Wal-Mart to Sell $99 4GB iPhone?

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/12/04/wal-mart-to-sell-99-4gb-iphone/)


http://images.macrumors.com/article/2008/12/04/075814-walmart_425.jpg

Wal-Mart iPhone training materials
Boy Genius Report (http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2008/10/11/iphone-3g-coming-to-a-walmart-near-you/) first broke the story back in October that Apple would begin selling the iPhone at Wal-Marts. The actual date of release appears to be December 28th. Wal-Mart employees are already receiving training on iPhone activation (see photo above). Today, a new report (http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2008/12/04/apple-to-sell-a-99-4gb-iphone-at-walmart/) from Boy Genius Report claims that Apple may be reintroducing the 4GB iPhone to be sold at Wal-Mart for only $99 with a two year contract. The site is not entirely confident about the report, so suggests this possibility should be taken with caution.

When Apple originally introduced the iPhone, it came in 4GB and 8GB models. Only a couple of months later, Apple discontinued the 4GB model altogether and dropped the price of the 8GB model. Apple currently sells an 8GB ($199) and 16GB ($299) iPhone with 2 year contract. Aggressive $99 pricing for an entry level iPhone would correlate (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/10/30/iphone-with-2-3-market-share-and-even-attracting-lower-income-households/) with comments made by Steve Jobs in October. Jobs said that they needed to continue to be aware of a possible "price umbrella" below the iPhone that competitors may take advantage of. Analysts have suggested (http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/10/analyst-says-ap.html) that Apple could feasibly sell the iPhone for $99.


Article Link: Wal-Mart to Sell $99 4GB iPhone? (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/12/04/wal-mart-to-sell-99-4gb-iphone/)

[Dejavu]

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

[Tallest Skil]

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!

[claud9999]

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

[chilipie]

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

I don't know whether that document is fake or not, but that is their current logo.

[kornyboy]

Wirelessly posted (iPhone: 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'll believe it when I see it.

[fleshman03]

So why are we thinking 4gb? I didn't see 4gb in those pictures. Of course what I saw had a lota blur.

Wouldn't a $99/8gb, $199/16gb and $299/32gb after MW seem better?

[zelmo]

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

Agreed. Wal-Mart may be selling an iPhone model in the future, but these aren't the real training documents.

However, I think it would be smart of Apple to introduce a lower-priced but still feature rich version of the iPhone to grab more market.


EDIT:
don't know whether that document is fake or not, but that is their current logo.
Shows how much I shop at the Big W. When did they change their logo?

[iOrlando]

this is a major positive for the iphone. the people that would buy this from wlamart have no need for a 8GB or 16GB iphone so a 4GB isnt a complete surprise. Granted..$100 off the price isnt a huge deal when you look at the total cost over the two years (more expensive than a new alum macbook), but i think opening the iphone up to new vendors will only benefit apple.

on a sidenote...just checked boygenius..they have 4 comments on the story...macrumors alreay has like 15. You are killing them Arn. Taking apple rumor market share...ha

[themoonisdown09]

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.


Wouldn't a $99/8gb, $199/16gb and $299/32gb after MW seem better?

That's what I'm hoping for.

[kornyboy]

Wirelessly posted (iPhone: 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)

So, if this is true, will they be selling the 1st generation 4Gb iPhone or will Apple be producing a 4Gb version on the iPhone 3G? Notice that the manual says "iPhone 3G Activation."

[ATimson]

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!
It's not that they're too cheap to sell them, it's that the public is too cheap to buy them. :p

[Kilamite]

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..

[ATimson]

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 wasn't selling at its old price point. But for only $100, they're liable to get a good many more takers.

[fleshman03]

this is a major positive for the iphone. the people that would buy this from wlamart have no need for a 8GB or 16GB iphone so a 4GB isnt a complete surprise.

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...

[mccldwll]

Maybe 8GB at a lower price point than current $199 (maybe $129, w/ 16GB for $199). But I seriously doubt aapl would want to sell anything with less storage and shoot itself in the foot with respect to app store sales.

[Sky Blue]

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

[yoman]

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.

[arn]

Shows how much I shop at the Big W. When did they change their logo?

Don't know, but it's also on their website:

http://www.walmart.com/
http://i2.walmartimages.com/i/catalog/modules/G0040/wmlogo.gif

[Bakey]

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!

It amazes me as to how everyone has an issue with Wal-Mart / Apple and yet not much seems to be said of their (Apples') involvement with the likes of Starbucks... GET OVER IT! :rolleyes:

In-fact I wouldn't give a t*** if Wal-Marts' UK arm (Asda) started selling it...

[fleshman03]

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.

Kids today have no appreciation for a movie with a lower compression factor. Pfff, kids.

[mccldwll]

It amazes me as to how everyone has an issue with Wal-Mart / Apple and yet not much seems to be said of their (Apples') involvement with the likes of Starbucks... GET OVER IT! :rolleyes:

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

[Small White Car]

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


I agree with previous posters that a 4 GB iphone is too small to get an apple experience.


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...

[iOrlando]

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...

think we need to remember the macrumor effect. (we tend to have more music/movies/media than the "normal" walmart shopper who proly hasnt even set up itunes yet or has no idea what blu-ray is) There is a market out there for cheaper iphones without the need for enough space for 60 movies..but again...the $100 just isnt a huge deal when you look at the 2-year period.

[nixta]

Wouldn't a $99/8gb, $199/16gb and $299/32gb after MW seem better?

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.

[hanyal]

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.

And in other news: Apple to sell PowerPC G3 netbook exclusively at Sams Club for US$9.99 with the purchase of 1000 rolls of toilet paper. :p

[Bakey]

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

I know we're digressing here... But seriously, are they that bad?

[Warbrain]

While that is the current Walmart logo - forget that it's losing the star - it doesn't look like the Walmart logo is properly placed. If you look at the at&t logo and the Walmart logo they don't line up at all. Even on an angle they would match up but the Walmart logo is slightly higher than the at&t one.

The possibility seems feasible, this picture does not.

[fleshman03]

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

Or have to wait a half hour in line to pay for one bottle of soda.

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...

How does watching movies or video podcasts work on that? Installed applications all working properly? Email must be fun!

The screen and video functions dictate more than 3.5gb.

[csmitty]

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...

It'd actually be like 3.01 GB of storage. my 8GB shows only 7.01, which sucks. should have just said it was a 7GB iphone.

[Tarponsprings]

This is perfect...AT&T's service is lousy as it is, imagine how bad it will be with millions of new 4gb Walmart users overloading the network. Add to that the 12,000 jobs that AT&T is cutting, and we will all be using pay phones to communicate.

[Warbrain]

It'd actually be like 3.01 GB of storage. my 8GB shows only 7.01, which sucks. should have just said it was a 7GB iphone.

No, people need to understand that there are different measurements for storage space. Manufacturers use the 1000 MB = 1 GB measure, developers use 1024 MB = 1 GB.

I may have used the wrong fields for who uses what but that's the basic concept.

[oldMac]

From a marketing perspective, it seems highly unlikely that they would launch this 3 days after Christmas. Surely they could have pulled the deal and training together to get this out a month before Christmas and dramatically multiply their sales.

[fleshman03]

It'd actually be like 3.01 GB of storage. my 8GB shows only 7.01, which sucks. should have just said it was a 7GB iphone.

I just looked it up (http://forums.macnn.com/103/ipod-iphone-and-apple-tv/343252/iphone-4gb-how-much-actual-storage/). It's 3.73 on a 4gb iPhone. The larger the size, the larger the discrepancy.

Plus - I think the OS grew a little bit in size.

From a marketing perspective, it seems highly unlikely that they would launch this 3 days after Christmas. Surely they could have pulled the deal and training together to get this out a month before Christmas and dramatically multiply their sales.

To announce it at MWSF? Just a guess.

[robman8023]

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.


You think the only difference between an iPod Touch and an iPhone is the amount of RAM...or am I misreading this post?

The cellular communications package in the iPhone sets it apart as well.

[Warbrain]

If this truly pans out to be the case, at&t better offer a cheaper data plan for this. I wouldn't want to shell out 100 bucks for a 4 GB iPhone and have to pay the huge data tariff.

[bytethese]

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

What's next, I walk by on Canal Street and see a 256MB version for $10??

[Small White Car]

How does watching movies or video podcasts work on that? Installed applications all working properly? Email must be fun!

The screen and video functions dictate more than 3.5gb.

I'm pretty sure you didn't understand my post.

[Kar98]

this is a major positive for the iphone. the people that would buy this from wlamart have no need for a 8GB or 16GB iphone so a 4GB isnt a complete surprise. Granted..$100 off the price isnt a huge deal when you look at the total cost over the two years (more expensive than a new alum macbook), but i think opening the iphone up to new vendors will only benefit apple.

Uh....how about St. Jobs' recent assertion that he doesn't give a wet fart about potential buyers below a certain threshold?

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.

[Small White Car]

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.


And how do you think this sort of document is made? Someone opens up a Word file and drops a JPEG of the logo on the first page. That's a perfectly normal effect of doing that.

[CrackedButter]

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.)

I have over 20GB of music and none of it is on my iTouch (or my future iPhone), your usage may vary however because not very body will buy one to put music on it.

I use my iTouch as a PDA with the music/podcasts/video as a bonus feature.

[mccldwll]

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

I know we're digressing here... But seriously, are they that bad?

That really is the feeling I get leaving a Walmart. Not that they're dirty, just the overall experience is something I want to wash off. Sam's Club feels the same. I don't feel that way leaving a Target, or a Costco.

[AppleMojo]

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 imagine he was quite serious... I have gigs of music, but don't own an iPod because I don't care to run around with little buds hanging out of my head.

I'll listen to music while I work in the office or in the living room with our Apple TV, but I have no personal need to listen to music or watch movies on a phone.

I would however use it as a telephone with visual voicemail, email and the 10,000 apps that are available for it.

[ogbuke]

Didn't they stop making 4 gb, why would they even bring it back? :confused:

[talkingfuture]

I'd like to see the 4GB model resurrected as a "Pay As You Go" model. Here in the UK the PAYG is just too expensive for a phone.

[Gee4orce]

I think this would be a very appealing product for a certain segment of the market - not everybody has tens of gigs of music you know. In fact, I'd wager that MOST people (at least, aged 35+, an especially women) posses less than 100 albums, of which only a few will have been ripped to their computers.

A 4GB limit is no barrier to people like that - they aren't looking to put their music in it anyway, and even if they did you can fit most of 100 almbums on to 4GB. But what they want is to get all the cool iPhone benefits like GPS maps, email, Safari, the App Store, games, etc...

At $99 you'd better hope that they're making plenty of these things.

The reason the 4GB didn't sell well at first was that the early adopters were precisely those people who do have loads of digital music and photos and movies. It was also too expensive to be a value proposition - but at $99 it's a no-brainer.

[studlybw]

Could you imagine the amount of people who would get trampled the first day Walmart sold iPhones?!?!
No thanks Walmart. My life's worth the extra money to buy the phone at an Apple or AT&T store.

[ImAlwaysRight]

AWESOME! What's next, $399 MacBooks? Apple could rule the world if it really wanted to.

However, I still prefer the elitist mentality because it makes me feel more special.

[AppleMojo]

Uh....how about St. Jobs' recent assertion that he doesn't give a wet fart about potential buyers below a certain threshold?

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.

$599.00 = Mac Mini = Computer

Unless you think that doesn't count because it won't come with an mp3 player, printer, coffee mug, cheap digital camera, 200 shareware apps and serious depreciation?

[mccldwll]

Uh....how about St. Jobs' recent assertion that he doesn't give a wet fart about potential buyers below a certain threshold?
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.

An 8GB iPhone is roughly a $500 phone, with subsidies (and more with accessories shares/itunes/apps). When 16GB becomes the $199 to $229 model, $99-$149 for the 8GB is very possible, even probable.

[HowEver]

"One 4GB iPhone 3G.

Would you like fries with that?"


.

[blackcrayon]

Who says a person even has to put/care about music on their iphone at all... Maybe they just want a ton of games and other apps- 4GB or 3GB is *plenty* of space for that... and a telephone...

Also- with things like Simplify, the storage on the phone for music opens up a bit... Your entire itunes library is rarely totally out of reach anymore when you can just stream it from home...

[fleshman03]

I'm pretty sure you didn't understand my post.

I think I did. You were saying that a lot of people are replacing their shuffle and Nokia with an iPhone. Having 3.74gb is a bump for them.

What I'm saying is that after a month or so, those 3.37gb will be gone and the customer will likely be unhappy with his/her choice.

[shk718]

i think its a great idea - i have quite a few friends who only use the iphone as a phone - they don't use the itunes part of it but they do use some of the applications once they learn about them. i bet your average wallmart shopper will love a cheep 4 gig iphone and some of them, when they start using other features, will eventually upgrade to a higher capacity phone. the only question apple has to figure out is how much money they can make on it and will it hurt sales of the higher capacity phone - or - will it bring in new customers who wouldn't spend more on the other versioins.

i think this is a much better idea then selling an iphone nano.

[TraceyS/FL]

While that is the current Walmart logo - forget that it's losing the star - it doesn't look like the Walmart logo is properly placed. If you look at the at&t logo and the Walmart logo they don't line up at all. Even on an angle they would match up but the Walmart logo is slightly higher than the at&t one.

The possibility seems feasible, this picture does not.

I agree, that was the first thing i thought. Too many years of drawing line art maps i guess..... but if that is the actual document - they need to hire a new person.

[mrgreen4242]

Well, since I'm not switching to ATT, this doesn't really mean much for me, except that it might push the price of the 1G models down some. I might buy a 1G model to unlock if there was some software to tether it via BT to my Centro for data, and (lamely enough) as a BT handset... :p

[Sweetfeld28]

Shows how much I shop at the Big W. When did they change their logo?


They changed it about a month and a half ago. I've been printing/designing stuff using their new logo for awhile now.

[Digital Skunk]

However, I think it would be smart of Apple to introduce a lower-priced but still feature rich version of the iPhone to grab more market.

I somewhat agree.

It would get some more people to sign up with AT&T, but not much. Most users that want the iPhone have it already. Now that it's subsidized, the price issues of the 2G phone don't exist unless you aren't eligible.

The only thing keeping people from signing up with AT&T to get a new iPhone is AT&T itself, or one of the limitations of the phone. Bringing back the 4GB model won't increase sales much at all IMHO.

This does show me that Apple is really trying to make the iPhone the new bargain bin Razr/cheap Nokia phone of yore. The device is no longer a premium product in their eyes, and they want everyone to own one, even if they are just going to be making calls and sending text with it.

Hopefully, Apple and AT&T can work out an insurance option to add to the already over-priced bill, that would bring some customers to AT&T for sure knowing that they don't have to pay full price when they drop and break their phone.


Tomorrow Walmart, after MacWorld, they will be selling the iPhone at Ritz Cameras and Burger Kings around the nation.

[macaco74]

A Wal*Mart branding on the back would be interesting ;-)

[kb152]

I think I did. You were saying that a lot of people are replacing their shuffle and Nokia with an iPhone. Having 3.74gb is a bump for them.

What I'm saying is that after a month or so, those 3.37gb will be gone and the customer will likely be unhappy with his/her choice.

Uh, I bought a 4gb when the week after the phone was released.(i think it was $500 then). I kept a few smart playlists of a few hundred songs and never had much interest in video. It was fine for the first year.

then, as you point out, i wanted more space. i bought the 8gb. that's the point. once you buy one, you want to continue to upgrade. it's effective bait whatever the shortcomings.

[barkomatic]

If this truly pans out to be the case, at&t better offer a cheaper data plan for this. I wouldn't want to shell out 100 bucks for a 4 GB iPhone and have to pay the huge data tariff.

Exactly. If the iPhone were free it would still come with its expensive data plan and that will turn a lot of bargain shoppers off. The real cost of the phone is the monthly charge. Cut the data plan to $10 a month and that's when the real revolution will occur.

[2strokedude]

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


Wall Mart is a bulls**t company. I refuse to go into one. Never have never will.

[guzhogi]

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...

You'll find a lot of people like that on these forums: they think everyone is just like them. If they have a lot of songs, then everyone must have a lot of songs. If they don't need a certain feature, no one does. Kinda annoying, but that's life.

[amac4me]

I can't stand Walmart!

[skramsfan13]

I believe in the near future Wal-Mart will be selling the iPhone(no doubt in my mind) but this is not it. You can obviously tell it's fake by the pic. An employee wouldn't have took the photo on his kitchen counter(look at the bottom) and another thing the "iphone activation reference" manual wouldn't be printed and stapled(Wal-Mart isn't that cheap)

A 4GB MODEL IS A TERRIBLE IDEA!!

[Digital Skunk]

....If they don't need a certain feature, no one does....

This part is very very VERY on point and the solid truth on these forums. More so in the iPhone forums where every negative comment about the iPhones gets met with flames and fanpersons.

[contractcooker]

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 totally agree 4GB is kinda lame. Even though there are some people for whom 4GB is enough space I have a hard time believing that those type of people would choose an iphone for their cell. I personally have a 6TB server mostly filled with uncompressed DVD, Blu-ray, and HD-DVD rips. So I can never have enough space. Luckily the price of flash memory is dropping faster than George Bush's approval ratings so pretty soon we'll start seeing it EVERYWHERE. I personally cannot wait for the day when my computer has ZERO moving parts. Say goodbye to hard drives and hello solid state. HOORAY

[Prof.]

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.

[SBeardsl]

(Wal-Mart isn't that cheap)now there is a phrase you don't see very often :)

[stmjr]

i like how the person made sure to write their notes around the walmart logo

[contractcooker]

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...

Yeah but I think the point is that people who are interested in what the iPhone can do PROBABLY want more storage. I agree that there are people for whom 4GB is sufficient. I question whether or not they are the type of people likely to get an iPhone.

Just something to think about. I'm not against apple selling a 4GB iPhone but it would kind of seem like a step backwards and apple is a very forward facing company.

[contractcooker]

I know how you feel but the fact is that apple can set whatever price they want for the iphone. Most people don't know how cheap flash memory is so to them if you double the space it seems reasonable that the price would increase substantially. I'm sure that apple carefully analyze the market before setting the prices. It sucks for those of us who know better but apple is marketing to the masses. And for what you get I still think the iPhone is a steal. Even at full unsubsidized price.

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.

[johnmcboston]

now there is a phrase you don't see very often :)

It is if you really price compare. They usually have some kind of loss leader, but most of the shelves is the same price, or more expensive, than other stores. People just see the loss leaders and assume everything is cheaper.

Besides, if they really wanted to sell more iphones, expand to other carriers... :)

[TuffLuffJimmy]

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...

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

[dizzy13]

So why are we thinking 4gb? I didn't see 4gb in those pictures. Of course what I saw had a lota blur.

Wouldn't a $99/8gb, $199/16gb and $299/32gb after MW seem better?

Yes, I doubt they will make a 4GB model.

[contractcooker]

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

I know we're digressing here... But seriously, are they that bad?

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).

[fleshman03]

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

30 gb 5g iPod Video. Sorry about that.

[fleshman03]

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).

Although protesters have vehemently opposed the store during its construction, none were present for its opening on Thursday. But hundreds of bargain-hungry local residents stood in line for hours.

Link (http://www.ethicalcorp.com/content.asp?ContentID=3123)

Yup, it was in Mexico

[minijon]

For me its not the cost of the device, its the cost of the bill I can't afford. I would love to only carry about one device, but I can't afford the bill... especially because all my friends use SMS, so tack on an extra $20 bucks a month. And with all the ATT service issues I already have... don't even get me started.

[contractcooker]

It'd actually be like 3.01 GB of storage. my 8GB shows only 7.01, which sucks. should have just said it was a 7GB iphone.

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:

[williedigital]

now there is a phrase you don't see very often :)

The better word would be "efficient". The majority of the goods they sell are of the same quality as can be found at any other discount store (Target, Kmart, etc.) They have just been unusually successful at creating an efficient distribution model and keeping wages/capital costs down. You may have issues with that, but really they are just the most successful company at doing what every one of those companies wants to do. After all, it's not like those people at the apple store are earning any benefits. Besides that, Walmart has been very successful at staying ahead of the curve in new developments (green tech, different store sizes, etc.). The corporate employees of theirs that I worked with were are incredibly smart and knew how to make $$

[fleshman03]

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:

We complain because it is w.r.o.n.g.

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

[BenRoethig]

If this is true, it's a pretty smart move. With AT&T subsidizing the cost, Apple makes more money on an iPhone they do a Nano.

[williedigital]

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).

You do realize how many "ancient ruins" are now covered by box stores right? It's up to the zoning people (and ultimately citizens) within areas to protect lands that they think should be protected. If Walmart didn't build on that site, I guarantee that OXXO would be building there the next week.

[macfearless]

I'm sure they're having a field day training the Wal-Mart employees... Not sure if it's the same for every other region, but here in the dirty south I usually recommend staying as far away from Wal-Mart as you can. The employees are deplorable at best. I can only imagine how an activation interaction would go... Apple should certainly not taint their reputation even more than some people think it is.

[Prof.]

I'm sure they're having a field day training the Wal-Mart employees... Not sure if it's the same for every other region, but here in the dirty south I usually recommend staying as far away from Wal-Mart as you can. The employees are deplorable at best. I can only imagine how an activation interaction would go... Apple should certainly not taint their reputation even more than some people think it is.
Maybe they'll have an Apple rep like they do at Best Buy. :eek:

[RTiii320]

An iPhone at Wal-Mart degrades the overall appeal of it. To me at least.

[fletchbaby]

it seems like just lowering the capacity wouldn't make it that much cheaper to produce. i think they should cut the 3g radio, put in a cheap, standard gsm radio, put in a slower processor, maybe cut bluetooth, although i don't know what sort of savings that would get, and make it more on par with other entry level phones specs wise. the huge advantage of course is that it would still have the os, the huge touch screen and design attributes of the bigger better iphone 3g

also, this way consumers wouldn't have to heft over a monthly 3g contract and could get a normal contract, sans mobile internet if they wanted, edge if they did, but still with wifi

[ddTaylor]

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

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. My hats off to Walmart. The Walmart locations in my area now have LED illumination in every case that is motion sensitive and remains OFF unless someone walks by opens the case. They also make use of abundant natural lighting. I am no fan of Walmart - but when a company gets it right they should be praised for that.

D

[alphaod]

Too many people think that 4GB is inadequate or anything. For a lot of people spending $100-$200 less is a big thing. Personally my 300GB iTunes doesn't fit in any iPod, no one sees me complaining! Seriously who listens to 10,000 tunes all day long? Life is about planning ahead, so likewise, plan what music you want and load only a few of your playlists. This is suppose to be a phone in the first place, not a music player.

4GB is enough to load a few videos, tunes for the day and a load of apps to use.

It's also great for people who already own, say an iPod classic?

[macfearless]

Maybe they'll have an Apple rep like they do at Best Buy. :eek:

poor guy:rolleyes:

[gizmo998]

I think theres gonna be a 2 and 4gig iPhone Mini with a 2.5inch screen.

Just a little birdie told me...

[shaneglass]

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

It's funny how everyone jumps at the slightest thing. The 'Walmart' logo is real. We updated our look around June.

The writing is from our Connection Center manager, I'm supposing.

Launch is December 28th. There will NOT be a 4GB iPhone OR iPhone 3G. Just the same models everyone else has.

Oh, but there could be a lower, everyday price. $198.88!!!

[SwiftLives]

This makes total sense to me.

Apple has stated (as have the rumors) that they want to expand the iPhone lineup.

Apple has also expressed a desire to lock up the smartphone market.

We're in a potentially nasty economic downturn, so there is some risk involved here. But it does make perfect sense now to go after the sub $100 market to attempt to shut out the competition.

I also would not be surprised if AT&T offered a special scaled-back data plan for this model.

I'm guessing that as of January, we'll see this:
4GB = $99 | 8GB = $199 | 16GB = $299 | 32GB = $399

Edit: I Just read the above post. So nevermind then :)

[shaneglass]

I'm sure they're having a field day training the Wal-Mart employees... Not sure if it's the same for every other region, but here in the dirty south I usually recommend staying as far away from Wal-Mart as you can. The employees are deplorable at best. I can only imagine how an activation interaction would go... Apple should certainly not taint their reputation even more than some people think it is.


There will be no Apple rep involved. Training has begun but it's just through these manuals and district/regional supervision.

As far as stereotyping Walmart associates, I would agree with you 70% of the time. But as far as the associates dealing with cell phone contracts, training is required. The girl who runs the register up front cannot activate phones. We're on a higher pay level and have decent training.

I would imagine about 10 employees at each store will be trained for the sales. Even less at my location, which will probably be about five.

[shaneglass]

This makes total sense to me.

Apple has stated (as have the rumors) that they want to expand the iPhone lineup.

Apple has also expressed a desire to lock up the smartphone market.

We're in a potentially nasty economic downturn, so there is some risk involved here. But it does make perfect sense now to go after the sub $100 market to attempt to shut out the competition.

I also would not be surprised if AT&T offered a special scaled-back data plan for this model.

I'm guessing that as of January, we'll see this:
4GB = $99 | 8GB = $199 | 16GB = $299 | 32GB = $399

Edit: I Just read the above post. So nevermind then :)

The manual says the standard $30 data plan is required. The only other option is a $45/month Enterprise Plan. No cheapy discounts.

Text messages are still $5, $15, and $20 for 200, 1500 and unlimited respective. (I think those prices are right.)

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.

[ddTaylor]

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 have a higher than average income and own my own business - and you know what? I shop at Walmart...as do many of my fellow small business owners as well as Sam's Club - both for personal ad business related items. That is a the most arrogant post I have seen in a LONG TIME. Apple users really are elitist, huh? Doesn't that sound almost as ignorant as your statement? I would argue it does.

Remove you foot from your mouth and try again - this time - THINK FIRST.

D

[macfearless]

There will be no Apple rep involved. Training has begun but it's just through these manuals and district/regional supervision.

As far as stereotyping Walmart associates, I would agree with you 70% of the time. But as far as the associates dealing with cell phone contracts, training is required. The girl who runs the register up front cannot activate phones. We're on a higher pay level and have decent training.

I would imagine about 10 employees at each store will be trained for the sales. Even less at my location, which will probably be about five.

good to hear. i realize that 30% is out there, and applaud them, but that 70% puts me through the front doors of target to pay a little more $ for a little less BS :)

[GeekLawyer]

Wall Mart is a bulls**t company. I refuse to go into one. Never have never will.

I can't stand Walmart!

You guys are just too cool for words. Fight the power.

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.

Actually: you're not telling the truth, you're making an assumption based on a hipster stereotype.

GeekLawyer: Geek, Lawyer, occasional Walmart shopper. Can afford.

Your stereotype: FAIL

This strategy: genius on Apple's part, if it's true. 20M units moved by Q3 2009.

[dicklacara]

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.

Things have changed since the original iPhone intro. Then, it was an iPod, a Web Browser, and a Cell phone.

1) More, Faster bandwidth availability
2) The iTunes Store
3) The App Store
4) The Apps, themselves

One big change is the way we can now use the iPod-like features. We no-longer need to "stop for gas" (tether to the computer) to get new content (or get access to old content). The businessman doesn't need to store all his business content on the iPhone, because he can access whatever, whenever through the cloud. The same is beginning to happen with the consumer and his need for iPod content-- store a few immediately-needed songs/videos on the iPhone, then access the rest on demand.

Another change is that there are some apps that can be done better or are more suited to an iPhone than any other device... say you are 5th in a long checkout line and you realize you don't have enough money in your checking account to cover your purchases... you notice that there are long lines at the ATMs, too! Just whip out your iPhone and transfer from your savings to checking... ...sure you could do this with your laptop (if you brought it shopping with you and did a balancing act with it). I do this all the time.

Then there are the game apps... ...they change all the rules.

We have 4 iPhones (3 8-GB 2Gs and 1 16-GB 3G) and lots of iPods. Only 2 of the iPhones act as cell phones. Typical memory usage is about 1.5 gig of apps and total usage less than 3.5 gigs.

The 2 non-activated phones are used, primarily, as game machines. The iPods are seldom used.

So, 4-GB isn't, necessarily, an issue.

[mike12806]

The manual says the standard $30 data plan is required. The only other option is a $45/month Enterprise Plan. No cheapy discounts.

Text messages are still $5, $15, and $20 for 200, 1500 and unlimited respective. (I think those prices are right.)

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.

I call BS, sorry 3 out of your only 4 posts to macrumors have been in this thread only!! And, no walmart "store" employees like yourself are covered by Apple's NDA, so I find it HIGHLY unlikely that you have access to information that has not been publicly announced by Apple....

On a different note, Apple may be adapting to the "new" economy of sorts....Wal-Mart looks to be one of the only retailers who will increase sales this holiday season....and it makes sense for Apple to want to take advantage of this. Yes, Apple computers will ALWAYS be a higher-end, premium, and more expensive product....but this doesn't mean Apple can't compete in the lower end with iPods and iPhones. Look at the iPod shuffle people!

[macfearless]

An iPhone at Wal-Mart degrades the overall appeal of it. To me at least.

oh yeah, i totally agree. man, this thread is really getting some posts out of me...

[askthedust]

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...

There will never be enough storage. :) There were plenty of people who bought the 4gb nano and I predict if this is true, plenty of people would flock to buy a $99 iphone. nanos start at 149? Maybe this ties in to Jobs' Statement about the no netbook because the iphone is their netbook? The drawback is the monthly plan. 70 bucks for 3g is the minimum with voice and data?

[Prof.]

I have a higher than average income and own my own business - and you know what? I shop at Walmart...as do many of my fellow small business owners as well as Sam's Club - both for personal ad business related items. That is a the most arrogant post I have seen in a LONG TIME. Apple users really are elitist, huh? Doesn't that sound almost as ignorant as your statement? I would argue it does.

Remove you foot from your mouth and try again - this time - THINK FIRST.

D
Well you obviously don't see the vast majority of the ppl that shop at my local wal-mart.;)
Actually: you're not telling the truth, you're making an assumption based on a hipster stereotype.
I'm basing it on what I see at MY local wal-mart. Not all of them. :)

[shaneglass]

good to hear. i realize that 30% is out there, and applaud them, but that 70% puts me through the front doors of target to pay a little more $ for a little less BS :)

I would love a Target. Unfortunately in my town of ~10,000 Walmart is the only big supermarket we've got. Walgreens came to town last year but isn't doing the best and we've got a couple of local grocery stores. I would kill for a Krogers, too.

Oh well...

[SkippyThorson]

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.

Really? You mean the camera and communications components don't lend a hand in price difference? That's news to me.

The $600 iPhone is subsidized by AT&T to the prices we actually pay now - $199 and $299. The iPod Touches are the prices they are because they are less of a device, end of story. Capacity in flash is no comparison to what it costs to build a communications device inside of a form factor generally the same size.

[Tomorrow]

Too many people think that 4GB is inadequate or anything. For a lot of people spending $100-$200 less is a big thing. Personally my 300GB iTunes doesn't fit in any iPod, no one sees me complaining! Seriously who listens to 10,000 tunes all day long? Life is about planning ahead, so likewise, plan what music you want and load only a few of your playlists. This is suppose to be a phone in the first place, not a music player.

4GB is enough to load a few videos, tunes for the day and a load of apps to use.

It's also great for people who already own, say an iPod classic?

+1 for this post.

I'm still not sold on using my phone to listen to music anyway - I prefer to have my battery life allocated to phone functions, not for listening to music or watching movies.

Since I'm still iPhone-less, can anyone shed any light on whether 4 Gb is sufficient to store/run a decent handful of apps?

[theLastBeatle]

think we need to remember the macrumor effect. (we tend to have more music/movies/media than the "normal" walmart shopper who proly hasnt even set up itunes yet or has no idea what blu-ray is) There is a market out there for cheaper iphones without the need for enough space for 60 movies..but again...the $100 just isnt a huge deal when you look at the 2-year period.

*shakes head and bites tongue*

[fleshman03]

+1 for this post.

I'm still not sold on using my phone to listen to music anyway - I prefer to have my battery life allocated to phone functions, not for listening to music or watching movies.

Since I'm still iPhone-less, can anyone shed any light on whether 4 Gb is sufficient to store/run a decent handful of apps?

You're not going to run into any problems with loading it with Apps. If an app is over 100mb, that is unusual. There might by a medial atlas or two that weighs over 1/2gb.

[mike12806]

Well you obviously don't see the vast majority of the ppl that shop at my local wal-mart.;)

Regardless of your feelings about Wal-Mart as a corporate entity, the demographic of people that they attract at their stores is undoubtedly of a lower income bracket then Apple traditionally markets to. Does this mean Apple doesn't want to tap into this market? I'm not so sure...however, Apple has shown that the iPhone is really the ONLY product in which they will be price-competitive on. Apple really wants to put the iPhone into the hands of everyone, with the Mac they feel comfortable targeting solely a higher-end market.

Hopefully, Apple does not make the mistake of other companies and run their brand into the ground by making it "too accessible"....

[firewood]

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

There are tons of people buying 1GB and 2GB iPod Nanos, enough to cause some models to be sold out. A 4GB iPhone would have 4X as much memory for only twice the price of the 1GB Nano, plus have a phone and an app+gaming engine thrown in.

.

[rowr]

The only thing keeping people from signing up with AT&T to get a new iPhone is AT&T itself, or one of the limitations of the phone. Bringing back the 4GB model won't increase sales much at all IMHO.

I had AT&T/Cingular and despised the service - even up here in jolly old Beantown the service is pretty tough once you get 5-10 miles outside of the main metro area.

CDMA sounds better anyway...

[dicklacara]

Uh....how about St. Jobs' recent assertion that he doesn't give a wet fart about potential buyers below a certain threshold?

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 think Apple's strategy for the iPhone LE is this: If we have a competitor for a lower-priced iPhone... it might as well be us!

[TitoC]

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 now Walmart is in a better position to make these demands. My hats off to Walmart. The Walmart locations in my area now have LED illumination in every case that is motion sensitive and remains OFF unless someone walks by opens the case. They also make use of abundant natural lighting. I am no fan of Walmart - but when a company gets it right they should be praised for that.

D

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.

[GeekLawyer]

Well you obviously don't see the vast majority of the ppl that shop at my local wal-mart.;)

I'm basing it on what I see at MY local wal-mart. Not all of them. :)

Maybe that's your perception, but unless you've polled the shoppers, you're just making an assumption about their disposable income. I have no doubt that you're right about some of the folks at your local Walmart. But unless you camp out there, you don't know the habits or resources of everyone who shops there.

I think people see it as cool to bust on Walmart and the people who shop there. I, personally, shop in a lot of places. And I'll buy my Apple gear from the Apple store. But I see little difference in selling iPhones at Walmart or Best Buy or Costco. All three cater to the same bargain-hunting shoppers.

[Tomorrow]

Well you obviously don't see the vast majority of the ppl that shop at my local wal-mart.;)

I'm basing it on what I see at MY local wal-mart. Not all of them. :)

I can drive 10 miles west to one Wal-Mart or 7 miles east to a different (newer) one. They're night-and-day different, both in terms of store size, item selection, and clientele. I totally chalk it up to the neighborhoods - Wal-Mart east is adjacent to a very upscale suburb (with lots of new development in and near the neighborhood), Wal-Mart west is in the heart of a much older (speaking in terms of how long the population has been there) and established town.

In any event, if I buy an iPhone at either store and bring it home, the phone doesn't know or care where I bought it.

[dornoforpyros]

Is the upfront cost of the iPhone really the deciding factor? I would have thought it's the $60+ monthly phone bill more than the cost of the device itself. Or at least it is for me, if rogers (canada) came out with a $100 iPhone tomorrow it still wouldn't make the hefty bill and 3 year contract any easier to swallow.

[Kwill]

Although I personally do not feel 4GB is enough memory for all the iPhone does, in today's economy the $99 price point would be attractive. Walmart certainly has a vast distribution channel. Let's just hope they have enough security to keep people from breaking down the doors when the product is released.

[mike12806]

Maybe that's your perception, but unless you've polled the shoppers, you're just making an assumption about their disposable income. I have no doubt that you're right about some of the folks at your local Walmart. But unless you camp out there, you don't know the habits or resources of everyone who shops there.

I think people see it as cool to bust on Walmart and the people who shop there. I, personally, shop in a lot of places. And I'll buy my Apple gear from the Apple store. But I see little difference in selling iPhones at Walmart or Best Buy or Costco. All three cater to the same bargain-hunting shoppers.

Just to add....in rural America, a Wal-Mart is really like a mall to more urban America, it may be the only electronics retailer in a 50 mile radius. Don't forget, Walmart is also the LARGEST retailer in the world, so no matter what, you are going to get customers who may never set foot in an Apple store or otherwise purchase an iPhone. This wasn't such a big deal when you could purchase the iPhone online, but you obviously can't with the iPhone 3G.

And, you really can't compare Best Buy, Costco, and Wal-Mart as retailers...although you may shop at all three, they do target different market segments.

[dvkid]

They changed it about a month and a half ago. I've been printing/designing stuff using their new logo for awhile now.

This logo debuted in early July and was put into use immediately. In fact, it appeared in a TV ad within the first day or two of being the official logo.

The older blue-star logo is still in use in Canada and Mexico for the time being.

[rowr]

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).

That's a kooky statement.

The only physical reaction you'll probably experience will be a year from now when your taxes are so high that you're forced to buy stuff at Wal-Mart, and then realize that you can buy the SAME things there at 30% discount. Wal-Mart sells premium products, not just cheap low quality items.

I never have understood why elitists take pride in wasting their money. Times are going to get tougher over the next 4 years - start saving your money now.

[dvkid]

This strategy: genius on Apple's part, if it's true. 20M units moved by Q3 2009.

This strategy: steep devaluation of the product line following a massive movement of units.

Short term gain, long term FAIL.

[firewood]

Is the upfront cost of the iPhone really the deciding factor?

Department stores learned long ago that "buy now, pay later" gives a huge boost to sales, plus they make money on the interest (or the monthly plan, where the subsidy interest is built-in in the case of phones).

.

[fleshman03]

think we need to remember the macrumor effect. (we tend to have more music/movies/media than the "normal" walmart shopper who proly hasnt even set up itunes yet or has no idea what blu-ray is) There is a market out there for cheaper iphones without the need for enough space for 60 movies..but again...the $100 just isnt a huge deal when you look at the 2-year period.

Some data on Walmart Shoppers:
http://www2.acnielsen.com/pubs/images/p31_Chart_04.gif

Nielsen Trends data on WalMart Shopers (http://www2.acnielsen.com/pubs/2004_q1_ci_walmart.shtml)

Little more data:
http://www.marketingcharts.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/bigresearch-stores-shopped-most-often-electronics-april-2008.jpg
Source (http://www.marketingcharts.com/direct/shoppers-heading-to-wal-mart-for-electronics-home-improvement-groceries-4513/bigresearch-stores-shopped-most-often-electronics-april-2008jpg/)


So given the data, you are more likely to find someone making 35k or more a year than not. That person is also likely to buy electronics at Walmart.

[MacDaddy08]

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 have 2 3G iPhones that I just recently upgraded to from my 2 8GB EDGE iPhones. I pay for the monthly bill and guess what, I shop at Walmart.

There are way to many people out there that get this personification that if you shop at Walmart then you must be poor. It's an incredibly ignorant stereotype to throw out. Walmart has good deals on a lot of things and they don't just sell junk. A lot of the stuff they sell are the same brands and models everyone else sells. What's the big deal? Just because they sell things cheaper it must mean the people that shop there can't afford to shop at designer stores? No. It means the people that shop there are smart and aren't going to spend more money on something just because they don't want to be caught in the Walmart parking lot.

Get real.

[TitoC]

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.

Is it me or are you referring to storage sizes or physical memory as RAM? There is quite a bit of difference between the two. The iPhones and the iPod Touches all use roughly the same amount of RAM. From what I've read it has 128MB of RAM of which 11MB is for integrated graphics.

Now if you want to talk about storage space (4 Gb, 8 Gb, 16 Gb, etc.) that's a different story. Please use the proper terminology.

[mike12806]

This strategy: steep devaluation of the product line following a massive movement of units.

Short term gain, long term FAIL.

Ahem...cough....sounds like the RAZR product timeline, eh?

[fleshman03]

I have 2 3G iPhones that I just recently upgraded to from my 2 8GB EDGE iPhones. I pay for the monthly bill and guess what, I shop at Walmart.

There are way to many people out there that get this personification that if you shop at Walmart then you must be poor. It's an incredibly ignorant stereotype to throw out. Walmart has good deals on a lot of things and they don't just sell junk. A lot of the stuff they sell are the same brands and models everyone else sells. What's the big deal? Just because they sell things cheaper it must mean the people that shop there can't afford to shop at designer stores? No. It means the people that shop there are smart and aren't going to spend more money on something just because they don't want to be caught in the Walmart parking lot.

Get real.

Lol. See my post above yours.

[shaneglass]

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.

Walmart considers associates 'full-time' if they work 34 or more hours a week. So your friends weren't stripped of benefits for that, or at least shouldn't have been. As far as benefits, you have to be employed for different amounts of time for different benefits. My Walmart recently offered a wide range of insurance to an unprecedented amount of associates, myself included. I declined the offer. Also, MyShare gives associates returns on their store's performance. Our MyShare will be at least $200 on next week's paycheck, plus an extra $400 for our credit card application performance in our region. A $600 bonus for me doing my job is pretty good.

[fleshman03]

Is it me or are you referring to storage sizes or physical memory as RAM? There is quite a bit of difference between the two. The iPhones and the iPod Touches all use roughly the same amount of RAM. From what I've read it has 128MB of RAM of which 11MB is for integrated graphics.

Now if you want to talk about storage space (4 Gb, 8 Gb, 16 Gb, etc.) that's a different story. Please use the proper terminology.

To complicate matters, I believe these devices can their storage as a type of virtual RAM. It's also a bit quicker than the older, HDD based virtual RAM.

I do agree that the posted just doesn't understand the concept of RAM and Storage.

[randyedmonds]

I tend to believe this story. The reason it sounds right is because when the iPhone was first release, back in Jan 07, Steve Jobs gave a number of interviews and in them he said "I wish we could sell them for $100... when we can eveyone is going to want one..."

Forward to 3:48 in this interview to hear Steve Jobs say he wishes he could sell it for $100.
http://video.google.com/videosearch?rlz=1B3GGGL_enUS269US269&hl=en&q=steve+job+iphone+iterview&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=X&oi=video_result_group&resnum=4&ct=title#

[Noodlefarmer]

A lot of you guys are funny. Don't like WalMart, but are OK with Starbucks. Starbucks doesn't exactly treat their employees great. Pretty obvious elitist attitude. Which cracks me up. On one hand you want to see Apple stock rise and the company to do well. But only if they sell to certain people in certain stores? Can't have the riff-raff carrying around an iPhone. Kind of makes it less special. Can't have it both ways unfortunately. If you want to see Apple continue to gain in the computer and mobile markets, they are going to have to sell to people who are just not as hip as you.

I always liked the exclusivity of using Macs, etc., and of converting PC users, but when you start laying ground rules as to who can sell and who can buy, how can you expect Apple to continue to grow?

Typical liberal elitist attitude.

[greggov]

If this truly pans out to be the case, at&t better offer a cheaper data plan for this. I wouldn't want to shell out 100 bucks for a 4 GB iPhone and have to pay the huge data tariff.

Why? The phone has all the same features of the 8 and 16GB. Same unlimited data plan with visual voicemail and all that jazz. :confused: While different data plans that are priced differently would make sense (which of course is why they won't do it :P ), you still have access to the network, just the same as those with the bigger iPhones.

[bruinsrme]

I think this is a great marketing plan. A $100 iPhone will attract more people. Get them into the 4gb phone and when they spend so much time managing so little memory the may begin to look to upgrade.
AT&T gets a new 2 year contract and walmart makes a little chunk of change.

With the economy is disarray a couple can now get into the iPhone for the price of what he 8gb is running

[chuckiej]

This just seems like a very bad idea. You have to have iPods there but iPhones? It seems ridiculous to not offer a nice Black Friday discount in your own stores but then put your landmark product in THE discount retailer? Just cut the price to $149 and $249 everywhere!

[shaneglass]

I call BS, sorry 3 out of your only 4 posts to macrumors have been in this thread only!! And, no walmart "store" employees like yourself are covered by Apple's NDA, so I find it HIGHLY unlikely that you have access to information that has not been publicly announced by Apple....

On a different note, Apple may be adapting to the "new" economy of sorts....Wal-Mart looks to be one of the only retailers who will increase sales this holiday season....and it makes sense for Apple to want to take advantage of this. Yes, Apple computers will ALWAYS be a higher-end, premium, and more expensive product....but this doesn't mean Apple can't compete in the lower end with iPods and iPhones. Look at the iPod shuffle people!

Of course I'm posting more on this thread, I sent MacRumors the blasted picture.

And I don't know how you expect anyone (Walmart or Apple employee alike) to sell the iPhone without prior training and knowledge. Oh wait, that's right, Walmart is gonna throw its employees to the wolves on Dec 28th and let them find out for themselves while customers wait.

Go ahead, call BS. I don't care, because I know it isn't. I took the picture, I flipped through the manuals.

Like I said, funny that people interject their 'knowledge' of Apple into everything.

[fleshman03]

A lot of you people need to understand the concept of a Union. If the employees feel mistreated, they should have the chance to form a union and bargain collectively for better conditions and wages.

I can understand people complaining about WalMart and their union busting techniques. That is a different argument.

[mike12806]

Of course I'm posting more on this thread, I sent MacRumors the blasted picture.

And I don't know how you expect anyone (Walmart or Apple employee alike) to sell the iPhone without prior training and knowledge. Oh wait, that's right, Walmart is gonna throw its employees to the wolves on Dec 28th and let them find out for themselves while customers wait.

Go ahead, call BS. I don't care, because I know it isn't. I took the picture, I flipped through the manuals.

Like I said, funny that people interject their 'knowledge' of Apple into everything.

Apple routinely makes retailers aware of product launches on the day they publicly announce them....even to their own Apple retail stores....maybe you need to read into your knowledge of Apple a little bit deeper....

[Tomorrow]

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.

You'd be surprised. I shop at Wal-Mart and my cell phone family plan is in the $140-150 range each month. Two car payments, mortgage, student loans, etc. - typical middle-class, I suppose.

Rest assured that, depending on the location, I can go to Wal-Mart and see a majority of customers that I would suppose are in very much the same boat.

[Eidorian]

I'd be interested in a 4 GB iPhone for the phone part instead of the iPod part. Make it pay as you go and I'll be in line for it.

Everyone I know shops at Wal-Mart or Sam's Club regardless of income. From me to my siblings that make $70K/year.

[shaneglass]

Apple routinely makes retailers aware of product launches on the day they publicly announce them....even to their own Apple retail stores....maybe you need to read into your knowledge of Apple a little bit deeper....


"So, Walmart employees, here's the best-selling smartphone this year. You're going to start selling it today. No training, nothing like that."

Riiiight.

Why read up on Apple knowledge when I can just ask you?

[dicklacara]

In the 1970's-1980's I owned some computer stores in Silicon Valley. We sold Apple and IBM computers... and we had both companies as significant customers for emerging technologies such as LANS, etc,

Both Apple and IBM were quite difficult to deal with as Vendors... you played by their rules, or not at all, case closed!

As Customers, both organizations were easy to deal with... allowing flexibility in a fast-changing world.

We sold the stores, and retired to Arizona in 1989. My wife started a small Southwestern arts and crafts business. Among others, she signed up 3 local Wal-Marts as customers. They were a pleasure to deal with and often showcased our products (Holiday Aisles, end caps, multiple placement within the stores).

Often, my wife and I would go together to the stores to restock/refresh our products, handle returns or just to see how things were selling. Without exception, these were pleasant encounters.

We did some shopping at Wal-Mart and found the stores to be clean, well-stocked and crowded at almost any time of day.... that ain't bad!

Lots of assistants and checkers!

They are damn good at what they do!

The point of all this... I have better shopping experience with walmart than most speciality electronics stores or cell phone stores.

I see no reason to think that "wallmart selling iPhone" will demean the iPhone or Apple.

HTH

Dick

[klittle32]

Would the 4gb iphone in question be 3g?

[shaneglass]

Would the 4gb iphone in question be 3g?

There is no 4GB in question. There will not be one according to the manuals. Just what we've already seen.

[sfh]

Don't know, but it's also on their website:

http://www.walmart.com/
http://i2.walmartimages.com/i/catalog/modules/G0040/wmlogo.gif

right after they lost their smiley face lawsuit where they were trying to sue people for using a smiley face (they thought that they "Owned"it

[greggov]

A lot of you guys are funny. Don't like WalMart, but are OK with Starbucks. Starbucks doesn't exactly treat their employees great. Pretty obvious elitist attitude.

Several of my good friends work at Starbucks (within the last six to eight months) so I can't say how the employees used to be treated, but my friends get pretty good benefits from working there. There's actually a lot of perks, enough of them that I considered working there for a while to help pay the bills while I looked for a full time job (tough time finding finance/accounting work in the NYC area...might be something to do with the economy? I digress)

Walmart can be talked about and debated til we're all blue in the face. I believe Walmart is cleaning up its act and trying to rebrand and reposition itself, and whether or not its too little too late can also be debated.

But if it helps Apple sell more phones, isn't that good? Good for the company, drive the share price up, and allow them to keep innovating. And hey, it's also more users to complain to Apple (and us) about lack of features :D Maybe there will be so many people complaining Apple will have to listen? Wishful thinking, I know. I can dream though, right?:p

[tonyl]

a 4GB 3G iPhone? Nice!:D

[upekkharich]

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.

[fleshman03]

In the 1970's-1980's I owned some computer stores in Silicon Valley. We sold Apple and IBM computers... and we had both companies as significant customers for emerging technologies such as LANS, etc,

Both Apple and IBM were quite difficult to deal with as Vendors... you played by their rules, or not at all, case closed!

As Customers, both organizations were easy to deal with... allowing flexibility in a fast-changing world.

We sold the stores, and retired to Arizona in 1989. My wife started a small Southwestern arts and crafts business. Among others, she signed up 3 local Wal-Marts as customers. They were a pleasure to deal with and often showcased our products (Holiday Aisles, end caps, multiple placement within the stores).

Often, my wife and I would go together to the stores to restock/refresh our products, handle returns or just to see how things were selling. Without exception, these were pleasant encounters.

We did some shopping at Wal-Mart and found the stores to be clean, well-stocked and crowded at almost any time of day.... that ain't bad!

Lots of assistants and checkers!

They are damn good at what they do!

The point of all this... I have better shopping experience with walmart than most speciality electronics stores or cell phone stores.

I see no reason to think that "wallmart selling iPhone" will demean the iPhone or Apple.

HTH

Dick

In my experience it really depends on which store you go to.

There is one by my school that is just horrible to do to. I don't really want my girlfriend to go there after dark. You will wait at least 45 minutes in line. Security at the AirPort is better than this. Dirty with products all over the floor.

Contrast that with the WalMart by my Apartment. This place is nice, clean and has a supermarket inside of it. I rarely see anything on the floor or people putting things away. I've gone there at 2am and did not fear for my life. Lines are still a pain in the ass, but it's walmart!

[UbuntuFu]

I'll believe it when I see it. Costco would of been the more plausible rumor.

[fagosu]

Shows how much I shop at the Big W. When did they change their logo?

They changed it last July, it sparked a lot of interesting reactions in the design community.

[sfh]

How have sales been for Best Buy? have they been strong or dismal?

[ImageWrangler]

Fake. And even if not, I'm with the others on the Wallyworld boycott bandwagon. What would Apple let the same evil whiny large devoid-of-all-soul company sell a device that, a scant couple years ago, tried to strongarm Apple out of digital downloads... and look who won that battle?

[judolphin]

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!

Thank you for being a self-parody of Apple fans.

[Bernie-Mac]

In the 1970's-1980's I owned some computer stores in Silicon Valley. We sold Apple and IBM computers... and we had both companies as significant customers for emerging technologies such as LANS, etc,

Both Apple and IBM were quite difficult to deal with as Vendors... you played by their rules, or not at all, case closed!

As Customers, both organizations were easy to deal with... allowing flexibility in a fast-changing world.

We sold the stores, and retired to Arizona in 1989. My wife started a small Southwestern arts and crafts business. Among others, she signed up 3 local Wal-Marts as customers. They were a pleasure to deal with and often showcased our products (Holiday Aisles, end caps, multiple placement within the stores).

Often, my wife and I would go together to the stores to restock/refresh our products, handle returns or just to see how things were selling. Without exception, these were pleasant encounters.

We did some shopping at Wal-Mart and found the stores to be clean, well-stocked and crowded at almost any time of day.... that ain't bad!

Lots of assistants and checkers!

They are damn good at what they do!

The point of all this... I have better shopping experience with walmart than most speciality electronics stores or cell phone stores.

I see no reason to think that "wallmart selling iPhone" will demean the iPhone or Apple.

HTH

Dick

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

[judolphin]

Is it me or are you referring to storage sizes or physical memory as RAM? There is quite a bit of difference between the two. The iPhones and the iPod Touches all use roughly the same amount of RAM. From what I've read it has 128MB of RAM of which 11MB is for integrated graphics.

Now if you want to talk about storage space (4 Gb, 8 Gb, 16 Gb, etc.) that's a different story. Please use the proper terminology.


Tito, your rant is true for computers, but not for the iPod Touch & iPhone.

iPod Touch and iPhone do use a form of RAM for storage. iPod "Classic" uses hard drive storage in the traditional sense.

[FSUSem1noles]

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

I actually tend to believe it's legit..

And the logo on the "questionable" training doc is Walmart's new logo.. it's even on their website.

[judolphin]

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

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]

[dizzy13]

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:

Well technically it's 1000. Yes, we all know binary is 1024, but when a hard drive says 8GB it's 1000, it would need to say 8GiB to mean 1024.

Ki = Kilo Binary (1024 bytes)
k = Kilo (1000 bytes)

Here's a whole thing I wrote up when discussing my iPhone 3g speed test site with the developer of the popular testmyiphone site.
http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=6167013&postcount=21

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mbit/s#.27k.27_vs_.27Ki.27

[ChrisA]

Granted..$100 off the price isnt a huge deal when you look at the total cost over the two years (more expensive than a new alum macbook),

You forget how stupid most consumers are when it comes to money. Most cell phone users still think they have "free minutes". I'm sure there are many thousands of people who would buy an iPhone but they just can't seem to ever have $200 all at once. Cutting the down payment in half has the effect of more than doubling the potential market To bad these same people will be signing up for a $2,000 contract

[MacDaddy08]

Lol. See my post above yours.

Exactly my point.

[donga]

brand dilution = not good

[SpinThis!]

I just can't see the average Wallyworld employee sorting out the details of activating phones, doing a credit check in store, etc. Unless they plan on bringing in at&t employees for a "store within a store" concept...

brand dilution = not good
on who? Apple? Our favorite fruit company already sells iPods and accessories at walmart. The iPhone is not a "luxury" item anymore; people here glow over the latest iPhone commercial—which is targeted to the everyman—but dont want the everyman to actually buy it?

[OllyW]

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.

This is the reason I really hope Wal-Mart get to sell the iPhone. :p

[Eidorian]

brand dilution = not goodTell me more.

[ogbuke]

What is wrong with Wal-mart, they sell ipods at wal-mart, yet people still buy Apple products, forget this crap about brand diultion, Apple wants to sell more products and hence make more money, ain't nothing wrong with Wal-Mart.

[kingtj]

I still use my 8GB rev. 1 iPhone I bought as a refurb, pretty shortly after they first came out. Ever since I've had it, I don't think I've used more than between 4-5GB of the storage space in it.

I've got 5 screens full of apps installed on it, and they don't take up nearly 4GB. I don't even try to put videos or movies on it, and don't see why you would, really? If I want to watch a movie, I'll do it on a device with a larger screen, thanks. It takes none of my iPhone storage space to watch streaming videos from YouTube and the like.

As for music? I tend to just copy several albums of music on it at a given time. I don't use it as an MP3 player that often. I don't want to run down the battery doing that, when I need it as a phone (and want to check my mail, read news online, etc.) during the day. The last time I listened to music with it was during part of a plane flight, and I just pre-loaded a few things on it in advance, that I knew I'd want to hear on the plane.

I think plenty of folks will get lots of use out of a 4GB iPhone.

I'd be interested in a 4 GB iPhone for the phone part instead of the iPod part. Make it pay as you go and I'll be in line for it.

Everyone I know shops at Wal-Mart or Sam's Club regardless of income. From me to my siblings that make $70K/year.

[sfh]

In my experience it really depends on which store you go to.

There is one by my school that is just horrible to do to. I don't really want my girlfriend to go there after dark. You will wait at least 45 minutes in line. Security at the AirPort is better than this. Dirty with products all over the floor.

Contrast that with the WalMart by my Apartment. This place is nice, clean and has a supermarket inside of it. I rarely see anything on the floor or people putting things away. I've gone there at 2am and did not fear for my life. Lines are still a pain in the ass, but it's walmart!

seriously you are more likely to have something bad happen to you at a WalMart than most any store.

check these stats out
http://www.swivel.com/data_sets/show/1002864

[Bernie-Mac]

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]

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

[judolphin]

An iPhone at Wal-Mart degrades the overall appeal of it. To me at least.

Forgive my hijacking of the thread... but yet ANOTHER self-parody of Apple fans. Stop making us all look like elitist snobs, please.

[judolphin]

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

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.

[dicklacara]

+1 for this post.

I'm still not sold on using my phone to listen to music anyway - I prefer to have my battery life allocated to phone functions, not for listening to music or watching movies.

Since I'm still iPhone-less, can anyone shed any light on whether 4 Gb is sufficient to store/run a decent handful of apps?

Yes, I have 113 (appstore) apps on my 3G

14.64 GB Capacity
12.97 GB Free

215.7 MB Audio
117.5 MB Video
40 MB Photos
1.04 GB Apps
272.MB Other *

* The other is some iphone programs that I am testing-- I can download and consume large content with a small app.

[iJon]

There are many many people out there who really don't need any space on their iPhone. They put no music on there and most of the space is always free.

Wal-Mart and Apple teaming up to do this is very smart. Wal-Mart won't be any worse at selling these then your average Best Buy or ATT store. All the employees at all those stores know next to nothing so I don't know the difference.

jon

[Ethonastar]

I just can't see the average Wallyworld employee sorting out the details of activating phones, doing a credit check in store, etc. Unless they plan on bringing in at&t employees for a "store within a store" concept...

*walmart will be selling iphones this DEC. we start taking orders this DEC 15 at some of our stores. however i currently don't know the price of the iphone or the size of flash being installed in them.

*walmart has software that does all the work far as credit check, activating, and selling phones. all a employee must do is fill in your info and click a few buttons.

*humans in general are a bit stupid acting sometimes or most of the time depending, lol. i'm sure like other retailers walmart got some bad employees! a lot of the bad employees are just their way of dealing with shoppers. i'd say a good chunk of shoppers i've delt with at walmart are disturbing in behavior and are no better than the folks that are locked up behind bars.

now for a recap... walmart will be selling iphones. get use to the idea! we all at walmart knew this was coming for a long time :) and boy do i feel bad for the folks that got to sell them.

"Originally Posted by RTiii320
An iPhone at Wal-Mart degrades the overall appeal of it. To me at least."

guess what RTiii320, i work at walmart and own a mac mini, macbook, 24'' imac, two ipods, and soon a iphone 3g. hopefully i don't degrade your overall appeal too much. :D

[fleshman03]

Yes, I have 113 (appstore) apps on my 3G

14.64 GB Capacity
12.97 GB Free

215.7 MB Audio
117.5 MB Video
40 MB Photos
1.04 GB Apps
272.MB Other *

* The other is some iphone programs that I am testing-- I can download and consume large content with a small app.

So you're averaging around 11mb/per app. Not bad.

why do you need 113 apps? you'd rather have them than not?

[shaneglass]

I just can't see the average Wallyworld employee sorting out the details of activating phones, doing a credit check in store, etc. Unless they plan on bringing in at&t employees for a "store within a store" concept...

The average Wallyworld employee doesn't do these things. Only associates in the 'Connection Center' (usually part of the electronics 'megaplex') deal with cell phones. The iPhone just adds more to the process. We sign-up new accounts and deal with upgrades and activations at Walmart, but no other phone will require such a process. We have to tether the iPhone to our Kiosks and login to a POS.com system to 'unbrick' (as the manual states) the iPhone and activate it. We're to demo it's abilities and give the customer the chance. As before, they will not be covered by wireless insurance but by Apple's warranty.

No minute or data plans will change and there will be no other exclusivity as far as I can read. No 4GB iPhone. Just the ones we've been seeing, unless Apple has an ace up their sleeve, but I doubt it will coincide with the Walmart launch.

[Bernie-Mac]

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.

Lol, by saying "look at the Razr, who has them?" I was leaning more towards the fact that if no one buys them (like Razr these days) Apple will be reluctant to pursue the iPhone with all the updates and stuff with the way it does if it doesnt make money, not that my identity is dependent on what cell phone I have.

[fleshman03]

Lol, by saying "look at the Razr, who has them?" I was leaning more towards the fact that if no one buys them (like Razr these days) Apple will be reluctant to pursue the iPhone with all the updates and stuff with the way it does if it doesnt make money, not that my identity is dependent on what cell phone I have.

How many Rarz Sites are there? We all know of the great Razrumors.com, but can you name another?

[Compile 'em all]

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

hahaha. your post sir is full of fail. congratulations!


ninja edit: just read ur other post now. may be i take back what i said.

[Bernie-Mac]

How many Razr websites are there? We all know the great Razrumors.com website, but can you name another?

My point?

[Ted13]

Uh....how about St. Jobs' recent assertion that he doesn't give a wet fart about potential buyers below a certain threshold?

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.
First, I'm not sure I believe the Walmart story. But, if it is a fake, it isn't for the reason you stay. Add in the AT&T subsidy and it is closer to a $500 phone for than a $99 one. Besides, Apple already sell a $60 iPod shuffle, including at Walmart. How will this be any different?

[judolphin]

i'd say a good chunk of shoppers i've delt with at walmart are no better than the folks that are locked up behind bars.

I see. Is that according to your experience behind bars? :)

[plumbingandtech]

$99 iPhones?

What a country!

[IJ Reilly]

Is the upfront cost of the iPhone really the deciding factor? I would have thought it's the $60+ monthly phone bill more than the cost of the device itself. Or at least it is for me, if rogers (canada) came out with a $100 iPhone tomorrow it still wouldn't make the hefty bill and 3 year contract any easier to swallow.

Exactly. In between all the fairly pointless ranting and raving about the merits of Wal-Mart, is the question of whether a $100 iPhone would be a big seller if the rate plans weren't scaled to the lower buy-in price. I'd be a buyer of two iPhones today at $200 each, if the minimum rate plan wouldn't nearly triple my current monthly charges. If nothing else, Wal-Mart customers are among the most cost-sensitive buyers around. If Apple and AT&T wants to grab a large number of them, they must get together not only on the price of the phone, but also on more affordable calling plans.

[Bernie-Mac]

hahaha. your post sir is full of fail. congratulations!


ninja edit: just read ur other post now. may be i take back what i said.

Your op sir is full of fail :p

[judolphin]

Lol, by saying "look at the Razr, who has them?" I was leaning more towards the fact that if no one buys them (like Razr these days) Apple will be reluctant to pursue the iPhone with all the updates and stuff with the way it does if it doesnt make money, not that my identity is dependent on what cell phone I have.

Got it. I have to believe the iPhone is here to stay... Apple has always been more about "cool" and "easy" than "functionality" anyway, so they'll continue pushing out products that are cool and desirable. People write cool apps for PCs all the time and PCs can be had for cheaper than iPhones.

[plumbingandtech]

So your dont mind the iPhone becoming so oversaturated that everyone has one, they dont make a profit, and Apple considers abandoning the iPhone? Your life if full of fail

What in the world?

Apple will still make money off a $99.

Apple considers abandoning...??

Yah, right, 30 million sold next year, That'll happen :rolleyes:

Ugggg what in the world are you talking about?

Talk about that hackneyed phrase "fail"... you're soaking in it...
:rolleyes:

[ogbuke]

Got it. I have to believe the iPhone is here to stay... Apple has always been more about "cool" and "easy" than "functionality" anyway, so they'll continue pushing out products that are cool and desirable. People write cool apps for PCs all the time and PCs can be had for cheaper than iPhones.

How many "PCs" are under 300 dollars? :rolleyes:

[Bernie-Mac]

Got it. I have to believe the iPhone is here to stay... Apple has always been more about "cool" and "easy" than "functionality" anyway, so they'll continue pushing out products that are cool and desirable. People write cool apps for PCs all the time and PCs can be had for cheaper than iPhones.

I tend to think so too but then again i thought the same about the razr when i had one. I know they are two completely different products by two completely different companies and im not saying this is the end of the iPhone im just a little leery

[payup]

Might as well do a $299 MacBook then... wth... didn't apple just state the other week that they aren't lowering the prices? :confused:

[fleshman03]

My point?

I was trying to hint at the fact that Apple is a different manufacturer than Motorola. People who are AppleHeads, will still want the iPhone.

[Bernie-Mac]

What in the world?

Apple will still make money off a $99.

Apple considers abandoning...??

Yah, right, 30 million sold next year, That'll happen :rolleyes:

Ugggg what in the world are you talking about?

Talk about that hackneyed phrase "fail"... you're soaking in it...
:rolleyes:

Hackneyed, good vocab. How many people had the Razr years ago? A lot of them. They were the must have, they were awesome, they were every adjective you had to describe them. And they are where now? Like i just said i dont think it will happen im just leery

[thestaton]

I'm assuming this will be edge and not 3g?

[judolphin]

Might as well do a $299 MacBook then... wth... didn't apple just state the other week that they aren't lowering the prices? :confused:

I *really* don't understand the angst about Apple lowering prices. You like setting your money on fire? Someone *pleasepleaseplease* explain this madness to me.

[Bernie-Mac]

I was trying to hint at the fact that Apple is a different manufacturer than Motorola. People who are AppleHeads, will still want the iPhone.

Touche good sir

[judolphin]

Hackneyed, good vocab. How many people had the Razr years ago? A lot of them. They were the must have, they were awesome, they were every adjective you had to describe them. And they are where now? Like i just said i dont think it will happen im just leery

Probably because the Razr's only differentiating feature was its thickness, which was easy to copy. The iPhone will not be so easy to copy.

[plumbingandtech]

Hackneyed, good vocab. How many people had the Razr years ago? A lot of them. They were the must have, they were awesome, they were every adjective you had to describe them. And they are where now? Like i just said i dont think it will happen im just leery

You shouldn't be leery more then any reasonable amount as nothing is for certain. But one can simply not compare apple to MOTO..

Ever.

[Bernie-Mac]

Probably because the Razr's only differentiating feature was its thickness, which was easy to copy. The iPhone will not be so easy to copy.

Good point, strangely enough i didnt think of that lol

[judolphin]

How many "PCs" are under 300 dollars? :rolleyes:

The service plans for PCs are MUCH cheaper than the ones for iPhone :)

[macfearless]

i'm sort of sick of all the "elitist" bashing. it's not being elitist. it's only natural to want things that you own to have a uniqueness about them. it's just a fact, people want to feel like what they have is somewhat exclusive. it doesn't necessarily make them better than anyone else. furthermore, it's kind of ironic that the people doing all the elitist bashing are sort of in they're own way an "elitist" flaming people on this forum about this doesn't strengthen your moral fiber, it makes you a hypocrite. :rolleyes:

[Mal]

Personally, I'm in favor of Apple not being perceived as quite so aloof and exclusive. I think that, more than the price, is keeping a number of people from even thinking about Mac's, and while I'm not expecting Apple to drop the prices of their computers because of this (no reason for them to), I'm expecting people will look at them differently and those who might not have considered them when "everything from Apple is sooo expensive" might think again about them once they're enlightened to the fact that Apple really can make a product that's a good value for their money (not that the iPhone isn't now, but more people will perceive it that way if they drop the price to under $100).

jW

[judolphin]

Good point, strangely enough i didnt think of that lol

Touche good sir

Bernie, you're throwing me off here with your civility... are you sure you're at the right web site?

[LethalWolfe]

Uh....how about St. Jobs' recent assertion that he doesn't give a wet fart about potential buyers below a certain threshold?

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.
How about Jobs' past assertions such as people don't want video their iPods, flash-based players can't hold enough music, and Apple doesn't want to get into the smart phone business? As we all know iPods play video, some use flash memory, and Apple is in the smart phone business. Jobs rarely, if ever, hints at what may be coming down the pipe and regularly down plays any market segment that Apple is not a part of... up until Apple *is* a part of it and then he talks about how what Apple is doing is better and different than everyone else in that segment.


Lethal

[judolphin]

i'm sort of sick of all the "elitist" bashing. it's not being elitist. it's only natural to want things that you own to have a uniqueness about them. it's just a fact, people want to feel like what they have is somewhat exclusive. it doesn't necessarily make them better than anyone else. furthermore, it's kind of ironic that the people doing all the elitist bashing are sort of in they're own way an "elitist" flaming people on this forum about this doesn't strengthen your moral fiber, it makes you a hypocrite. :rolleyes:

I'm a hypocrite for thinking that complaining about price drops is bloody insane?

[sangosimo]

omg this is such a good time to be an iphone developer. Going to explode.

[TitoC]

Tito, your rant is true for computers, but not for the iPod Touch & iPhone.

iPod Touch and iPhone do use a form of RAM for storage. iPod "Classic" uses hard drive storage in the traditional sense.

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.

[Kar98]

$599.00 = Mac Mini = Computer

Unless you think that doesn't count because it won't come with an mp3 player, printer, coffee mug, cheap digital camera, 200 shareware apps and serious depreciation?

That doesn't count, because I had to pay over $800 for mine, to get the DVD burner and a decent amount of RAM. :D

And it was ST Jobs himself who declared that Apple doesn't want to serve this market.

[macfearless]

I'm a hypocrite for thinking that complaining about price drops is bloody insane?

no, but you are if you're flaming people for they're way of thinking by forcing you're ideals on them. it has nothing to do with you're views on pricing.

[smooth]

When it comes to Wal-Mart, I do not shop there because of many reasons. However, it is based on what I believe and due to the success of the company, lower prices, no matter the cost, takes priority in the majority's eyes. I am waiting on a 32gb iPhone and if Apple comes out with one and Wal-Mart sells it cheaper there than anywhere else, I would not buy it there.

However, this is a business move on Apple's part and I can only view it as smart move, if true. The consumers make Wal-Mart the success that it is and Apple may use that to grow as a business. For what I want an iPhone for, 4 gb is way too small, and so is 16 gb that's out now. But I can see Apple doing re-releasing a 4gb model because I'm sure it will sell *enough.*

I work for a company that unfortunately pays their employees almost as crappy as Wal-Mart does and I see many mp3 players around which are not iPods or Zunes. Just about all the employees have cell phones and for $99 they may be able to get an iPhone that can also hold their music.

Plus if the move is unsuccessful, I would think Apple would do research to find out why. If it is the storage, a year later the 8 gb phone may become the $99 model. If it is the cost of the contract or just lack of interest within the Wal-Mart stores, they may rework the pricing plans or just cease selling there. It's not like Apple hasn't reversed decisions or made bad ones. The short fat iPod Nanos didn't last long before they went back to the long skinny ones.

Maybe these 4 gb models will also show up at Costcos as well. I don't really care whether these rumors are true or not, but I do believe more competition in any industry is a good thing. Just my cents....

[Edmar]

Great, now every hood rat will own one.

[ferlauto]

It boggles my mind that Apple would even consider Wal-Mart as a dealer for the iPhone.

Apple's products, across the board are very much considered "premium" because of their price, product positioning, etc.

Also, Apple is generally considered a top-notch employer with good pay, solid benefits, etc.

This is why the Starbucks partnership is understandable. They make a premium product, are respected for their benefits, etc.

Wal-Mart on the other hand, has been sued time and time again for employee relations related issues (e.g. withholding pay, benefits, etc.).

I've never seen any town protest the opening of an Apple Store. Most in fact welcome them.

If Wal-Mart does become an iPhone reseller, it will make me think about Apple's long term commitment to quality because for Wal-Mart the only thing that matters is simply price; product quality is a secondary issue.

[payup]

I *really* don't understand the angst about Apple lowering prices. You like setting your money on fire? Someone *pleasepleaseplease* explain this madness to me.

No, i still think apple products are a little overpriced, but for that you get good quality and customer service. If everyone will have a macbook and an iphone and starts having questions and issues, you'll have to sit on the phone for hours talking to overseas tech support instead of stopping a genius bar where they can actually fix something pretty quick or replace it.

[macfearless]

Great, now every hood rat will own one.

hilarious, and probably what alot of folks were thinking but didn't have the...

[LethalWolfe]

Great, now every hood rat will own one.
I guess you'll have to find a new way to feel special about yourself.


Lethal

[judolphin]

no, but you are if you're flaming people for they're way of thinking by forcing you're ideals on them

You're forcing your ideals (don't state your opinion) on me right now?

I'm allowed to state my opinion and to ask people to consider that theirs may be wrong. Isn't that the essence of discussing things? I think you're out of line.

[SmileyDude]

I never have understood why elitists take pride in wasting their money. Times are going to get tougher over the next 4 years - start saving your money now.

I think it has more in this case to do with wanting to support the people that make and sell the products you buy. Sure, it's great to get something at a discount -- but Walmart has done a lot of aggressive actions that have damaged companies to the point of not being able to stay in business. And once those companies go away, people lose their jobs.

As pointed out in this thread, Walmart also doesn't have the best history in regards to treating their employees properly. I have family that has worked for Walmart in the past and after hearing from them personally, I really don't feel good about supporting a company that operates the way they do.

But don't take my word for it -- ask around in your own circles and find friends or family that have dealt with Walmart either as a vendor or as an employee. I'm sure you'll find someone. Ask them about their experiences.

If that's too hard, do some research of your own -- there have been documentaries and books written about Walmart. Of course you won't find any of them actually for sale in Walmart.

I will give Walmart credit for their recent environmental changes -- it's a great first step. I just hope they will apply that attitude to making changes to benefit their employees and vendors as well.

[smooth]

i'm sort of sick of all the "elitist" bashing. it's not being elitist. it's only natural to want things that you own to have a uniqueness about them. it's just a fact, people want to feel like what they have is somewhat exclusive. it doesn't necessarily make them better than anyone else. furthermore, it's kind of ironic that the people doing all the elitist bashing are sort of in they're own way an "elitist" flaming people on this forum about this doesn't strengthen your moral fiber, it makes you a hypocrite. :rolleyes:

I don't think that's natural. I want things I own to work and/or be in good condition. I bought my MacBook because of the reputation Apple has for longevity in their products and I was tired of my computers falling to crap after 1 or 2 years. I purchased my vehicle based on the same reasoning. I don't care if every other person is driving around in a green Dodge with their Black MacBooks - as long as mine continue to function they way they should.

[rstansby]

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've had an 8GB iPod for over a year. I've never had over 4GB of data on it. I have an iPod for playing music, just like most people who have large music collections. I have no problem with them releasing a 1TB iPhone, but I don't need more than 4 GB. Different strokes for different folks I suppose.

[LethalWolfe]

It boggles my mind that Apple would even consider Wal-Mart as a dealer for the iPhone.

Apple's products, across the board are very much considered "premium" because of their price, product positioning, etc.

Also, Apple is generally considered a top-notch employer with good pay, solid benefits, etc.

Apple also has a history w/more 'average joe' retailers such as Best Buy and CompUSA.


Lethal

[macfearless]

You're forcing your ideals (don't state your opinion) on me right now?

I'm allowed to state my opinion and to ask people to consider that theirs may be wrong. Isn't that the essence of discussing things? I think you're out of line.

nope, not out of line. just making an assessment, shedding a little light if you will. maybe if you we're out of "defense mode" you would get it.

[fleshman03]

i'm sort of sick of all the "elitist" bashing. it's not being elitist. it's only natural to want things that you own to have a uniqueness about them. it's just a fact, people want to feel like what they have is somewhat exclusive. it doesn't necessarily make them better than anyone else. furthermore, it's kind of ironic that the people doing all the elitist bashing are sort of in they're own way an "elitist" flaming people on this forum about this doesn't strengthen your moral fiber, it makes you a hypocrite. :rolleyes:

That my friend is the reason why gold and diamonds are worth more than stones. It's called rarity.

[judolphin]

nope, not out of line. just making an assessment, shedding a little light if you will. maybe if you we're out of "defense mode" you would get it.

You call people hypocrites and expect them not to get defensive? Been around humans much?

[jayducharme]

http://i2.walmartimages.com/i/catalog/modules/G0040/wmlogo.gif

That little graphic at the end of the store name looks like the spinning disk on the iPhone boot-up. Has Steve invested in Wal-Mart?

[fleshman03]

I've had an 8GB iPod for over a year. I've never had over 4GB of data on it. I have an iPod for playing music, just like most people who have large music collections. I have no problem with them releasing a 1TB iPhone, but I don't need more than 4 GB. Different strokes for different folks I suppose.


Do have you any videos? How much has your music library grown in the last year?

[mike12806]

I *really* don't understand the angst about Apple lowering prices. You like setting your money on fire? Someone *pleasepleaseplease* explain this madness to me.

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!

[SmileyDude]

If Wal-Mart does become an iPhone reseller, it will make me think about Apple's long term commitment to quality because for Wal-Mart the only thing that matters is simply price; product quality is a secondary issue.

The iPod lineup is already being sold at Walmart -- I don't think you can argue that product quality has gone down because of that. I also don't think the iPhone will suffer quality-wise because of Walmart either.

Personally, I've decided not to give my own dollars to Walmart if at all possible -- but that doesn't mean that Apple should avoid them. And just because Walmart sells Apple products doesn't mean that suddenly Apple should be lumped in the same category as Walmart either.

Apple obviously recognizes that Walmart has access to customers that may never even see an Apple store in their life. They also see that Walmart sells a ton of cell phones. Therefore, they realize that to avoid Walmart because it's not upscale would be stupid.

I'm sure that Apple is working closely with Walmart to guide them on how to appropriately sell the iPhone. And I'm sure that there will be some issues that come to light early on. But seeing how Apple has worked in the past shows that all of this will be resolved -- if not, Apple and Walmart will go their separate ways just as they did years ago when Walmart sold Macs.

[zap2]

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

I don't want the iPhone ever becoming a poor product either(ala Razr), but the high sales? Why not? The iPod has high sales and its still great.

[Bernie-Mac]

Bernie, you're throwing me off here with your civility... are you sure you're at the right web site?

Lol, (my evil plot is working) Yes, Im sure :D

[macfearless]

You call people hypocrites and expect them not to get defensive? Been around humans much?

yes, quite often. thank you. however, if you would just read and not get fired up, you'd realize that it's only a statement. don't get me wrong, i understand both sides. i just thought it was funny that elitists get flamed in a "how dare you" sort of way. you have to admit, scolding them makes you seem like you think you're better...

[SmileyDude]

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.

[slicecom]

Too many people think that 4GB is inadequate or anything. For a lot of people spending $100-$200 less is a big thing.

Those people should NOT be buying a phone that requires a $70 per month payment for 2 years.

[LethalWolfe]

That my friend is the reason why gold and diamonds are worth more than stones. It's called rarity.
Not to take this thread in another direction but w/regards to diamonds, I'd dare say De Beers has had more to do w/their 'rarity' than mother nature has. :D


Lethal

[fleshman03]

Not to take this thread in another direction but w/regards to diamonds, I'd dare say De Beers has had more to do w/their 'rarity' than mother nature has. :D


Lethal

I never said it was natural rarity.

[dicklacara]

So you're averaging around 11mb/per app. Not bad.

why do you need 113 apps? you'd rather have them than not?

Lots of them are games (60%) games for the grand kids.

Some I use on a regular basis (15%)

Others I downloaded because I like the concept and/or want to see how it was implemented from a developer's perspective.

The others are largely unused... I've just been too lazy to go through and delete them, as I have plenty of storage


Dick

[rumplestiltskin]

As long as the contract requires that I pay for "web access" (which I won't use), then I guess I'll still pass on the iPhone. I use a Motorola Q (privately purchased, not from my carrier) and have my "normal" (phone only) service with Alltel. I get the advantages of combining my calendar, contacts, and phone on one device (which is what I'd want to do with the iPhone) but I don't have to pay for the web access nonsense.

There's that "umbrella" mentioned in the article: People who would like to buy an iPhone but want it as a smart phone and not some sort of cheesy web browser. That is the market for the $99 iPhone. I'd even switch to AT&T for that. But by the time Steve and AT&T realize they've missed this boat (and they don't even know the boat is there), I'll find another touch-screen smartphone on eBay that will essentially duplicate the iPhone experience (the web-less part) and I'll still be on Alltel, not AT&T (which, after all, is the point of the iPhone, right?).

*sigh*

[judolphin]

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!

They're still highly subsidized by AT&T, so Apple's still getting their bags of gold. Again... people are complaining about lower out of pocket prices for themselves, which is, IMHO, madness.

[ivladster]

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

They changed their logo. Its oneword now. So is KMART.

[judolphin]

yes, quite often. thank you. however, if you would just read and not get fired up, you'd realize that it's only a statement. don't get me wrong, i understand both sides. i just thought it was funny that elitists get flamed in a "how dare you" sort of way. you have to admit, scolding them makes you seem like you think you're better...

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.

[frenchroast]

Apple would then sign up millions more, resulting in them owning the hand held computing sector. This is kind of what Windows did for home computing, and look at how hard is to budge them, even now.

[Milfin]

NOOOOO!!

Apple is trying to tap into another market segment.

Now Joe Bob (my brother-in-law) will start coming over to use my mac to load itunes on his new iphone. All the out-laws I mean in-laws will start coming over.

[Digital Skunk]

I never said it was natural rarity.

As long as the contract requires that I pay for "web access" (which I won't use), then I guess I'll still pass on the iPhone. I use a Motorola Q (privately purchased, not from my carrier) and have my "normal" (phone only) service with Alltel. I get the advantages of combining my calendar, contacts, and phone on one device (which is what I'd want to do with the iPhone) but I don't have to pay for the web access nonsense.

There's that "umbrella" mentioned in the article: People who would like to buy an iPhone but want it as a smart phone and not some sort of cheesy web browser. That is the market for the $99 iPhone. I'd even switch to AT&T for that. But by the time Steve and AT&T realize they've missed this boat (and they don't even know the boat is there), I'll find another touch-screen smartphone on eBay that will essentially duplicate the iPhone experience (the web-less part) and I'll still be on Alltel, not AT&T (which, after all, is the point of the iPhone, right?).

*sigh*

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.

[smooth]

As long as the contract requires that I pay for "web access" (which I won't use), then I guess I'll still pass on the iPhone. I use a Motorola Q (privately purchased, not from my carrier) and have my "normal" (phone only) service with Alltel. I get the advantages of combining my calendar, contacts, and phone on one device (which is what I'd want to do with the iPhone) but I don't have to pay for the web access nonsense.

There's that "umbrella" mentioned in the article: People who would like to buy an iPhone but want it as a smart phone and not some sort of cheesy web browser. That is the market for the $99 iPhone. I'd even switch to AT&T for that. But by the time Steve and AT&T realize they've missed this boat (and they don't even know the boat is there), I'll find another touch-screen smartphone on eBay that will essentially duplicate the iPhone experience (the web-less part) and I'll still be on Alltel, not AT&T (which, after all, is the point of the iPhone, right?).

*sigh*

I can see your point on this. I've never had internet on any of my phones. Mainly because of iTunes, I'm waiting on a 32gb iPhone, but when I do finally get one I'm sure I'd use the internet occasionally. But if they did offer a plan for just voice minutes, I'd be all over that. I'd have no issue manually syncing the phone.

Unfortunately AT&T and Apple both assume consumers want a do-it-all phone.

[smooth]

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.

I never thought of that. Thanks! Now I am starting to question getting an iPhone. Both my cell phone and iPod have taken a few tumbles each :confused:

[Digital Skunk]

I can see your point on this. I've never had internet on any of my phones. Mainly because of iTunes, I'm waiting on a 32gb iPhone, but when I do finally get one I'm sure I'd use the internet occasionally. But if they did offer a plan for just voice minutes, I'd be all over that. I'd have no issue manually syncing the phone.

Unfortunately AT&T and Apple both assume consumers want a do-it-all phone.

Very true. I'd have one for my freelance if I could get it pre-paid. Other than that, there's no options.

The sad part is that the iPhone still isn't a do-it-all phone. For most users it's just about having an iPod, phone, and gaming toy in one device. After that, the iPhone is done. It's by no means a smartphone.

I never thought of that. Thanks! Now I am starting to question getting an iPhone. Both my cell phone and iPod have taken a few tumbles each :confused:

No problem. Not too many people do think about it. Even users that have insurance on their AT&T phones prior to owning an iPhone don't consider that the insurance, and their texts will fall off, and only texts can be put back on.

Check this kid out (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=610931) and what happened to his iPod Touch, which has the same glass screen as the iPhone.

[gkarris]

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

...for FREE with a contract?

Actually, a 4Gig one now for $99 could be reduced to FREE later!

[macfearless]

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 too find it sad. like i said i understand both sides, i didn't choose a side. just thought i'd be neutral and point something out. being a daily apple user for many years now, i've benefited from lowered pricing.

[happydude]

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 . . .

[fleshman03]

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...for FREE with a contract?

Actually, a 4Gig one now for $99 could be reduced to FREE later!

No. It's $69.99. Nothing with an Apple seal on it is free. Come'on you should know that.

[dicklacara]

I can see your point on this. I've never had internet on any of my phones. Mainly because of iTunes, I'm waiting on a 32gb iPhone, but when I do finally get one I'm sure I'd use the internet occasionally. But if they did offer a plan for just voice minutes, I'd be all over that. I'd have no issue manually syncing the phone.

Unfortunately AT&T and Apple both assume consumers want a do-it-all phone.

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

[JeffTL]

RIM is certainly in the $99 segment, so bringing in a full iPhone with just less memory would be quite reasonable.