I've never been a massive fan of Apple, due to being forced to use their bespoke software. In fact, the only reason I got this phone was because it was the only real smartphone free with my tariff! However, two years down the line, I feel like I can't live without it.

So, the phone:

-Ease of Use-

If you're not used to using Apple products, it's not massively intuitive. I spent a fair few days fiddling around, trying to work out some of the more basic functions. The 'double save' (you have to save the additional details added to the contact first, then remember to save the actual completed contact otherwise you'll have tp start from scratch) with adding new contacts and calendar reminders caught me out at first, but I've got used to that now.

-Features-

Absolutely rammed with everything you could possibly want from a phone, although not all features are of the best quality. The camera is fairly shoddy, and the iPod feature is slightly redundant if you only have a small memory and don't want to slow your phone down by clogging it up with mp3 files. However, most other features are in an easy to use format with a pleasing interface, like email and the calculator. The conversation format of the texting feature is one of the highlights, although it is annoying the phone doesn't date and time stamp each text.

My favourite feature though is Google Maps - like a mini GPS in your pocket. Saved me getting lost countless of times!

-The App Store-

Aaah, the holy grail of Apple and the cure to boredom. I really feel this does live up to hype. For every moment in your life, and app has been made for it. While it might be tempting to download all the freebies, this will only result in clogging up your phone with unwanted tat (although they are easy to delete). A few paid-for games that you actually enjoy will provide literally hours of entertainment and you need never have a boring train ride again (battery life permitting).

I've personally found that the lifestyle apps (fitness monitoring etc) lose their shine after a while, due to the hassle of having to log in to the app to record progress etc, but they seem to be doing well, so obviously people have more patience than me!

-Durability-

After two years of use and abuse, my iPhone is valiantly hanging on. The case has a small crack, which it makes it difficult to lock the phone, and the already appalling battery life has managed to get even worse.

However, it still does everything it needs to do and I'll be sad to see it go. I might even upgrade to an iPhone 4... How's that for an Apple convert!