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Make iPhone your phone.

It’s the most buzzed-about gadget since the iPod, but Apple’s iPhone is much more than just hype. This smart, stylish device puts all your multimedia needs (and wants!) at your fingertips. Stay connected 24/7 by understanding how to:

Navigate and control the iPhone’s touchscreen interface
Use your iPhone as a cell phone, iPod, digital camera, and portable computer
Surf the web, sync contacts and calendars, and send and receive messages

iPhone Basics

The iPhone is a revolutionary portable electronic device made by Apple. The iPhone is essentially a cell phone, an iPod, and a mini-computer rolled into one, with an easy-to-use touchscreen interface. It offers a wide range of features beyond what you would expect from a cell phone, including:

iPod functionality: Listen to music, watch videos, and view photos, just as on a regular iPod. You can also buy music from the iTunes store directly from the iPhone.
Send and receive email: You can set up your iPhone to check virtually any email account, including accounts with popular providers such as Gmail, Yahoo!, and AOL.
Surf the web: The iPhone includes Apple’s Safari browser so you can surf the web.
Take pictures: The iPhone has a built-in digital camera.
Use apps: Apple built a multitude of helpful applications into the iPhone, from Google Maps to an app for tracking stocks.

iPhone Technical Specifications

The iPhone weighs 4.8 ounces and is 4.5" tall, 2.4" wide, and 0.46" deep. Slightly larger than a typical cell phone, it still fits comfortably in a pocket, a purse, or the palm of your hand.

Memory

The first on generation iPhones have a storage capacity of either 8 or 16 gigabytes. The number of songs, videos, or photos that can fit on an 8GB or 16GB iPhone varies, since the memory a song or video takes up depends on its length, sound quality, or image quality. Also, the memory required to run the iPhone’s multiple functions takes up an additional (though small) amount of its internal memory.

System Requirements

Before you buy an iPhone, make sure you have a computer that’s compatible with it. The iPhone can connect with either a PC or a Mac with the following specs:

If you’re using a Mac: A USB 2.0 port, Mac OS X version 10.4.10 or later, and an internet connection
If you’re using a PC: A USB 2.0 port; Windows Vista Home Premium, Business, Enterprise, or Ultimate Edition, or Windows XP Home or Professional with Service Pack 2 or later; and an internet connection

iTunes

In addition, you must have iTunes 7.5 or later installed on your computer to activate your iPhone. If you don’t already have iTunes, you can download the software for Mac or PC at www.apple.com/itunes. (For details on installing and using iTunes, see the Quamut guide to iPod & iTunes.)

iPhone Accessories

The iPhone comes with a dock, USB cable, and power adapter that let you charge your iPhone and connect it to your computer. The phone also comes with a headset for listening to audio or having hands-free conversations.

Third-Party Accessories

Beyond Apple’s included accessories, there are all sorts of third-party accessories you can buy for your iPhone. You should consider purchasing a protective case for your iPhone to protect it from the wear and tear it’s sure to face. ToughSkin, SkinPro, and InCase all make good plastic, leather, or latex cases.

Using iPod Accessories with Your iPhone

The iPhone contains the same 30-pin input at the bottom of the device found on iPods, so many accessories you may already own for your iPod—such as docking stations, speakers, and connector cables—will also work with your iPhone. However, not all iPod accessories are also iPhone-compatible. When buying accessories, look for the official “Works with iPhone” logo on the packaging—this logo indicates that an accessory or third-party device will work with your iPhone.