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Andy Ihnatko, Technology writer for the Chicago Sun Times thinks, ”the new iPhone’s very best feature of all is the one that every existing iPhone user can get for free: an update to the iPhone 2.0 OS. With it comes access to the iPhone App Store.”

Ihnatko sees the plus side of Apple’s lock on iPhone development. In spite of the furor caused by Apple acting as the “gatekeeper” with veto power over any application sold via iTunes, he seems to buy Apple’s argument that, “With Apple retaining the power to bar any app that doesn’t conform to certain standards, iPhone apps will be much more stable and secure than those on other phones.”

His conclusion? “Overall the App Store is a win for the user. The entire universe of iPhone software is in one central location, accessible via either iTunes or the iPhone itself. Prices start at ‘free’ and most apps cost less than an album. Buying and installing an app is dead simple and reliable…never more so than when you do it directly via your iPhone.”

He also says, “The App Store also finally demonstrates that the iPhone is one hell of a gaming platform on its own. With its big, crisp screen and motion sensors, it combines the best bits of the Sony PSP and the Nintendo Wii. In MotoRacer, you steer your bike by leaning into turns. In Scrabble, you pick up tiles and drop them where you want them to go.”

Of course there is more to the iPhone than web apps, and Ihnatko has more to say about that. Read his complete review here.