So I just got a 2nd hand iphone 3G yesterday, in the settings its version 3.1.3 (7E18), so should I get it upgraded? I did a bit of Googling and found a few worrying articles"

http://www.tgdaily.com/mobility-brief/50863-dont-upgrade-iphone-3g-to-iphone-4-software-warn-users

Im also not sure if its just a 3G or 3GS, Im a bit of an Apple noob

anyone? anyone? Bueller?

Here's how you can tell what model it is: http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3939

You can't upgrade the 3G to iOS 5 but you can try to upgrade up to iOS 4.2.1.

Is the phone Jailbroken or factory unlocked?

Here's how you can tell what model it is: http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3939

You can't upgrade the 3G to iOS 5 but you can try to upgrade up to iOS 4.2.1.

Is the phone Jailbroken or factory unlocked?

Thanks, yes its standard 3G not 3Gs, I just want to upgrade to ios4.2.1 but heard/read that this can cause a 3G to burn through its battery very quickly, is this true?

It will work with any SIM, I dont know if jailbroken or factory unlocked though, whats the difference?

Dont. The 3g is happiest with 3.x, 4.x slows the phone to a crawl... The 3g has the original iphone cpu from 2007, its just too weak to run 4.x properly. Its perfectly fine at 3.x though so just leave it be and enjoy as-is...

Dont. The 3g is happiest with 3.x, 4.x slows the phone to a crawl... The 3g has the original iphone cpu from 2007, its just too weak to run 4.x properly. Its perfectly fine at 3.x though so just leave it be and enjoy as-is...

thanks, thats what Id seen on other sites, Im happy with this clunky 3G on the old ios for now, until I have enough cash for a 4G anyway