CNET Review: iPhone 5 Doesn't Disappoint, Best iPhone Ever Made
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – If you had your doubts over whether Apple would deliver with its next-generation iPhone, you can come in off the ledge. It appears iPhone 5 is as good as advertised.
According to a review from CNET's Scott Stein, the new iPhone offers key features that were desired by users when its predecessor, the iPhone 4S, first shipped.
"The bottom line is, we said last year that the two big missing parts of the iPhone were 4G LTE and a larger screen. The iPhone 5 has them, plus a new processor, plus a new design, plus iOS 6, plus a lot more. It's the best iPhone that's been made," Stein wrote.
In his review, Stein described the iPhone 5 as a "reboot" of the device, which started the smartphone revolution in 2007.
"It's hard to find a single part of the iPhone that hasn't been rewritten, redesigned, retooled," Stein wrote.
EXTRA: Apple's iPhone: A Visual History
Stein gave the iPhone 5 a rating of 4 stars out of 5, noting some missing features and drawbacks compared to the top competition.
However, that shouldn't deter consumers from making the purchase because, according to Stein, "The iPhone 5 completely rebuilds the iPhone on a framework of new features and design, addressing its major previous shortcomings. It's absolutely the best iPhone to date, and it easily secures its place in the top tier of the smartphone universe."
iPhone Hysteria In Full Swing
The iPhone 5 won't be available in stores until Friday, but that hasn't stopped die-hard Apple fans from lining up early outside the flagship store on 5th Avenue.
Some customers began camping out in front of the store last week. Others joined the line on Monday.
WCBS 880's Jim Smith reports
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With the camp out now becoming routine ahead of the release of new Apple products, most came prepared with sleeping bags, chairs and umbrellas.
Brian Ceballo from Brooklyn said waiting for days for a chance to get his hands on one of the first iPhone 5's is worth it.
"I'm a techie. Specifically, I think Apple is a very well-rounded product," he told WCBS 880's Jim Smith.
The iPhone 5 will be available at Apple's 356 U.S. stores starting Friday. Each customer who makes a purchase at an Apple store will be offered free personal setup service, which will help them customize their device.
Aside from Apple stores, the iPhone 5 will be available at Apple's website as well as through AT&T, Sprint, Verizon Wireless, some Best Buy, RadioShack, Target and Walmart stores and certain Apple authorized resellers.
The phone will be available in more than 22 countries on Sept. 28.
Orders for the iPhone 5 topped 2 million in their first 24 hours, more than double the amount of its predecessor over the same period.
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