We’re Getting Closer… Gen. 2 Firmware Goes Gold…

According to TUAW (via Gizmodo and GearLive)  iPhone 2.0 firmware will go golden master (ie- final version released and ready to go) this week.

While Golden master doesn’t offer any indication on timing, it is one more step on the way to the next generation iPhone firmware/hardware combo.

Which all got me thinking…

While I really can’t imagine too many people choosing not to upgrade to the 2.0 Firmware (there are way too many improvements that will come with it) I can see people choosing to continue to live with their 1st Generation iPhone after upgrading the firmware.

After all, the 3G iPhone really is an evolutionary product rather than a real leap forward. Sure, 3G speed is nice but even without GPS the location function works pretty well and the cheap plastic back, extra $10 a month for data and potential battery hit mean the 3G is actually a bit of a trade-off compared to the 1st Gen.

So here’s my plan… 

While I’m getting the 3G as soon as it comes out I will not be selling my first generation iPhone so quickly. If the 3G proves to be worthwhile (I suspect it will) I will eventually sell my current iPhone. If not, It will go back to AT&T and I will happily wait for the next version some time in the (not so distant) future.

Either way I get the goodness of the 2.0 firmware- and THAT’S really where the action is.

So here is the question…

If you already have an iPhone will you be upgrading? Why/Why not?

If you don’t have an iPhone will you be getting one? If so, what are you giving up?

 EDIT: Okay, who am I kidding… my current iPhone will be on eBay by mid July…