'Find My iPhone' Works Beautifully

I eagerly updated my iPhone3G to OS 3.0 this afternoon. I encountered a server delay, but re-tried and got through to complete it. One tip: Update the iTunes software on your PC or Mac before doing anything. You will then be prompted to update your iPhone software when you sync. OS 3.0 has several features that improve GPS and location-based services. First up on my test list was "Find my iPhone." Note: You must have a subscription to MobileMe ($90/year) to use this feature. Here's how to use Find my iPhone after you've upgraded your iPhone to 3.0:

• Turn off your iPhone, then re-start and tap "Settings."
• Tap "Mail, Contacts, and Calendars."
• Be sure "Fetch New Data" is set to "Push."
• Select your MobileMe account and turn on "Find my iPhone."

The MobileMe Find my iPhone feature located my phone on a Google map within 20 yards (actually, the phone's location was just about perfect in the center of a 20-yard circle, and the phone was indoors - not ideal for getting GPS signals). I was able to display a message I typed, and sound a loud chime tone on the phone from MobileMe. If you don't get your phone back after all of that, you can do a remote "wipe" that will "permanently delete all media and data on the iPhone." If you are fortunate enough to get the iPhone back after a wipe, you can restore everything from MobileMe. Wow.