I have now had the 2.1 firmware for around a week.

I have been keeping a close look at reception issues, as I had issues before, and according to apple, one of the main fixes was to improve the 3G reception.

On the whole, I think the 3G reception is marginally better, although its hard to say as I don’t get a 3G signal in my main locations.

The other noticeable difference has been the 2G signal. Before 2.1 it was near impossible for me to get a signal at home, now – since 2.1 – I can get the occasional signal in various parts of the house. It is still not usable at home, but I can get the odd text message through the phone now – assuming I leave it in one of the magic locations.

Talking to o2 about this in August, they will be building a new transmitter in about 9 months time, so hopefully then I will have a decent signal. I need to either wait or switch back to the T-Mobile or Orange which do supply a usable signal. And a point to note, I’m not in the back of beyond. Just terrain issues seem to be the problem. But if T-Mobile and Orange can provide suitable signals its a shame o2 can not, especially in the year 2008.

Did the 2.1 improve my life, not really, still waiting on too many key components of functionality.

Battery life is better tho, so at least I can use the iPhone as an iTouch.

Roll on April 2009, hopefully by then we will have a new transmitter, and maybe even a new firmware update that allows the phones bluetooth to work correctly with my car again.