iPhone OS 3.0 Beta vs. 2.X Jailbroken

I attempted to revert to 2.X for fun, it really doesn't work. No connection to AT&T or anything. I then reinstalled the 3.0 firmware. Things are woking much better now, I highly recommend it if you're having trouble.

I was able to downgrade to version 2.2.1 using the steps listed here: http://thebigboss.org/2009/03/19/iphone-v30-beta-do-not-use/

iPhone 3G, 3.0 OS

Apple announced a new version of the iPhone OS this week, version 3.0. It brings a bunch of cool features to the table, like system wide copy/paste, MMS, turn-by-turn GPS, etc. If you're reading this, you probably already know about the features being added. Since I have access to Apple's iPhone Developer program, I have access to the beta version of the OS.

Jailbreak Impressions

For the last month or so, I've been running a Jailbroken version of the 2.2.1 OS. I've been extremely happy with it. I've been able to add a custom look to it. Not to mention a plethora of applications Apple won't allow, such as tethering, copy and paste, turn-by-turn GPS, and a bunch of open source tools that have made my System Administration work a breeze. It does add a little bit of lag to everything you do, but it isn't enough to go crazy about

3.0 Beta

So, I upgraded to the 3.0 Beta last night. Since I already had most of the features I wanted via my Jailbreak (plus some), I was a little hard to please.

My first thoughts aren't very good ones. The OS has a serious lag, in nearly everything you do. The only place I've notice a considerable speed up compared to the Jailbroken version, is the keyboard. It seems quick and snappy.

The killer issue for me is problems with the network. Since I live in a mountainous area, we don't have great 3G coverage. In fact, 3G sucks here. So, I just turn off 3G and away I go. Until now. For some reason, the 3.0 OS has trouble remembering that I've turned off 3G. The 3G icon still shows, even though I'm only connected to Edge. Half the time my email doesn't sync because of network errors. It doesn't remember the SSID of my non-broadcasting WiFi network. AT&T doesn't support tethering yet. No MMS either.

It's a Beta, so it's Okay

I've Beta tested software before, and I'm not a jerk who think beta software should be perfect. In fact, I would normally just write these issues off as bugs that will get fixed before the final version, no big deal. Except for one minor issue: once you move to 3.0, you can't downgrade to 2.X. Not cool.

Ultimately, it's my fault because I knew this before going to 3.0. But that doesn't keep it from sucking. All I can do is hope for an update, or for the iPhone Dev Team to jailbreak 3.0. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

My Final Advice?

If you have access to 3.0, and you're contemplating of installing, I would recommend not to. Follow the Dev Team's advice. Avoid those itchy update fingers. Have more self control than I did. Control your inner Geek. Stick to your Jailbroken 2.x iPhone and you'll be happier!