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A $99 iPhone? It's already here
You can get a refurbished iPhone 3G for $99 right now.
At next week's Worldwide Developers Conference, we should find out if the rumors of a $99 iPhone are true.
Of course, savvy shoppers know that it's already possible to buy an iPhone for $99: For several months, AT&T has offered refurbished 8GB models for that tempting price.
(More recently, the company dropped the price of refurbished 16GB iPhones to $149, but at the moment those are out of stock.)
Obviously it makes sense to wait a few days and see what develops at the conference. After all, if you can buy a new iPhone 3G for $99, why go with a refurb? On the other hand, if the rumors don't pan out, you stand to save $100 (or $150 if you choose the 16GB model).
What's more, the only real downside to buying a refurbished iPhone is the warranty: 90 days instead of 12 months. That's probably a deal-breaker for some, but at least you can add an extended warranty and still come out ahead.
Personally, it's not the price of the hardware that bothers me: It's the $70 minimum monthly service charges. Forget the $99 iPhone--I want a service plan that's under $50. Somehow, I doubt very much we'll hear that kind of announcement on Monday. Sigh.
Rick Broida, a technology writer for nearly 20 years, is the author of more than a dozen books. In addition to writing CNET's The Cheapskate blog, he oversees BNET's Business Hacks. Rick is a member of the CNET Blog Network and is not an employee of CBS Interactive. Disclosure. Deals found on The Cheapskate are subject to availability, expiration, and other terms determined by sellers. Follow Rick on Twitter at cheapskateblog.
That's the main reason why I don't wanna switch to sprint for the Pre, cuz I wouldn't get such an amazing deal anywhere else.
I pay $30/month which includes unlimited data. I imagine hat cholloway1's plan isnt that much more expensive. For us, thats more like $10/week difference. Granted, that doesnt sound like much....until you start multiplying......
Youre forced to be on-contract for 2 years, right?
$10/week * 52 weeks/year * 2 years = $1,040
For us, an Iphone just doesnt cost $100. It costs $1,140. Thats alot of money, no matter what job you get off of monster.com ;-)
If you decide that the Service plan is or is not worth it based on its benefits and your economic situation that is fine, but saying $10,000 is insignificant means you either have a trust fund, or you really don't understand how money works. (that's good for the credit card companies as long as you don't eventually go bankrupt, bad for you if you ever want to not to live paycheck to paycheck no matter how much you make)
No wonder we have a stinking fascist for president (look it up) when we have this kind of critical thinking going on.
We pick and choose what extra costs we're willing to live with. For a lot of people, saving 20% on their monthly phone bill is bloody well worth it. Add-on apps and 3G speed ("Speed"? HAH!) for a telephone are neat and all, but it IS amazing how the world doesn't stop spinning and the sun still rises each day if you forego buying a phone that utilizes that particular lifestyle/marketing model. And I can imagine that a lot of folks--particularly these days--wouldn't MIND the thought of having an extra G or so lying around, even if it wasn't earning interest or buying up more AAPL common stock.
And no, I don't drink coffee.
Amen, brother! But if not for that, I'd gripe about having my service provider chosen for me too.
I wish they'd come up with something more accomodating for people in that situation (which from conversations with friends, there are a few others). Maybe even data access for the Touch. It'd seem as if they're leaving money on the table, but I'm not an exec and I don't know what the numbers look like.
The monthly plan is stopping me from getting an iPhone.
Amen! If the iPhone comes to Verizon, and they drop their plans to maybe $50 or $60, I would have a very hard time resisting the urge to buy one. As of now, though, with the prices so high and the generally sucky AT&T service here in South Florida, I'll stick with my LG Voyager.
My wife and I have both iphone 3g's and with 700 minute plan our bill is $160/month
And if you have the money for an iphone, why aren't you guys buying for the 450$?
That is not much right? How about 10 to 20 things we use everyday. From you tooth past, Shampoo, paper towel, to hair gel. etc. but lets just make it easy, let say 10 items saving at $.20 cent each that $2.00 a day that is $730.00 a year and $7,300.00 in ten years. add that to the $2,848.00 is $10,148.
OK OK save $10,000 in ten year is not much right. OK How about a family of 4. That is $40,000. I am not good with counting interest but you do the math. Now that just taking it easy. That not including hundreds of other we can save if we shop a little and compare prices. Of cause as a finance manager you want people to spend and not think of the nick and dime that adds up. Save is a practice. Yes can can't take the money with you but if you get hit by a truck and you didn't die you will need the money. How about your children. Don't you want your children of the future have a better life also can get what they want. Maybe your just a selfish person you don't care. I think much American do care.
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by driussi
June 14, 2009 11:02 PM PDT
- About 10 years ago, a wise man told me that one day, they'd be giving away hardware, and then charging you an arm and a leg to use it. At the time, I didn't fully understand what he meant.
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Showing 1 of 2 pages (39 Comments)Now I understand. Not just iPhones. Dish equipment, DVRs, etc. They'll gladly give you the hardware and then strap you for $50-$100 a month to use it.
Anyone can cough up $100 for an iPhone. It's the $900 a year you have to surrender to a third rate phone company that is the deal breaker.