Wal-Mart to Sell $99 4GB iPhone?

[Eidorian]

until walmart starts exercising fair labor practices, stops union-busting, is more friendly to the environment . . . i'll never buy this iphone, or anything from walmart. but that'll never happen. so i guess i'm out.

good from sales perspective from apple, bad for the rest of the world . . .But buying it elsewhere is fine? :confused:

[fleshman03]

But buying it elsewhere is fine? :confused:

Walmart isn't getting a cut of the money, elsewhere.

[MagicWok]

Fact 2: Apple has sold a ton of iPod Shuffles, many to people for whom the shuffle is still their only iPod.

I'll let you guys figure it out from here...

This kind of all-knowning attitude always makes me chuckle.

Please show me official figures of people buying a Shuffle and having that as their only iPod/MP3 player. THEN you can call it a "fact".

I'd wager that the kind of people who have only a shuffle are young children who buy it out of pocket money or have it given to them for christmas. As my two cousins have. But then again, I wouldn't call this a fact. :rolleyes:


I do agree, if they do re-introduce a 4GB version - which I think is a ridiculous idea, then it should at least be free on the binding contract you'd have to take out. And/or a lower tariff to boot.

[twoodcc]

wow. though i'd rather see the 8GB version for $99 though, but i'd like to see the 4GB one also.

[smooth]

I think you are the exception...

The trend I see is: the user of content wants it all available, on demand: wherever, whenever.

Content includes business data, location of nearby (whatever), music/video, comparative prices, restaurant menus, stock quotes, driving directions, mom's recipe for crawfish etouffe, or access to that old photo in my collection at home.

The current pipelines for this are Cable/DSL, WiFi and cell radio access to the Internet.

I've said this in a few other posts:

When I leave the house, I take my wallet, keys and iPhone.

In the near future, I hope to reduce this to the iPhone only!

Dick

I am sure I am in a small minority. I know plenty of people who have cell phones who use it to talk to people, that's it, and they have no interest in an iPhone. But it would be nice to be able to decline the data service - even if it meant no free wi-fi. But if I do get one, I am sure I would use the internet

[rockosmodurnlif]

It occurs to me that the cost of this phone is the same as my monthly bill. Everyday low prices indeed.

[kirktalon]

What kind of human stampede would this create?

[fleshman03]

wow. though i'd rather see the 8GB version for $99 though, but i'd like to see the 4GB one also.

Do we have a reason to think it'll be 4gb? Other than a lower price and some website says so.

[sockdoggy]

wow. though i'd rather see the 8GB version for $99 though, but i'd like to see the 4GB one also.

Ok... I'd rather have it free, no I'd rather they pay me for it... no logic here.

I can't believe how many people are bashing this concept.

Like some people have already pointed out, how many MP3 playesrs (512MB to 2GB) have been sold world-wide?

I read one post that says, once it fills up with their music they'll regret their purchase.... ummm the idea is that it doesn't get filled up because every time you connect it to your computer (I do this almost daily) a random playlist is synced. In fact, because I connect every day, I don't ever see myself needing a higher storage iPhone. Maybe when the apps get larger and larger, but those can be synced as well.

The price point is ridiculously attractive and I know tons of people who'd buy it for $100.

(And if you're traveling and claim you're tired of listening to the same music, why not take the white headphones off and be social! There is a world full of great people out there!!)

[SmileyDude]

web-less [/I]part) and I'll still be on Alltel, not AT&T (which, after all, is the point of the iPhone, right?).

I've pretty much tried all of the other touchscreen phones that are out or will soon be out -- and I can pretty much tell you good luck on finding another phone on eBay that duplicates the "iPhone experience". Nobody has figured out touch interfaces on phones like Apple has -- nobody.

And I would also argue that the web part of the iPhone experience is a big piece. It's not just browsing the web -- it's email, 3rd party apps/appstore and much much more. If you are fine without that, then more power to you. But to say that you can get an iPhone experience without the web is pretty short sighted.

[ZiggyPastorius]

Agreed(ish). I'm sick and tired of Apple using RAM as a delineating factor in the massive price differences between models. iPod Touchs (or Touches?) and iPhones are both very different in price just because of a few Gbs of RAM.

I'm sorry, but 8Gb of RAM to take you to from 8 to 16Gb does not cost $100, even with a reasonable mark-up. And if it did, Apple should go ahead, balls out, and charge $399 for a 32Gb. Actually, that's kind of what they do with the iPod Touch: 8/16/32 are $229/$299/$399 respectively.

These things should be priced $99/$139/$199 for the 8/16/32Gb respectively. They would probably sell about 10%/40%/50% (figures plucked out of the air/my a$$) and do very well on it thank you very much.

Really? I don't know what you're talking about about RAM, but considering the iPhone costs $160-180 per unit to make, I don't think they'd do very well.

[nickXedge]

I've heard Family Dollar is going to sell a 1GB version.

I heard it was 256mb with a monochrome screen.

[ChrisA]

I think you are the exception...

The trend I see is: the user of content wants it all available, on demand: wherever, whenever.

Content includes business data, location of nearby (whatever), music/video, comparative prices, restaurant menus, stock quotes, driving directions, mom's recipe for crawfish etouffe, or access to that old photo in my collection at home.

The current pipelines for this are Cable/DSL, WiFi and cell radio access to the Internet.

I've said this in a few other posts:

When I leave the house, I take my wallet, keys and iPhone.

In the near future, I hope to reduce this to the iPhone only!

Dick

Good near future goal.


In the farther future I'd like:

We'd only have to get the price down by another $99 to get to zero. As soon as they cost zero why bother selling them. Apple could distribute them in buckets placed outdoors as you wak into the mall. Just stop and pick up one or more it you want a phone. I'm serious the long term trendline for the price of hardware is headed to zero. If you think I'm nuts remember when digital watches and calculators were brand new novelties and cost $600 for a basic function device. These can now behad for nothing inside cereal boxes.

Why own or even keep your own phone? Just punch in your PIN to any phone you pickup from those buckets and the phone is yours until you clear the PIN andtoss it back in a bucket.

Same for notebook computers. Would you carry one if your desktop and files were available on any "public terminal" and these terminal were always available at any office, library, school or where ever. Not free, you pay for the high speed data communications with a yearly contract.

With a fast enough network there is absolutly no need for perminent storage inside the phone. All you need is a kind of cache to hold a working memory. With no memory you really can pick a phone out of a public bucket of phones, us it for a few days then toss it back in the bucket.

the thing is that we are already very close to this model. Already we are paying $1000 a year for the service and $99 for the phone. I'm sure Apple hardly even cares about the $99 they get. Why NOT drop it to zero and sell twice as may $1000/year contracts?

I really do think the cost of hardware is heading to "near zero"

[dagamer34]

I find it hard to believe that 4GB of Flash is worth $99, especially when you get 8GB more from a 16GB iPhone for the same amount when spending $299 instead of $199.

[Eidorian]

I heard it was 256mb with a monochrome screen.iPhone with a color screen? PFFFF

[fleshman03]

I find it hard to believe that 4GB of Flash is worth $99, especially when you get 8GB more from a 16GB iPhone for the same amount when spending $299 instead of $199.

Don't forget that Apple isn't buying one or two sticks either. We're talking about a hundred thousand or two.

[pacohaas]

I find it hard to believe that 4GB of Flash is worth $99, especially when you get 8GB more from a 16GB iPhone for the same amount when spending $299 instead of $199.

see: hard drive prices. as density increases, cost/GB increases. That $99 4GB is not just for the flash, there's a phone in there too.

[psingh01]

I love walmart. I get what I need and it's cheap. So they get their crap from China, Apple builds its stuff in China too lol

Imagine the savings on shipping. Instead of going from China to Apple to Walmart. iPhone's go straight from China to Walmart.

[bruinsrme]

Fortunately I slipped by the Apple Elitist police when I got my iPhone, whew.

product dilution?

Unlike other phones the iPhone is far more advanced than say the razr. To me the razr was the typical cell phone simply in a slightly different form factor.

Yeah I think an income verification and the review of the previous years tax filing should be a requirement. Heaven forbid THOSE people that shop THAT store should be allowed to have an iPhone.

Heck isn't enough we let them have a cell phone in the first place.

By the way we make far more than 70k and still shop at Walmart.
Why in the world would I want to pay $3 at another store when I can get the EXACT same thing at Walmart for $1.75?
How do you expect me to pay for my monthly cell phone bill.

[TMar]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 2_2 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/525.18.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.1.1 Mobile/5G77 Safari/525.20)

I agree with previous posters that a 4 GB iphone is too small to get an apple experience. A few apps , music and 1 movie is pretty much all that will fit. It's possible with some juggling but not ideal.

Let's see I have 913 song my phone, 11 videos (mostly music videos) 155 Photos and more apps then I care to count (7 1/2 pages are full) and i still have 8.1Gb's left. I could add the thousands of more songs I have, but I don't even listen to all the one's on there now, so what's the point? Most of the apps on there I hardly ever use. My wife has been wanting to get an iPhone when her contract if up and a 4gb would fit her perfectly. Hell I think I could have gotten away with the 8 (even though I wouldn't have) instead of paying $500+ for the one I have.

[JGowan]

4GB?

Come on...it isn't worth it! Especially with rumours of 32GB and 64GB. 4GB should be free if you are tied to a contract too..WHAT? You have to be joking! Not worth it!? Very much worth it. The 4GB phone retailed for $499 a mere 18 months ago and you want it to be FREE now!? Give me a single FREEBIE phone that even gets close to what a 4GB iPhone 3G and I'll eat dog turds.

I am constantly amazed at the "I deserve it -- Just give it to me" mentality that's running amuck these days.

If this is true, it's still the same phone as you'd get for $200, but simply half the storage. One could probably put on a 700MB movie, 1000 songs (at least), 500 photos and lots of apps. I'm basing this on what I've got on my 16GB iPhone. That's more than enough stuff to justify a mere hundred dollars. Plus it's arguably the best phone in the world.

[monster620ie]

i don't make much money but I refuse to step foot at Wal-mart. It is an awful company that has damaged this country Tremendously directly and indirectly. I will do my part and have been doing for many many years by not shopping there and hope jobs stay here.

[JGowan]

I think it would be weird to go back to the 4GB iPhone. The reason why they dropped it in the first place is because it wasn't selling.First -- Love your avatar. Second, Apple only didn't sell them because of CHOICE + it cost $500. Most people spent the extra C-note because the 8GB was right there and only was a little more. If this is true and W*M starts selling it, it will be the ONLY choice in the store. Plus it's a fraction of it's original high price + much more evolved (iTunes Store/App Store+10,000 apps/3G/GPS) -- it will sell.

[milatchi]

I've heard Family Dollar is going to sell a 1GB version.
I love Family Dollar, LOL.
I miss *Zayre.

[legaleye3000]

I wonder if this would work for upgrades? At least have a discounted price for upgrades like $150, etc..?

[dicklacara]

Good near future goal.


In the farther future I'd like:

We'd only have to get the price down by another $99 to get to zero. As soon as they cost zero why bother selling them. Apple could distribute them in buckets placed outdoors as you wak into the mall. Just stop and pick up one or more it you want a phone. I'm serious the long term trendline for the price of hardware is headed to zero. If you think I'm nuts remember when digital watches and calculators were brand new novelties and cost $600 for a basic function device. These can now behad for nothing inside cereal boxes.

Why own or even keep your own phone? Just punch in your PIN to any phone you pickup from those buckets and the phone is yours until you clear the PIN andtoss it back in a bucket.

Same for notebook computers. Would you carry one if your desktop and files were available on any "public terminal" and these terminal were always available at any office, library, school or where ever. Not free, you pay for the high speed data communications with a yearly contract.

With a fast enough network there is absolutly no need for perminent storage inside the phone. All you need is a kind of cache to hold a working memory. With no memory you really can pick a phone out of a public bucket of phones, us it for a few days then toss it back in the bucket.

the thing is that we are already very close to this model. Already we are paying $1000 a year for the service and $99 for the phone. I'm sure Apple hardly even cares about the $99 they get. Why NOT drop it to zero and sell twice as may $1000/year contracts?

I really do think the cost of hardware is heading to "near zero"


Mmmm.... interesting take!

But, I am sure that Apple wants to get $ for their hardware/software investment in the iPhone: whether subsidized (all or in part) by the providers of the pipeline or the content.

I think there will be other solutions for low-cost, high-bandwidth pipeline than what we have today... so I'm not sure that the pipeline is where the profits are.

Now, convenience, content and delivery-- that's another thing!

Many apps in the app store are free because they provide access to content or services that offer profit potential to the provider.

From this perspective, the iPhone, computer or kiosk is the enabler. Its cost could be subsidized by the providers of the content and services.

[pdpardue]

personally I'd love to buy a 4gb iphone for 99 dollars. I've already got an ipod so probably wouldn't keep much music on the phone in the first place though there are a bunch of apps I could use.

But, the reason that I haven't boughten an iphone to date is not because of the purchase price, but rather the upkeep costs. My current cell phone has unlimited text, unlimited local and long distance, and unlimited data with which I can tether. The cavet is that it is a MetroPCS which means I only have service in pocket cities, of course since I hardly ever end up anywhere that isn't covered it's not an issue.

What is an issue is that for me to retain the unlimited calls and text and data (but drop the tethering) I'd go from about 55 a month to about 120 a month last I checked. Which if I'm not mistake is MORE than the purchase price of the phone every month.

[dicklacara]

F

...Yeah I think an income verification and the review of the previous years tax filing should be a requirement. Heaven forbid THOSE people that shop THAT store should be allowed to have an iPhone...


Maybe they should combine the activation process with voter registration:eek:

[charlituna]

I think it would be weird to go back to the 4GB iPhone. The reason why they dropped it in the first place is because it wasn't selling.


it is very rare for Apple to step back on products, but it's not impossible. take the shape of the nano. they dropped the square and went back to something a kin to the previous model. although they did double the storage so it wasn't a complete reversal.

that said, I don't see them creating a 4gb just for walmart. and there's still the issue of the pricing plans. ATT ain't gonna cut prices since they claim they need that extra $10 to pay for more 3g coverage etc.

[charlituna]

I've heard Family Dollar is going to sell a 1GB version.

ah yes, the new iPhone Shuffle. you click the button and it randomly calls someone in your address book. Only you don't know who until they answer, cause there's no screen to read.

[hiptobesquare]

Uhhhhh... I don't see Wal-Mart customers being able to afford a (US)$90+ a month cell phone bill. I'm not being mean, I'm just telling the truth.

Sure...

because getting basic supplies at the local stores is completely linked to premium products...

I have an iPhone. I pay my bills, and I have gotten myself OUT of debt.

But I do shop at Walmart. maybe not for cell phones and TVs and such, but they sell a lot more than that. Like paper towels, extension cords, light sporting and automotive goods, basic hardware supplies, things like that...

Why shouldn't I? They are a business that sells things like that, and they tend to have decent, if non-specialist inventory, and decent prices.

The snob factor beyond the bounds of realistic evaluation is a bit higher than usual in this thread.

If a lot of you want to buy expensive perfumed lavatory tissue at huge markups from boutique stores, that is your prerogative... but since when is it so 'icky' to buy general household supplies at Walmart?

Would you rather I dump my used motor oil on the ground? Walmart was the only place that had good economical used oil jugs in stock, that I needed to get, to be able to transport my used motor oil to the recycling location. Nobody else had anything appropriate for that use at less than double Walmart's price.

There is nothing wrong with iPhone being more available to more people. Some people don't want to order things from websites and wait for shipping, and try to activate a cell phone plan on their own. Some people want an iPhone in leu of their current phone, but a high price for the phone up front, with an expensive contract, when others are free with similar contracts, might be a hard pill to justify putting up from a just comparative standpoint.

I think it would be smarter to drop the price on the 8GB, and upgrade the AT&T store, and AppleStore versions to 16-32GB versions, at current higher price points. Taking one step backward to 4GB might save a little cash, but NAND flash prices are going down, so it might not even be necessary.

The After Christmas deal may be to coincide with MacWorld iPhone spec bump, and price point adjustment. MW isn't too long after christmas. Otherwise, I would think Walmart would want these on the shelves YESTERDAY for holiday sales.

More iPhones on the market means better market support. Cheaper products in higher numbers with better economies of scale, and more app software development for a wider audience. Perhaps lower prices on Apps, too.

Apple is not Bentley or Rolls. Limiting themselves needlessly may create an impression, but not limiting themselves needlessly will make them money, and help the company.

Now, if they would realize the same thing about computers, and start offering more for more people, we'll really be talking. Bring on the headless dual-monitor-capable small desktop, and HTPC capable machine!!!

[BlizzardBomb]

So combined with the 32 GB rumors, this means selling 4 GB, 8 GB, 16 GB and 32 GB models? That's just too many in my mind.

I think 8 GB at $99/ £70 would be a sweet spot, it's just enough to store a fairly decent music library, a couple of videos and some apps. I know many people still have libraries just a couple of GBs big (it's why iPod shuffles and nanos sell), but flash memory costs so little nowadays, it would be silly not to.

Besides if Apple wants to aggressively price, then a $99 4 GB model means the 8 GB would have to remain at its current price for even longer as there's no breathing room, definitely not aggressive.

[charlituna]

And that's beside the fact that there has NEVER been a 32GB iPod, yet.

uh, yeah. there is 32gb ipod touch. released with the new nanos and the resized classic

[contractcooker]

We complain because it [manufacturers claiming that 1MB=1000KB] is w.r.o.n.g.

Just because an injustice is pervasive, doesn't mean it's not an injustice.

My point is that it's so pervasive that it's not even wrong anymore. Everyone should be aware of this by now. The only thing that would change if hard drive manufacturers started to implement correct measurements is that prices for hard drives would go up proportionally to the increase in storage. I'm just saying it's a good thing that they all do it the same way. This prevents confiusion.

[madmaxmedia]

I don't like Walmart, but I like the idea of a $99 4GB iPhone. The economic climate is right for this product introduction.

I would get one, but am still too cheap to pay for a data plan. :p

[pika2000]

Maybe Apple still have plenty of the 4GB memory for the supposedly 4GB 4G nano, and this is just a way to get rid of inventory? :D Considering the yearly refresh coming soon in 2009, maybe this will end up being the 8GB getting the price slash.
Even at $99, it's still a locked phone. I can't fathom why people want to pay for a locked phone. I mean think about it, after 2 years, you don't get any reduction in your monthly bill, considering you already "fullfill" the "full price" of the phone. If Apple want to lock me on AT&T, give the iPhone for free. If not, sell it unlocked.

[charlituna]

Yes they are. This will make me sound like a total pansy but I actually have a physical reaction to being in a wal-mart. I start feeling kinda queasy. It also makes me feel completely guilty for supporting a soul-less mega-corp that does things like build over ancient ruins (in mexico I believe).

add to that Walmarts record for openly opposing the unionizing of their employees despite the illegality of that opposition.

[charlituna]

I'm surprised that people are still complaining about this. Since the dawn of time (ok maybe more like for the past 50 years) evil greedy companies have advertised hard drive space as 1000KB=1MB even though it's 1024.

that's not the issue. it's that labeling it as a 8gb phone implies that I can pull 8gb of my stuff on it. when it fact almost a full gig is taken up by the OS and (as I recall reading) space set aside for sms messaging and other phone data

it's up there with the whole 'twice as fast' ads that don't blantantly say 'provided you in an area with perfect 3g coverage, which almost no one is'

[charlituna]

But you should - they are no better, and in some cases - WORSE than Walmart. Did you hear the news story that Walmart is now imposing strick requirements on its Chinese vendors - in many cases, great than those placed on them by other countries and in some instances even greater than those here in the United States? That just came down the line - they are requiring a living wage, better working conditions for employees and a minimum age for work and a safety oversight. Not only that - they are requiring MINIMUM environmental damage and use of less toxic and potentially harmful chemicals. To my knowledge they are the ONLY major company to REQUIRE these concessions in order to maintain there relationship with Walmart.

Could it have happened earlier? Yes - but Walmart is now in a better position to make these demands.


oh please. a responsible company would have made such demands from the start. not after tons of bad press etc.

a responsible company would have demanded that every store have adequate security measures in place on a huge shopping day like Black Friday and not have a temp employee killed by a mishandled (in this case unhandled) mob that anyone looking outside could see was forming hours before the trouble happened.

[DubbleDuecer]

Uhhhhh... I don't see Wal-Mart customers being able to afford a (US)$90+ a month cell phone bill. I'm not being mean, I'm just telling the truth.

WOW are you dense? I shop at walmart. Im typing this on my Mac Pro while i watch wall-e in bluray on my 50 inch pioneer elite plasma, my GlassBook Pro is charging otherwise id be on my leather couch typing this. I drive to Walmart in my 08 Infinity g37 all the time. I sure hope they lower the att monthly plan because no way in hell can i afford a 90$ a month phone bill being a walmart shopper.

[contractcooker]

I would like to clarify my statement about feeling physically ill inside walmarts. I obviously shop there from time to time so I'm not judging people who do. I dislike the company and the way they operate. I don't like the mentality that bigger is always better and I wish there were a different way to save money. Because of it's large size wal-mart offers certain advantages that other stores can't match. I'm sorry that you mistook my comments as elitist. I admit that I feel superior to other people but that is because of my striking good looks and off-the-charts IQ. :D

WOW, the elitist menatlity and psychological manifestations thereof on this thread are eye-opening. Physical sickness when entering a store? If the answer is yes, then you, my friend, have a problem differentiating market forces from reality.

Walmart shoppers are people just like Target, Macy's, Kroger and Bloomingdale's shoppers. To assume that your physical make-up does not permit your entrance into one or the other is judgmental and rude. If you were born in the same skin as the person who shops at the other place, and walked the same path as the person who shopped in the other place you would be the one shopping in the other place.

Walmart is no worse than Target, but, if so, only by a fraction of a degree. Both are guilty of sending manufacturing jobs to Taiwan or Bangladesh. But only because the US consumer demands the low price. The US company owners selling their foreign-made wares to US companies demand a big profit, the US worker demands a higher wage, the US consumer demands a low price.

You are in the circle, I am in the circle, and they are in the circle. None of us can escape the circle by avoiding ONE store or TWO stores today, nor tomorrow. We can only change the circle in very small ways, but we can change the circle by changing our habits, demands, and perceptions.

Please, friends, stop judging others who make different choices than you. If you can do so you might feel less illness in your head and in your stomach.

[kdarling]

... Already we are paying $1000 a year for the service and $99 for the phone. I'm sure Apple hardly even cares about the $99 they get. Why NOT drop it to zero and sell twice as may $1000/year contracts?

Apple isn't getting just $100. They're getting that plus $250-$350 in upfront subsidy from ATT.

Nowadays, Apple could care less how many contracts ATT sells. They no longer get a piece of that action.

[organerito]

I've heard Family Dollar is going to sell a 1GB version.

Dollarama will also sell a 128MB version.:)

[Andronicus]

But I don't feel like I need to take a shower everytime I leave a Starbucks.

**** Starbucks

[mozadek]

Reading the responses from the elitist fan boys are entertaining. There was one time the iPhone was exclusive, that was the first week the iPhone was released and quickly sold out. Those people would show off their iphone, getting the attention they want and when Apple lowered the price of the iphone those same people whined and cried, that's what you get when you are one of the first people who buy a new product, price drops are to be expected. If this story is true, selling iphones at wal mart wont diminish the brand. My contract with T Mobile ran out last month and now I will just wait and see if this rumor is true and if it is I will buy an iphone so I can be cool like everyone else. I wonder if the people who are whining and crying of this rumor are the same ones who whined and cried when Apple lowered the price of the iphone.
:apple:

[min_t]

I'll buy a 4gig 3g if they let me keep my current monthly rate 0f $70, including the 200 free text

[basesloaded190]

WOW are you dense? I shop at walmart. Im typing this on my Mac Pro while i watch wall-e in bluray on my 50 inch pioneer elite plasma, my GlassBook Pro is charging otherwise id be on my leather couch typing this. I drive to Walmart in my 08 Infinity g37 all the time. I sure hope they lower the att monthly plan because no way in hell can i afford a 90$ a month phone bill being a walmart shopper.

wow! are you a pretentious ass? you could have made your point with out going through all the luxuries you currently posses.

[charlituna]

)

Early upgrades for original iPhone and AT&T customers apply too. AT&T is allowing one early upgrade per account per year. Just have to be forceful about it because at first they'll say 'No.' Be persistent and you'll get it.

you are either lying or confused about how the game works.

I deal with the iphone on a daily basis and have for weeks but feel free to ask ATT if you doubt this information.

the game goes like this
if you are a new ATT wireless customer you will receive the subsidized price.
if you are a current ATT customer with an original 2007 release iphone on your line and your account is in good standing (not past due etc) you will receive the subsidized price.
if you are a current ATT customer with another phone with a contract that is eligible for upgrade (which typically means it's been at least 20 months since your last upgrade but that varies a little by the phone in use) and your account is in good standing, you will get the subsidized price

HOWEVER
if you are a current ATT customer with a 3g iphone on your account, you won't get another subsidized phone until you finish your contract
if you are a current ATT customer with a non iphone but the contract is not completed, you won't get the subsidized price.
if your account is not in good standing, you won't get the subsidized price. although you can pony up the missing cash and pay off your account (anywhere but an ATT store and you will have to call in with a credit card) and about an hour later your account should reflect your updated standing.

[contractcooker]

Obviously, things have changed a bit since the 80s lol. This is where im torn with this. On one hand its good and all, I mean i shop at Walmart every now and then (as im sure a lot of us do), I have an iPhone and it would make the iPhone available to more people. But then its like "Apple iPhone? Apple's prestigious smart phone that was $600 not too long ago is now $100 at Walmart?" It is definitely the first step of the way of the Razr, and while thats all well and good for Apple, selling more iPhones, it will deter people who bought iPhones and Apple products for that matter, for a little exclusivity. And i know the two Walmarts in my area have frequent stabbings in the parking lots, which, last time i checked, was not exactly Apple's target demographic

LOL. I'm loving this class warfare ****. :) Ok Bernie you are being a little bit elitist here. However you do make a valid point. The RAZR SUCKS now. When I bought my first RAZR just when they came out it worked well and was an attention grabber. A year or so later when I dropped my RAZR into a lake I got a replacement.... and then another.. and another and another and another.... In total 6 replacements in less than a month none of which worked. I believe that after motorola dropped the price the Quality of the RAZR went down the tubes. Either that or I was really lucky with my first phone OR really unlucky with all the replacements. If apple sells the iphone for less money I'm fine with that so long as the quality doesn't suffer.

Now, everyone can jump on me for this but I'm just being honest. I like having neat gadgets. I don't define myself by them but as a geek it's fun to have something COOL that no one else does. The two ways of doing this are to buy something expensive or make something unique yourself. Yes it's a little bit shallow of me but I like being superficial every once in a while. I don't think there's anything wrong with enjoying exclusivity so long as you are not judging people who are without negatively. If you are then you are just a sad human being. There now my little disclaimer is out of the way on with the rest of my responses...

Thank you for being another self-parody of Apple fans. "OMG, it's too cheap, now too many people can afford, which means I won't feel better than everyone else!"

Are you freaking kidding me? It's not like the homeless will be buying them.

[Post written on a Mac Mini while listening to an 80 GB iPod]

I agree that it's silly to be upset when a product has a price reduction. Particularly with tech products prices drop constantly. It's kind of disheartening to buy anything technology wise because 2 days later it's half price.

Lol, your welcome. I dont have a problem with it but i know some people who buy Apple products will. And look at the razr now, who has them? I know i dont want the iPhone to go down that path

Yeah the RAZR does suck now. Please note I'm not saying that people who use RAZRs suck I'm saying the phone is no good any more. And it was when it first came out.

Why not? Why do you care who owns an iPhone? If you like it, buy it and be happy with it. If not, then don't. Other people purchasing the iPhone has no effect on your experience. If you see a stinking cell phone as part of your identity, I'm not sure what to tell you.

It's not that we care who owns the phone but when something becomes so incredibly popular that everyone has one there is a large chance that quality of the product and its support will decrease

[brasknucs]

has anyone even addressed the fact that this is a RUMOR!?

also, who really cares about where the iPhone gets sold? if the only place i could get an iPhone was the local unemployment office, i'd be there on launch day with food stamps in hand! i love apple. plain and simple. in a perfect world for me, everyone has an iphone and a macbook.

give me a break... since when do we become better than anyone else for using an iPhone? (smarter... maybe. better... come on!):apple:

[gkarris]

I don't like Walmart, but I like the idea of a $99 4GB iPhone. The economic climate is right for this product introduction.

I would get one, but am still too cheap to pay for a data plan. :p

Now that would be great. If, since the economy is going down the tubes, AT&T allows you after Dec. 28 to get a voice only plan with the iPhone. I think there's enough WiFi places around where you can get away with no data.

Yes, GPS won't work, but then if you can start buying apps where the GPS maps are already on the unit... :eek:

When I first got my iPhone, I used only voice. The actual time I more or less have to use the phone's internet are places where there is WiFi.

I only have the data plan now because I'm on the old T-Mobile T-Zones plan for $6/month...

I would seriously think about switching to AT&T for a $99 iPhone, voice only, and get a GPS Navigation app for around $30 for GPS navigation.

[bntz313]

I would for sure buy an iPhone if it was $99, I'm a college student and don't even own a phone, nor do I have alot of money. The same goes for most of my friends if they did make/sell on for $99 I would get one right away.

Who really listens to 16gb of music anyways, most people will listen to the couple of songs that their feeling at the time anyway so how come you can't just swap out the songs. I have a 1gb iPod shuffle and I never fill it up with music I wont listen to just to have it on there.

Not saying that people don't.

[charlituna]

Apple routinely makes retailers aware of product launches on the day they publicly announce them....even to their own Apple retail stores.


no joke. Apple store employees find out what's going on the same time and day that Jobs releases it to the public. Back in September my local store was watching streaming feed of the announcement right on the big Apple TV demo TV set because it was the only way they would know what was up when some customer walked in 20 minutes later to ask a question.

and when the first phone came out, they closed the store at noon to redress the store and train the employees. that's right, they hadn't seen a phone before then. there were guards on the loading dock when the phones arrived etc.

[mozadek]

has anyone even addressed the fact that this is a RUMOR!?

also, who really cares about where the iPhone gets sold? if the only place i could get an iPhone was the local unemployment office, i'd be there on launch day with food stamps in hand! i love apple. plain and simple. in a perfect world for me, everyone has an iphone and a macbook.

give me a break... since when do we become better than anyone else for using an iPhone? (smarter... maybe. better... come on!):apple:

Yeah, we know it is a rumor, and by reading the responses, a lot of people care that the iPhone will be sold at a low price and at Wal Mart of all places. The Mac elites are mad that there will be more people buying an iPhone at a low price so with more iPhone users out there they will no longer feel that they are cooler than those without an iPhone. I am hoping that this rumor comes true.

[contractcooker]

I think a lot of people here are missing the fact that the 4gb iPhone is still a decent device. My wife has been using one for almost a year now and she still hasn't filled it up. If/when a 32gb model comes out, I will be upgrading and passing my 8gb model to her -- I'm pretty much assuming that she'll never end up filling up that space.

No one is saying that the 4GB model wasn't a good device. It was... but times change quickly for technology and now 4GB is much smaller than it used to be.

[contractcooker]

I'm shocked there are people in the world that get sad about low prices. Someone else's quality of life was raised just a tiny bit -- a new luxury is now within their grasp -- and all they can think about is that someone else's raised quality of life makes them feel a bit less special. They're concerned the new clientele may be "beneath" them. Anyone whose mind works this way openly has my contempt.

I don't have contempt for them. I feel pity towards them. Imagine how angry you would be all the time and how empty life would be operating on that basis. I feel sorry for people who need to have more things to feel better about themselves. Disclaimer... I am a hypocrite who loves flaunting his iPhone in public :)

[contractcooker]

This is very true. Not everyone wants to access the web for browsing at all. Especially if the browser can't read flash or access certain parts of the web.

For me, I just don't like paying a premium for sub-par web access speeds on AT&T's network, and I will never own a phone that when dropped shatters like glass... and there is no insurance option given by the company that makes it, or the cell company.

You clearly have never used an iPhone. I've dropped mine multiple times onto concrete without even a scratch. Every time it happens my stomach goes into knots but it's a really tough phone that's built to last.

AND... I don't know of any company that covers damage due to user error or negligence. Most only cover defects. I bricked my first generation iphone multiple times while messing around with unlocking software and the like.... each time I just played dumb and apple gave me a new phone. Complaining about apple support is like ..... welll it's just stupid :)

[Lesser Evets]

While I doubt this because of the precedent it would create...

I see no reason why it wouldn't be feasible.

Walmart as a lone retailer for an inexpensive iPhone is like having a 900lb. gorilla in the room with an iPhone sandwich board. I could see as a business opportunity having Walmart conjoin with Apple for a specific, low end, product. Instant ka-ching!

The 4GB iPhone is awesome. Wish I had one. Bet a lot of people do. So there are giant sized products out there for $500? So what. Most people probably never will use all 4GB unless they cling to masses of video. 3 GB of audio is practically endless, and if you work it with iTunes it's all you ever need.

[csmitty]

I'm surprised that people are still complaining about this. Since the dawn of time (ok maybe more like for the past 50 years) evil greedy companies have advertised hard drive space as 1000KB=1MB even though it's 1024. Yes, it's a pain but at least we can be thankful that every company uses this method so we're all getting screwed equally :rolleyes:

This is true, but thats not really the issue. Its that the OS takes up soooo much room. I had an 8gb touch and it had 7.3 or 7.4 avaliable, I think 7.3x. Granted thats not much to worry about yes I knew I wouldn't have 8GB to play with, but I didnt think id lose almost a whole GB. Again not that it matters since I only have about 3.5 on my phone anyways. I usually only load with music i'm listening to at the time so as not to have to click next all the time.

I don't see a need to carry around my whole collection, I was fine with the 8gb touch, so the 8gb phone was fine with me, I probably would have been ok with 4. I watched one movie on a plane with my touch and thats all I needed. You can only watch about 1.5 movies before the battery dies anyways. And on the iphone vs the touch, your out of touch so to speak :D

Now lowering the price for the 8GB I would grumble about, but oh well it happens. Just glad I sold my touch before the prices dropped :D

Though with the App Store a 4GB isn't feasible at all, I have 4.5 pages of apps. And I consider myself to be very very moderate in what I put on, no useless apps (ok, i do have phone saber, sorry) but I can bet some people could go nuts and download everything thats free and would be way more than 4GB, but if thats the case no phone would probably be enough.

[DubbleDuecer]

wow! are you a pretentious ass? you could have made your point with out going through all the luxuries you currently posses.

i dont have the car, the tv is a panasonic and the couch was free cause it has some rips. just making a point

[funnyent]

its fake! look at the walmart logo! Its not the real one...

[milani]

You're serious, right? Who has only 4gb of music? I don't know many college students who fall in that range. Maybe High School students? Plenty of us shop at Walmart too. (As much as we hate it.)

Now add a movie or two and 3.5gb is nowhere near enough storage. I had a hard enough time going from a 32 gb iPod to a 16gb touch. When I bought the iPod, I didn't think I'd ever touch 15gb, let alone 32. I now have over 60 gb of movies...

This iPhone (if it is true) will be marketed to people who don't care about or need high storage capacity, and it will probably sell quite well.

Oh and for all the morons who persist in saying the Walmart logo is fake:

http://media.myfoxphilly.com/slideshows/walmart/1/imgLg/walmart%202.jpg

And yes, I agree with the digression that Walmart is a monstrosity. That's why I don't shop there.

[contractcooker]

Really? I don't know what you're talking about about RAM, but considering the iPhone costs $160-180 per unit to make, I don't think they'd do very well.

Those figures are old... I think it's safe to assume that the manufacturing costs have decreased dramatically as production ramped up. I am certain that they would make money on a $99 iphone.

[contractcooker]

I heard it was 256mb with a monochrome screen.

To be honest that would be AWESOME>>>> who wouldn't want a retro iphone?

[contractcooker]

see: hard drive prices. as density increases, cost/GB increases. That $99 4GB is not just for the flash, there's a phone in there too.

Are you nuts??? As density increases cost/GB DECREASES. If it were the other way around no one would be able to afford anything

[contractcooker]

Just FYI its running amok... not amuck... although that is very funny.

And 1000 songs???? they would sound like ASS being as they would have to be compressed like crazy to fit them onto a space that small with all the other things you listed

EDIT: I'll be damned I just looked up amok and apparently amuck and amuk are acceptable alternatives..... but I still think amok is better
WHAT? You have to be joking! Not worth it!? Very much worth it. The 4GB phone retailed for $499 a mere 18 months ago and you want it to be FREE now!? Give me a single FREEBIE phone that even gets close to what a 4GB iPhone 3G and I'll eat dog turds.

I am constantly amazed at the "I deserve it -- Just give it to me" mentality that's running amuck these days.

If this is true, it's still the same phone as you'd get for $200, but simply half the storage. One could probably put on a 700MB movie, 1000 songs (at least), 500 photos and lots of apps. I'm basing this on what I've got on my 16GB iPhone. That's more than enough stuff to justify a mere hundred dollars. Plus it's arguably the best phone in the world.

[fleshman03]

Just FYI its running amok... not amuck... although that is very funny.

And 1000 songs???? they would sound like ASS being as they would have to be compressed like crazy to fit them onto a space that small with all the other things you listed

It's not the upfront costs. The original iPhone actually was cheaper in the long run. Since service fees went up with the 3g, it now actually costs a few hundred more. That is why people would want a 4gb for free.

And it sucks for those that bought it right out the gate.

Are you nuts??? As density increases cost/GB DECREASES. If it were the other way around no one would be able to afford anything

lol a 1tb drive would be like a gazillion dollars.

[MattWrenn]

Fact 1: A lot of people have replaced their iPod and Cell phone with an iPhone and were glad to do so.

Fact 2: Apple has sold a ton of iPod Shuffles, many to people for whom the shuffle is still their only iPod.

I'll let you guys figure it out from here...

I believe that "if" this is in the works the target market must be uninformed parents/grandparents wanting to buy cool yet affordable Christmas gifts. Though well meaning these 4gb iphones will not fill the bill of the average teenager's appetite for music and games.
Matt:cool:

[archurban]

who wants 4GB iphone today? I doubt it would be iphone 2G? with 4GB, you can't do nothing with iphone. it will be really phone itself. but iphone is not. cheaper people get cheaper one. don't get me wrong. but I don't really go to walmart everytime. I don't have to. here in San Francisco, a lot of cheaper grocery store or cloth stores. I'd better go to BestBuy.

[contractcooker]

The lady doth protest too much..... You seem to be so interested in justifying your conduct that you simply must feel guilty about it... and so would I. Shopping at walmart is for low-life schmucks..... get a real job...

:D

Sure...

because getting basic supplies at the local stores is completely linked to premium products...

I have an iPhone. I pay my bills, and I have gotten myself OUT of debt.

But I do shop at Walmart. maybe not for cell phones and TVs and such, but they sell a lot more than that. Like paper towels, extension cords, light sporting and automotive goods, basic hardware supplies, things like that...

Why shouldn't I? They are a business that sells things like that, and they tend to have decent, if non-specialist inventory, and decent prices.

The snob factor beyond the bounds of realistic evaluation is a bit higher than usual in this thread.

If a lot of you want to buy expensive perfumed lavatory tissue at huge markups from boutique stores, that is your prerogative... but since when is it so 'icky' to buy general household supplies at Walmart?

Would you rather I dump my used motor oil on the ground? Walmart was the only place that had good economical used oil jugs in stock, that I needed to get, to be able to transport my used motor oil to the recycling location. Nobody else had anything appropriate for that use at less than double Walmart's price.

There is nothing wrong with iPhone being more available to more people. Some people don't want to order things from websites and wait for shipping, and try to activate a cell phone plan on their own. Some people want an iPhone in leu of their current phone, but a high price for the phone up front, with an expensive contract, when others are free with similar contracts, might be a hard pill to justify putting up from a just comparative standpoint.

I think it would be smarter to drop the price on the 8GB, and upgrade the AT&T store, and AppleStore versions to 16-32GB versions, at current higher price points. Taking one step backward to 4GB might save a little cash, but NAND flash prices are going down, so it might not even be necessary.

The After Christmas deal may be to coincide with MacWorld iPhone spec bump, and price point adjustment. MW isn't too long after christmas. Otherwise, I would think Walmart would want these on the shelves YESTERDAY for holiday sales.

More iPhones on the market means better market support. Cheaper products in higher numbers with better economies of scale, and more app software development for a wider audience. Perhaps lower prices on Apps, too.

Apple is not Bentley or Rolls. Limiting themselves needlessly may create an impression, but not limiting themselves needlessly will make them money, and help the company.

Now, if they would realize the same thing about computers, and start offering more for more people, we'll really be talking. Bring on the headless dual-monitor-capable small desktop, and HTPC capable machine!!!

[contractcooker]

This is the best post in this thread.... LOL "i'd be there with foodstamps in hand".... priceless. Long live the iphone

has anyone even addressed the fact that this is a RUMOR!?

also, who really cares about where the iPhone gets sold? if the only place i could get an iPhone was the local unemployment office, i'd be there on launch day with food stamps in hand! i love apple. plain and simple. in a perfect world for me, everyone has an iphone and a macbook.

give me a break... since when do we become better than anyone else for using an iPhone? (smarter... maybe. better... come on!):apple:

[Eidorian]

who wants 4GB iphone today? I doubt it would be iphone 2G? with 4GB, you can't do nothing with iphone. it will be really phone itself. but iphone is not. cheaper people get cheaper one. don't get me wrong. but I don't really go to walmart everytime. I don't have to. here in San Francisco, a lot of cheaper grocery store or cloth stores. I'd better go to BestBuy.Maybe you could use it as a phone? :rolleyes:

[judolphin]

But what you fail to recognize is that no one in the industry refers to a NAND Flash drive as RAM if said device had an actual CPU and was considered a computer device with a real OS. Since the iPhone and iPod Touch ARE still basically a computer device, they still rely on a CPU that works with RAM for basic system memory storage which is quite different than how it deals with actual storage on the device. Now if we were talking about something like an Apple shuffle, I could see your point. But my "rant" was nothing but trying to get people (like yourself) to use the proper technology. I know you like to think of the iPod Touch and the iPhone as something else, but in fact, they ARE computer devices. Look it up.

What you are confusing is the difference between a "disc" hard drive (something with platter(s)) and something that uses a Flash NAND drive. But in the end, their purpose is still the same: to be used as storage, nothing else. The iPhone and the Touch use an ARM chip that uses RAM for processing memory.

You're correct, Tito. It's not technically RAM... it is used as storage, and is referred to as "non-volatile memory", so calling it memory or storage is correct (much to the dismay of technical grammar nazis).

[judolphin]

I don't have contempt for them. I feel pity towards them. Imagine how angry you would be all the time and how empty life would be operating on that basis. I feel sorry for people who need to have more things to feel better about themselves. Disclaimer... I am a hypocrite who loves flaunting his iPhone in public :)

:D well, I don't go around feeling contempt for those people... just when I'm exposed to them. And you rarely find people who openly think this way outside of message boards for Apple fans (because, perhaps 5-10% of Apple fanatics fall into this category, and they are the most vocal of the Apple fans). And I would never claim anything's wrong with liking and being proud of your cool toy and using it public as long as you're not too obnoxious.

[thatoneguy158]

I am friends with my Wal-Mart's manager so I know that they are going to start selling iPhones. Both the 8 GB and 16 GB models. 4 GB rumor is a wad of crap but Wal-Mart IS going start selling iPhones. Confirmed. :D

[dicklacara]

that's not the issue. it's that labeling it as a 8gb phone implies that I can pull 8gb of my stuff on it. when it fact almost a full gig is taken up by the OS and (as I recall reading) space set aside for sms messaging and other phone data

it's up there with the whole 'twice as fast' ads that don't blantantly say 'provided you in an area with perfect 3g coverage, which almost no one is'

Ahh... but you don't need to take up any space with the OS on the iPhone, Mac (or any computer, for that matter)... unless, of course, you want to use it for something other than a door stop!

Stop this silliness!

Dick

[boss1]

...Analysts have suggested (http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/10/analyst-says-ap.html) that Apple could feasibly sell the iPhone for $99. ...

This statement is correct and they could also feasibly build a laser guided breakfast bazooka that launches hot pockets into balmer's pie hole from a 500 mile range.

Maybe a bit harsh and I'm not going to wipe the $99 4G 3G iPhone rumor off the plate given that anything could happen given the state of the economic crisis, but clearly this implies that Apple would become a price leader in the smart phone market.

I'll re-emphasize... Apple would become a price leader ...


ox·y·mo·ron (ŏk'sē-môr'ŏn', -mōr'-) Pronunciation Key
n. pl. ox·y·mo·ra (-môr'ə, -mōr'ə) or ox·y·mo·rons
A rhetorical figure in which incongruous or contradictory terms are combined, as in a deafening silence and a mournful optimist.

[thatoneguy158]

This statement is correct and they could also feasibly build a laser guided breakfast bazooka that launches hot pockets into balmer's pie hole from a 500 mile range.

Maybe a bit harsh and I'm not going to wipe the $99 4G 3G iPhone rumor off the plate given that anything could happen given the state of the economic crisis, but clearly this implies that Apple would become a price leader in the smart phone market.

I'll re-emphasize... Apple would become a price leader ...


Yeah. $99 iPhone? From Apple? Not happening anytime soon. Apple doesn't sell junk. Their products will always be expensive. Dont expect this unless you want a let-down. ;)

[basesloaded190]

I am friends with my Wal-Mart's manager so I know that they are going to start selling iPhones. Both the 8 GB and 16 GB models. 4 GB rumor is a wad of crap but Wal-Mart IS going start selling iPhones. Confirmed. :D

Your right. My girlfriend's moms sister dated this guy who knew another guy who was dated this girl who's dad worked for walmart and they all said this rumor is true. Confirmed.

[dicklacara]

While I doubt this because of the precedent it would create...

I see no reason why it wouldn't be feasible.

Walmart as a lone retailer for an inexpensive iPhone is like having a 900lb. gorilla in the room with an iPhone sandwich board. I could see as a business opportunity having Walmart conjoin with Apple for a specific, low end, product. Instant ka-ching!

The 4GB iPhone is awesome. Wish I had one. Bet a lot of people do. So there are giant sized products out there for $500? So what. Most people probably never will use all 4GB unless they cling to masses of video. 3 GB of audio is practically endless, and if you work it with iTunes it's all you ever need.

Why do we assume that walmart will be the only source for the $99 iPhone?

[SFgadgetman]

Bull ****.

[Michael CM1]

I have no information from anywhere, but I'm betting Apple will unveil a 32GB iPhone at Macworld and drop the 8GB to $99. I don't see them unveiling a unit with LESS storage. When has Apple ever done that? Each iPod line has always increased its storage as far as I can remember.

Don't forget that Apple killed the 4GB model because it wasn't selling nearly as well as the 8GB.

As far as Wal-Mart or Walmart* selling it, I ain't gunna buy no stinkin' phone from them. I'll stick with my present choices of Apple, AT&T, and Best Buy. I don't have to take a shower after buying anything from those companies.

[davidgrimm]

No thanks. I don't support Wal-Mart.

Good man (or woman as the case may be)

Apple has really been associating with some sub-par companies of late. First ATT and now Walmart. What's next? Condoning waterboarding, endorsing the use of sweat shops (like Walmart), sponsoring dog and rooster fights...

Its ironic that as Apple is paying big money to advertise its products as green, its partnering with un-green companies like Walmart to peddle its phone. I guess its just a slogan...

[echoout]

Gross. No thanks. If Wal-Mart can make it work for them, then somebody somewhere is getting the short end of the stick. I love my Macs but I think Apple are really getting off-track from being a progressive company if this is true (which it very well might not be).

[Phil A.]

Yeah. $99 iPhone? From Apple? Not happening anytime soon. Apple doesn't sell junk. Their products will always be expensive. Dont expect this unless you want a let-down. ;)

Well, they're free in the UK on a £45 or £75 tariff...

I don't see them unveiling a unit with LESS storage. When has Apple ever done that? Each iPod line has always increased its storage as far as I can remember.

That depends on if you consider the last classic release to be a drop from 160GB to 120GB or an increase from 80GB to 120GB.

[dicklacara]

Ya' know...

A lot of these comments remind me of the guy who looks at the glass as being half empty, then complains when he is offered the same amount in a smaller glass!

[Beric]

Good man (or woman as the case may be)

Apple has really been associating with some sub-par companies of late. First ATT and now Walmart. What's next? Condoning waterboarding, endorsing the use of sweat shops (like Walmart), sponsoring dog and rooster fights...

Its ironic that as Apple is paying big money to advertise its products as green, its partnering with un-green companies like Walmart to peddle its phone. I guess its just a slogan...

If anything, Wal-Mart is a very green company. It helps the poor, both with jobs when they wouldn't get one anywhere else, and by providing low prices to help those who have little money. It thus helps the poor get richer. And the rich are the only ones who can afford to inconvenience themselves to help the environment.

As a capitalist, I support Wal-mart. Those who hate capitalism are free to shop elsewhere -- and pay more. Oh wait - without capitalism you can't shop at all.

[Michael CM1]

That depends on if you consider the last classic release to be a drop from 160GB to 120GB or an increase from 80GB to 120GB.

Good point, but I consider that ditching the more expensive model since the 120GB is sold at the same price as the 80GB. So there is at least a smidge of precedent, but I'm still wagering on an 8GB model at $99. A storage bump across the line at the same price point (plus a $99 model) would probably boost sales even more than the last price cut + 3G.

[emulator]

Agreed(ish). I'm sick and tired of Apple using RAM as a delineating factor in the massive price differences between models. iPod Touchs (or Touches?) and iPhones are both very different in price just because of a few Gbs of RAM.
but this is the same apple that sell desktop and laptop ram 5-6x more than the street price. the funny thing people actually buy them from apple. :eek:

[uMac]

I would buy a 4GB for $100 if it was unlocked. Wouldn't need to be G3 as I would likely rely on Wi-Fi zones (no Data or Minimum) and use it as an IPOD + Phone so I wouldn't have to carry around two devices.

[Darth.Titan]

I have no information from anywhere, but I'm betting Apple will unveil a 32GB iPhone at Macworld and drop the 8GB to $99. I don't see them unveiling a unit with LESS storage. When has Apple ever done that? Each iPod line has always increased its storage as far as I can remember.


Except for the recent disappearance of the 160GB iPod classic in favor of the 120GB model. Also the discontinuing of the iPod mini in favor of the flash based (lower capacity) Nano.

[sockdoggy]

Ya' know...

A lot of these comments remind me of the guy who looks at the glass as being half empty, then complains when he is offered the same amount in a smaller glass!

I've been a long time lurker on these forums (way before my join date even) and I must say this is one of the worst threads I've read on MR in a while.

It's great that Apple and the iPhone are doing so well, but I think we're attracting the IGN crowd here.

Still have tons of respect for Arn.

-SD

[Mitch1984]

That document looks fake the logos vertically centered alignment doesn't match. :)

[niemo810]

Looks fake to me. The Walmart logo looks cloned on to the page, as its background is a different shade of white than the rest of the page.

I think what you're seeing are compression artifacts from an over-compressed JPEG image. It looks legit to me.

And what's up with all the stereotypes regarding wal-mart shoppers? One poster generalized in saying that wal-mart shoppers have never heard of blu-ray... seriously? Another (it might have been the same person) said they feel like they have to take a shower after leaving the store... Oh the drama! Get off your high horse.

I think wal-mart selling iPhones is great for Apple, great for wal-mart, and great for consumers. Now, if only Apple could implement the most basic of features... Picture messaging, copy & paste, to-do lists, stereo bluetooth, flash, removable memory, replaceable battery, voice dialing, etc.

[iLoveMyApple]

NOOOOOO!!!!!! :mad::mad::mad: Please :apple: DO NOT SELL YOUR iPHONE AT WALMART! Why not Target? WALMART IS DISGUSTING!

[bruinsrme]

Ya' know...

A lot of these comments remind me of the guy who looks at the glass as being half empty, then complains when he is offered the same amount in a smaller glass!

That is awesome!!!!! :p

[coolbreeze]

The iPhone is the new RAZR.

[SpaceKitty]

I think this is a great thing for the iPhone. Some people still consider $199 too expensive and now a $99 model will insure that anyone can have one.

Plus, I like Wal-Mart. I do allot of Christmas shopping there. They should have arranged this to start before Christmas.

[TitoC]

You're correct, Tito. It's not technically RAM... it is used as storage, and is referred to as "non-volatile memory", so calling it memory or storage is correct (much to the dismay of technical grammar nazis).

Thank you. I appreciate it.

[Digital Skunk]

That depends on if you consider the last classic release to be a drop from 160GB to 120GB or an increase from 80GB to 120GB.

Or the switch from the iPod Mini to the Nano. They come out at 2GB and 4GB while the Mini's were 4GB and 6GB as far as I can remember.

The iPhone is the new RAZR.

This is all that really needs to be said. The phone has lost a lot of it's gloss and hype factor now that everyone owns one. I am just waiting for the CDMA version of the device, or the 4G version which will be able to be hacked into Verizon's up and coming network.

...but clearly this implies that Apple would become a price leader in the smart phone market.

The first smartphone to be sold for $99 was the Centro on Sprint's network, so no, Apple wouldn't have been first to do that. And the iPhone is no smartphone.

[bruinsrme]

The iPhone is the new RAZR.

Well the N97 will be here in 6 to 8 months.
You can be part of the new wave of storm owners.

Yeah but at least the Razr supports MMS

[WallpaperPerson]

I've heard Family Dollar is going to sell a 1GB version.
Any website?

[TuffLuffJimmy]

Any website?

It's a joke...

[modern]

I hope that this is not true. Much like Starbucks, the over saturation of any product often leads to backlash and a decline in popularity. By making Mac items 'affordable' to the point of 'cheap', only helps to apply such a word to the entire line. I also do not desire to see Mac become another Ghetto-ized item, which becomes the mainstay of an urban culture as opposed to remaining a high-end product that prides itself on NOT being typical and easily available. Apple will certainly ruin itself if it takes to quick and easy road. Walmart is good for some Mac products. However, the day that Mac Pro and MBP make their way onto the cost cutters isle. Mine will be up for sale on ebay in a heartbeat, ...believe it. The i:eek:phone has already found a place in urban youth culture. Look around.

[JohnLee]

Yeah. $99 iPhone? From Apple? Not happening anytime soon. Apple doesn't sell junk. Their products will always be expensive. Dont expect this unless you want a let-down. ;)

Don't forget that the picture looks totally fake.

[Kid Red]

You're serious, right? Who has only 4gb of music? I don't know many college students who fall in that range. Maybe High School students? Plenty of us shop at Walmart too. (As much as we hate it.)

Now add a movie or two and 3.5gb is nowhere near enough storage. I had a hard enough time going from a 32 gb iPod to a 16gb touch. When I bought the iPod, I didn't think I'd ever touch 15gb, let alone 32. I now have over 60 gb of movies...

Seriously? 1) Not everyone has 30bgb of music. 2) not all of those who do, need to have it on their iPod AND their iPhone. If they don't have an MP3 player, they won't have gigs of music most likely.

Movies? 3.5gb is a uncompressed blur ray rip. That is unnecessary on an iPhone. I'm sure iphone movies are much smaller files. Once you watch one, delete it and upload another. It's not a deal breaker. The 4gb is an entry level phone, and as such, the 4gb would be more than fine. My current phone (will upgrade to the iphone when my contract expires) has a whopping 512mb and an SD card for the real 1 gig.

There is an audience for this, as I believe the 4gb did pretty well ;)

[basesloaded190]

There is an audience for this, as I believe the 4gb did pretty well ;)

is that why they discontinued it? ;)

[JGowan]

Uh....how about St. Jobs' recent assertion that he doesn't give a wet fart about potential buyers below a certain threshold?So not true -- I think Apple wants every dollar it can get. From the 99¢ track to the little it makes on third-party books and ipod/iphone gadgets -- oh and they sell plenty of those $49 iPod Shuffles. I don't know you why you'd want to diss Jobs or to project what he feels for his customers. From everything I ever seen Apple do, they are one of the very few companies that actually tries to please their customers and to make things right when they've gone wrong.

On on hand, Apple chooses not to cater to people who want to spend less than $800 on a computer, on the other hand, a $99 Walmart phone?

I have difficulties believing that.

I don't think you have any idea idea how subsidy works.

[mackiwi]

makes sense - the current iphone is destined to become the lower priced nano-like member of a larger iphone family.

When the next gen iphone is released in 2009 (june?), the iphone pro or whatever its called, then we will have the following:

iphone: 8gig - $99, 16g - $199, 32gig - $329 (current specs + low res video)
iphone pro: 16gig - $349, 32gig - $449, 64gig - $579 (much bigger screen, 8mp camera, HD video recording & 2-way video chat)

then in 2010 the next revision will bring 4ghz/wimax tech to the iphone pro, lower prices and ability to boot full OS-X, while the entry level iphone models gain better cameras & video, lower prices and capacity increases.

by 2013 we should have MMS and cut-and-paste hopefully....

[williedigital]

I hope that this is not true. Much like Starbucks, the over saturation of any product often leads to backlash and a decline in popularity. By making Mac items 'affordable' to the point of 'cheap', only helps to apply such a word to the entire line. I also do not desire to see Mac become another Ghetto-ized item, which becomes the mainstay of an urban culture as opposed to remaining a high-end product that prides itself on NOT being typical and easily available. Apple will certainly ruin itself if it takes to quick and easy road. Walmart is good for some Mac products. However, the day that Mac Pro and MBP make their way onto the cost cutters isle. Mine will be up for sale on ebay in a heartbeat, ...believe it. The i:eek:phone has already found a place in urban youth culture. Look around.

1) When has apple prided itself on not being easily available? I thought they were opening retail stores in every mall in America to make it even easier? And besides, it's not like they are "that" uncommon. As uncommon as something like a Honda Civic.

2) When has apple not sought the Urban "ghetto-ized" culture? I thought that those Eminem adds were appealing to young "urban" people?

[ogbuke]

I hope that this is not true. Much like Starbucks, the over saturation of any product often leads to backlash and a decline in popularity. By making Mac items 'affordable' to the point of 'cheap', only helps to apply such a word to the entire line. I also do not desire to see Mac become another Ghetto-ized item, which becomes the mainstay of an urban culture as opposed to remaining a high-end product that prides itself on NOT being typical and easily available. Apple will certainly ruin itself if it takes to quick and easy road. Walmart is good for some Mac products. However, the day that Mac Pro and MBP make their way onto the cost cutters isle. Mine will be up for sale on ebay in a heartbeat, ...believe it. The i:eek:phone has already found a place in urban youth culture. Look around.LOL, like they've ruined the ipod, some of you guys are too much. :D

[ogbuke]

This is all that really needs to be said. The phone has lost a lot of it's gloss and hype factor now that everyone owns one. I am just waiting for the CDMA version of the device, or the 4G version which will be able to be hacked into Verizon's up and coming network.

So freaking what if everyone has one, everyone has an ipod but they keep selling.



The first smartphone to be sold for $99 was the Centro on Sprint's network, so no, Apple wouldn't have been first to do that. And the iPhone is no smartphone.

It's not a smartphone, then what is it? I guess you're one of those dudes who defines what a smartphone is. We should all listen to you since you know what a smartphone is. What a joke. :D

[charlituna]

I would buy a 4GB for $100 if it was unlocked. Wouldn't need to be G3 as I would likely rely on Wi-Fi zones (no Data or Minimum) and use it as an IPOD + Phone so I wouldn't have to carry around two devices.

IF there was a $99 dollar phone if any size it would only be so because ATT was paying part of the bill. so the phone would likely cost $299 to the consumer without that payment. and that's not considering any other costs ATT or anyone else is paying.

in truth, to have that phone unlocked could run more like $499 and up. so something that locked and with a contract you paid $99 out of pocket

[chewbaccacabra]

I hope Apple introduces a deluxe model iphone in the $500 range again for me to purchase exclusively at the Apple Store. You know, to separate myself from the unwashed Wal Mart masses. Bring back the metal casing. 32 GB-64 GB, exclusive MMS, higher MP camera, video, throw in new headphones (in black!) . . . :p

[Mr. Giver '94]

Wal-Mart can SUCK IT!!!!!! :D

I'd rather pay $500 dollars for an iPhone than go to Wal-Mart and spend time with all my favorite, toothless hillbilly friends.

And if you think I'm overreacting cuz you love Wal-Mart, too bad!!!

[contractcooker]

Except for the recent disappearance of the 160GB iPod classic in favor of the 120GB model. Also the discontinuing of the iPod mini in favor of the flash based (lower capacity) Nano.

That's not quite the same thing. If I remember correctly they merged a smaller and a larger model and reduced the size. But it was still bigger than the previous smallest model (80GB if I remember correctly.)

[Bubba Satori]

Wal-Mart can SUCK IT!!!!!! :D

I'd rather pay $500 dollars for an iPhone than go to Wal-Mart and spend time with all my favorite, toothless hillbilly friends.

And if you think I'm overreacting cuz you love Wal-Mart, too bad!!!

The idea of the rabble having inexpensive iPhones in their common, grubby hands is an outrage to all that is hip and cool. Why, those people are not even human. Never, I say !!! Let them eat cake. And if that doesn't work we should gas them for being the dull cretins that they are.

[contractcooker]

Seriously? 1) Not everyone has 30bgb of music. 2) not all of those who do, need to have it on their iPod AND their iPhone. If they don't have an MP3 player, they won't have gigs of music most likely.

Movies? 3.5gb is a uncompressed blur ray rip. That is unnecessary on an iPhone. I'm sure iphone movies are much smaller files. Once you watch one, delete it and upload another. It's not a deal breaker. The 4gb is an entry level phone, and as such, the 4gb would be more than fine. My current phone (will upgrade to the iphone when my contract expires) has a whopping 512mb and an SD card for the real 1 gig.

There is an audience for this, as I believe the 4gb did pretty well ;)

3.5GB IS NOT enough for an uncompressed dvd rip let alone a blu-ray. I have a 6TB media server and Blu-ray rips generally take between 20 and 40GB

[mackiwi]

3.5GB IS NOT enough for an uncompressed dvd rip let alone a blu-ray. I have a 6TB media server and Blu-ray rips generally take between 20 and 40GB

why would you want an uncompressed dvd rip on an iphone? wouldn't you simply want a rip at the iphones full resolution? why have something thats twice the resolution than that which is viewable?

[funman895]

This would increase iPhone sales like crazy. But I bet more employees would get trampled. I hope Apple won't start doing this with al products to get more buyers. They need to keep their high-quality reputation.

[funman895]

3.5GB IS NOT enough for an uncompressed dvd rip let alone a blu-ray. I have a 6TB media server and Blu-ray rips generally take between 20 and 40GB

Yeah, That audience is the only reason I think Apple would make a 4GB version in the TERA-ERA (you guys see that movie?). Apple and AT&T need to make a cheaper plan though. If they spread to more service providers (hopefully Verizon) their audience would grow better than making cheaper phones for people who can't afford the service.

[Corran Horn]

Guys it's not fake. I just read that entire manual today while I was at work (at Walmart). I do not know if Walmart is getting the 4GB phone or not, I just know that we are getting the iPhone. I haven't heard any pricing info or specs. But it is coming.

[Digital Skunk]

First off, what's your problem, and do you think much?

So freaking what if everyone has one, everyone has an ipod but they keep selling.

And the iPod is what, a product that has decreased in quality that everyone has and no one takes seriously. The iPhone is fast becoming one of those products but tied to an expensive two year contract.

Soon, the smarter people (the ones that may not get it now anyway) will start to wonder why their bills are so expensive for a generic product such as the iPhone.

It's not a smartphone, then what is it? I guess you're one of those dudes who defines what a smartphone is. We should all listen to you since you know what a smartphone is. What a joke. :D

No, I didn't define what a smartphone was. The rest of the world did. People help the iPhone up to what was currently on the market, and the absence of MMS, copy/paste, MS Office document creation and editing, tethering, and others put the iPhone slightly below what a smartphone was.

Relax, take a breath, and think.

[stewy]

I call fake.

Since when does Wal-mart train their employees? :D

[btbrossard]

I fail to understand why a company such as Apple would allow the lowlife scum that shop at WalMart to touch their products :rolleyes: .

Some of you are just too much...

[zman2rw]

Why not sell before Christmas instead of after?

[Mjmar]

I remember when Apple introduced the 1gb. nano after the holiday season when it previously only had 2gb and 4gb, so this isn't entirely new.

[scottintosh]

A company as big as Wal-Mart would never produce (or allow to be produced) a manual with their logo as "Walmart". Fake.

same logo is on their webpage


http://www.walmart.com/

[uMac]

IF there was a $99 dollar phone if any size it would only be so because ATT was paying part of the bill. so the phone would likely cost $299 to the consumer without that payment. and that's not considering any other costs ATT or anyone else is paying.

in truth, to have that phone unlocked could run more like $499 and up. so something that locked and with a contract you paid $99 out of pocket

If that is the case then I think I would be a hard sell to people for last years technology.
That said Apple makes money with music & app sales, so every unit brings in money, so I can see them trying to sell the 4GB version at a reduced price in order to get more software customers, with or without ATT getting a cut.

[alexbates]

I don't think this is going to happen. At Macworld, they are supposed to be increasing the capacity of the iPhone up to 32GB, like the current high-end iPod Touch. Why would Apple want to reintroduce a lower capacity device?

If anyone could buy an iPhone for $99, this would increase the percentage of jailbroken iPhone's. What would happen is someone would buy the phone at that low price (signing the 2-year service agreement), delete the AT&T account within 3 days (getting a full refund on the service agreement and getting to keep the iPhone), jailbreak it, and then use a different carrier with the iPhone (at a low price per month). What I am trying to say, is that you could have an iPhone with another carrier (like T-mobile) for the same price as any other phone, paying the same per month.

Another thing that could happen is anyone could purchase the phone at $99, cancel the service agreement with AT&T within 3 days, and use the phone as a WiFi-only device.

I am sure that Apple understands this and is not going to let this happen more often.

[boss1]

I guess the general assumption is that the iPhone will become what the razor is today, but there's no speculation as to what Apple might have in store for their high end model if this were to happen.

If a 4GB iPhone sells at Walmart in January for 99Bucks then Apple will surely have a high end model with features and a look that appeasl to those who want an elite phone.

In other words (aimed at those who are afraid the iPhone is becoming the next cheap razor ) relax, the iPhone isn't going to become a cheap thing that everyone can get... it's just the iPhone you currently own that's going to become that cheap thing ;) . If you want the good phone your going to have to dish out more cash ... again :apple:


Also... the iPhone is a smartphone by more than a long shot. Who would argue that the iPhone doesn't qualify as a smartphone because it lacks 5% of features that a blackberry does while a blackberry lacks 50% of the quality of software that the iPhone has.

The class of a phone is measured by it's features but more importantly the needs that it fulfills for the segment of consumers who are willing to purchase the product. Consumers that need a phone to talk on and not much more are not purchasing iPhones. Most consumers that are contemplating an iPhone purchase are weighing the differences and comparing features to blackberries and such. No consumer in their right mind is thinking , "should i get a 16GB white iphone or a $19 cheapo pay as you go Nokia. It's a smart phone market.

And yes they would be a price leader regardless of other smartphones already breaking the $99 threshold. By today's standards the current iPhone is competing aggressively with the absolute top of the line smartphones on the market. If you take all that value and provide that product at a price point of $99 then you become a price leader in that market.

[NeoMayhem]

I don't think this is going to happen. At Macworld, they are supposed to be increasing the capacity of the iPhone up to 32GB, like the current high-end iPod Touch. Why would Apple want to reintroduce a lower capacity device?

If anyone could buy an iPhone for $99, this would increase the percentage of jailbroken iPhone's. What would happen is someone would buy the phone at that low price (signing the 2-year service agreement), delete the AT&T account within 3 days (getting a full refund on the service agreement and getting to keep the iPhone), jailbreak it, and then use a different carrier with the iPhone (at a low price per month). What I am trying to say, is that you could have an iPhone with another carrier (like T-mobile) for the same price as any other phone, paying the same per month.

Another thing that could happen is anyone could purchase the phone at $99, cancel the service agreement with AT&T within 3 days, and use the phone as a WiFi-only device.

I am sure that Apple understands this and is not going to let this happen more often.

Um, no. If you cancel within the first month, you need to return the device. If you wait until after 30 days, then you pay $175. Still $99 + $175 is still a good deal for an iPhone.

But, there is not a real 3g unlock yet, so you could still not use it on another network.

[Ethonastar]

EVERYONE


i'm not sure if this been mention before but as i said before i work for walmart and i've received my training for the iphone.

walmart will be selling iphone 3g 8GB for 199.00 and 16GB for 299.00. plans starts at 69.99 for 450 anytime rollover minutes along with the unlimited data plans.

there are no 99.00 iphone or some 4GB iphone so enjoy!

[basesloaded190]

EVERYONE


i'm not sure if this been mention before but as i said before i work for walmart and i've received my training for the iphone.

walmart will be selling iphone 3g 8GB for 199.00 and 16GB for 299.00. plans starts at 69.99 for 450 anytime rollover minutes along with the unlimited data plans.

there are no 99.00 iphone or some 4GB iphone so enjoy!

well now that we got that out of the way. RUMOR OVER

[Evangelion]

You're serious, right? Who has only 4gb of music?

Why do you think that you need to carry your entire music-collection with you? You don't.

Inexpensive 4GB iPhone makes a lot of sense IMO. Not everyone has lots and lots of music and videos. But they might still want a good, easy to use smartphone. My Nokia E71 comes with 2GB memorycard by default. So it has half the storage-space the 4GB iPhone would have. Yet that lack of storage has not prevented it from becoming a very successful phone, especially in businesses.

4GB iPhone would be perfect for businesses and the like. They are not really that interested in storage-space for music and movies, but they ARE interested in a functional and powerful phone. 4GB would be more than enough to install a host of useful apps. And yes, there would still be space left for bunch of users music and the like as well.

I have a 16GB touch, and it's practically full. But if I had less storage, I would still manage, I would just trim out the less used stuff. There are bunch of podcasts in there that I don't really listen to and so forth.

[Evangelion]

I don't think this is going to happen. At Macworld, they are supposed to be increasing the capacity of the iPhone up to 32GB, like the current high-end iPod Touch. Why would Apple want to reintroduce a lower capacity device?

For te same reason they sell iPods with different capacities at different price-points?

[wackymacky]

Since this thread boygenious have updated thierm pic to macke it look more genuine!

The Wal-Mart logo is now correct, included the star and the document has been bound!!

http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2008/12/04/apple-to-sell-a-99-4gb-iphone-at-walmart/

Wow! the feedback from Mac Rumors didn't take long to get thorugh!!

Why would Apple need to9 introduce the 4Gb again anyhow? International sale are 50% higher so far than they predicted!

[Evangelion]

Why would Apple need to9 introduce the 4Gb again anyhow? International sale are 50% higher so far than they predicted!

Because iPhone IS quite expensive phone. For some people, iPhone is simply too expensive, so they buy something else. Driving the iPhone to new price-points would expand their target-market quite a bit.

Why is Apple selling iPod nanos, when they could just sell iPod touches?

[fleshman03]

I fail to understand why a company such as Apple would allow the lowlife scum that shop at WalMart to touch their products :rolleyes: .

Some of you are just too much...

To sell their prodcuts? Take a look at the graphics I posted a few pages back. Not everyone who shops at Walmart is a lowlife scum. "They are people too!"


Why do you think that you need to carry your entire music-collection with you? You don't.

Inexpensive 4GB iPhone makes a lot of sense IMO. Not everyone has lots and lots of music and videos. But they might still want a good, easy to use smartphone. My Nokia E71 comes with 2GB memorycard by default. So it has half the storage-space the 4GB iPhone would have. Yet that lack of storage has not prevented it from becoming a very successful phone, especially in businesses.

4GB iPhone would be perfect for businesses and the like. They are not really that interested in storage-space for music and movies, but they ARE interested in a functional and powerful phone. 4GB would be more than enough to install a host of useful apps. And yes, there would still be space left for bunch of users music and the like as well.

I have a 16GB touch, and it's practically full. But if I had less storage, I would still manage, I would just trim out the less used stuff. There are bunch of podcasts in there that I don't really listen to and so forth.

I've started to trim stuff out, like Comedy CDs that I've listened to. I'm not going to carry them around anymore.

But if I'm paying $100/month for the privilege to own a device, I want to carry all the music on own on it.

What if I get in the mood to hear, "I've got friends in low places" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrtPkCwFcGY&feature=related)while shopping at WallyWorld (WalMart.) Surely that would have been a trim song.

[ogbuke]

First off, what's your problem, and do you think much?

Let me ask you the same thing, do you think?



And the iPod is what, a product that has decreased in quality that everyone has and no one takes seriously. The iPhone is fast becoming one of those products but tied to an expensive two year contract.

Soon, the smarter people (the ones that may not get it now anyway) will start to wonder why their bills are so expensive for a generic product such as the iPhone.


Decreased in quality, ha, because you said so or are you going to give a bunch of anecdotes, just because a product is popular and selling more, it has decreased in quality. Who are the smarter people, I guess people buying the iphone are dumb and you are smart, isn't it? No wonder people harp on some of you Apple fans, look at the way you talk. :rolleyes:


No, I didn't define what a smartphone was. The rest of the world did. People help the iPhone up to what was currently on the market, and the absence of MMS, copy/paste, MS Office document creation and editing, tethering, and others put the iPhone slightly below what a smartphone was.

Right you have no defintion of what a smartphone is, you just make up a list with features the iphone doesn't have so that to you the iphone isn't defined as a smartphone. Funny think most of the world doesn't think like this.

Relax, take a breath, and think.

You should take you own advice.

[BenRoethig]

If anything, Wal-Mart is a very green company. It helps the poor, both with jobs when they wouldn't get one anywhere else, and by providing low prices to help those who have little money. It thus helps the poor get richer. And the rich are the only ones who can afford to inconvenience themselves to help the environment.

By green I assume you mean money. While I think it makes financial sense for Apple, having worked for them for college I have no illusion who they are. Those low prices are achieved by complete Micromanagement by corporate and cutting staffing to the bone by having floor associates both check (without making what the cashers make) and unload trucks. There is also very little training of new associates beyond the legalize to save their own rear ends. Turnover is also extremely high. So, if the people you see there seem like they don't know anything, its probably because they don't. If you can't find someone to help you, look at the name tag on the person at the register because that's probably where they are.

[Digital Skunk]

Let me ask you the same thing, do you think?

Yes, I do. And since you never answered I guess you do not.

Decreased in quality, ha, because you said so or are you going to give a bunch of anecdotes, just because a product is popular and selling more, it has decreased in quality. Who are the smarter people, I guess people buying the iphone are dumb and you are smart, isn't it? No wonder people harp on some of you Apple fans, look at the way you talk. :rolleyes:

So you're gonna toss that copout term, why not call me an Apple fanboy? Either way, you won't touch on any point I made save for just saying I am wrong, and taking things to the extreme. Much like many of the poor conversationists on these forums.

Right you have no defintion of what a smartphone is, you just make up a list with features the iphone doesn't have so that to you the iphone isn't defined as a smartphone. Funny think most of the world doesn't think like this.

Read my post again. I never said this and that make a smartphone, I said that the rest of world knows smartphones have these features, which the iPhone does not.

You should take you own advice.

No, I don't have too. I am not flaming anyone for no reason like yourself. At least you know my stance on the actual issue. You just started your membership here and your first post is nothing but ignorant bashing comments.

How about this. Let me know what your position is about the topic at hand, then tell me how you don't agree with what I said. This is how grown ups talk. For instance, some like Walmart, some don't. NO one is blasting someone for either without stating their position.

Some people like the idea of having a $99 iPhone, some don't. I personally, think the phone's monthly plan is too high end, and the phone itself too fragile (like the newer iPods) to have such an expensive plan with no insurance. And no matter how you try to rationalize it in your own mind, the iPhone is not a smartphone by the WORLD'S definition of a smartphone, or by what the WORLD has gotten use to in terms of the smartphone that have been in the market since 2000 and their features then.

[macfearless]

sort of off topic... the walmart star looks like a cartoon anus

[ddTaylor]

Let me get this straight. You're telling me that Walmart is BETTER than Starbucks? Why. Because they are getting off their fat, bloated, Chinese-making-everything ass and finally making some concessions on environmental impact with their stores? Many organizations have been trying to get them to do this for YEARS! Ok. They are starting to do some things right, but they have a loooong way to go. Besides that, remember the "Made in the USA" fiasco a few years back when they were caught pushing their "Made in the USA" items when they were actually all made in China? Don't get me started!

But as far as employee treatment goes, they are way down the totem pole compared to Starbucks. What's the percentage of employees that have REAL benefits at Walmart compared to Starbucks? Look it up. It's not such a pretty picture now, is it? Walmart still treats their employees with disdain and disgust and they always have.

I had 2 friends that worked at 2 different Walmarts and they both were treated like crap. No health benefits, no stock options, nothing. Every time they tried to work a real 40 hour shift, they mysteriously had their scheduled changed so that they were only scheduled for 35-38 hours a week so they would not get benefits. Shameful is what it is. Starbucks on the other hand at least has real benefits, stock options, etc. no matter how many hours you work. They were the first coffee corporation that started buying and selling free-trade coffee before it was fashionable. Now I am not saying that they are perfect, but saying that Walmart is BETTER than Starbucks is going a bit too far for me. If people would stop dissing Starbucks just because they are Starbucks and actually doing some research on the subject, we might have a real discussion here. Otherwise it's just rhetoric.

You cannot argue a point with someone who has already made up their mind. There are no other companies the size and scope of Walmart that is doing what I mentioned...period. Take a look at Starbucks - they buy the cheapest coffee they can - reducing the cost to the growers (except for SOME of their fair-trade coffee - but that is rare) and because they offered their employees full medical benefits to anyone working 20-hours or more - they had to close several hundred stores! It looks like Walmart has a good business model. I do not like Walmart - but I shop their from time to time. What about Nike? They still use child labor and sweat shops to make a $5 shoe and sell it to the idiot masses for $150...yet Nike is a more likable company because...?

I give-up - sometimes you just cannot win, regardless of the facts.

D

It's not madness....it's the fact that since their resurgence, and really throughout their whole time as a company, Apple has never been "price-competitive", they compete on innovative features, good customer service, and an overall experience. Take for example whole foods, no one is bargain hunting at whole foods, you go there for the experience and the product.

If Apple decides to enter a lower price bracket then I am all for it, but I just don't want to see (like many others) a degradation in the quality of the products, the brand, or their customer service.

Personally, I'd rather see Apple concentrating on an awesome iPhone 3.0 software update, or new hardware, rather than cutting prices. Once they start competing just on price, you lose the need to innovate!

Why is being price competitive and innovative mutually exclusive with Apple? They can do both - be reasonably priced yet maintain their innovation buy selling more products.

As far as Walmart - have you talked to former and even current Apple employees? What about the Apple retail stores? They have been compared on other forums to Walmart in terms of employee treatment and lack of benefits. I just do not get it...

Apple wields a LARGE SWORD and as a result - gets the lowest price possible - the same as Walmart. Do you think Steve Jobs goes around saying 'Gee, I know we can get this item manufactured at a more environmentally friendly plant that pays better wages and keep 4-year old children from assembling the computer - but that costs - so lets do it?' No - he only did that after the HUGE outcry from their customers (myself included). Now - Walmart is following in the footsteps of other, smaller companies - yet they are lauded for that.

What a double-standard, hey?

D

add to that Walmarts record for openly opposing the unionizing of their employees despite the illegality of that opposition.

How have the Unions worked out for the auto business? I was in the Broadcaster union and I HATED it! I had no choice as it was a CLOSED shop. They took my money - went on strike (I had no choice as I was in the union) and negotiated contracts that were better for the union and not me.

I will not argue the fact that unions serve a place in America and did wonders for this country at its inception - but those days are gone.

If you check the facts - a Union job is almost as likely to pay the same or LESS than a non-union job of the same ilk. You can check the government wages and benefits page from the Department of Labor to verify this.

A union has benefits to the consumer with often times better training and more complete services - but why not leave that to the consumer to chose? Instead - union workers with no current job stand outside a shop down my street picketing - wouldn't they rather be working that making $2/hr standing outside a shop being built-out by arguably the same quality of employee?

I cannot stand unions - does that make me un-American? I hope not!

D

oh please. a responsible company would have made such demands from the start. not after tons of bad press etc.

a responsible company would have demanded that every store have adequate security measures in place on a huge shopping day like Black Friday and not have a temp employee killed by a mishandled (in this case unhandled) mob that anyone looking outside could see was forming hours before the trouble happened.

Wait - did Apple do this regarding its product line? Heck no! Only after public outcry did Apple do this! The same is true with Starbucks. The ignorance of people never ceases to amaze me. Starbucks ONLY started buying fair trade coffee after a large grass-roots campaign forced their hand. Do you honestly think Starbucks would have done that without the grass-roots effort to force them into a corner? NO - as they DID NOT DO IT ON THEIR OWN - or they would have been doing it from the get go.

Amazing...

D

Wal-Mart can SUCK IT!!!!!! :D

I'd rather pay $500 dollars for an iPhone than go to Wal-Mart and spend time with all my favorite, toothless hillbilly friends.

And if you think I'm overreacting cuz you love Wal-Mart, too bad!!!

No, I do not think you are overreacting - I think you are just as ignorant as you feel Walmart customers are. I am glad you have the extra $400 in disposable income to waste on your new iPhone. See, capitalism must be working for you or you would not have that extra income to pay MORE for a product that it commands.

Well played.

D

[BlizzardBomb]

I have no information from anywhere, but I'm betting Apple will unveil a 32GB iPhone at Macworld and drop the 8GB to $99. I don't see them unveiling a unit with LESS storage. When has Apple ever done that? Each iPod line has always increased its storage as far as I can remember.

What about going from iPod mini (4 and 6 GB) to iPod nano (1, 2 and 4 GB)? :)

[slu]

This thread makes me sick.

This thread is a prime example of why people think Mac users are elitist douche bags.

Many of you need to get a grip on reality. Who cares if the sell it at Walmart?
I wish I could get a 4GB iPhone. I have a 160 GB classic that has my media on it. There is not one song on my iPhone. I would have loved to save $100 when I bought it.

[smooth]

Wait - did Apple do this regarding its product line? Heck no! Only after public outcry did Apple do this! The same is true with Starbucks. The ignorance of people never ceases to amaze me. Starbucks ONLY started buying fair trade coffee after a large grass-roots campaign forced their hand. Do you honestly think Starbucks would have done that without the grass-roots effort to force them into a corner? NO - as they DID NOT DO IT ON THEIR OWN - or they would have been doing it from the get go.

Amazing...

D

In response to a previous post, I do agree that the unions are not as relevant today. The US Auto industry has been operated much differently than in other countries. In a global market, we have to get in line with the other companies and there isn't much of a need for the union in that type of environment.

In regards to this post, I don't think the "average" American could tell you the differences or similarities of Walmart's and Starbucks's business operations. I wish there was a poll on what kind of "common knowlege" is out there about this. I doubt that too many would know the complaints about Walmart, regardless of whether or not they shop there.

I base this statement on polls on other random topics that have surprised me. Three examples that I can think of are that for a couple years after 9/11, 40% of those polled still thought Iraq had something to do with the attacks. Another more recent example is that about 25% of those polled thought Barack Hussein was a practicing Muslim. My 3rd example is that about 60% of those polled do not think the Big 3 should get a loan from the government because if they go under, there would not be a major impact on the United States. While this last example is based on opinion, not fact like the first two, the basis of their decision is based on something I don't think is fully understood in that the collapse of the Big 3 would affect far more than just the Big 3's employees. (Here are some state-by-state numbers (http://money.cnn.com/news/specials/storysupplement/stateautoworkers/index.html) ) This does not take into consideration the corner stores, bars, staffing, cleaning and food vendors whose clients are the Big 3 and the like whose businesses would suffer major setbacks. So if someone does not think the government should loan them money, that's their opinion. But if that opinion is based on the overall affect on the country, I think there is a lack of understanding there.

I didn't mean to go off point, but I think only a small percentage of people are going to be able to actually discuss the points brought up in this entire thread. I don't think too many people are going to dwell on iPhones being sold at Walmart. If Apple does re-release the 4gb model, I can see it being exclusive to Walmart. If Apple just drops the price of the 8gb model, I think it will be across the board. So if the rumor is true and iPhones show up at Walmarts, it boils down to Apple trying to a product in the largest retailer in the country. If they re-release the 4gb model or reduce the 8gb to $99, it boils to Apple acknowledging the economy and the need for a lower price and/or it's acknowledging Walmart's business model of having cheaper prices.

[Nicolecat]

I bet they do end up selling the iphone...but not a 4gig version.

They'll probably carry the same one's that everyone else has.
Why would Walmart be so special as to get the opportunity to singlehandedly debut a new iphone, all on their own?

Seriously?
I think not.

However, having them as a retailer, would be in Apple's favor.
There is practically a Walmart in every small town in the US.
Apple would be increasing their sales odds by offering the iphone where there might not be an Apple store or a Best Buy.

[fleshman03]

I bet they do end up selling the iphone...but not a 4gig version...

That is what I've been saying. I do happen to think that we are due for a 16/32gb update.

Maybe the $99 will be to clear out some 8gb?

I've asked this before and before, why do we think it's 4gb? BoyGenius? They even said their source isn't rock solid. As with any of these rumors, they have an element of truth. Would going to a 16/32gb lineup be better? Rocking out the 8gb to get it out the door and announce 16/32 @ MWSF.

[StuBeck]

I bet they do end up selling the iphone...but not a 4gig version.

They'll probably carry the same one's that everyone else has.
Why would Walmart be so special as to get the opportunity to singlehandedly debut a new iphone, all on their own?

Seriously?
I think not.

However, having them as a retailer, would be in Apple's favor.
There is practically a Walmart in every small town in the US.
Apple would be increasing their sales odds by offering the iphone where there might not be an Apple store or a Best Buy.

Walmart has gotten a lot of things done to help them exclusively, such as CD pricing and video game box sizes. If anyone is able to get Apple to do something, it would be Walmart.

[Digital Skunk]

That is what I've been saying. I do happen to think that we are due for a 16/32gb update.

Maybe the $99 will be to clear out some 8gb?

I've asked this before and before, why do we think it's 4gb? BoyGenius? They even said their source isn't rock solid. As with any of these rumors, they have an element of truth. Would going to a 16/32gb lineup be better? Rocking out the 8gb to get it out the door and announce 16/32 @ MWSF.


This seems more likely, and I am sorry I didn't read it earlier. I did glimpse a tech article mentioning that there are 32GB NAND chips available/being manufactured, so if there is enough of a supply for Apple we could be seeing 32GB iPhones and possible a 64GB Touch by MWSF if not later.

That would keep the 8GB at $99 if Apple wanted to clear inventory/keep it on the market for a little longer.

[MacsBestFriend]

ok, who thinks there will be a prepaid iphone???:rolleyes:

[Nicolecat]

Walmart has gotten a lot of things done to help them exclusively, such as CD pricing and video game box sizes. If anyone is able to get Apple to do something, it would be Walmart.

Okay, then. I'll give you the fact that they've done a few smaller exclusive sales in the past...but I also do know that they are very very protective of their sales before they actually happen. So, take every information your given with a grain of salt.

Nowhere on that packet did it say a 4gig iphone will be sold for $99. (at least I didn't see it.)
It just simply implies that walmart would be an iphone provider.

As with any of these rumors, they have an element of truth.

Agreed...the question is which element is the true portion? :D

[SmileyDude]

No one is saying that the 4GB model wasn't a good device. It was... but times change quickly for technology and now 4GB is much smaller than it used to be.

Well, actually it's the same size as it used to be... just smaller than the top of the line models of today --- but I know what you mean ;)

And yes, some people in this thread are saying that the 4GB is a poor device. Because it can't hold 4000 songs, movies, 100 apps, etc, etc. But they are just looking at it from their set of requirements. For most people, 4GB is about 4GB more space than their previous phone had available...

[SmileyDude]

who wants 4GB iphone today? I doubt it would be iphone 2G? with 4GB, you can't do nothing with iphone. it will be really phone itself. but iphone is not. cheaper people get cheaper one. don't get me wrong. but I don't really go to walmart everytime. I don't have to. here in San Francisco, a lot of cheaper grocery store or cloth stores. I'd better go to BestBuy.

Obviously, you're not the target for a 4GB iPhone -- it's not like the phone becomes useless with just 4GB of space. It just can't hold as much content as the other phones.

Oh, I think the thing you are looking for is called commas... they help break up sentences into smaller chunks instead of making little partial fragments like periods do. :)

Don't forget that Apple killed the 4GB model because it wasn't selling nearly as well as the 8GB.

You mean it wasn't selling nearly as well when it was priced at $499 vs 8GB at $599. A $99 price point is a much different issue -- that is, of course, if this rumor is true.

The first smartphone to be sold for $99 was the Centro on Sprint's network, so no, Apple wouldn't have been first to do that. And the iPhone is no smartphone.

That's flamebait pure and simple -- by pretty much anyone's standard of what makes up a smartphone, the iPhone would meet those standards. If you have your own personal standard for what a smartphone is, it doesn't apply to everyone else.

[BenRoethig]

ok, who thinks there will be a prepaid iphone???:rolleyes:

There have been prepaid iPhone options for some time in other countries. We're also not talking tracphone here, AT&T has their own prepaid service.

[fleshman03]

Agreed...the question is which element is the true portion? :D

That is the $99 question. Based on that picture, the only thing to be 100% sure about is that there will be an iPhone sold at WalMart. (Notice the Apple Caps style. It just seems kind of fitting now.) There's about a 95% chance of a 28th launch date. That is handwritten on the Activation Reference Guide.

I tried blowing it up in Photoshop. Maybe someone better at it can try, but I didn't see anything referencing gigs.

Based on not having proof of gig size but proof that WalMart sells the iPhone, clearing out 8gb is my conclusion. I'm more inclined to believe this because Walmart could move quantities out at a $99 price tag quickly.

[IFailedShapes]

The "Walmart" logo on the training manual is very crappily Photoshopped. Besides, it's really Wal-Mart. Fake.

[fleshman03]

The "Walmart" logo on the training manual is very crappily Photoshopped. Besides, it's really Wal-Mart. Fake.

I looked at that. While I can't tell if it's lined up right, it is the real Walmart sign. They recently changed it.

Look:
http://i2.walmartimages.com/i/catalog/modules/G0040/wmlogo.gif
Source of picture. (http://www.walmart.com/)

[queshy]

No, I didn't define what a smartphone was. The rest of the world did. People help the iPhone up to what was currently on the market, and the absence of MMS, copy/paste, MS Office document creation and editing, tethering, and others put the iPhone slightly below what a smartphone was.


For me, the iPhone is nothing more than a phone and an iPod touch, but I can use the internet anywhere. That's really what I wanted though. And you're right...the more conventional smartphone has all the features you listed above. In exchange for the conventional "business" features, the iPhone plays games, does multimedia stuff and web browsing better (this is arguable though). A smartphone running windows mobile is really a completely different animal than iPhone in some respects.

And regarding what you said in other posts...yes I do think the iPhone is fragile. That's why I have a case for it. But other smartphones are fragile, too, and if I owned any other expensive phone (WM, BB, palm, etc), I'd take care of it too as if it were fragile. iPhone isn't like my old razr where it can be thrown around and come out alive.

[ZiggyPastorius]

Those figures are old... I think it's safe to assume that the manufacturing costs have decreased dramatically as production ramped up. I am certain that they would make money on a $99 iphone.

They aren't that old. I read those numbers less than two months ago, and I'm pretty sure they haven't dropped enough in two months for them to make much, if any profit.

[SPUY767]

You're serious, right? Who has only 4gb of music? I don't know many college students who fall in that range. Maybe High School students? Plenty of us shop at Walmart too. (As much as we hate it.)

Now add a movie or two and 3.5gb is nowhere near enough storage. I had a hard enough time going from a 32 gb iPod to a 16gb touch. When I bought the iPod, I didn't think I'd ever touch 15gb, let alone 32. I now have over 60 gb of movies...

I have over 30,000 songs (entire ripped albums), and my top rated songs, 4 & 5 stars only, doesn't fill up my 8 gig iPhone. I seriously doubt that anyone buying an iPhone at walmart will have the musical collection to fill 4 gigs with **** they actually want to listen to.

[Digital Skunk]

For me, the iPhone is nothing more than a phone and an iPod touch, but I can use the internet anywhere. That's really what I wanted though. And you're right...the more conventional smartphone has all the features you listed above. In exchange for the conventional "business" features, the iPhone plays games, does multimedia stuff and web browsing better (this is arguable though). A smartphone running windows mobile is really a completely different animal than iPhone in some respects.

And regarding what you said in other posts...yes I do think the iPhone is fragile. That's why I have a case for it. But other smartphones are fragile, too, and if I owned any other expensive phone (WM, BB, palm, etc), I'd take care of it too as if it were fragile. iPhone isn't like my old razr where it can be thrown around and come out alive.

Very true. I hope no one really takes offense the the iPhone not really being a smartphone. It does have the best phone OS on the market, and that's a fact. And yes, it trades those missing features for the media/gaming/music stuff that smartphones failed at for almost a decade, and still continue to fail at.

The only thing going for Windows Mobile is the user base, the apps, and Microsoft's deep pockets. Palm is all but gone save for the minor Treos and the ones running WM. The iPhone changed people's minds about how to use their phones, so no one may want to create a word document or copy/paste, but they do want to play super monkey ball and crash bandicoot.

And still right on with the fragility of the iPhone and others. Not that being able to drop your cell is ideal, but knowing that dropping it will result in terminal damage isn't a plus. I drop my Touch on occasion and as usual the battery falls out. I put it back in and restart and I am good to go. The iPhone/iPod Touch will crack the glass.

The bigger issue, is that when the phone does break, will I have to pay for a new one out right, or will the $3 a month I pay for insurance cover the replacement of an ordinarily $550 phone?

[Sehnsucht]

I work at Wal-Mart in Oklahoma. The department manager of our Connection Center (cell phones) has confirmed that our store will be getting the 8GB and the 16GB iPhone, at $199 and $299 with a new 2-year contract, respectively. Nope, no cheap Wal-Mart version for me, thank God. :D :D

I want the white one. ;)

[Evangelion]

I've started to trim stuff out, like Comedy CDs that I've listened to. I'm not going to carry them around anymore.

But if I'm paying $100/month for the privilege to own a device, I want to carry all the music on own on it.

What if I get in the mood to hear, "I've got friends in low places" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrtPkCwFcGY&feature=related)while shopping at WallyWorld (WalMart.) Surely that would have been a trim song.

Well luckily for you, Apple has iPhones with more storage. But that still doesn't change the fact that for many people, cheaper 4GB iPhone would be perfect. It wouldn't apparently be suitable for you, but your wants and needs do not apply to everyone.

Some people think that they need 120GB+ of space in their mediaplayer. Does that mean that EVEYONE needs that much space? Nope. I can't ft all my content to my iPod, and some people that might be very annoying. I don't find it annoying at all.

[syclonefx]

Wal-Mart will start selling the iPhone on the 28th of December. They went for training a couple of weeks ago. Not sure if they will have a 4 Gig version.

[JP3G]

The "Walmart" logo on the training manual is very crappily Photoshopped. Besides, it's really Wal-Mart. Fake.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aiST65gGRwlk&refer=home

Ownd.

[pbh444]

I work at Wal-Mart in Oklahoma. The department manager of our Connection Center (cell phones) has confirmed that our store will be getting the 8GB and the 16GB iPhone, at $199 and $299 with a new 2-year contract, respectively. Nope, no cheap Wal-Mart version for me, thank God. :D :D

I want the white one. ;)

I really cannot imagine Walmart telling its staff there will be a $99 IPhone until Apple has announced it; how soon do you think it would be in the press as fact if the employees had it?

As I wrote in blog post today (http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/blogs/phpost/036749.html), Shaw Wu of Kaufman Bros states "we believe one of the key things Apple needs to do to drive broader iPhone adoption is to build a more complete product line like it has done with the iPod."

And: "a $99 IPhone could serve as a low end or entry phone, the 8GB as a midrange IPhone, and the 16GB IPhone could be positioned as a high end IPhone with a greater megapixel camera, flash, video and maybe even a memory boost to 32GB."

I surmised: "My $1099 bet: there will be a $99 IPhone introduced in the next month, but it will not launch at Walmart on December 28.

Walmart has positioned itself, trained its staff, and will be ready to pump out the $99 4GB IPhones the moment the iconic Steve Jobs announces it with his typical aplomb.

I could imagine Jobs on stage in his turtleneck, the screen is illuminated, the number $99 appears, and at that very moment, Walmart employees begin pushing out crates of $99 IPhones to the floor."

A Maine Armchair Philosopher

[Gray-Wolf]

Analysts say Apple may offer a discontinued 4-gigabyte version through Bentonville, Arkansas-based Wal-Mart and sell it for $99. Apple currently sells two models at $199 and $299

As noted, it would be a discontinued model, sell until they run out. :D

[legendaryone201]

i will be happy to put all the nay-saying to rest for all of you...i am a wal-mart employee(i wont say where to avoid giving up my identity, but i will say i am in the NY metro area), and i can officially tell you that wal-mart WILLbe selling the apple 3g iphone with a launch date of december 28th. I just completed my training for sales and activation very recently. the only thing the company is keeping secret is what size iphone we will sell, though the main rumor around the stores is that we will re-launch the 4G. also, there is a plan in the works for a pre-paid iPhone go-phone, and its just a matter of when, not if. so for those of you that hate wal-mart, oh well, because we are getting it, and we are selling it....dirt cheap. also, measures have been taken to prevent any attempt at fraud, so i would seriously consider not to try anything "clever" as to resale with the phone you buy there....i guarentee you wont like the result.

[legendaryone201]

I really cannot imagine Walmart telling its staff there will be a $99 IPhone until Apple has announced it; how soon do you think it would be in the press as fact if the employees had it?

As I wrote in blog post today (http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/blogs/phpost/036749.html), Shaw Wu of Kaufman Bros states "we believe one of the key things Apple needs to do to drive broader iPhone adoption is to build a more complete product line like it has done with the iPod."

And: "a $99 IPhone could serve as a low end or entry phone, the 8GB as a midrange IPhone, and the 16GB IPhone could be positioned as a high end IPhone with a greater megapixel camera, flash, video and maybe even a memory boost to 32GB."

I surmised: "My $1099 bet: there will be a $99 IPhone introduced in the next month, but it will not launch at Walmart on December 28.

Walmart has positioned itself, trained its staff, and will be ready to pump out the $99 4GB IPhones the moment the iconic Steve Jobs announces it with his typical aplomb.

I could imagine Jobs on stage in his turtleneck, the screen is illuminated, the number $99 appears, and at that very moment, Walmart employees begin pushing out crates of $99 IPhones to the floor."

A Maine Armchair Philosopher

the phone isnt in stores yet, but will start arriving soon.

and the launch date is very real....december 28

[starkruzr]

No, thank you, sir! I love my 4GB iPhone. I don't want it to stop being a collector's item because the bargain bin of retailers is too cheap to sell standard capacity iPhones!You already have the device. Why should your concerns about whether or not you have a "collector's item" matter one whit to anyone at WalMart or Apple?

Don't you think you're being a mite selfish and elitist?

[techlover828]

You already have the device. Why should your concerns about whether or not you have a "collector's item" matter one whit to anyone at WalMart or Apple?

Don't you think you're being a mite selfish and elitist?

get used to it :rolleyes:

[variations]

I think that this could be a good move considering that it will attract many people who would otherwise not be able to afford one, great move.

[Sehnsucht]

Uhhhhh... I don't see Wal-Mart customers being able to afford a (US)$90+ a month cell phone bill. I'm not being mean, I'm just telling the truth.

:D :D :D Here are a few cases in point...since the iPod seems to be the cause of most Wal-Mart shopper drama, here are my best iPod stories:

A customer asked me to explain to her about iPods. She said, "My daughter wants an iPod shuffle for Christmas, but I don't know anything about them...I mean how do they........." She freezes in horror. After standing there with her jaw on the ground for about a minute and a half, she gasped, "OH, no way!!! I'm not spending 48 dollars on an iPod!!! She's getting something else!!!" And then she walks off in a huff. (The same day, another lady changed her mind on an iPod shuffle for her son because "he's not going to have 240 songs on it."

A kid talks his mom into getting him an iPod touch. I'm about to ring it up when she asks me what all it does. When I get to the part about email and web browsing, she frowns and says to her kid, "Oh, you're not going to be using that!" and then changes her mind on getting the touch altogether.

A woman asks me, "So, like, where do you go to load your music to download onto the computer so you can download to the iPod?" :D I explain about how iTunes works, and then she gasps, "You have to PAY for them??" I say, "yes," and she says, "So, if I got my son a classic nano iPod and he got the 30,000 iTunes, would that be $30,000?" Yeah, I guess if you want to look at it that way. :D :D :D

What fools these mortals be. :D ;) :apple:

[SpaceKitty]

Uhhhhh... I don't see Wal-Mart customers being able to afford a (US)$90+ a month cell phone bill. I'm not being mean, I'm just telling the truth.

I shop at Wal-Mart all the time. I started out with the first generation iPhone then upgraded to the 16GB first generation when it came out. I then upgraded to the white 3G when it came out. I don't understand your point. Just because I shop at Wal-Mart means I don't have enough money to pay my bills? Obviously you aren't telling the truth at all.

I was just at Wal-Mart today to buy a case for my new 120GB iPod Classic.

[iJon]

I shop at Wal-Mart all the time. I started out with the first generation iPhone then upgraded to the 16GB first generation when it came out. I then upgraded to the white 3G when it came out. I don't understand your point. Just because I shop at Wal-Mart means I don't have enough money to pay my bills? Obviously you aren't telling the truth at all.

I was just at Wal-Mart today to buy a case for my new 120GB iPod Classic.

I thought you knew that all 200 million of Wal-Mart's customers are poor.

[Sehnsucht]

I shop at Wal-Mart all the time. I started out with the first generation iPhone then upgraded to the 16GB first generation when it came out. I then upgraded to the white 3G when it came out. I don't understand your point. Just because I shop at Wal-Mart means I don't have enough money to pay my bills? Obviously you aren't telling the truth at all.

I was just at Wal-Mart today to buy a case for my new 120GB iPod Classic.

I work at Wal-Mart and there are all kinds. I've waited on trampy white trash AND well-dressed lawyers with blank checks in leather-backed 3-ring binders. Some people shop there because it's all they can afford, some people because they just like saving money, and some people because they like being able to buy all they need at one place. ;) The other day, a guy who was obviously very wealthy bought three 16GB iPod touches for his sons, plus a $50 iTunes card for each. Subtotal of $1,041.

I once read in a self-help guide that the secret many wealthy folks have is saving their money. "Many redeem coupons, watch for sales, and drive compact cars," said the author. Shopping at a big evil corporation like Wal-Mart isn't just for rednecks, and isn't beneath everyone's dignity. ;)

[vermonter16]

Not sure if this has already been posted....

http://apple20.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2008/12/08/anatomy-of-a-rumor-wal-marts-99-iphone/

[variations]

I work at Wal-Mart and there are all kinds. I've waited on trampy white trash AND well-dressed lawyers with blank checks in leather-backed 3-ring binders. Some people shop there because it's all they can afford, some people because they just like saving money, and some people because they like being able to buy all they need at one place. ;) The other day, a guy who was obviously very wealthy bought three 16GB iPod touches for his sons, plus a $50 iTunes card for each. Subtotal of $1,041.

I once read in a self-help guide that the secret many wealthy folks have is saving their money. "Many redeem coupons, watch for sales, and drive compact cars," said the author. Shopping at a big evil corporation like Wal-Mart isn't just for rednecks, and isn't beneath everyone's dignity. ;)

Thank you for throwing in some much needed insight. I hate hearing that it is only white trash that buy things at Wal-mart. I myself have seen every walk of life, but I tend to see mostly who seem to be middle class americans at Wal-mart.

[ThunderBull4]

Oh Walmart, you DO actually sell everything! I havnt read a lot of this thread but I'd say this was BS?

[kdarling]

It clearly all depends on your location.

Out here in the 'burbs, Walmart is always busy with families from all financial levels.

I suppose that if you live in a big city, or a very poor part of town, your idea of Walmart could be quite different.

[boss1]

Not sure if this has already been posted....

http://apple20.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2008/12/08/anatomy-of-a-rumor-wal-marts-99-iphone/

Anatomy of a rumor heh. While I'm sure Walmart is excited at an opportunity to carry the iPhone in it's Low Cost stores, I think the $2 off the $199 is a joke, and I'm sure Walmart sees it the same way.

To top that off, even though it's only $2 less, it's also a slap in the face to retailers AT&T and Bestbuy . Why does Walmart get to sell for $2 less? because they're Walmart ? right. I'm sure AT&T and BestBuy are delighted about this news.


I figure that if there is no gimped version that sells at $99 at Walmart only. Then Apple is going to take the current model and cut production cost on everything except the phone.

ie. Packaging, accessory contents, etc. So when you get your iPhone at Walmart you can get it for $169!**


**iPhone comes wrapped in cheap thin plastic box, charger and headphones sold separately, visit www.apple.com/iphone for pdf instruction manual.

[iJon]

Anatomy of a rumor heh. While I'm sure Walmart is excited at an opportunity to carry the iPhone in it's Low Cost stores, I think the $2 off the $199 is a joke, and I'm sure Walmart sees it the same way.

To top that off, even though it's only $2 less, it's also a slap in the face to retailers AT&T and Bestbuy . Why does Walmart get to sell for $2 less? because they're Walmart ? right. I'm sure AT&T and BestBuy are delighted about this news.


I figure that if there is no gimped version that sells at $99 at Walmart only. Then Apple is going to take the current model and cut production cost on everything except the phone.

ie. Packaging, accessory contents, etc. So when you get your iPhone at Walmart you can get it for $169!**


**iPhone comes wrapped in cheap thin plastic box, charger and headphones sold separately, visit www.apple.com/iphone for pdf instruction manual.
Apple has never made anything in a cheaper model just for Wal-Mart. I highly doubt they are going to start with the iPhone.

Wal-Mart is just giving the consumers back $2, taking a hit in their own margins.

[Sehnsucht]

I swear to God, if I get bitched out by ONE MORE redneck who believes this BS rumor about the $99 iPhone, I'm going on a machine-gun rampage. ;)

Not really. But I took Apple's "iPhone Knowledge and Activation Test" on the computer today (which I passed with 95% accuracy, might I add. ;)) Wal-Mart is getting the black 8, 16GB and the white 16GB iPhone. The $99 rumor is bulls**t so forget about it, and thank you for shopping at Wal-Mart. :D