So I’ve got the new 2.1 iPhone 3G firmware installed and immediately there is a noticeable difference in the 3G reception in my condo. Pre 2.1 I would be very lucky to get more than 1 bar of 3G signal strength in my condo. With the new firmware I’m now getting full bars. I think to throw some “lip stick on the pig” Apple also changed the 3G signal strength logo , it’s no longer in a white box, now just pretty letters. There is also noticeable improvement in the speed of navigation between SMS messages, contacts, and your e-mail.
It’s a wait and see now on battery life improvement. My hope are up. I want this thing to work like I’d expect of an Apple product.
It’s good to see lot’s of other Chicagoians are seeing the same improvements based on the comments from Scott’s iPTIB blog at the RedEye.
Update: According to Engadget Poll it looks like I’m not alone in seeing remarkable better reception / fewer dropped calls. One of two of my biggest peeves with the new iPhone 3G. According to the poll over 13,000 are claiming better reception and fewer dropped calls.
It’s too early tell on battery life, it appears to be better , but won’t really be able to tell until I have a full week of normal use under my belt.