This is a question that comes up a lot wherever Sims 3 is discussed.  There is a Sims 3 app for sale, usually at around $5 or $7 depending on the whims of the pricing gods.  So the question is, should I buy it?

The answer is a resounding "maybe."

The first thing you have to understand about the mobile version of Sims 3 is that it is extremely limited.  This makes sense if you think about it!  Sims 3 is a very demanding game, so the version for iPhones and iPods is very stripped down in order to run.

Some basic things are missing in the mobile version.  You can't build a home, and Create A Sim is very limited.  There isn't a buy mode as such, but a very limited version. Beyond that you have to unlock various items of furniture.  In the mobile versions, your Sims do not age, and they cannot have children.  There is no story progression.  There are only four careers available.  You have to actually go to the grocery store to buy the food you need for a recipe (instead of having the fridge magically charge you for making it).

The litany of "doesn't haves" is pretty long, frankly.

The game itself is quite a bit different from the desktop version.  Instead of being a freewheeling sandbox game, the Sims 3 for iPhone is a very task oriented game.  It is essentially a collection of mini games loosely strung together.

For example, if your Sim wants to cook something on the stove, you get involved.  Tap the pans, then shake your iPhone to shake the pan and keep the food from burning.

You similarly participate in gardening and fishing.  I couldn't find any specifics on those, but I assume it works similarly.  Tap on the thing you want to do, then move your iPhone like a Wii remote to do them.

One complaint I see a lot is "there isn't much to do with your free time."  In fact, fishing and gardening seem to be the only hobbies.  And you can only garden after you've gotten enough property to do so.

At the same time, your Sim is going to have a lot more trouble earning money.  

On the other hand, it's only five bucks!  If you hate it, you're only out five bucks.  There are some interesting differences which make me wish I had an iPhone to play it on.  For one thing, when you create your Sim you choose a persona.  Each persona includes a collection of traits, and a sub-set of wishes.  For example, the Sleaze persona will include Woo Hoo-related wishes.

According to this IGN article, there are 75 Wishes for each Sim.  Once you fulfill them all, you unlock some cool stuff like an extra career option, and the ability to buy a car.

Is the mobile version going to replace your desktop gaming?  No way!  But if you have a long commute, or other circumstances where you want to kill some time with a mini version of The Sims 3, then you could do a lot worse.