iPhone: Is it worth the money?

A lot of people have asked me about having the iPhone. Is it worth the expense of the rate plans from AT&T? Is it really as cool as people say it is?

My answer: Yes and Yes!

I have had the iPhone since it first came out. I now have the iPhone 3G. It has been great for work with e-mail, web browsing, etc. I was a bit hesitant with a $90/month rate plan but soon found it was worth it. The iPhone has saved me money in many ways and tends to at least pay for itself.

Here are some ways the iPhone has saved me money:

• GPS: The GPS has saved me from being lost and finding my way. It has also saved me a lot of time which is worth more than money.
• Google: If I am out shopping and see something I need/want I can google for the best price right on the spot.
  
• Alarms and Calendar Reminders: I use it for my alarm clock and have reminders on a Calendar for bills. I save in late fees and lost hours at work.
• Pandora - Free radio anywhere streaming. No need for XM radio (I HATE commercials!)
• Maps: Traffic conditions. I can see where the bad spots are and go around them. This saves gas and time!
• WiFi Finder: If I need wifi I can use the finder app to find free wifi nearby. No need to pay for wifi somewhere!
• Quicken Online: I can check my account balances through Quicken Online on my phone. No NSF fees or over limit fees.
  
• Free Entertainment: Games, YouTube, Camera. If I am bored I can surf the net, listen to music, play games, watch youtube, take pictures. Why spend money?
• Retaurant Finders: Urbanspoon, Yelp, etc. I can find good places to eat nearby and specify a price level. No need to drag out a laptop and find wifi.
• Public Tranport: the Maps app can take you somewhere on public transport. No need for a cab. This saves hundreds in New York City!

I could go on forever about how the iPhone has saved me money. I limited the list to things that would apply to most people. With the iPhone now as low as $99 it is definitely worth the price tag. The rate plans are higher than standard phones but for the features you get it is well worth it. I constantly think to myself: "How did I live before this!"

If you have been on the fence about getting one I hope this post will help you decide.