For me, the point is moot: my full subsidy early upgrade cycles Nov. 1; I'm buying a white 4S, which may be difficult to get by then without having pre-ordered -- but it's the current model so, though it might be January, I'll eventually get one.
However, my wife and daughter, their full subsidy early upgrades don't cycle until Nov. 14, AND they mainly care about phones compatible with iOS 5, not the latest and greatest, or any of the specific 4 or 4S features. The free w/ contract extension 3GS is at least a good option for them; these are all essentially Christmas gifts, and they may prefer the savings directed toward other things for themselves besides more powerful iPhones.
Problem is, no one at AT&T can tell me how long the free w/ contract extension 3GS will be available. I'm thinking, certainly through Christmas. But does anyone know offhand if Apple is still manufacturing 3GS models to create for them a free w/ contract option, or they're only offering the 3GS "while supplies last" -- that is, until they run out of stock.
However, my wife and daughter, their full subsidy early upgrades don't cycle until Nov. 14, AND they mainly care about phones compatible with iOS 5, not the latest and greatest, or any of the specific 4 or 4S features. The free w/ contract extension 3GS is at least a good option for them; these are all essentially Christmas gifts, and they may prefer the savings directed toward other things for themselves besides more powerful iPhones.
Problem is, no one at AT&T can tell me how long the free w/ contract extension 3GS will be available. I'm thinking, certainly through Christmas. But does anyone know offhand if Apple is still manufacturing 3GS models to create for them a free w/ contract option, or they're only offering the 3GS "while supplies last" -- that is, until they run out of stock.