More Details on Next-Generation iPhone? 3G Netbook Due This Summer?

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/03/23/more-details-on-next-generation-iphone-3g-netbook-due-this-summer/)

Boy Genius Report details (http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2009/03/23/att-new-iphone-will-be-hot-son/) a source "pretty high up in AT&T’s food chain" who reportedly shared several tidbits of information about the next-generation iPhone. While short on details beyond the addition of an iPhone application to control AT&T's U-verse suite of Internet-based products and services and more hints that the iPhone may see increased Wi-Fi browsing speeds up to 7.2 Mbps (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/03/20/next-generation-iphone-to-have-faster-internet-speeds/), the source's comments provide additional perspective on what may lay ahead.- New iPhone announcement around mid-June
- New iPhone will be faster and have a more seamless experience unmatched by any device
- U-Verse iPhone application; will allow control of your home DVR (play, pause, rewind, etc.)
- The annual iPhone launch is "becoming a tradition."
- Nothing official is being confirmed, but they said that people should prep for an exciting time this summer.
- AT&T is said to be working with Apple to create a unified product with an unparalleled experience across all their products and services.
- Apple's 3.0 software should tell us where the iPhone platform is going.
- They said customers shouldn’t need to choose from AT&T's high-end devices because of features, they should choose based on preferences. The gap in capability should be filled with the new iPhone.
- Seems like the higher speed HSDPA (7.2Mbps) is being hinted at too which should confirm the earlier rumors of the new Infineon chipset.

The final comment from the source proves to be the most interesting and relates to the possibility of a $99 3G netbook arriving this summer, with the implication being that it may be an Apple product:- The $99 3G netbook will start selling this summer, and the first one won’t be a Windows OS.

Article Link: More Details on Next-Generation iPhone? 3G Netbook Due This Summer? (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/03/23/more-details-on-next-generation-iphone-3g-netbook-due-this-summer/)

[miiles]

I doubt the slide out keyboard.

They said customers shouldn’t need to choose from AT&T’s high-end devices because of features, they should choose based on preferences. The gap in capability should be filled with the new iPhone. Ok, bets on slide out QWERTY, autofocus camera, video sharing, blah blah?

This doesn't really seem like a reliable article.

[dual64bit]

A $99 netboot, that's a lot of components for that price!

[Miharu]

99 dollar netbook. Nope, not a chance. No way in hell.

[Tallest Skil]

I doubt the slide out keyboard.

Slide-out keyboard instantly invalidates the rest of the information from the source, I believe.

[Peace]

This was interesting until I read "$99 3G Netbook"..

That will never happen at that price point.

[plumbingandtech]

Gimme some data tethering info please.

(wonder if they will wait a few months to allow for more of their upgrades to take effect.)

[dr. shdw]

A $99 netboot, that's a lot of components for that price!

Probably a $99 3G netbook card?

[duky]

I highly doubt the "$99 netbook" will be an Apple product--probably some Linux derivative.

EDIT: If they can't sell an iPhone at $99 how do you expect them to sell a 3G netbook at $99??

[applekid]

$99 with ridiculously expensive data plan?

[peskaa]

$99 Linux netbook, maybe. Heavily subsidised and on a long contract. Otherwise, not happening - certainly not Apple.

[NavySEAL6]

$99 Netbook wont be able to do what I need it to for a netbook

[Wiska]

Page 3 rumor. :o

[WildCowboy]

Our interpretation is that the comments about slideout keyboard were BGR's editorialization, which is why we removed that and other comments from the quote to focus on the source's points.

[Feynman]

99 dollar netbook. Nope, not a chance. No way in hell.

Not from Apple, and not in the United States!

[kepardue]

No way will that be an Apple netbook at $99. They must have been referring to a Linux-based device.

[fleshman03]

Slide-out keyboard instantly invalidates the rest of the information from the source, I believe.

Kinda does, don't it?

I'd think the $99 netbook w/ contract does too.

[cmichaelb]

lol @ $99 netbook....definitely not from :apple:

[GeekLawyer]

This was interesting until I read "$99 3G Netbook"..

That will never happen at that price point.

I guess that would depend on 1) the amount of the subsidy, 2) the length of the contract and 3) the monthly price of the required 3G data plan.

[leandromp]

99 netbook, i dont think so.
but the iPhone downgrading the price at 99, sounds more real!

[georgetang]

See?!

That's why AT&T is dumping iPhone 3G stock starting this week....

Greedy AT&T!

AT&T should improve their coverage, and lower the fee... like US$ 50.00 per month for 900 minutes, unlimited Mobile 2 Mobile, and unlimited Data, open the tethering option, and people would jump on the wagon right away.

[h.21]

Give me a subsidized cheap 3G Netbook! Very much DO WANT.

edit:

99 netbook, i dont think so.
but the iPhone downgrading the price at 99, sounds more real!

Everybody who bought a 3G last year is still within their 2 year subsidization period. Unless AT&T decides to sell no-contract phones for a reasonable price, people are going to be paying MORE not LESS. $99 is probably NOT going to happen, sorry.

[BTW]

A $99 netboot, that's a lot of components for that price!

There's no way it would be priced that low for sure, unless the carriers are subsidizing it. That could be the case with the 3G wireless built-in. I'd hop on that in that case.

[anubis]

I highly doubt the "$99 netbook" will be an Apple product--probably some Linux derivative.

Correct... it's quite a leap to assume that "non-windows" equals mac, especially at that price point.

[Eduardo1971]

Have to agree with others-I don't see how Apple would release a $99 netbook.

Although I am looking forward to Apple releasing a netbook that I would be able to purchase for my dad.

[ddTaylor]

A $99 netboot, that's a lot of components for that price!

Linux or some type of phone OS and NOT an Apple product. I think Apple would rather close-up shop before they would offer a inexpensive computer - unfortunately.

D

[plumbingandtech]

See?!


Greedy AT&T!

AT&T should improve their coverage, and lower the fee... like US$ 50.00 per month for 900 minutes, unlimited Mobile 2 Mobile, and unlimited Data, open the tethering option, and people would jump on the wagon right away.

And give us ponies too...
:rolleyes:

[angemon89]

The $99 Apple Netbook, featuring the revolutionary Intel 4004 processor. Coming this summer.

[ddTaylor]

$99 with ridiculously expensive data plan?

The Verizon 3G data plan is $60/month as well as a stand-alone ATT data plan. If you sign a TWO-YEAR data plan that is $1440 for the contract. IF they offer a DECENT NetBook with 3G card built-in I would be game - but I now tether my iPhone and it is plenty fast enough for my mobile use.

D

[ipoppy]

agrrr!!!...Where is my video recording and iChat video conference conformation!!!

[michael.lauden]

who cares about the netbook! i want snow leopard!!!

[Rychiar]

:eek: YAY FINALLY UVERSE APP! been waitin since september!:D

[sjo]

unparalleled markedroid speak.

[QCassidy352]

Slide-out keyboard instantly invalidates the rest of the information from the source, I believe.

This was interesting until I read "$99 3G Netbook"..

That will never happen at that price point.

Agreed. No chance whatsoever on either of those happening.

[emotion]

$99 with ridiculously expensive data plan?

I'd guess at that too.

[Clive At Five]

- The $99 3G netbook will start selling this summer, and the first one won’t be a Windows OS.

Come on, Arn, how long have you been doing this???

:rolleyes:

EDIT: CORRECTION! Not Arn, I guess... Eric... either way... How long have you been following Apple? This "rumor" is as ridiculous as PBG5 rumors.

-Clive

[PeterQC]

This was interesting until I read "$99 3G Netbook"..

That will never happen at that price point.

Who knows? They already sell the iPhone 8GB 400$ cheaper then what it cost unlocked, I can see a netbook @ 500$ unlocked & 99$ locked following this idea.

[coolpal]

Agreed. No chance whatsoever on either of those happening.

$99 Netbook is pretty reasonable rumor. C'mon, think of a cheap linux netbook (probably 8").. how much would it cost? $250? $300?? Not more than that.
Now I can totally believe At&t will offer a 3G Non-Windows (aka linux) netbook with a loooooong (2yr) contract for $99. It's do-able.. just not apple.

and a new iPhone this summer... that's pretty much written in stone.. isn't it?

pal :)

EDIT: If there's no new iPhone this summer, then my original 8gb iPhone might be the phone I will be using for the longest ever (so far) ;)

[WannaGoMac]

It better be some damn great hardware and new software features. Cause based on what I have seen, the Palm Pre is 10x better than the iPhone.

Pre fixed everything I hated about the iphone...


(yes, I know its not out yet, neither is the new iphone OS or iphone)

[8CoreWhore]

Why would they say the "first one won't be windows OS"? The second one will? This makes no sense. The only way I can see a netbook for $99 is if you already have an att plan, and you pay a high monthly price, and you sign a contract. 70 bucks a month for 2 years is $1,680.00 and after 2 years it will still only work on att network. On the other hand, I'd like to see a netbook "dummy" that requires the iPhone to dock laying flat where the touchpad goes... all the processing would be done in the phone. That would bring the price of a netbook way down.

[gkarris]

$99 Apple Netbook on an AT&T 3G Data 2 year Contract at $40/month.

What about if you DON'T want 3G? You just want to use it at home or at a Wi-Fi hotspot?

$599 no-contract? :eek:

Do-able. There's speculation on other threads that the BEST Apple would be able to do as far as a NetBook is $599. :eek:

If you HAVE TO buy a NetBook on an AT&T contract, like the iPhone, what's next?

You HAVE TO buy a Mini with an AT&T DSL Contract?

[milo]

Hard to believe this site put something as preposterous as a $99 netbook on the front page.

I guess that could be possible if it were subsidized by a data plan, but the people in the market for a netbook are pretty much the opposite as the group of people willing to pay close to the cost of the machine every month. Really, would it make sense to finally ship a netbook, then kill sales by only letting you buy it if you sign up for a phone plan?

Ludicrous.

[Xenious]

I just hope they learned from the "in store activation" fiasco and are back to the good ol days of the first iphone launch.

[alexbates]

Wait, so the iPhone might cost $600 but the netbook will be $99. I think I would go with the netbook.

And what if you decided to buy the netbook for $99 and a few days later decided to cancel the service? Forget getting a new MacBook, I see a $300- $400 MacBook Touch coming my way (without running on 3G network)

[coolpal]

Why would they say the "first one won't be windows OS"? The second one will? This makes no sense. The only way I can see a netbook for $99 is if you already have an att plan, and you pay a high monthly price, and you sign a contract. 70 bucks a month for 2 years is $1,680.00 and after 2 years it will still only work on att network. On the other hand, I'd like to see a netbook "dummy" that requires the iPhone to dock laying flat where the touchpad goes... all the processing would be done in the phone. That would bring the price of a netbook way down.

You are right.. they are indenting at releasing a windows version later... that's what the current breed of netbooks did.
They came out with some linux variant at first, and then released a windows xp version. Now most come with windows xp standard.

I guess there are two parts of news here.. one related to apple and one not.

pal :)

[stownsend3]

It better be some damn great hardware and new software features. Cause based on what I have seen, the Palm Pre is 10x better than the iPhone.

Pre fixed everything I hated about the iphone...


(yes, I know its not out yet, neither is the new iphone OS or iphone)

It's not out yet, you're right. I'm sure the new OS is going to fix (almost) everything that used to be wrong with the iPhone, and if they are going to put in a UVERSE app from AT&T, it makes is all the more seamless, which seems to be the point of this story.

[bagelche]

Who knows? They already sell the iPhone 8GB 400$ cheaper then what it cost unlocked, I can see a netbook @ 500$ unlocked & 99$ locked following this idea.

$99 Netbook is pretty reasonable rumor. C'mon, think of a cheap linux netbook (probably 8").. how much would it cost? $250? $300?? Not more than that.
Now I can totally believe At&t will offer a 3G Non-Windows (aka linux) netbook with a loooooong (2yr) contract for $99. It's do-able.. just not apple.



exactly on both. AT&T already offers a $99 Acer netbook with a $60/mo 2yr obligation. It wouldn't be a stretch to imagine they'd have something better by summer.

I too would be surprised if it's an apple product, though I wouldn't entirely discount the possibility. As others (ie peterqc) have noted there's already a steep subsidization on the iphone. With a double-that data plan cost, they could potentially slip an apple product in there.

would be nice, but I still see this as a mingling of rumors.

[iLeoMarc]

While short on details beyond the addition of an iPhone application to control AT&T's U-verse suite of Internet-based products and services [/url]

Let us just hope these applications are optional and can be removed. I ran from Verizon because of carrier applications.

[polaris20]

No way is a $99 netbook going to happen, when they don't even offer regular netbooks subsidized that cheap.

I truly hope for a mutant iPod Touch with a $40 data plan......but I also realize I'll be paying a bit north of $399 for it too.

[zoezoezoe]

I haven't read the entire thread, but the early posters doubting the 99 dollar netbook are missing some crucial things.

- First off, a netbook costs much less than iPhone to make.
- Second, there are already netbooks on the market for around 400-600. They do not include subsidies.
- The iPhone itself is being subsidized hundreds of dollars, why can't a $400-600 dollar netbook be similarly subsidized with a 2 year contract?
- Tata Motors of India just released the Nano, its a car, and it only costs 2,000. That is less than my macbook pro costs! When thinking about that, a $99 netbook doesn't seem all that strange.
- As alluded to before, when ATT can slap on a huge subsidy and force you into a lucratrive 2 year contract, 99 seems pretty reasonable an entry point.
- Lastly, the news of a 99 dollar netbook from Apple will create the largest media storm Apple has seen yet. It's a brilliant move on so many levels.

I think it true!

[bagelche]

No way is a $99 netbook going to happen, when they don't even offer regular netbooks subsidized that cheap.

They do (http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/08/contract-laden-3g-acer-aspire-one-hitting-us-at-just-99/). Saw it in my local Radio Shack.

[memco]

People are saying not for $99, and I mostly agree. However, consider this "universal" "seemless" device–perhaps it is so highly anticipated within Apple and AT&T that they're willing to subsidize in order to offer the ultimate all in one solution for phone, internet, and TV.

[gkarris]

exactly on both. AT&T already offers a $99 Acer netbook with a $60/mo 2yr obligation. It wouldn't be a stretch to imagine they'd have something better by summer.

I too would be surprised if it's an apple product, though I wouldn't entirely discount the possibility. As others (ie peterqc) have noted there's already a steep subsidization on the iphone. With a double-that data plan cost, they could potentially slip an apple product in there.

would be nice, but I still see this as a mingling of rumors.

Oooh, you're right.

I thought it was $40/month.

AT&T Data-Only plan is $60/month:

http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/cell-phone-plans/data-connect-plans.jsp

I can see an Apple 3G NetBook for $99 with a 3 year contract at $60/month...

$2,160 is your total Wireless Data cost over 3 years.

Maybe a $56/month charge for existing AT&T Wireless customers?

EDIT: NOTE - IT'S ONLY 5 Gig/Month... :eek:

FAN Discounted is $54/month...

[BlizzardBomb]

At $99 the only option is Linux. Unless it comes with a super contract.

[Razeus]

$99 netbook from Apple? C'mon. This site is getting more ridiculous with each posting.

an announcement in mid June for the iPhone? I'm sorry, but that's when I expect it to be AVAILABLE, not announced.

Look, just give me iPHone OS 3.0, better camera, video recording and uploading, faster 3G, 32GB flash and I'm good. Instant sale for me as I'm still on generation 1 iPhone.

[gkarris]

$99 netbook from Apple? C'mon. This site is getting more ridiculous with each posting.

an announcement in mid June for the iPhone? I'm sorry, but that's when I expect it to be AVAILABLE, not announced.

Look, just give me iPHone OS 3.0, better camera, video recording and uploading, faster 3G, 32GB flash and I'm good. Instant sale for me as I'm still on generation 1 iPhone.

And a $199 Apple phone isn't??? :rolleyes:

[lftrghtparadigm]

The ultra- simple business guideline of "don't compete with yourself" is why there will be no Apple netbook subsidized by AT&T. Period.

You don't release two competing products at once.

This makes about as much sense as offering a data plan for the iPod touch.

[amac4me]

I doubt the $99 'netbook' claim as it doesn't fit with Apple's pricing structure and market segmentation toward the higher end buyer.

[gkarris]

The ultra- simple business guideline of "don't compete with yourself" is why there will be no Apple netbook subsidized by AT&T. Period.

You don't release two competing products at once.

This makes about as much sense as offering a data plan for the iPod touch.

It actually makes perfect sense - coming from Apple.

You want a NetBook? $99, oh and by the way, you'll be paying AT&T back (plus more) for them giving us $400 per unit sold... :eek:

You don't want an AT&T contract? Well then, buy a Windows/Linux based NetBook... AT&T is Apple's EXCLUSIVE Dealer for iPhones and Apple's NetBook...

[Rychiar]

i till dont understand why anyone wants a netbook. the iphone covers all my portable computing needs. a netbook sure as hell aint gonna handle graphic design or HD movies so it'd just be a too big for the pocket useless device to me:rolleyes:

[The Samurai]

$99 and Apple - uh uh, don't and won't believe it for a second.

[BRLawyer]

Barely worth a post.

Pure ********:

1) NO-SLIDE OUT KEYBOARD, that's stupid and would never be launched by Apple, especially since the virtual keyboard is way better and has proven its worth;

2) A $99 netbook from Apple? Kidding me? Or you mean $999? Get real, folks...

[ivladster]

What $99? It could be subsidized by AT&T, but Apple would never have such cheap devise. This sounds more like a Dell with Linux?

[polaris20]

They do (http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/08/contract-laden-3g-acer-aspire-one-hitting-us-at-just-99/). Saw it in my local Radio Shack.

My bad. That's actually the one I was referring to, and I thought it was $199, not $99. I heard about it on Leo Laporte's podcast, where he was talking about a women suing AT&T because apparently it's got a 5GB a month cap, and it's in the fine print, the lady didn't realize it, and boom: $5000 bill. :eek:

[funnyent]

$99 netbook!?! NOt gonna happen unless the data plan is $200 a month and its a 5 year contract lol!

[Jayomat]

$99 with ridiculously expensive data plan?

that was my thought too :)

[polaris20]

i till dont understand why anyone wants a netbook. the iphone covers all my portable computing needs. a netbook sure as hell aint gonna handle graphic design or HD movies so it'd just be a too big for the pocket useless device to me:rolleyes:

Everyone's got different needs. It'd be better for watching movies, note-taking, eBook reading, web surfing due to the larger size, etc.

Different strokes for different folks. I have an iTouch and would still buy one, if it was available with 3G for a reasonable monthly price.

[emotion]

You can already get free netbooks with a £25 contract over here. Not that much of a stretch to think a iPhone level contract (£35/£45) with £99 price tag (yes I know £99!=$99 but that's the way Apple will play it).

[gkarris]

$99 netbook!?! NOt gonna happen unless the data plan is $200 a month and its a 5 year contract lol!

Plans are actually $60/month.

And I wonder how many Fanboys will be stupid enough to get in line for one...

Your monthly AT&T bill will be going up and up... :eek:

[iMacoo7]

I haven't read the entire thread, but the early posters doubting the 99 dollar netbook are missing some crucial things.

- First off, a netbook costs much less than iPhone to make.
- Second, there are already netbooks on the market for around 400-600. They do not include subsidies.
- The iPhone itself is being subsidized hundreds of dollars, why can't a $400-600 dollar netbook be similarly subsidized with a 2 year contract?
- Tata Motors of India just released the Nano, its a car, and it only costs 2,000. That is less than my macbook pro costs! When thinking about that, a $99 netbook doesn't seem all that strange.
- As alluded to before, when ATT can slap on a huge subsidy and force you into a lucratrive 2 year contract, 99 seems pretty reasonable an entry point.
- Lastly, the news of a 99 dollar netbook from Apple will create the largest media storm Apple has seen yet. It's a brilliant move on so many levels.

I think it true!

Now I totally agree with you on this post.
99.99 subsidized via ATT. Full outright price 299-399 respectively.
It only makes sense if it has a 3G chip within the netbook. But where the tricky part comes in is if the netbook can actually connect wifi. Knowing a little bit on how Apple prides itself in making sure the end user has the newest hardware within a desktop , so that customers do not have to upgrade their machine every year (Unlike most computers that are outdated after a year). I know I might catch some flack , but I do agree with the thought of a subsidy of a netbook , just like the iphone 3G.
Another thought is that the chip within the device might be able to connect to different carriers or the carrier of the subscribers choice. As for now the only deal that is in concrete is the iphone exclusive deal.
That being said, Apple might open the flood gates for all carriers to be able to use the "netbook" on their network. With maybe only some sort of exclusive deal for just ATT to sell the netbook at a 99.99 price point and others to be able to only subsidize for 199.99

[jbernie]

At $99 my first though is that the device would be some unix variant, but depending on the data plan you would be tied to I could see AT&T maybe making it possible. The data plan could easily run $70 a month given it would be running pretty close to an always connection almost fully functional computer.

As a counter to this, I don't know if Apple would be truely comfortable with a non phone device tied to a specific carrier. Also, even though the long term cost of ownership might end up being high ($99 to buy & maybe $50*24) would Apple really like something like this competing with the Macbooks and the like.

Although not necessarily highly desirable you could potentially go with the netbook and cancel your home internet service and maybe share internet with a fully functional computer at home. Of course, AT&T might just set some lowball data usage number which makes the whole thing pointless, and that isn't out of the question.

[mytdave]

Any bets that rumor was supposed to say $999?

[dacreativeguy]

99 dollar netbook. Nope, not a chance. No way in hell.

$99 subsidized price for netbook with 2 year 3G plan. That makes more sense.

[gkarris]

I would assume it'll be exclusive to AT&T who charges $60/month for 3G data plan.

T-Mobile's is only $50/month...

http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/plans/Cell-Phone-Plans.aspx?catgroup=Internet-Email-cell-phone-plan

(assume you have to use the "Internet Data for Data Cards" plan)

[lftrghtparadigm]

It actually makes perfect sense - coming from Apple.

You want a NetBook? $99, oh and by the way, you'll be paying AT&T back (plus more) for them giving us $400 per unit sold... :eek:

You don't want an AT&T contract? Well then, buy a Windows/Linux based NetBook... AT&T is Apple's EXCLUSIVE Dealer for iPhones and Apple's NetBook...

No it does not make perfect sense. Not even close.
There will not be a move by Apple that will dilute iPhone sales, or even has a chance to.

The iPhone is an expensive, monthly data charge device. There may be a market for such an expensive monthly netbook, but not while the iPhone is still growing will Apple offer such a thing.

And I don't mean the $99, issue. Entry price makes no difference. Lower the better. Apple would still get their full subsidy, and AT&T would rake in a minimum of $60/mon over two years. Possibly longer.

I don't see either product fairing well from such an attempt. Those that might want it already have/also want an iPhone. It's financially impossible for MOST iPhone users.

Understandably the market does not just include iPhone users but that's 10 million us they can count on NOT being a real market for it.

[iSee]

Our interpretation is that the comments about slideout keyboard were BGR's editorialization, which is why we removed that and other comments from the quote to focus on the source's points.

Even so, I agree with the others that say the slideout keyboard comment invalidates the whole rumor:

Anyone who thinks there is even the slightest chance of that happening does *not* have good a good source, even if they think they do.

It's like those crackpots who think they've got proof that einstein was wrong; they're too ignorant to realize just how ignorant they really are. BGR, you are (at best) a crackpot :D. Possibly they've been duped. Most likely they are making it up in a manipulative and illegitimate bid to drive traffic to their site.

[Niko03]

I agree the qwerty keyboard seems to be editorial,
however the statement about choice "among high end devices" and
"choice on preference not features" to me points to multiple devices.

Doesn't the beta 3.0 os reference iphone 2.1 and iphone 3.1?

Features - means you get the same OS/ capabilities no matter what.
Preferences - could point to multiple devices.

Maybe - there's two...
one.......... original iphone style
one.......... slide out keyboard iphone with touchscreen.

Personnally I wouldn't care for the qwerty,
I think it would spoil the design and
I have no problems with the touch based keyboard at all.

As to the $99 netbook:
The whole leak was on the iphone.
I could be wrong but, why comment on a non-Apple netbook in the same leak?

[TheMBC]

The $99 netbook is definitely real. Of course, with a 2 year contract with 3G access from AT&T... and it will be Linux-based, according to the "source."

BTW the slide-out keyboard thing isn't coming from the source, but from The Boy Genius Report.

[Stately]

See?!

That's why AT&T is dumping iPhone 3G stock starting this week....

Greedy AT&T!

AT&T should improve their coverage, and lower the fee... like US$ 50.00 per month for 900 minutes, unlimited Mobile 2 Mobile, and unlimited Data, open the tethering option, and people would jump on the wagon right away.

We all want that, but I don't think we will see decent rates until other carriers are allowed to pick up the phone. I with tears in my eyes have left my i phone alone for a while, at least the phone service part. I use it for everything else though including wifi. But the reaLity is, I refuse to get robbed any more. They are beyond greedy and no matter how much you watch your minutes/texts they find a way to overcharge. I have another little phone for business right now that doesn't beat my wallet up. I'm gonna try to wait it out a bit and see what happens. I refuse to be stuck to AT&T forever man, Apple needs to come up with something and soon. Every other area of the globe has the ability to choose from more than one phone carrier. We should have a say so as well. All plans and services need to follow Peek' s example. Honest business is lucrative business in more than one way

[randyg]

seeing as how you can't even get an iPhone for $99 there's no way they'll have a netbook for that price.

[polaris20]

I haven't read the entire thread, but the early posters doubting the 99 dollar netbook are missing some crucial things.

- First off, a netbook costs much less than iPhone to make.
- Second, there are already netbooks on the market for around 400-600. They do not include subsidies.
- The iPhone itself is being subsidized hundreds of dollars, why can't a $400-600 dollar netbook be similarly subsidized with a 2 year contract?
- Tata Motors of India just released the Nano, its a car, and it only costs 2,000. That is less than my macbook pro costs! When thinking about that, a $99 netbook doesn't seem all that strange.
- As alluded to before, when ATT can slap on a huge subsidy and force you into a lucratrive 2 year contract, 99 seems pretty reasonable an entry point.
- Lastly, the news of a 99 dollar netbook from Apple will create the largest media storm Apple has seen yet. It's a brilliant move on so many levels.

I think it true!

While I agree Apple could get AT&T to subsidize it, I highly doubt they would do so to the point where it's cheaper than the iPhone.

While most netbooks are cheap to make, you have no idea (nor do any of us really) what Apple has in mind when the word "netbook" comes to mind.

But most of us agree that it's not going to be a netbook as we know now, but rather a larger iPod Touch-like tablet with a touch screen (especially given the rumblings from a China manufacturer about 9 or 10" touchscreen orders from Apple).

I think it would be fantastic if they released a $99 netbook. I just don't see it happening.

[gkarris]

No it does not make perfect sense. Not even close.
There will not be a move by Apple that will dilute iPhone sales, or even has a chance to.

The iPhone is an expensive, monthly data charge device. There may be a market for such an expensive monthly netbook, but not while the iPhone is still growing will Apple offer such a thing.

And I don't mean the $99, issue. Entry price makes no difference. Lower the better. Apple would still get their full subsidy, and AT&T would rake in a minimum of $60/mon over two years. Possibly longer.

I don't see either product fairing well from such an attempt. Those that might want it already have/also want an iPhone. It's financially impossible for MOST iPhone users.

Understandably the market does not just include iPhone users but that's 10 million us they can count on NOT being a real market for it.

I do actually agree with you.

It would be JUST PLAIN STUPID for Apple to release a NetBook and REQUIRE you to get an AT&T plan with it... :eek:

But then again, that's what you have to do to own an iPhone... :mad:

[cameronjpu]

The final comment from the source proves to be the most interesting and relates to the possibility of a $99 3G netbook arriving this summer, with the implication being that it may be an Apple product:

Article Link: More Details on Next-Generation iPhone? 3G Netbook Due This Summer? (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/03/23/more-details-on-next-generation-iphone-3g-netbook-due-this-summer/)

It doesn't take a genius to see that the implication has nothing to do with Apple. That is a Linux netbook.

[cameronjpu]

$99 Linux netbook, maybe. Heavily subsidised and on a long contract. Otherwise, not happening - certainly not Apple.

The iPhone retails for $599. Netbooks retail for $250 with Linux. A Linux netbook would be less heavily subsidized than the iPhone.

[corygreenwell]

Our interpretation is that the comments about slideout keyboard were BGR's editorialization, which is why we removed that and other comments from the quote to focus on the source's points.

That was pretty readily apparent from the linked article...unfortunately (as you know and thusly edited) too many internet kids cannot readily distinguish between sources of information.

[markie]

AT&T already offers a $99 (contract price) 3G netbook running Windows.

Maybe their source meant the first $99 3G netbook THAT won't be a Windows product. Linux more likely that OS X though, IMHO...

[djdole]

The final comment from the source proves to be the most interesting and relates to the possibility of a $99 3G netbook arriving this summer, with the implication being that it may be an Apple product:
Article Link: More Details on Next-Generation iPhone? 3G Netbook Due This Summer? (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/03/23/more-details-on-next-generation-iphone-3g-netbook-due-this-summer/)

This may be news to subby but there are non-apple-non-windows netbooks too.
So just because the 'source' says it won't be a windows OS in no way implies it'll be Apple. :-\

//just saying

[JtheLemur]

Even subsidized, if you think the netbook they're talking about is from Apple, I've got a snow-capped mountain to sell you, too.

It'll be a netbook from <insert one of innumerable other companies here- HP, Acer, Asus, MSI, etc>, and of course subsidized, with 2-year contract.

[Bentov]

People...don't get your undies in a bunch...there was a problem with the fax machine, its not $99, its $899 sorry for the misunderstanding..

Manager, AT&T mobile products division.

[:Rob:]

...Apple is planning the iPholeo

:D:D:D

[MicahFreak82]

maybe they mean an ipod touch with just 3g internet data and no calls. that could happen...

[mangis]

It makes sense that a $99 dollar net book from apple will happen with conditions placed upon it. For example, you have to sign a 3 year contract with AT&T for web use.

We're seeing similar deals with netbooks in Japan right now. In fact, I think I saw a nice acer netbook for $1 when signing a contract with a provider.

[dongmin]

I haven't read the entire thread, but the early posters doubting the 99 dollar netbook are missing some crucial things.

- First off, a netbook costs much less than iPhone to make.
- Second, there are already netbooks on the market for around 400-600. They do not include subsidies.
- The iPhone itself is being subsidized hundreds of dollars, why can't a $400-600 dollar netbook be similarly subsidized with a 2 year contract?

[SNIP]

What makes you think a netbook would cost less?

The internals will probably be the same as an iPhone but the larger touch screen, large form factor, larger battery, and real keyboard would likely add $200+ to the retail price.

An iPhone OS based, 10" netbook would probably be in the $600-800 ball park. So the subsidy would have to be pretty heavy to hit the $99 price point.

[iMacmatician]

What makes you think a netbook would cost less?

The internals will probably be the same as an iPhone but the larger touch screen, large form factor, larger battery, and real keyboard would likely add $200+ to the retail price.

An iPhone OS based, 10" netbook would probably be in the $600-800 ball park. So the subsidy would have to be pretty heavy to hit the $99 price point.A Mac OS X-based one would cost even more. Plus Apple would make their netbook thinner than other netbooks, which would likely raise the cost.

[Anonymous Freak]

The $99 netbook is definitely real. Of course, with a 2 year contract with 3G access from AT&T... and it will be Linux-based, according to the "source."

That's because it already exists. And it's running Windows XP Home, not even Linux. Look a couple pages back, someone linked to the Acer netbook. $99 with AT&T subsidy that requires 2 years at $60 per month; $499 without contract.

[TheMBC]

seeing as how you can't even get an iPhone for $99 there's no way they'll have a netbook for that price.

The difference is:
iPhone = $499
Linux Netbook can = $399 or less.

At a $200 subsidy for a 2yr contract, definitely can happen.

[SFStateStudent]

Yeah, Apple's just gonna' jump on the netbook bandwagon, and for less? Sounds too much like that other thread about "Leaked Photos of The Next Generation iPhone" and I believe that made the FIRST PAGE of MR as well; I guess it's pretty difficult to establish credibility at this stage of the game....:eek:

[orion123]

I dunno, you all seem to be missing what I'm reading here, which is that this leaker seems to think the new iPhone will be "as good as the definition of netbook" and will sell for $99 with an AT&T plan.

AT&T dropping the iPhone to $99 isn't crazy

Apple adding a USB port to the iPhone isn't crazy

Apple opening up the OS to more "computer-like" functions in OS 3.0 isn't crazy and is already happening.

Apple introducing some sexy keyboard attachment (optional and costs money) to the iPhone isn't crazy

I'm just thinking that the new iPhone is going to be very very nice, and will be smaller than your average netbook and will accomplish all of its functions (as long as you buy the apps) and will cost $99

[williedigital]

The new iphone has a processor that reaches into the low level notebook range. At&t has a netbook for only $99. Maybe you pay $99 once and then $10-$15 on your att bill for a netbook/iphone dock? The netbook/dock has a battery to charge phone, touchscreen works similarly on both devices, etc. It's a whole new world out there...

[iSimx]

I'm still wondering what would happen to the current iphone users on contract. Does that mean we can't upgrade until the end of the contract (or pay the rest now to upgrade, which you would be mad to do so). Apple won't sell as many iphones as a lot of people will be still pay for the last contract...

As for the netbook I definately can't see apple selling it for $99. Absolutely no way lol.

[williedigital]

It makes sense that a $99 dollar net book from apple will happen with conditions placed upon it. For example, you have to sign a 3 year contract with AT&T for web use.

We're seeing similar deals with netbooks in Japan right now. In fact, I think I saw a nice acer netbook for $1 when signing a contract with a provider.

Dial-up providers did the same thing with computers in the US a decade back.

[MattInOz]

$99 Linux netbook, maybe. Heavily subsidised and on a long contract. Otherwise, not happening - certainly not Apple.

Sound like a job for Android

[Tallest Skil]

Apple adding a USB port to the iPhone isn't crazy


It... already has a USB port...

Apple introducing some sexy keyboard attachment (optional and costs money) to the iPhone isn't crazy

Keyboard=WE WERE WRONG ABOUT THE TOUCHSCREEN.

It isn't happening.

[SFStateStudent]

It... already has a USB port...



Keyboard=WE WERE WRONG ABOUT THE TOUCHSCREEN.

It isn't happening.

You're too funny Tallest Skill....:p

[jpk32092]

99 dollar netbook. Nope, not a chance. No way in hell.

with a contract from at&t... yes

[viniciusc]

Gee, a 99$ Mac? I doubt there will ever be a 99$ iPod Nano

[tuckerja]

For a while radioshack did have a $99 acer netbook when bought with an att 3g contract for the netbook.

[nick9191]

Worthless rumour. A $99 netbook is awful, combined with a 2 year AT&T contract is just painful.

Now if it was an iPod Touch like device with 3G (but no phone) that would be believable, although what exact market it would fill I have no idea.

[amac4me]

The "Mid June" mention by the referenced Boy Genius post calls into question the Baltimore Sun's speculation from a couple of weeks ago that WWDC would occur June 6 - 12.

Apple isn't likely to introduce a new iPhone and/or a new product line at the tail end of the conference.

The Moscone event schedule still isn't showing anything for Moscone West during June 15 - 19. Lining up the Boy Genius report with the Moscone schedule not showing anything for the middle of June would lead me to believe that WWDC is likely to occur June 15 - 19, not June 6 - 12 as the Baltimore Sun has speculated.

[zap2]

AT&T is Apple's EXCLUSIVE Dealer for .....Apple's NetBook...

Wow, slow down there....moving a little fast aren't we?

[Chupa Chupa]

OK, so here is what we know so far from these reports, if true,

1) There is likely to be a new iPhone model in addition to the current 3G.
2) The new model is the one we always wanted (or at least think so now).
3) 3G owners will be pissed they have to wait another year if they want a fully subsidized phone.
4) Previous 2G owners that upgraded last year will be super not-so-secret double pissed for not holding out given how lackluster the 3G speeds have been and the lack of turn-by-turn navigation.

5) The rest of us will be overcome with sweet tears...either for all excitement or because our feet are killing us standing in line. :D

[bigchief]

I would assume it'll be exclusive to AT&T who charges $60/month for 3G data plan.

Your charged that even if there is no 3g coverage in your area.:mad:

[bigwig]

Higher speed HSDPA? Yawn. What the heck is going on with the PA Semi acquisition?

[Anonymous Freak]

Your charged that even if there is no 3g coverage in your area.:mad:

For the (existing) 3G netbook deal, I believe they let you back out of your contract (and either return the device; or pay the $400 more that the non-subsidized one costs,) if you have no service. Many cell phone carriers have that option, to let you back out of a contract early if you move somewhere with no service; or if you buy it then determine that there is no service. Of course, the 'return it immediately' only applies if they CLAIM there is service and in reality there isn't. If you buy it knowing full well from the carrier that you won't have service, you're out of luck.

[BryanLyle]

A new iPhone is great. I would love to get a new one. But could AT&T please make their service better? More bars in more places is utter BS. No 3G coverage anywhere close to me. Pretty Please AT&T :)

[iMacoo7]

OK, so here is what we know so far from these reports, if true,

1) There is likely to be a new iPhone model in addition to the current 3G.
2) The new model is the one we always wanted (or at least think so now).
3) 3G owners will be pissed they have to wait another year if they want a fully subsidized phone.
4) Previous 2G owners that upgraded last year will be super not-so-secret double pissed for not holding out given how lackluster the 3G speeds have been and the lack of turn-by-turn navigation.

5) The rest of us will be overcome with sweet tears...either for all excitement or because our feet are killing us standing in line. :D
You might be wrong on number 3.
I was a 1st Gen iPhone owner and upgraded to the 3G iPhone.
Called ATT to see when I was eligible for an upgrade and as of the ending of February 2009 I am eligible for an upgrade/update. That being said I think the actual upgrade/update might depend on when someone actually stood in line for the 3G version or when a person updated to the new version(3G iPhone). Even if this was your first iphone, you should still be able to upgrade/update to the new version considering Apple's time frame of the release (Announced in June and released in July. Hopefully earlier this year!)

[MrCrowbar]

You can get the iPhone 3G for 1 EUR and starting at 45 EUR/month for 2 years... (http://www.t-mobile.de/iphone/tarife/complete-flatrates)

Most smartphones are seriously expensive but the phone companies lure you in with a cheap price for the device but high monthly fees. There's also tons of companies offering netbooks and full-sized laptops with a 2 year mobile internet contract.

So $99 sounds plausible to me, say with a 24 month contract starting at $59 or something. That's $1515 total, say 800 for the device itself and the rest for the data plan. Apple could have a precentage deal with AT&T like with the iPhone or just make a big-time profit on the device once.

A 10" tablet with marginal power (the usual 1.6 GHz Intel Atom, 1GB RAM, 1.8" hard drive) and connectivity (1 x USB, 1 x DisplayPort, 1 x line out) and you have a something around $300 in total R&D and production costs. Most Netbooks have tiny, crappy keyboards anyway so you don't wanna type on it . A large, dynamic touch keyboard would work nicely for this. Leopard already runs rather well on Atom based Hackintoshes so I expect Snow Leopard to fly on that hardware.

[iMacoo7]

Your charged that even if there is no 3g coverage in your area.:mad:
That I agree with you on this point which is honestly not right for us to pay extra fees and surcharges for a feature we cannot use. When I first received my 3G iPhone , they still had me logged in with the first generation iphone data plan.I then received a nice little email stating that I have the wrong data plan for using the 3G iphone and that I needed to call customer service to update my plan to the 3G iPhone plan. After talking to numerous tech. support and staffing at ATT. There is no word on when Destin Florida will have 3G (The only city close to me that has 3G is Pensacola(45 minute drive). Panama City is 20 minutes away and they don't have 3G coverage but yet we are still charged for a non existent 3G network.

[dwsolberg]

This article sounds more like information from a game of telephone. You know where one person says, "I like Starbucks." and people whisper it around a circle and by the end the statement is something like, "My car sucks"

Anyway, Apple is not introducing a $99 netbook, but they might be introducing something for $99 — maybe a 4 GB iPhone 3G will be $99 when Apple introduces new iPhones this summer with video recording, faster internet, and whatever other tweaks Apple can squeeze into that small space.

[TheMBC]

That's because it already exists. And it's running Windows XP Home, not even Linux. Look a couple pages back, someone linked to the Acer netbook. $99 with AT&T subsidy that requires 2 years at $60 per month; $499 without contract.
Whoops, only read the first page. Thanks ;)

[kornyboy]

Wirelessly posted (iPhone: Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 2_2_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/525.18.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.1.1 Mobile/5H11 Safari/525.20)

99 dollar netbook. Nope, not a chance. No way in hell.

I'm with you. I'll believe it when I see it.

[Le Big Mac]

And give us ponies too...
:rolleyes:

Don't forget the rainbows. Gotta have rainbows with the ponies, unlimited M2M, 900 minutes, free teathering, all for $50.

[Archon]

I can see an Apple Netbook subsidized with AT&T happening.

Just think, a $30 a month subscription for unlimited data usage.

An always connected Netbook is highly attractive IMO.

Never say Never...

[Nor*Cal]

This is BS, I hope Apple would just dump ATT

[B2k1977]

No one sees how this is all coming together? Forget about an apple 3g/netbook whatever thing.

1. We already know new iphone software is on the way.

2. We know it has the ability to do data tethering via usb or bluetooth.

WE KNOW apple bought a bunch of 10 inch touchscreens from the same maker of the iphone touch screens

I just don't think a "netbook" fits into Apple's business model. I think, this means you will see some kind of internet tablet/e-book reader kindle type device (maybe they're bringing the Newton back) where iphone users can access the internet on this device via 3G tethering with their brand spankin' new iphone they're going to buy this summer. Maybe we'll have a choice, no iphone? purchase 3G for the "mystery device" already have an iphone? great then just tether it.

And before anyone whines about price, from what I've seen, people seem to ignore price when it comes to Apple products. I bought an iphone 3g 8gb for $400 because I wasn't able to upgrade, and when the next one comes out, guess what? that's right I'll be buying one. Apple's products sell, period. I'm not rich, I don't have money to burn, but I love technology and I'm willing to pay.

Hmm, can't wait to see how badly I get flamed for this one. Oh well. :apple:

[JohnnyLemonhead]

It will be a cold day in hell before Apple sells a netbook for $99. That is, unless it is heavily, heavily subsidized to the tune of a $60-$70 per month contract for 2 years and even then the carrier would risk a loss in order to get more subscribers in the long run. Even with carrier subsidies I still can't imagine this price point, however. $199 maybe. $99 no.

If Apple does make an honest to goodness real netbook (sans a cell contract) it will be priced somewhere in the $599 to $999 range. personally, I think it should be called the "MacBook mini" and should have two price points of $599 and $799 depending on the options. I'd be in for the $599 one in a heartbeat.

[j5045096]

No one sees how this is all coming together? Forget about an apple 3g/netbook whatever thing.

1. We already know new iphone software is on the way.

2. We know it has the ability to do data tethering via usb or bluetooth.

WE KNOW apple bought a bunch of 10 inch touchscreens from the same maker of the iphone touch screens

I just don't think a "netbook" fits into Apple's business model. I think, this means you will see some kind of internet tablet/e-book reader kindle type device (maybe they're bringing the Newton back) where iphone users can access the internet on this device via 3G tethering with their brand spankin' new iphone they're going to buy this summer. Maybe we'll have a choice, no iphone? purchase 3G for the "mystery device" already have an iphone? great then just tether it.

And before anyone whines about price, from what I've seen, people seem to ignore price when it comes to Apple products. I bought an iphone 3g 8gb for $400 because I wasn't able to upgrade, and when the next one comes out, guess what? that's right I'll be buying one. Apple's products sell, period. I'm not rich, I don't have money to burn, but I love technology and I'm willing to pay.

Hmm, can't wait to see how badly I get flamed for this one. Oh well. :apple:

Oh you're gonna get flamed - don't worry - but not by me. I agree with every word you said and I think the crowd looking for the Apple netbook is in for a big disappoint. The 10" tablet idea--(Newton II) - far more feasible in my opinion. My only question: does it run a full OSX or something stripped down like on the iPhone?

[iMacmatician]

Oh you're gonna get flamed - don't worry - but not by me. I agree with every word you said and I think the crowd looking for the Apple netbook is in for a big disappoint. The 10" tablet idea--(Newton II) - far more feasible in my opinion. My only question: does it run a full OSX or something stripped down like on the iPhone?I also agree.

About the 10" tablet, I'd say iPhone OS, although at that display size (previous rumors said 5.5" and ≈8") the possibility of Mac OS X being used enters the picture.

[Goona]

It better be some damn great hardware and new software features. Cause based on what I have seen, the Palm Pre is 10x better than the iPhone.

Pre fixed everything I hated about the iphone...


(yes, I know its not out yet, neither is the new iphone OS or iphone)Pray Palm is still around when its released.

[mpspence1988]

Appleinsider is reporting that AT&T execs have said that the device will have a Mid-June Release date. I hope apple is smart with it's marketing this year and announces that it will be released "Today" during the keynote instead of postponing it for 3 measily weeks and then having a ton of childish looking people lining up making the device look like a childish product and of course having major network and server outages like last years release. Personally, I'll prolly be there anyway, unless of course i have to pay 200 more for a breakage fee which I probably will anyway, but still, I think the annual iPhone line and craziness really turns nonmacrumor forum members off as childish, overbearing, and stupid and leads to some of the backlash that non-iPhone owners have. Also, I think Apple should go back to calling the device just iPhone, instead of giving it a tag. That way they can avoid the stereotype of, "always coming out with something newer and better and ripping people off."
Just my two cents

[jayducharme]

This is what troubles me:

the addition of an iPhone application to control AT&T's U-verse suite of Internet-based products and services

and

AT&T is said to be working with Apple to create a unified product with an unparalleled experience across all their products and services.

That sounds like Apple is now letting AT&T determine what goes on the iPhone, at least some of it. And if that's true, there goes the last vestige of what made the iPhone so different from the rest of the industry: Apple controlled it, not the cell providers. It sounds like Apple is now caving in and following the traditional US cell carrier model, rather than revolutionizing it as they did with the first iPhone.

[Chupa Chupa]

You might be wrong on number 3.
I was a 1st Gen iPhone owner and upgraded to the 3G iPhone.
Called ATT to see when I was eligible for an upgrade and as of the ending of February 2009 I am eligible for an upgrade/update. That being said I think the actual upgrade/update might depend on when someone actually stood in line for the 3G version or when a person updated to the new version(3G iPhone). Even if this was your first iphone, you should still be able to upgrade/update to the new version considering Apple's time frame of the release (Announced in June and released in July. Hopefully earlier this year!)

Sorry, not wrong according to ATT's upgrade policy. http://www.wireless.att.com/learn/why/upgrade-advantage.jsp To get a subsidized phone you have to be in at least in the 18th month of your contract, which would be impossible for 3G owners. How you qualified early I can't say.

[MACingIS4Me]

The $99 Apple Netbook, featuring the revolutionary Intel 4004 processor. Coming this summer.

AND a 16MB hard drive w/ optional floppy disk drive:p

[MACingIS4Me]

I'm still wondering what would happen to the current iphone users on contract. Does that mean we can't upgrade until the end of the contract (or pay the rest now to upgrade, which you would be mad to do so). Apple won't sell as many iphones as a lot of people will be still pay for the last contract...

As for the netbook I definately can't see apple selling it for $99. Absolutely no way lol.

With this new iPhone, apple is looking to capture 1st Generation iPhone users, New Customers and Techies willing to pay full because they bought the 3G Iphone. This is all falling into place now. 1st Generation iphoners contracts will be up in late June.

[DaBrain]

A $99 netboot, that's a lot of components for that price!

Yep but it will be tied to a very expensive multiple year contract! How else could anyone offer a 99$ 3G netbook, let alone it be apple that does this?

Of course that's IF this rumor is true! :D

[wonderbread57]

The comments sound like they came from a Marketing "higher-up" at ATT.

"Seamless experience" OMG?@!

No quad core kids. Not even a dual core.

[DaBrain]

No way will that be an Apple netbook at $99. They must have been referring to a Linux-based device.


More I think about this rumor the more I think Arn left out a nine in that figure!--)));)

[bedifferent]

With this new iPhone, apple is looking to capture 1st Generation iPhone users, New Customers and Techies willing to pay full because they bought the 3G Iphone. This is all falling into place now. 1st Generation iphoners contracts will be up in late June.

Forgive me forgetting, but I bought the 1st generation iPhone for $599 (ugh, do not remind me for paying "first time luxury tax"), then the 3G iPhone. I believe I paid $399 for the 3G model, however as it is not listed online I do not recall the exact price. It is listed on AT&T for $199/8 GB and $299/16 GB with a two year contract. I believe I paid full price at the time, thus I did not renew my 2 year contract with AT&T. If that is the case I should be up for a renewal, right?

The comments sound like they came from a Marketing "higher-up" at ATT.

"Seamless experience" OMG?@!

No quad core kids. Not even a dual core.

More likely it's a PowerBook G5 that Apple has taking up space in a warehouse.

[Michael CM1]

Sure, you can get a $99 3G netbook -- if you sign up for a 2-year 3G contract at $60/month. The fact that it "won't run Windows" is merely a teaser because many netbooks run Linux.

As far as the next iPhone, a lot of this crap could be posted with just some common sense speculation. I mean I have no sources at all and I could post anywhere that a 32GB iPhone is coming out this summer. I could also throw in video recording will be available. Neither of those is a leap of faith, nor anything that shouldn't be expected.

If these sites want to pretend like they actually "know" something, maybe they should find something a little more fine-tuned. Otherwise, they really don't have any sources worth a poot.

[BCMacintosh]

Does that second last bullet mean iPhone might go to verizon, etc.? I'm sorry, I'm confused on their wording

[ddrueckhammer]

The AT&T U-Verse App sounds good but it sounds like it will only support certain PVRs...Like others, if the software is poor (like most carrier apps), I hope we can delete it.

[balancedview]

The Boy Genius post is pure unredeemed hype. Straight from the AT&T PR department.

Notice how it has basically no details. There's the pretty minor WiFi thing and this netbook, clearly Linux and unrelated to Apple. If it was Apple gear they wouldn't be talking about it; they just described it as "non-windows" to get Apple sites talking about it to build hype.

Come on: "prep for an exciting time this summer." WTF? Not news, Boy Genius. Free AT&T advertising.

[depaulsunny]

99 BUCKS???

Anyone else hear 'CONTRACT'???

[B2k1977]

I also agree.

About the 10" tablet, I'd say iPhone OS, although at that display size (previous rumors said 5.5" and ≈8") the possibility of Mac OS X being used enters the picture.

iPhone OS 3.0 maybe modified a bit or maybe a 3.0 "tablet edition" or something like that, god that sounds really "microsoft" doesn't it? (sorry)

I think if you try to cram macos x on something like that the performance of the device will suffer. Applications can be created for the tablet to run on iphone os and it's another revenue stream for apple's app store.

Then on this device you can allow things like background tasks for true push notifications. Then of course more storage, ram and processing power.

Come on, there is only so much you can cram in an iphone and still make it the sleekest and sexiest phone of it's class. If you want more you'll need a different device.

I predict some type of compainion device for the iphone. Maybe that will come in time for christmas.

iphone this summer, tablet at christmas. That's what I think.

[salvatorereda]

Its 99$ a month, and your get a free NETBOOK too!!!
2 year contract = $2400.00

thats how they can give out the netbook for free!
I would say thats not really "Free".
You cant get a Netbook with out there 99$ monthly fee.


This is the future for the apple Laptops as well, Free computers but you stuck with the monthly fees. You can never really own the thing without the contract. This is the new revenue stream..!!!

[B2k1977]

Its 99$ a month, and your get a free NETBOOK too!!!
2 year contract = $2400.00

thats how they can give out the netbook for free!
I would say thats not really "Free".
You cant get a Netbook with out there 99$ monthly fee.


This is the future for the apple Laptops as well, Free computers but you stuck with the monthly fees. You can never really own the thing without the contract. This is the new revenue stream..!!!

That's the dumbest thing I've ever read. I want that 26 seconds of my life back please.

[str1f3]

It better be some damn great hardware and new software features. Cause based on what I have seen, the Palm Pre is 10x better than the iPhone.

Pre fixed everything I hated about the iphone...


(yes, I know its not out yet, neither is the new iphone OS or iphone)

You're not really basing that on anything other than looks. The two things that I would give palm on is intergration and the neat little touchstone. The WebOS is mostly based on widgets. The reason that they can run background apps is because they are essentially web apps. They will run as fast as what you're connection may be and have the lack of depth that a native apps have.

You may say that the OS 3.0 hasn't been released yet and that is true. But Apple is not introducing a whole new OS. Nobody knows exactly how the Pre will perform. With the exception of the PNS, you have a pretty good idea of how the iPhone OS will run. Most of the things that apple is adding do not affect battery life or performance. Even the most basic things are left in doubt with the Pre.

Another thing you have to worry agoutis even if the Pre is a pretty sucessful, they may still go bankrupt. At this point, Palm has about $200 million in the bank. Add manufacturing costs and advertising for the Pre and the company is in the red.

You can argue that Apple has done something far more interesting having the dock connector accessibility. Besides glucose monitors and the like, you'll also be able to hook up gamepads, keyboards and even dumb cameras(for high quality pictures/HD video) which could handle the quality while the iPhone app handles the storage and processing.

You can very reasonably make the argument that the iPhone jumped ahead of the Pre in technological terms and you haven't even seen the new hardware for the iPhone yet.

[rstansby]

With this new iPhone, apple is looking to capture 1st Generation iPhone users, New Customers and Techies willing to pay full because they bought the 3G Iphone. This is all falling into place now. 1st Generation iphoners contracts will be up in late June.

Except there wasn't a contract on the 1st gen. iPhone.

[TuffLuffJimmy]

Except there wasn't a contract on the 1st gen. iPhone.

except there was. Yes, you could buy it without a contract, but the instant you activate it you were locked into a two year contract.

[MacDaddy901]

Damn... was looking so good until I read that last part. I'm not totally putting it out of the picture. It could possibly be the larger 10' iPod touch/tablet that there have been rumors about. Subsidize it with AT&T and it could be possible. It's a stretch, but maybe.

Other than that, I have been waiting on a u-Verse app! Really don't need a whole new iPhone for this, but please let that one be true.

[B2k1977]

Damn... was looking so good until I read that last part. I'm not totally putting it out of the picture. It could possibly be the larger 10' iPod touch/tablet that there have been rumors about. Subsidize it with AT&T and it could be possible. It's a stretch, but maybe.

Other than that, I have been waiting on a u-Verse app! Really don't need a whole new iPhone for this, but please let that one be true.

What is U-Verse? I saw something on that and it was talking about programing a dvr, etc. Is this something that works with some kind of home tv/cable package? I've never heard of AT&T in the television market around here. I have Fios and it rocks, I'll never switch to anything else.

[mitchlandry]

U-verse is AT&T's cable TV / internet service. They have mentioned an app to control the U-verse DVR to set up programming when away from home way back when, now it appears they mention the ability to play as well. That will be sweet.

[bagelche]

My bad. That's actually the one I was referring to, and I thought it was $199, not $99. I heard about it on Leo Laporte's podcast, where he was talking about a women suing AT&T because apparently it's got a 5GB a month cap, and it's in the fine print, the lady didn't realize it, and boom: $5000 bill. :eek:

no prob. And yeah, with that cap and the monthly fee it's a bit of a rip. still, if I'm gonna get ripped off, it might as well be with an apple product.

[B2k1977]

no prob. And yeah, with that cap and the monthly fee it's a bit of a rip. still, if I'm gonna get ripped off, it might as well be with an apple product.

ahahahahahahahaha! the greatest post I've read all night.

[InkMaster]

It will be a cold day in hell before Apple sells a netbook for $99. That is, unless it is heavily, heavily subsidized to the tune of a $60-$70 per month contract for 2 years and even then the carrier would risk a loss in order to get more subscribers in the long run. Even with carrier subsidies I still can't imagine this price point, however. $199 maybe. $99 no.

If Apple does make an honest to goodness real netbook (sans a cell contract) it will be priced somewhere in the $599 to $999 range. personally, I think it should be called the "MacBook mini" and should have two price points of $599 and $799 depending on the options. I'd be in for the $599 one in a heartbeat.

Agreed. No way in hell would Apple release something so cheap. If they're not even dropping the price on the iPhone which would be tons cheaper then a full size netbook, what kind of crazy ass monthly plans would they require to cover a netbook?

I would love an Apple netbook, or something in a similar size. Would be tons handier then carrying around a full size laptop. But with a required monthly data plan, both Apple and AT&T can go *bleep* themselves.

[B2k1977]

Agreed. No way in hell would Apple release something so cheap. If they're not even dropping the price on the iPhone which would be tons cheaper then a full size netbook, what kind of crazy ass monthly plans would they require to cover a netbook?

I would love an Apple netbook, or something in a similar size. Would be tons handier then carrying around a full size laptop. But with a required monthly data plan, both Apple and AT&T can go *bleep* themselves.

but what if it had wifi and you could opt out of 3G? hmmmm.

[InkMaster]

but what if it had wifi and you could opt out of 3G? hmmmm.

Then it wouldn't be $99. Knowing Apple, it won't be less then $1200.

Hell, if I could get it for 99 dollars without a monthly plan, I'd get a dozen of them.

[bagelche]

ahahahahahahahaha! the greatest post I've read all night.

glad I could help! :)

[pinoyplaya]

why buy a netbook when you can get a MacBook that does even more and is just as light? Well... Maybe 1x-2x heavier but 10x the performance :) Better OS than XP and has a DVD drive. Average battery life and a much much better customer support compared to other brands.

I just hope that if Apple does release their brand of netbook, they make it appealing for netbook buyers and not to notebook buyers. That way they won't loose customers on their MacBook line for cheaper netbook causing a rivalry against each other.

[Sayer]

Too add a new data point: I did in fact get a job offer to make an iPhone app for AT&T under a 3-month contract. I just renewed my current contract through the end of the year and I have enough work as it is, so I passed.

I don't know if the iPhone job is definitely for U-verse, but I just wrapped up work on release 9 of U-verse activation for the Mac and release 10 is already underway.

FWIW.

[B2k1977]

Then it wouldn't be $99. Knowing Apple, it won't be less then $1200.

Hell, if I could get it for 99 dollars without a monthly plan, I'd get a dozen of them.

I never said anything about $99. $1200 is a bit steep considering you can get a macbook for 999. I would buy one if it offered netbook like funtionality. look at the UMPC's that sony has, they're way more than $1200 I don't need a full blown laptop. I just need something small that I can grab and go with. Check email, do some web surfing. I really think this is when we'll see tethering become available. I wish everyone would shut the hell up about a cellular data plan.

[bagelche]

why buy a netbook when you can get a MacBook that does even more and is just as light? Well... Maybe 1x-2x heavier but 10x the performance :) Better OS than XP and has a DVD drive. Average battery life and a much much better customer support compared to other brands.

But what if that netbook is running some variant of OSX? being 1x-2x lighter is a pretty big deal. More often than not if you're looking for a small, light device you don't need the DVD player and size/weight takes precedence over raw performance. Netbooks aren't primary computers. they're adjunct mobility.

[mj6252]

This has been said over and over again, I agreed that it will be impossible for a $99 netbook, not even Acer is coming up with that one....

If ever it would be around $499-$599 for a netbook (or a 10" screen iPod touch)

As for the new iPhone? I'm excited, skipped 3G because there's not much of a big diff anyways...

[iMacmatician]

iPhone OS 3.0 maybe modified a bit or maybe a 3.0 "tablet edition" or something like that, god that sounds really "microsoft" doesn't it? (sorry)That too. I see additional features just for the mini-tablet (like multitasking and split-screen/windowed views), although it would still be a type of iPhone OS.

I think if you try to cram macos x on something like that the performance of the device will suffer. Applications can be created for the tablet to run on iphone os and it's another revenue stream for apple's app store.

Then on this device you can allow things like background tasks for true push notifications. Then of course more storage, ram and processing power.Agreed on all points. The mini-tablet is also a good device to include iLife and iWork (iPhone OS versions).

no prob. And yeah, with that cap and the monthly fee it's a bit of a rip. still, if I'm gonna get ripped off, it might as well be with an apple product.Amazing. :cool:

[stagi]

I have to agree with most others, I think there is no way a $99 netbook will come from apple. Maybe next year they will have a netbook out but at $499, never $99

[Sehnsucht]

I have to agree with most others, I think there is no way a $99 netbook will come from apple. Maybe next year they will have a netbook out but at $499, never $99

99 dollar netbook. Nope, not a chance. No way in hell.

Then it wouldn't be $99. Knowing Apple, it won't be less then $1200.

Hell, if I could get it for 99 dollars without a monthly plan, I'd get a dozen of them.


Agree with all three of you...a standalone netbook from Apple would be closer to $2,000. If anything, $99 would be the subsidized price. But I don't buy it either. ;)

EDIT: Woah, now even that sounds unlikely. A $2,000 Apple product would be about $999 subsidized. Just a guess. ;)

[fleshman03]

What the Freaking - A.

I was arguing with people about the 10" touch screens means a tablet. Something in the $600-700 range. Running iPhone 3.0 - modified to run desktop apps + AppStore apps, 1ghz+, 1gb ram and Dockable.

Now it looks like that dream was shot to hell....

[elistan]

This has been said over and over again, I agreed that it will be impossible for a $99 netbook, not even Acer is coming up with that one....

If ever it would be around $499-$599 for a netbook (or a 10" screen iPod touch)

Asus's Eee PC is as cheap as $250. 7" screen, Linux, 512MB RAM, 2GB SSD, 2.0 lbs. The iPhone, with subsidies, is $299 - and newly revealed to be $699 with no commitment. That's a $400 difference. Is it really that hard to believe that an Eee PC like device costing with integrated 3G could be sold for $250 on its own, and with mandatory 2-year AT&T service contract for only $99? (Not to say it'll be an Apple OSX device, Linux is much more likely.) I think a $99 Linux device with integrated 3G service is a neat idea. Not sure there's a market for it, but it's certainly neat - and doable.

[sn00pie]

Perhaps they meant $999 netbook? That sounds much more like Apple if you ask me :D

[binh514]

if the next-gen Iphone is real ... that could be my first Iphone this summer :cool:

[snowleopard48]

$99 with ridiculously expensive data plan?

Probably. I don't doubt that this is what will happen

[bretm]

99 dollar netbook. Nope, not a chance. No way in hell.

Subsidized.

[TuffLuffJimmy]

Subsidized.

Yeah... that hasn't been brought up yet.

[bananas]

gimme my $99 Linux netbook!

There's no way :apple: would make anything that cheap.

[wildmilne]

Please let it have more space! At least 32GB...my 16GB is always FULL.

[SFStateStudent]

Is this the MOST crap that Apple has released at one time for the iPhone? I mean since the v1 iPhone release in 2007, wouldn't this rumored release contain the most dramatic changes to the iPhone, and its firmware? Gawd, next thing you know the v3 iPhone will walk on water.......:p:D:p:D:p:D

[wildmilne]

I never said anything about $99. $1200 is a bit steep considering you can get a macbook for 999. I would buy one if it offered netbook like funtionality. look at the UMPC's that sony has, they're way more than $1200 I don't need a full blown laptop. I just need something small that I can grab and go with. Check email, do some web surfing. I really think this is when we'll see tethering become available. I wish everyone would shut the hell up about a cellular data plan.

Then if the iPhone 3.0 would support external bluetooth keyboards you would be set.

[dongmin]

I also agree.

About the 10" tablet, I'd say iPhone OS, although at that display size (previous rumors said 5.5" and ≈8") the possibility of Mac OS X being used enters the picture.

I imagine there could some hybrid mode where it runs as an iPhone when in a tablet position, but when docked, turns into a full-on Snow Leopard machine.

But the iPhone OS would be the preferred OS for a tablet device. The UI is just way better suited for it. It's not that you couldn't some how modify Leopard UI for multi-touch; it would just be very inefficient and painful at times.

If Apple didn't already have something like the iPhone OS that's tailor-made for a touch device, I would say it would make sense for Apple to adapt the normal OS X UI for multitouch. But they've obviously already developed something perfect for touch computing. So why re-invent the wheel?

[offwidafairies]

front page is ridiculous

[yoshinatsu]

Duh... not those netbook rumors again...

[InkMaster]

Duh... not those netbook rumors again...

As long as Apple still hasn't released one!

And when they do, we'll hear rumors of it being updated. :rolleyes:

Then people will whine about about it not being updated fast enough and will start asking if they should buy or wait till the rumored update will be released Next Tuesday™

[dmlogs]

sounds cool...although an apple netbook for $99 seems a little unlikely...as OSX is more than $99 :apple: :rolleyes:

[moniker]

I hope the WiFi speed is far higher than 7.2 Mbps but 7.2 Mbps over 3G would be nice though.

[localoid]

A $99* Netbook is so 2008. :o

http://news.cnet.com/i/bto/20081209/radioshack-acer-aspire-one-200081208-500-480x441.jpg

* with new, qualifying 2-year AT&T contract

[Chupa Chupa]

Is this the MOST crap that Apple has released at one time for the iPhone? I mean since the v1 iPhone release in 2007, wouldn't this rumored release contain the most dramatic changes to the iPhone, and its firmware? Gawd, next thing you know the v3 iPhone will walk on water.......:p:D:p:D:p:D

If you mean is Apple finally pushing the iPhones potential and ready to make a move to surpass the competition, yes. But be clear on one thing... It can already walk on water. The next version will just to it a little faster.

[vvebsta]

This just means whatever is going on Apple is showing a desire to up their game and not loose customers to competitors. Bout time!

[alexedo]

If there is such a thing as an "Apple netbook" for $99, then that IS the iPhone, possibly with a more expensive data plan, or if they keep the 8 gigger in their product line, and launch a 32 gigger. that's how i see it.

[notech]

$99 apple netbook? For apple I think you're missing a 9

[eugenio01]

This was interesting until I read "$99 3G Netbook"..

That will never happen at that price point.

Yes it will. with a 24 month data plan from AT&T.

This is friggin smart. Apple has a way of convincing major companies of trying something different. The iPod paved the way for the iTunes Store and millions of people who would not have ever purchased music online now do. Similarly, the iPhone will pave the way for the common masses to subscribe to a second mobile plan, effectively doubling AT&T's user base if all iPhone buyers buy a net Book. That is Friggin brilliance.:)

[acidfast7]

Please!

I really want a netbook with integrated Turbo3G. My only options right now plasticy junk. Give me a unibody netbook with integrated Turbo3g. It would make the morning commute so much nicer.

edit: I actually think it's the crappy Acer pictured above :(

[Bye Bye Baby]

June looks exciting. Snow leopard, 3.0 and perhaps some new devices from Apple.

However, I just wish they would lower the price of the Air and give us SSD at better prices. I know that's not just Apple's fault, but a lowering the price on the standard HDD version would be a good thing.

[xDYLANx]

Yes it will. with a 24 month data plan from AT&T.

This is friggin smart. Apple has a way of convincing major companies of trying something different. The iPod paved the way for the iTunes Store and millions of people who would not have ever purchased music online now do. Similarly, the iPhone will pave the way for the common masses to subscribe to a second mobile plan, effectively doubling AT&T's user base if all iPhone buyers buy a net Book. That is Friggin brilliance.:)

All valid points. But still, no. OS X costs more than $99 so why would they make a netbook with a $99 price point.

[SuperMacMan]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPod; U; CPU iPhone OS 2_2_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/525.18.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.1.1 Mobile/5H11a Safari/525.20)

HAHAHAHA. I call BOGUS on a lot of this. Most we already new.

1) Slide out keyboard not happening.
2) $99 netbook NOT HAPPENING!! Possible $99 iPhone, but NOT a netbook!!

[SuperMacMan]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPod; U; CPU iPhone OS 2_2_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/525.18.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.1.1 Mobile/5H11a Safari/525.20)

HAHAHAHA. I call BOGUS on a lot of this. Most we already new.

1) Slide out keyboard not happening.
2) $99 netbook NOT HAPPENING!! Possible $99 iPhone, but NOT a netbook!!

[Padraig]

All valid points. But still, no. OS X costs more than $99 so why would they make a netbook with a $99 price point.


Just like the iphone's price, the $99 netbook would be subsidized by a carrier. Can't see it happening.

[Chupa Chupa]

I hate to wake all you $99 Apple netbook dreamers out there, but morning has arrived.

A $99 Apple netbook isn't going to happen, not because it isn't possible, but because Apple isn't going to "cheapen" its name. IF the mentioned netbook IS an Apple product bet on it that it will cost a hundred or two MORE than the most expensive iPhone WITH 2 yr. subscription, so maybe around $499. Without sub it will be $799-899.

Apple has already said it won't get dirty competing w/ low cost netbooks; it can't AND maintain its current status. What it has said is that it will re-invent the category.

[Padraig]

Yes it will. with a 24 month data plan from AT&T.

This is friggin smart. Apple has a way of convincing major companies of trying something different. The iPod paved the way for the iTunes Store and millions of people who would not have ever purchased music online now do. Similarly, the iPhone will pave the way for the common masses to subscribe to a second mobile plan, effectively doubling AT&T's user base if all iPhone buyers buy a net Book. That is Friggin brilliance.:)

Phone companies offering cheap netbooks with expensive data plans are nothing new.

[alexedo]

$99 apple netbook? For apple I think you're missing a 9

or that, yes.
or: iPhone 8 gb for 99, 16 for 199, 32 for 299.

[Evangelion]

Why are you people so sure that Apple would not release a $99 netbook? I mean, you can already get an iPhone for free! Of course the $99 would be subsidized price! Unsubsidized would be something totally different!

[I WAS the one]

i till dont understand why anyone wants a netbook. the iphone covers all my portable computing needs. a netbook sure as hell aint gonna handle graphic design or HD movies so it'd just be a too big for the pocket useless device to me:rolleyes:

Well, I was a Powerbook G4 12¨ user until the netbook option came along... I never used a PC before, so I was looking for a linux option and then I bought an Ubuntu OS based one and I´m loving it, it´s now almost identical to my Mac because of the GUI theme mod I did and let me tell you Apple should do something about it. The Netbook it´s a real option for people that needs some basic stuff. I recommend a netbook.... a linux based one ;)

[mutantteenager]

Apple release their budget netbook price, $999!

Considering how much they charge for all of their other mediocre laptops, I can't believe they would do anything at a reasonable price.

[Lesser Evets]

Apple release their budget netbook price, $999!

Considering how much they charge for all of their other mediocre laptops, I can't believe they would do anything at a reasonable price.

I agree.

That guy got the price slightly wrong. $99 for a netbook?? That's crazy unless there is a VERY expensive plan that comes with it. Maybe the MaxiPod will be the next netbook, but comes with a $2000 AT&T plan. That would make sense, and suck.
A $99* Netbook is so 2008. :o

http://news.cnet.com/i/bto/20081209/radioshack-acer-aspire-one-200081208-500-480x441.jpg

* with new, qualifying 2-year AT&T contract

There we go... -_-;

That is $499 without the plan.

[3goldens]

I think if ATT should allow prersent iphone owners to upgrade to this new phone. I thinks is complete crap that they are doing this when everyone is going to want one and they'll have to pay 500 bucks to get one.......Its just complete bull!

[cswiger1]

I would love to see a $99 netbook. don't know if i would get it cuz i'm sure i would need a data plan and the specs would have to be worse than the iphone... but it would be sweet to show everyoneone up like that. i'll believe it when i see it. till then, its a funny thought

[Tedeks]

An apple netbook would rock, however as people have mentioned the price point would have to be right. It would stink if they came out with a netbook but the price was 20 - 40% higher then competition. We'd be forced to run linux on other models...

[Tallest Skil]

I think if ATT should allow prersent iphone owners to upgrade to this new phone. I thinks is complete crap that they are doing this when everyone is going to want one and they'll have to pay 500 bucks to get one.......Its just complete bull!

You want something? You pay for it. This is how the world works. I'm sorry... that you don't understand that.

[guzhogi]

I think Elvis will come back w/ a bunch of flying pigs after going ice skating in hell way before Apple sells anything under $100 (other than the iPod Shuffle).

[Evangelion]

I think Elvis will come back w/ a bunch of flying pigs after going ice skating in hell way before Apple sells anything under $100 (other than the iPod Shuffle).

Apple isn't selling the netbook for less than $100, AT&T is... Like I said, iPhone can already be had for free, does that mean that Apple is selling them for neglible sum? Hell no! It means that the operator is burying the cost of the device in the service-fee. Same thing here: consumer can get the netbook for $99, but it requires that he signs up for a 3G data-plan. He might also buy the netbook without such plan, but then it would cost $500+.

This isn't rocket-science people!

[Tallest Skil]

I think Elvis will come back w/ a bunch of flying pigs after going ice skating in hell way before Apple sells anything under $100 (other than the iPod Shuffle).

"Well, now, thank you... thank you very much..." (http://store.apple.com/us/product/MA398G/A) :cool:

I, personally, can't believe they still SELL this thing!

THIS. RIGHT THERE. Is as close as we will get to ANY sort of $99 Apple product other than the iPod shuffle.

I would go so far as to say that there CAN'T be a $99 Apple netbook. The netbook itself would be $799 to $999. Subsidized 700 to 900 dollars, you would have to pay $70 a month for AT&T 3G for five years for them to "make up" what they had "lost". No one would pay that nonsense.

[TheGraphicMac]

Any believability with this article went out the window with the $99 netbook comment. The day Apple sells ANYTHING for $99 that has a screen is the day cloning returns. In other words, the day Steve Jobs is removed from Apple. In other words, never.

Besides, do we really want a $99 computer? I mean, what could it possibly do that the iPod Touch can't?

[SBeardsl]

All valid points. But still, no. OS X costs more than $99 so why would they make a netbook with a $99 price point.Not saying what is or isn't going to happen but OS X costs what Apple says it costs. Apple is a hardware/software product package company, OS X is a means to help sell the hardware. If they can get AT&T to subsidize a piece of Apple hardware so much that more people will buy it than if they sold it only at "Apple cost" and Apple still gets its full cut they can (and will) throw OS X (or iPhone OS) on as part of the package.

[Evangelion]

Any believability with this article went out the window with the $99 netbook comment. The day Apple sells ANYTHING for $99 that has a screen is the day cloning returns. In other words, the day Steve Jobs is removed from Apple. In other words, never.

It's pretty damn obvious that the article was telling what AT&T will be selling, not what Apple will be selling. and apparently AT&T will be selling a non-Windows netbook for $99. And yes, that could be an Apple-netbook, but it's pretty damn obvious that the $99 is a subsidized price, the actual non-subsidized price of the device is significantly higher!

Hell, even the ASUS EEE 701 costs more than 99 bucks!

I can get an subsidized iPhone for 1e. Does that mean that Apple is selling iPhones for 1e? No it does not. It mean that the local operator (in my case: Sonera) is offering the device for that price, and they get their money from the cellphone-service. Alternatively I could get the phone unsubsidized for 429e.

Let me repeat: $99 is NOT the price Apple (if we are talking about Apple here) is selling the netbook, it's the price AT&T is selling the netbook! There's a difference between those two you know.

[Chupa Chupa]

Why are you people so sure that Apple would not release a $99 netbook? I mean, you can already get an iPhone for free! Of course the $99 would be subsidized price! Unsubsidized would be something totally different!

Because Apple is not going to allow their computer, even a netbook, to be sold at or less than the price of either an iPod or an iPhone. That is just not Apple's M.O. It sees itself as a premium brand, so expect a premium price, even w/ a subsidy. I don't know where you are getting an iPhone for free either. Lowest price I've seen is $99 for a refurb 8GB. New models are $199/299 and that isn't exactly "cheap" for a phone these days.

[iMacoo7]

Sorry, not wrong according to ATT's upgrade policy. http://www.wireless.att.com/learn/why/upgrade-advantage.jsp To get a subsidized phone you have to be in at least in the 18th month of your contract, which would be impossible for 3G owners. How you qualified early I can't say.

To respond to this. I purchased the 1st Gen iPhone September 2008(Full price from Apples Website). When the new 3G iPhone arose I was able to stand in line and get the subsidized price ($299.99 16GB). Upon calling ATT and Apple(Although Apple Told me that I should be able to , I would still need to contact ATT about the matter) about the upgrade/update process I will still be eligible to upgrade/update AS LONG as I sign for a new 2 year agreement.
This includes purchasing the new iPhone at a subsidized price or paying full price (The choice is mine , but we already know what that would be)
Thats the catch for the situation.
And after reading your page that is the upgrade Advantage page which ensures that you as a customer can receive a credit/discount

Monthly charges per line 18-23 months since
activation/upgrade 24+ months since
activation/upgrade
Greater than $99 Additional $50 off our standard 2-year service agreement discount Additional $100 off our standard 2-year service agreement discount
Between $69 and $98.99 Standard 2-year service agreement discount* Additional $50 off our standard 2-year service agreement discount*
Less than $68.99 Standard 2-year service agreement discount begins after 20 months
As I have stated , you can call yourself and explain when you purchased your 3G iphone and you will be told what I was told. I stood in line with some other mac-a-holics and recently converted souls to purchase mine.I asked about subsidy for the new version and was told that I would still be able to get the discount of subsidy.

[MrCatMan]

When would I use it?

When I travel to work I have my iPhone so I can use the phone, surf the net, listen to music, watch films and play games.

At work I have to use a Windows machine (Boo-hiss)

Back on the train now happily using my iPhone and all the apps.

My journey is 2 hours a day each way; why would I need more than my iPhone here?

Now at home. I have a 17 inch laptop currently used for non serious .docs ppt. .xls etc and Apple TV in the front room hooked up to my Plasma.

In my Office at home I have a 24 inch iMac for the more serious document creation and it is linked to a 6Tb Drobo sending my music and films around the house.

In my bedroom I have an old 13 inch white plastic MacBook.

The only way that it'd work for me if it was thinner and lighter than a MacBook air with no keyboard and a 8-10 inch touch screen and I could use on the sofa or in bed for surfing the web and an amazing multi function remote. It wouldn't need 3G as WIFI would do the job. I would use the laptops less and maybe think about not replacing one when due for upgrade.

Am I missing something?

I would guess this would create as big a chance to downgrade a laptop as to upgrade and iPod touch or iPhone?

[Evangelion]

Because Apple is not going to allow their computer, even a netbook, to be sold at or less than the price of either an iPod or an iPhone. That is just not Apple's M.O. It sees itself as a premium brand, so expect a premium price, even w/ a subsidy. I don't know where you are getting an iPhone for free either. Lowest price I've seen is $99 for a refurb 8GB. New models are $199/299 and that isn't exactly "cheap" for a phone these days.

I can get an iPhone from Sonera for 1e at this very moment (https://kauppa.sonera.fi/yksityisille/raatali/#Apple_iPhone_8_GB). Of course that price requiers me to get one of their more expensive plans, but still. Point it that it's pointless to stare at the price of the device, if that price requires that you make monthly payments for other services. And the $99 netbook would require such a service with monthly service-cost. Without that service the price of the netbook would be significantly higher.

[sterlingindigo]

Hurray for new iPhones and well, anything new and exciting from AAPL! LOL on the $99 netbook. I'll believe that when I see it. I'm hoping for a 9" MBA (or something along those lines) myself. I've been ready to buy one for over a year now. Happy days are coming soon.

[polaris20]

Well, I was a Powerbook G4 12¨ user until the netbook option came along... I never used a PC before, so I was looking for a linux option and then I bought an Ubuntu OS based one and I´m loving it, it´s now almost identical to my Mac because of the GUI theme mod I did and let me tell you Apple should do something about it. The Netbook it´s a real option for people that needs some basic stuff. I recommend a netbook.... a linux based one ;)

I love Linux, Ubuntu specifically, and I run it on several machines at home and support it at work. But in my opinion it's not at the level that OS X is, and the software support just isn't there yet.

[Goona]

Apple release their budget netbook price, $999!

Considering how much they charge for all of their other mediocre laptops, I can't believe they would do anything at a reasonable price.

Don't think you know what mediocre means.

[guzhogi]

Apple isn't selling the netbook for less than $100, AT&T is... Like I said, iPhone can already be had for free, does that mean that Apple is selling them for neglible sum? Hell no! It means that the operator is burying the cost of the device in the service-fee. Same thing here: consumer can get the netbook for $99, but it requires that he signs up for a 3G data-plan. He might also buy the netbook without such plan, but then it would cost $500+.

This isn't rocket-science people!

Because Apple is not going to allow their computer, even a netbook, to be sold at or less than the price of either an iPod or an iPhone. That is just not Apple's M.O. It sees itself as a premium brand, so expect a premium price, even w/ a subsidy. I don't know where you are getting an iPhone for free either. Lowest price I've seen is $99 for a refurb 8GB. New models are $199/299 and that isn't exactly "cheap" for a phone these days.

I can get an iPhone from Sonera for 1e at this very moment (https://kauppa.sonera.fi/yksityisille/raatali/#Apple_iPhone_8_GB). Of course that price requiers me to get one of their more expensive plans, but still. Point it that it's pointless to stare at the price of the device, if that price requires that you make monthly payments for other services. And the $99 netbook would require such a service with monthly service-cost. Without that service the price of the netbook would be significantly higher.

While I can see AT&T/Apple subsidizing a netbook, I don't see it being under $99 new in the US. You mean you can get a computer w/ more features than the iPhone for less than have the cost (not including monthly subscription costs)? Even if AT&T and Apple did make a $99 netbook, the subscription costs will probably be well over $100/month and/or come w/ a much longer contract (3 years maybe?). Honestly, I don't know.

I agree with those that say Apple sells "Premium" products, or at least premium priced products. While no one is making me buy Apple, I do like the design & I've been using Macs since 1991, yet my job pays terribly and in this current economic situation the world is in, can't say I or many other people can find many high paying jobs (except maybe at AIG). If Apple really wants higher marketshare, IMO, Apple needs to lower its prices, get rid of the "Apple Tax" and start focusing more on volume rather than margins. That way, more people will be able to afford their products meaning more money coming in.

[The Phazer]

Apple isn't selling the netbook for less than $100, AT&T is... Like I said, iPhone can already be had for free, does that mean that Apple is selling them for neglible sum? Hell no! It means that the operator is burying the cost of the device in the service-fee. Same thing here: consumer can get the netbook for $99, but it requires that he signs up for a 3G data-plan. He might also buy the netbook without such plan, but then it would cost $500+.

This isn't rocket-science people!

Exactly. Several UK mobile operators already do exactly this with netbooks. Indeed, some of them give the netbook away for nothing, as long as you sign up to a long expensive contract.

Phazer

[Roy Hobbs]

When would I use it?

When I travel to work I have my iPhone so I can use the phone, surf the net, listen to music, watch films and play games.

At work I have to use a Windows machine (Boo-hiss)

Back on the train now happily using my iPhone and all the apps.

My journey is 2 hours a day each way; why would I need more than my iPhone here?

Now at home. I have a 17 inch laptop currently used for non serious .docs ppt. .xls etc and Apple TV in the front room hooked up to my Plasma.

In my Office at home I have a 24 inch iMac for the more serious document creation and it is linked to a 6Tb Drobo sending my music and films around the house.

In my bedroom I have an old 13 inch white plastic MacBook.

The only way that it'd work for me if it was thinner and lighter than a MacBook air with no keyboard and a 8-10 inch touch screen and I could use on the sofa or in bed for surfing the web and an amazing multi function remote. It wouldn't need 3G as WIFI would do the job. I would use the laptops less and maybe think about not replacing one when due for upgrade.

Am I missing something?

I would guess this would create as big a chance to downgrade a laptop as to upgrade and iPod touch or iPhone?

What you are missing is...............most people do not have that many Macs at their disposal

[jholzner]

I think if ATT should allow prersent iphone owners to upgrade to this new phone. I thinks is complete crap that they are doing this when everyone is going to want one and they'll have to pay 500 bucks to get one.......Its just complete bull!

You know, ATT covered 400 dollars of the cost of the phone. They're a business and they have to get that money back somehow. People bitch when it's not subsidized but then bitch when they can't upgrade every year! Jeez.

[mutantteenager]

Don't think you know what mediocre means.

Compare Apple's overpriced laptops with their competitor's specification/price, and then you have the dictionary definition.

It's sad that Apple's branding has blinkered some people's reality.

[mutantteenager]

When would I use it?

When I travel to work I have my iPhone so I can use the phone, surf the net, listen to music, watch films and play games.

At work I have to use a Windows machine (Boo-hiss)

Back on the train now happily using my iPhone and all the apps.

My journey is 2 hours a day each way; why would I need more than my iPhone here?

Now at home. I have a 17 inch laptop currently used for non serious .docs ppt. .xls etc and Apple TV in the front room hooked up to my Plasma.

In my Office at home I have a 24 inch iMac for the more serious document creation and it is linked to a 6Tb Drobo sending my music and films around the house.

In my bedroom I have an old 13 inch white plastic MacBook.

The only way that it'd work for me if it was thinner and lighter than a MacBook air with no keyboard and a 8-10 inch touch screen and I could use on the sofa or in bed for surfing the web and an amazing multi function remote. It wouldn't need 3G as WIFI would do the job. I would use the laptops less and maybe think about not replacing one when due for upgrade.

Am I missing something?

I would guess this would create as big a chance to downgrade a laptop as to upgrade and iPod touch or iPhone?

I guess the next question is, where do you live and when are you not at home??:D

[Evangelion]

While I can see AT&T/Apple subsidizing a netbook, I don't see it being under $99 new in the US. You mean you can get a computer w/ more features than the iPhone for less than have the cost (not including monthly subscription costs)?

You fail to understand one thing: iPhone is not an alternative to a netbook and vice versa. Netbook is not a phone. iPhone is not a computer. Netbook is bigger than a phone. People are NOT going to start thinking "why should I get an iPhone when I can get a netbook instead?".

And besides, you shouldn't stare at the initial price. the real cost is in the service-fee. Apple made a big deal how the iPhone 3G is cheaper than the original iPhone, but fact is that it's more expensive.

And as far as netbook is concerned, the monthly plan would probably be cheaper than the iPhone plan is, since it doesn't need SMS, MMS or voice-features.

I agree with those that say Apple sells "Premium" products, or at least premium priced products.

iPhone is a premium product, and I can get one for 1e.... Just becauise it can be had for 1e does not mean that people think that it's an el-cheapo phone.

If these rumors are true, the netbook would most likely be available without subsidies, but then it would probably cost over 500 bucks.

[cswiger1]

What you are missing is...............most people do not have that many Macs at their disposal

I know right?? (regardless whether apple makes one or not) netbooks are not for people who already own a notebook. It's not a netbook because its ultra portable like a MBA of sorts; It's a netbook cuz it's "thrifty." (once again, not talking about the so called "apple netbook" specificly when i use the word "thrifty." Just the term netbook in general)

I highly doubt we'll ever see a netbook w/ a full OS X on it for $99. but I can think of some cool things they can do for that kind of retail price (plus a data plan).

Then again, it probably won't even be an apple product. It is after all AT&Ts rumored netbook

[Evangelion]

When would I use it?

When I travel to work I have my iPhone so I can use the phone, surf the net, listen to music, watch films and play games.

Like I said: iPhone is not an alternative to a netbook. While iPhone is a great device, a proper computer with proper apps is still more powerful than iPhone is. I could easily see myself spend my commute typing text for example, and iPhone is not suitable for that.

Why do you have an iMac and MBP if you have "iPhone and all the apps"? because the iPhone is not an alternative to computer? Then what makes you think that it's an alternative to netbook?

[cswiger1]

Compare Apple's overpriced laptops with their competitor's specification/price, and then you have the dictionary definition.

It's sad that Apple's branding has blinkered some people's reality.

Yeah, they have a lot of the same insides; but you’re paying for the whole computer, not just the hardware. And that's what a lot of people love: A good looking computer, with an operating system specifically made for the hardware it is on. Not to mention the OS itself. I'm a pretty cheap guy, but I have no problem with apples prices. Sure, I would always love a better deal, but I agreed to pay the price for the product i wanted. If I find something better for cheaper, I'd get that instead.

...and then you get those who do pay for the brand. But they do it for the same reasons: It serves the purpose they bought it for; which is a fashion accessory

[coolchris101]

A $99 netboot, that's a lot of components for that price!


DUH! thats because where they really make your money is when your paying them $60 a month and you sign a two year contract!

[bagelche]

I wish there was a way to sort posts in this thread.

one pile for posts that say it costs more than $99 to make the iProd or whatever this is...
one pile for posts that say duh it's subsidized.
one pile for posts that say apple wouldn't sell at that price even subsidized.
one pile for posts that say what do I need an iProd for, I have an iPhone already.
one pile for posts that say what do I need an iProd for, I have 1-17 macs already.
one pile for posts that say yeah but the iProd isn't an iPhone or a mac.
one pile for posts that say OMGPonies, Unicorns and Rainbows.
one pile for posts that say your dreams are stupid and stop talking about rumors on MacRumors.
one pile for posts that say I don't care about iPhones and that's why I've read all 10 pages of this thread.

[lukecro]

one pile for posts that say OMGPonies, Unicorns and Rainbows.


I think you mean iPonies, iUnicorns and iRainbows. :apple:


one pile for posts that say your dreams are stupid and stop talking about rumors on MacRumors.


:D

[anubis]

This is weird. I opened macrumors this morning and there were no new front page iPhone-related posts. :confused::confused::confused: A sign of the apocalypse?

EDIT: Spoke too soon

[iMacmatician]

I wish there was a way to sort posts in this thread.

one pile for posts that say it costs more than $99 to make the iProd or whatever this is...
one pile for posts that say duh it's subsidized.
one pile for posts that say apple wouldn't sell at that price even subsidized.
one pile for posts that say what do I need an iProd for, I have an iPhone already.
one pile for posts that say what do I need an iProd for, I have 1-17 macs already.
one pile for posts that say yeah but the iProd isn't an iPhone or a mac.
one pile for posts that say OMGPonies, Unicorns and Rainbows.
one pile for posts that say your dreams are stupid and stop talking about rumors on MacRumors.
one pile for posts that say I don't care about iPhones and that's why I've read all 10 pages of this thread.Excellent thread summary!

[Chupa Chupa]

I wish there was a way to sort posts in this thread.

one pile for posts that say it costs more than $99 to make the iProd or whatever this is...
one pile for posts that say duh it's subsidized.
one pile for posts that say apple wouldn't sell at that price even subsidized.
one pile for posts that say what do I need an iProd for, I have an iPhone already.
one pile for posts that say what do I need an iProd for, I have 1-17 macs already.
one pile for posts that say yeah but the iProd isn't an iPhone or a mac.
one pile for posts that say OMGPonies, Unicorns and Rainbows.
one pile for posts that say your dreams are stupid and stop talking about rumors on MacRumors.
one pile for posts that say I don't care about iPhones and that's why I've read all 10 pages of this thread.


So which topic are you specifically interested in reading more about?:D

[rstansby]

When would I use it?
...
Am I missing something?


Just because you wouldn't use a product doesn't mean that there isn't a market for it. For example I don't have any use for a tampon, a bulldozer or a mongolian-to-english dictionary, but that doesn't mean that I think these products have no use. I imagine that folks who don't have a computer, or who only have a desktop would really like a cheap always connected laptop for web browsing, word processing, research etc. In fact I would say that the writing is on the wall that netbooks will become ubiquitous in the next decade.

[dambrosir]

The ultra- simple business guideline of "don't compete with yourself" is why there will be no Apple netbook subsidized by AT&T. Period.

You don't release two competing products at once.

This makes about as much sense as offering a data plan for the iPod touch.

agreed, however, this could be a card, instead of a netbook, and aimed at non iphone users. That would allow AT &T to expand there customer base.

[Unspeaked]

What's funny is TheStreet just has an article (http://www.thestreet.com/_yahoo/story/10476743/1/apple-could-find-margins-in-netbooks.html) about Apple's possible entry into the netbook market mentioning $599 as a reasonable price point for them.

Marshall estimates that Apple could generate gross margins in the 35% to 40% range with a $599 netbook, compared to the roughly 30% margins achieved by other netbook makers.

[ctdonath]

You fail to understand one thing: iPhone is not an alternative to a netbook and vice versa. Netbook is not a phone. iPhone is not a computer. Netbook is bigger than a phone. People are NOT going to start thinking "why should I get an iPhone when I can get a netbook instead?".

<raises hand>

I've been obsessing over the idea of getting an iPhone. My iPod Touch has practically replaced my home computer for most applications; merging my cell phone with that - i.e.: an iPhone - would be fantastic.

But with the looming possibility of a 10" iPod Touch (aka "netbook") which would make even more applications feasable on the Touch paradigm, I'd find that more useful than merging Touch and phone. Given the choice between netbook (assuming that means a 10" iPod Touch tablet) and an iPhone, my question indeed becomes "why should I get an iPhone when I can get a netbook instead?" I can do a lot more with a netbook and a cheap phone than I can with an iPhone.

[inteljoe]

This is what I think everyone should expect!!!

*iPhone/iTouch OS 3.0 Released

*Release of a NEW iPhone in june, with a better proccessor, maybe multicore (I'd say 2 cores at most, to save on battery life). Definately a 16gb/32gb option, no more 8gb.

*Release of a NEW iTouch with 2 or more multicore processor, think gaming platform and a logical replcaement for other clunky devices, especially now with OS 3.0.

*Better battery performance (I hope at least). Think of the new 17" MB Pro's with the internal battery design applied to iphone

*Snow Leopard, been in development for some time, nearing completion.

*Display of new products that take advantage of OS 3.0

*Probably a few other features to snow leopard, OS 3.0 that we haven't heard about yet. I'd also say a new hardware addition, in terms of an apple netbook, i'd say no, but note sure really what yet.

[Tedeks]

What's funny is TheStreet just has an article (http://www.thestreet.com/_yahoo/story/10476743/1/apple-could-find-margins-in-netbooks.html) about Apple's possible entry into the netbook market mentioning $599 as a reasonable price point for them.

$599 wouldn't be so bad, but still higher then some pretty good netbooks out there.

[BRLawyer]

A $99* Netbook is so 2008. :o

http://news.cnet.com/i/bto/20081209/radioshack-acer-aspire-one-200081208-500-480x441.jpg

* with new, qualifying 2-year AT&T contract

Gosh, that thing is fuuuuuuuuugly...and come on, why on Earth would I buy a netbook with a carrier contract? WAKE UP, ZOIDS!

It's definitely time for SJ to return at Apple's helm...the BS levels are increasing rapidly.

[Bubba Satori]

$599 wouldn't be so bad, but still higher then some pretty good netbooks out there.

That's around the price I expect to come in at. $599-$799 depending on configuration. I'm thinking it's going to be a 10" convertible tablet with a fold away keyboard.

[Bubba Satori]

Gosh, that thing is fuuuuuuuuugly...and come on, why on Earth would I buy a netbook with a carrier contract? WAKE UP, ZOIDS!

It's definitely time for SJ to return at Apple's helm...the BS levels are increasing rapidly.


Why is it fugly ? Because it doesn't look like something from Apple ?

Wake up to the fact that different customers have different needs.

[BRLawyer]

Why is it fugly ? Because it doesn't look like something from Apple ?

Wake up to the fact that different customers have different needs.

Exactly. It is fugly because it doesn't come from Apple...just look at every notebook out there and their build quality...the Apple design is unmatched.

[cswiger1]

Just because you wouldn't use a product doesn't mean that there isn't a market for it. For example I don't have any use for a tampon, a bulldozer or a mongolian-to-english dictionary, but that doesn't mean that I think these products have no use....

Haha excellent examples

[AidenShaw]

...the Apple design is unmatched.

Thank goodness for that!

http://www.apple-history.com/images/models/imac_flower.jpg http://www.bryangilbert.co.uk/computers/apple/apple%20images/ibook_orange.jpg



why on Earth would I buy a netbook with a carrier contract?

Well, if you assume that one would want a 3G netbook - getting one with a subsidy would make a lot of sense.

And, I *would* assume that you'd want a 3G netbook. WiFi is a big pain - my own home is about the only place I can be sure of getting a free, reliable WiFi connection without some strange proxy login stuff.

[JAQ]

You fail to understand one thing: iPhone is not an alternative to a netbook and vice versa.
You fail to understand one thing: for many people, an iPhone is an alternative to a netbook. I've always bought the smallest, lightest laptops I could get. I darn near bought an actual Netbook(TM) from Psion. But now that I have an iPhone, most of the things I used to use a laptop for (web, mail, calendar, logging expenses, games for when I'm bored)... I use the phone. And the things it can't do (serious writing)... I find other ways to do them, because it isn't worth carrying even an MBAir or EEE around just for those few things.

[BRLawyer]

Thank goodness for that!

http://www.apple-history.com/images/models/imac_flower.jpg http://www.bryangilbert.co.uk/computers/apple/apple%20images/ibook_orange.jpg

Yep, these were great...you just fail to remember how many appliances and PCs were released right after the iMac and the iBook in the market, in the same color schemes... ;)

Well, if you assume that one would want a 3G netbook - getting one with a subsidy would make a lot of sense.

And, I *would* assume that you'd want a 3G netbook. WiFi is a big pain - my own home is about the only place I can be sure of getting a free, reliable WiFi connection without some strange proxy login stuff.

That's the problem...a 3G netbook doesn't make sense if you're gonna use it as a small laptop (just as pretty much everyone else buying crappy netbooks)...a netbook is NOT a phone, and definitely not worth having a contract with a carrier...unless, of course, you define a netbook as an iPhone Plus... ;)

[diamond.g]

Yep, these were great...you just fail to remember how many appliances and PCs were released right after the iMac and the iBook in the market, in the same color schemes... ;)



That's the problem...a 3G netbook doesn't make sense if you're gonna use it as a small laptop (just as pretty much everyone else buying crappy netbooks)...a netbook is NOT a phone, and definitely not worth having a contract with a carrier...unless, of course, you define a netbook as an iPhone Plus... ;)

If you want wireless access (UTMS) you will (at least in the US) have to sign up for a contract. When that is the case it is best to try to get the device for a cheaper price. Just ask all those people whom complained about the unsubsidized price of the iPhone.... ;)