added fees may appear. It’s important to stay connected and in-touch, but make sure you aren’t getting sucked in by what looks like a low-price, only to be surprised and overwhelmed later.

After waiting in line at your favorite Apple store for hours, you can be considered a fully loaded technology guru.  Your iPhone 3G is stocked away in your pocket and you are the “go-to” person for any information imaginable.  Not only do you have amazingly fast internet speeds, but you also have access to the best innovative and creative applications available.  With all of this greatness upon you, it is necessary to surround yourself (and your little wingman) with protective and useful accessories … take a look.

Apple iPhone 3G Car Charger

Keep your precious Apple iPhone 3G charged at all times with this top of the line vehicle power adapter.

Apple iPhone 3G Case w/ Clip

This black Apple iPhone Case has a rubberized clip on the front and back covers with a swivel belt clip.  Don’t take any more chances with your delicate iPhone 3G … protect it with the best case available!

 Otterbox Apple iPhone 3G Case

Keep your iPhone protected with this Otterbox Apple iPhone 3G Rugged Case.  Dust, drop, sand and direct won’t get close to touching your iPhone.  Comes with a swivel belt clip and your screen remains perfectly protected and functional through this tough case.

Apple iPhone 3G Screen Protectors

You don’t want to scratch your precious iPhone 3G screen, do you?  Well then pick up a pack of these iPhone 3G screen protectors and you will never have to worry about a nick or scratch again!

Why You Need Accessories for Your iPhone 3G 

I am sure you might have heard that Apple announced that they’ve sold over one million of the recently release Apple iPhone 3G.  Yes, you read that right.  One million.  Sold.  And while this is an amazing feat, it doesn’t surprise me because Apple is a company that continues to impress.  So be that information giver and that interactive guru, but make sure to accessorize your Apple iPhone 3G with the best products possible.