Those iPhone 4 and iPad 2 users wondering how to get their hands on iOS 5 can rest easy: it’s a free automatic download. While those who line up for the upcoming new iPhone will find the new iOS 5 touchscreen operating system preinstalled, those opting to stick with an older iPhone like the 4 or the 3GS will receive it nearly as easily. The same goes for iPad 2 and iPad 1 users, along with recent iPod touch generations.  The same way in which updates like the recent iOS 4.3.4 minor update are delivered is the same way in which you’ll get iOS 5: connect your iDevive to your computer, and iTunes will tell you that the iOS 5 update is ready for you. That notification can take several days so if you don’t want to wait, just manually click the “update” button once your hear that iOS 5 has gone live. The installation will take awhile but will take care of itself…

Two keys to iOS 5 happiness:

- After installing, run the “check for app updates” in iTunes. Some of your third party apps will have updated versions specifically designed to take advantage of iOS 5 features.

- Be realistic about your device. The iPhone 3GS is an older, slower device which will run iOS 5 but won’t be able to fully deliver on all of its features and will instead offer a scaled back iOS 5 experience. If you really want iOS 5 in all its glory, it may be time to get the new iPhone after all.

Source - [ beatweek ]