FAQ: From 'iPhonies' to iFacts, we answer your iPhone questions

How slow is AT&T's EDGE network?

For real-world usage, EDGE is fine for e-mail, stock updates, weather, Google maps and RSS sites. That said, it is sometimes bizarrely, frustratingly slow. The iPhone's Safari browser on EDGE is too slow for an audience of impatient friends checking a Web site, but it's tolerable if you're surfing by yourself and not in a hurry. Safari is best when using Wi-Fi, but your level of patience and EDGE strength will determine your enjoyment level. That's why we're all waiting for a 3G version. It'll be noticeably faster.

Does iPhone support MMS?

MMS is not supported on the iPhone. iPhone users can get notifications of MMS messages, but that consists of an SMS message telling you to access http://viewmymessage.com with the assigned username and password. Given the lack of copy and paste on the iPhone -- more on that next -- it's actually pretty annoying. I'd bet anything that MMS functionality will be one of the first third-party applications released.

Does iPhone support copy and paste?

Nope. And there's been no word on whether this feature will be implemented. It certainly wasn't shown off by Apple during any iPhone demonstrations, but the fact that this is an often-requested feature means someone should be working on it.

Safari-based access to the Internet is great and all, but is there a faster way to find numbers and addresses without using Google's search site or Yellow/WhitePages.com?

Your best bet for information such as phone numbers, addresses or directions is the iPhone's Maps application. Let's say you want to find a nearby gas station. Tap the Maps icon, then hit the Locate Me button on the lower left, and when the iPhone finds your location, tap the text field at the top of the screen. Type in what you're seeking -- in this case "gas." The search results appear as pinpoints on the map, and tapping any of the pinpoints reveals the name of the location plus a "more info" arrow. That arrow takes you to a screen that displays the location's listed phone number, home page and address. You can even get directions from or to the location, save the results to your bookmarks or save the information in contacts for future reference.

In some locations, Maps also offers real-time traffic information, indicated by red, yellow or green overlays on the roads. It's surprisingly handy when traveling.

How do I prolong my battery life?

By using the phone as a phone -- or surfing with it over Wi-Fi -- as little as possible. Also, tap the Settings button and go into the Wi-Fi preferences. Turn off "Ask to Join Networks." Leaving this on means the iPhone is continuously scanning for new Wi-Fi hot spots. While useful if you're actually looking for wireless, it cuts into battery life. If you've logged into a Wi-Fi hot spot before, the iPhone will remember it the next time you're in range and automatically connect you, as long as it doesn't require Safari-based authentication. Changing the time between e-mail checks under the Mail settings can also help battery life. I've noticed real-world battery life increases just by changing Auto-Check from 15 minutes to 30.

Another way to make sure you're iPhone lasts is by purchasing external power add-ons like this one. This could easily help alleviate battery issues if you're away from a power source for a while.