What are the "pros and cons" of the original Apple iPhone? Is it right for my needs?

Please note that the original iPhone has been discontinued. Although this Q&A covers "pros and cons" of the original iPhone running the original operating system, it can be quite helpful for anyone buying or selling an original iPhone on the used market.

Like any other purchase, only you can make the decision whether or not the iPhone is the right iPod, mobile phone, and/or handheld computer for you, but you can evaluate the pros and cons to see if your needs are met.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc.

This "run down" from the time of its introduction may be helpful in making a decision:

Pros:

• Thin, sleek design.
• Bright, high-resolution display designed for video playback.
• Slick "multi-touch" interface, "self switching" accelerometer, "proximity sensor", and ambient light sensor.
• Clever "Visual Voicemail" makes it possible to select voicemail by sight in any order.
• High-quality applications, including an excellent "desktop class" web browser, HTML capable e-mail client, and integrated Google Maps.
• Support to read, but not edit, Microsoft Word and Excel as well as Adobe PDF files. PowerPoint also supported if running version 2.0 software.
• Large storage capacity for a mobile phone (4, 8, or 16 GB).
• Built-in wi-fi and Bluetooth 2.0.
• Built-in 2 megapixel camera for basic photography.
• Potentially less expensive than an iPod nano and advanced mobile phone combined.

Cons:

• Officially tied to a two year Cingular contract in the United States and similar contracts with providers in other countries.
• No 3G support (supports the slower EDGE network).
• No Skype support.
• No support to edit Microsoft Word or Excel files.
• No support for Flash.
• No ability to "copy and paste" between applications.
• Substantially larger capacity iPod models are available for less money.
• Cannot "beam" data between iPhones, no official "disk mode" when connected to a computer.
• Bluetooth 2.0 prevents file transfer and does not support synchronization, printers, or keyboards.
• Lack of tactile feedback may bother some users.
• Some high-end mobile phones offer higher resolution cameras.
• Expensive.

Ultimately, if you need an iPod nano, mobile phone, and handheld computer, the software meets your needs, and you are not bothered by a contract and the lack of 3G support, then the original iPhone may be a good choice for you.

For more information, you also may wish to read in-depth reviews from AnandTech and iLounge.