iPhone 2.0 - The next model.

So, I recently read that Apple is working on the next wave of Apple iPhones, and not those upgraded memory versions either. Brand new, 2nd generation iPhones. Obviously they are, they do with all their iPod lines too.

So far, I'm hearing that the iPhone is looking to upgrade/improve all of it's most major flaws, which could make it even more desirable by those who loved 1.0.

• The most obvious change is to make it 3G compatible instead of EDGE. Both are the wireless networks that phones connect to. EDGE is an older, slower network. 3G is newer and faster. In comparison, EDGE is like dial-up, 3G is broadband. iPhone 1.0 uses the EDGE network which alot of people saw as a huge flaw. Apple says they used EDGE instead of 3G because 3G consumes much more battery and battery life was already somewhat of an issue with the iPhone. 3G would have crippled the iPhone 1.0.
• The next change is changing the battery setup. So many users complain about not being able to remove the battery. Since the iPhone case is enclosed and cannot be opened, there is no way to swap batteries. The only way to get a new battery is to send it to Apple to get it replaced. It's very likely that Apple will finally allow users to swap their own batteries.
• Memory. With the iPhone holding only 8GB of RAM memory, it can fill up fast, especially if you have tv shows or movies. They have recently upgraded to 16GB, but I'm guessing the next model will come standard with a 32 GB memory load. They may also add a slot for SD cards - maybe even allowing the slot to read SDHC cards (4GB+). The iPhone probably won't use a hard drive as a hard drive uses more battery. It'll still to RAM memory.
• Keyboard. This is an interest change. The keyboard was probably the most controversial part of the iPhone. Being an onscreen qwerty keyboard was loved by some and hated by others. On one hand, it offered a keyboard that would hide when not in use and not take up any room, but still offered a full keyboard as opposed to the usual 123abc typing through cell phones. Buttons on the keypad won't break either (since there is no keypad). On the other hand, some people hated not being able to 'feel the keyboard' as they used it, while others complained it was hard to hit the right key with their big fingers. I personally prefer the onscreen keyboard and would probably not adapt to the new model if they offer a real keyboard. I just think it'll look clunky and ruin the look and feel of what the iPhone is.
• Lastly, browsing the internet on the iPhone is great... except for one thing - NO FLASH/JAVA. It's not truly a big deal and would probably make loading times much slower. However, I'm guessing that Apple will try to add either or both of these plug-ins to 2.0.

Now, the problem with all these improvements is, what do 1.0 owners do? Do they upgrade for probably $500-$600? Or do they keep with their old, slow technology? Is there some kind of trade in program? Is it AT&T-only... again?

iPod owners have been dealing with this dilemma ever since iPods have been made. They go out and buy the awesome new iPod Nano, only to find out that 6 months later, another (better) Nano came out with more memory and now has video playback. iPod classic users buy the 80GB version and find out 3 months later that a 160GB version is out with a better screen and more memory for the same price.

I suppose it's a sign of a good/smart company that continues to improve it's products to keep product demand high. Will I be getting iPhone 2.0? Probably not. I'm guessing my iPhone holds out and is useful for at least 2-3 years to come. I'll probably skip 2.0 and when 3.0 comes out, I'll probably jump all over it.