I’ve been hearing and reading that the new iPhone 3G is not performing up to par in the battery category. Though the device is rated for 5 hours of 3G talk time or 7 hours of video playback - people seems to be whispering about much shorter battery life. I just found this gem on the official Apple web site. It’s a list of ways that you can extend the life of your new iPhone 3G. Curious what’s on the list? It’s a doozy because essentially what Apple says is to extend the battery life of your new iPhone by NOT using any of the new features (and were largely the reason many of us bought it in the first place and are paying $10 more monthly to AT&T for higher 3G data speeds). Does this list seem just a tad odd to you?

APPLE’S SUGGESTIONS TO OPTIMIZE BATTERY LIFE

- Turn off 3G
- Minimize use of location services
- Turn off push email
- Minimize use of third party applications

So let me get this straight. If I turn off the 3G on the new device that I just paid Apple $299 (primarily to get 3G data speeds) then I’ll have a phone that meets Apple’s stated battery life? Should this be a disclosure on the box? I have a feeling we’re going to keep hearing more about the battery life of the new iPhone 3G in the coming weeks.

Apple battery life suggestions

Engadget has these early photos of an iPhone 3G that has reportedly been obtained in Portugal by a lucky early purchaser. No word on where or how they obtained the device. Looks a lot like the older version to me — only $15/month more expensive for those in the United States who must subscribe to a 3G plan. More pictures on the next page. Can you feel the excitement?

iphone portugal via engadget

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