I think there will be lines but I also think there will be a lot of unhappy folks when they realize that they have to commit to a $30/month data plan for the next two years. Everyone sees the new "low" price and thinks "hey, I can afford that." but none of the media coverage mentions the additional costs. It will be interesting to see how it plays out.
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Anyone else think there will be no lines for 3G?
- Thread starter zub3qin
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Certainly would be nice
Certainly would be nice to wake up July 11 and head down to my local AT&T, grab and iPhone, pay, and head home. I'm guessing there will be people waiting, but I don't foresee lines out the door. If there are, then I have severely underestimated demand.
Certainly would be nice to wake up July 11 and head down to my local AT&T, grab and iPhone, pay, and head home. I'm guessing there will be people waiting, but I don't foresee lines out the door. If there are, then I have severely underestimated demand.
I don't think the plastic casing is really a downgrade... it's more of an extra casing that looks cooler
I will admit it is tough for EVERY consumer to be able to take advantage of a 3G network.
I actually plan on there being more of a buzz out here in my city (with tons of coverage), and metropolitan areas have the advantage of more retail stores. I have 4 Apple stores to choose from, so I think the flux of interest should be even shared by all the stores.
and as far as lines go, I definitely expect long lines. Though the plans may cost a bit more, most people don't even take this into consideration. People see the $200 price cut on the phone itself and they decide to buy. And even if there is a slightly lower turnout than the original iphone last year, the lengthy in-store activation process will certainly make up for.
The only question I have is, how does apple plan on activating all these phones in store? It just doesn't seem like apple...
lastly, does anyone think the prices for used 1st gen iphones will skyrocket with the strict policies on the 3g???
The only question I have is, how does apple plan on activating all these phones in store? It just doesn't seem like apple...
lastly, does anyone think the prices for used 1st gen iphones will skyrocket with the strict policies on the 3g???
[Off-Topic]
That was true a couple of years ago, but with gas prices skyrocketing, the break-even time is plummeting correspondingly. Here in southern CA, gas went up 44 cents a gallon (10%) in the last two weeks!
It's hard to compare with a Prius since Toyota doesn't make a non-hybrid version, but we bought a Nissan Altima Hybrid last year, which of course does have a non-hybrid version. Given the features we wanted (ABS, traction control etc), along with the federal tax credit ($2350, much better than the credits on the Toyota hybrids) the hybrid model was actually cheaper than the lowest regular model with all equivalent features. On top of that, we're saving roughly $80/month over an equivalent non-hybrid at current gas prices. It's even more when you consider the vehicle it replaced for us. Pretty sweet.
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As for the iPhone, it looks like the wife really wants one this time (I held out for a year, arguing that she doesn't use a cell phone enough to justify it, but no longer). So we're gonna take the plunge, at least for her. My biggest fear is that if they require in-store activation, that'll slow the process considerably. Even if demand isn't as high as last year, lines could get pretty ridiculous if every customer needs to sign a contract and activate first.
Also makes me wonder, will they be able to port numbers from other carriers in-store, if activation is required? That could slow things even more (or could be a problem if they won't even do it). Hmmm... Will be interesting.
That was true a couple of years ago, but with gas prices skyrocketing, the break-even time is plummeting correspondingly. Here in southern CA, gas went up 44 cents a gallon (10%) in the last two weeks!
It's hard to compare with a Prius since Toyota doesn't make a non-hybrid version, but we bought a Nissan Altima Hybrid last year, which of course does have a non-hybrid version. Given the features we wanted (ABS, traction control etc), along with the federal tax credit ($2350, much better than the credits on the Toyota hybrids) the hybrid model was actually cheaper than the lowest regular model with all equivalent features. On top of that, we're saving roughly $80/month over an equivalent non-hybrid at current gas prices. It's even more when you consider the vehicle it replaced for us. Pretty sweet.
[/Off-Topic]
As for the iPhone, it looks like the wife really wants one this time (I held out for a year, arguing that she doesn't use a cell phone enough to justify it, but no longer
). So we're gonna take the plunge, at least for her. My biggest fear is that if they require in-store activation, that'll slow the process considerably. Even if demand isn't as high as last year, lines could get pretty ridiculous if every customer needs to sign a contract and activate first.Also makes me wonder, will they be able to port numbers from other carriers in-store, if activation is required? That could slow things even more (or could be a problem if they won't even do it). Hmmm... Will be interesting.
First of all, that story explicitly states that the Prius is one of two hybrid cars that actually IS cost efficient once you factor in the federal tax break.
Second, the story assumes the price of gas as it was TWO YEARS AGO. You know, in case you haven't been paying attention, gas prices have nearly doubled since then. And the increases show no signs of letup. That study is completely out of date.
Third, these are estimates of depreciation. Check out this Thomas Friedman story from two weeks ago ... values for used Prius cars are RISING.
You're way off base and citing ancient data. The Prius is an excellent investment, as auto purchases go.
At first I didn't think it was going to be a very big deal.
Then I spoke with my mom, who knows basically nothing about technology, and she asked if I'd be camping out for it, because it was sure to be sold out for weeks now that it's so cheap.
The fact that someone who doesn't follow or know about this stuff at all leads me to believe this launch is going to be a bit bigger than many of us are anticipating.
Then I spoke with my mom, who knows basically nothing about technology, and she asked if I'd be camping out for it, because it was sure to be sold out for weeks now that it's so cheap.
The fact that someone who doesn't follow or know about this stuff at all leads me to believe this launch is going to be a bit bigger than many of us are anticipating.
^^Agreed I've run into a soccer mom or two who've been wanting one forever. They're very excited about the new one.
I think the lines will be comparable to last year's launch.
I think they might create something slick for activation in Apple Stores.
First of all, there's the penalty for no activation within 30 days. Why would there be a penalty if in store activation is mandatory?
Second, they're including the SIM tool in every box now. Why the sudden need for this?
Maybe there's a method for activating SIM cards in the store that is fast. Then you take it home, insert it and finalize service plans etc. with iTunes?
Traditional in-store activation at an Apple Store, just seems unnatural. I think they'll come up with something no one is expecting, to streamline the process.
Just look at the lines at the 5th Ave. store last year. Thousands of people. There's NO WAY you're going to move that many phones, if a full activation process is required at the time of purchase.
Anyway, there will be BIG crowds.
I think the lines will be comparable to last year's launch.
I think they might create something slick for activation in Apple Stores.
First of all, there's the penalty for no activation within 30 days. Why would there be a penalty if in store activation is mandatory?
Second, they're including the SIM tool in every box now. Why the sudden need for this?
Maybe there's a method for activating SIM cards in the store that is fast. Then you take it home, insert it and finalize service plans etc. with iTunes?
Traditional in-store activation at an Apple Store, just seems unnatural. I think they'll come up with something no one is expecting, to streamline the process.
Just look at the lines at the 5th Ave. store last year. Thousands of people. There's NO WAY you're going to move that many phones, if a full activation process is required at the time of purchase.
Anyway, there will be BIG crowds.
That article was written over 2 years ago. You might have noticed a rise in gas pries since then.
I doubt that the Aluminum back was an incredibly expensive piece.
Remember, this is a hidden subsidy. The true costs of the phone are still the same. $400 for 8GB and $500 for 16GB. Only difference is, AT&T now cuts Apple a $200 check, for each iPhone sold.
Also, I believe the plastic back helps improve reception.
I read somewhere that having a metal back keeps the phone's reception from reaching it's peak.
You may be right, bug the irony is that while it was pointless to line up last time because there was ample supply and the line moved quickly, sales this time will take ten times as long per customer, so lining up might be a good use of time.
I think there will be a buzz for this one (although I won't be in a line for the simple reason I'm out of the country) - but that buzz will come from totally new customers.
I'll bet there are a number of people buying their first Apple product in a few weeks, it's amazing how people still want to hold and use my phone a year after they came out. Of course, you'd never know that here because Mac fora seem to be filled with people capable of nothing but disappointment.
I'll bet there are a number of people buying their first Apple product in a few weeks, it's amazing how people still want to hold and use my phone a year after they came out. Of course, you'd never know that here because Mac fora seem to be filled with people capable of nothing but disappointment.
I dont really look at petrol (gas) prices, but insurance was a huge think for me to consider when purchasing my first car. Young males all get tarred with the same brush when it comes to car insurance.
Back to topic, I'll be much in the same boat... I'll go to the O2 store on my lunch break on friday. If theres a queue it can wait. I think the main difference this time is that this isnt something new, and existing iPhone users will be fine waiting a few days since they've already got an iPhone. When it first came out it was something completely new you HAD to go an buy.
I don't know how AT&T is running things in the US, but in the UK O2 is giving away 8GB iPhones for free to people who sign up with their two most expensive plans (£45/mo. and £75/mo.). I think that will be more than enough to get people lining up for the iPhone. I'll be moving to the UK in August, so I'll certainly be picking one up (unfortunately my US iPhone won't work on O2) and my fiancée will probably get one too once her current contract runs out.
I went to my uncles house today and took out my sidekick slide.
My uncle that knows that I had an iPhone was like "where's the iPhone?" and I told him I sold it because I'm waiting for the new one.
My aunt was like "yeahhhh I can't wait for that, I heard it'll be 32GB.. is that true?" I was like nah only 8 and 16. She was like "ahh man, well I'm still getting it, I can't wait, I've been waiting for 3rd generation for a while"
Didn't think anyone in my family was up on technology, guess when it comes to Apple and the iPhone, they are all over it.
My uncle that knows that I had an iPhone was like "where's the iPhone?" and I told him I sold it because I'm waiting for the new one.
My aunt was like "yeahhhh I can't wait for that, I heard it'll be 32GB.. is that true?" I was like nah only 8 and 16. She was like "ahh man, well I'm still getting it, I can't wait, I've been waiting for 3rd generation for a while"
Didn't think anyone in my family was up on technology, guess when it comes to Apple and the iPhone, they are all over it.
Part of me thinks that it will sell well, but not great. The other part of me thinks it could be a bit of a dud.
I find it odd that AT&T doesn't already have their rates for the iphone on their website. It does seem like there is a bit of a rift between Apple and AT&T, don't know why, just seems like both sides are cold.
I feel like the bulk of buyers will be teeny-boppers who con their parents into getting the iphone, and shelling out $100 a month for service, data, and txt...
I'm in the wait and see mode. I want an iphone, but won't over pay for something that might still be behind the times (3G and GPS are basic features and have been for a year). As for the App. store. I laughed when i saw 99% of these things. I found it hard to believe that some people spent time making things like "pepsi stuff", where you can redeem pepsi codes?? wow.
Apple is definitely trying to go after the business side of things with this release and maybe try to pull the wool over peoples eyes with the "half the price" B.S......
I personally love apple. But, i'm rooting against this iphone, and want it to fail. I want steve to know that we won't buy whatever he puts out. this iphone is the one that should have been released last year. i've been saying to myself, 'we waited a year for this?'.... Now, if it had a video camera and could conferencing capabilities, MMS, and was 32g, we'd have a different story, and the additional price with the plan would be just fine.
bottom line, there might be a line for the current iphone on day one, but i really have a hard time believing that this will do all that well..
I find it odd that AT&T doesn't already have their rates for the iphone on their website. It does seem like there is a bit of a rift between Apple and AT&T, don't know why, just seems like both sides are cold.
I feel like the bulk of buyers will be teeny-boppers who con their parents into getting the iphone, and shelling out $100 a month for service, data, and txt...
I'm in the wait and see mode. I want an iphone, but won't over pay for something that might still be behind the times (3G and GPS are basic features and have been for a year). As for the App. store. I laughed when i saw 99% of these things. I found it hard to believe that some people spent time making things like "pepsi stuff", where you can redeem pepsi codes?? wow.
Apple is definitely trying to go after the business side of things with this release and maybe try to pull the wool over peoples eyes with the "half the price" B.S......
I personally love apple. But, i'm rooting against this iphone, and want it to fail. I want steve to know that we won't buy whatever he puts out. this iphone is the one that should have been released last year. i've been saying to myself, 'we waited a year for this?'.... Now, if it had a video camera and could conferencing capabilities, MMS, and was 32g, we'd have a different story, and the additional price with the plan would be just fine.
bottom line, there might be a line for the current iphone on day one, but i really have a hard time believing that this will do all that well..
Well said- and makes you wonder... what exactly was Apple iPhone hardware team working on for the past 1 year? designing a black plastic back and who to buy the GPS and 3G chip from?
The problem with this logic is... we will...
And you will be very, very wrong.
Apple will quite EASILY reach their 10 million goal by the end of the year.
I agree with both of these statements...I feel that this phone is almost a slap in the face of Apple Consumers. What is so different from Gen 1 to Gen 2?
Subsidized pricing means nothing to me.....I would rather pay more for a better "unit" than be stuck paying more for "just okay" service and coverage.