What is the little gold push button on the back case? (picture)
What is the little gold push button under the main board on the back case of the iPhone 3G right under the "Do Not Remove" sticker?
It is circled in green in the picture.
My best guess is it detects weather or not the phone has been taken apart (especially since it's located right under the "Do Not Remove" sticker) so that Apple will know to void your warranty.