Would it still be worth buying a Apple iPhone 3GS as a first smart phone?

I'm looking to spend less than $200 on a smartphone, since my current phone is pretty obliterated. I pay for a prepaid phone (Straight Talk), which allows me to use AT&T phones (unlocked). However, I'm not sure if I trust buying any of Straight Talk's smart phones. I'm really just looking for any help because the world of smartphones is completely new to me.

I plan on using the smartphone for calls, texts, possibly multimedia texts, some internet (not too picky), alarms, and notes/ reminders. I known that non-smartphones can do these things, but I'm ready to upgrade and at least partially keep up with technology.

Added (1). Also, what is jailbreaking? Would it be worth doing to a smartphone (iPhone or Android)?

Sorry for such a loaded question…

Added (2). Where are you seeing an iPhone 4 for $200? Because I would have to have it unlocked, which makes it more expensive.

Thee iphone 3G is a good phone for a first smart phone but i recommend the 4S or 5 they are as simple too use but with add extras thanks. X

It would be a waste to get a 3GS. IOS7 is not compatable with the 3GS so it has become obsolete. At least the iPhone 4 is. Better to get a 4S if you don't wan't to spend the money.

Do not jailbreak a smartphone. Odds are you end up wrecking it and have to wipe it clean to get it to work again.

Get the iphone they are great for a first smart phone but i would try and make the money stretch to at the minimum a iphone 4 if thats possible? There will be a new OS upgrade for the iphone soon and i don't think the 3gs will be getting the new software which will pretty much make the phone obsolete, So if you can get the newer 4 or 4s if the budget don't stretch that far then pick up the 3gs because has a new user the 3gs may be all you need.

Well, at least you're thinking about getting an iPhone. You won't have to go through the he hell of having an Android phone and all of it's problems. Their really just knock-offs of iPhones.

But anyways, the iPhone 3GS is okay, but it's really not the best choice. You can get an iPhone 4 for less than $200 on eBay. And eBay is great because if they send you a phone that doesn't work, you can take it back and they HAVE to refund you.

So, as long as you find an iPhone 3Gs with iOS5, it would be fine. But, it won't get the newest operating system, iOS7.It also isn't compatible with some newer apps, and it doesn't have a front camera or flash. IPhone 4 is your best bet.