Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, the creator of the revolutionary Apple I and Apple II PCs, is spending some time in Australia this week, where he gave the keynote address at the Broadband and Beyond Conference yesterday. During a press conference at the event, Wozniak expressed - among other things - disappointment in some of Apple's most recent offerings, particularly the ultra-thin and light MacBook Air (he really doesn’t like the lack of DVD drive) and iPhone, according to theThe Sydney Morning Herald.

So what's Wozniak's biggest criticism regarding the iPhone? It is the same as many other iPhone owners, actually. While he offers up kudos for the smartphone's Internet capabilities, Wozniak can't understand Apple leaving out 3G cellular-wireless data networking. The iPhone tops out at the far slower 2.5G wireless technology.

"To tell you the truth I was really disappointed when the iPhone was introduced ... half the phones in the AT&T store at the time were 3G phones...I was shocked because Apple is bringing the full internet [to mobiles] - full web pages with pictures and everything - and it's not 3G and I knew that would be a speed detriment," said Wozniak, the Morning Herald reported.

He added, "I was shocked because Apple is bringing the full internet [to mobiles] - full web pages with pictures and everything - and it's not 3G and I knew that would be a speed detriment."

Wozniak also takes issue with Apple CEO Steve Jobs stated reason for leaving 3G out of the iPhone. He said during the UK launch of the iPhone that it was because of the wireless technology’s negative effect on the battery.

"I don't understand why it would be a battery issue - I get as much life on my 3G phones as I get on my non-3G phones," Wozniak wondered.

Like thousands of others, Wozniak waited in line to buy an iPhone when Apple introduced it last June. Of course, he probably didn’t have to, being the co-founder of the company and all.

The iPhone should become available in Australia later this year. As with most other markets where it isn't officially offered yet, the iPhone can already be had through unofficial channels, though.