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Apple to Launch 8 GB iPhone 3GS?
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Mobile phone contracts are one of the least transparent deals. Ideally, one should pay for
a) the hardware
b) the data access
c) the phone calls
d) get a rebate for signing up for a certain time
But then things are complicated by
1) a general service fee (you pay for being reachable)
2) flat rates for data and calls, which for calls are basically always capped (ie, you start paying above the cap)
3) a credit offered to pay less upfront
I would really love if mobile providers would be forced to spell out all four components (a - d) explicitly. And one thus would not to continue to pay for the hardware subsidies forever. In highly competitive markets at least, there is already the option to switch to tariffs which do not include hardware subsidies.
a) the hardware
b) the data access
c) the phone calls
d) get a rebate for signing up for a certain time
But then things are complicated by
1) a general service fee (you pay for being reachable)
2) flat rates for data and calls, which for calls are basically always capped (ie, you start paying above the cap)
3) a credit offered to pay less upfront
I would really love if mobile providers would be forced to spell out all four components (a - d) explicitly. And one thus would not to continue to pay for the hardware subsidies forever. In highly competitive markets at least, there is already the option to switch to tariffs which do not include hardware subsidies.
Not specifically waiting for that, but it would sure help me make the decision to take the plunge. I've been with Fido since 1999 (pretty much when they first started). Despite my long-term loyalty, I refuse to sign a contract, because I want the peace of mind that I CAN switch if a better deal comes along. (So far, none has, hence why I have never switched -- but I want them to be working for ME, not the other way around).
I almost jumped on the iPhone bandwagon last year, but "chickened out". Same last month when the 3GS was released. Almost ... but didn't.
I don't really *need* an iPhone so I'm holding out as long as I can for the bigger-and-better models or plans. But, give me the 6-gigs-for-$30 offer on a 2 year contract, and I would sign TODAY.
The $30 for 6GB intro offer (which Rogers is offering again) is a pretty good deal, which includes tethering support for no extra charge.
Attach a low-cost voice plan and I think Roger's is more friendly than AT&T for data-centric iPhone users.
Exactly
No 3G!
Maybe I should have said that I should wait for the iPod Touch to get 3G!
I'm sure there's open, free 801.x everywhere too.
Most 3G devices are phones.
why do you need 3G to comparason shop? What are you using now?
They ARE quite transparent actually.
If you want to spend less on the phone, you sign a contract. If you don't want a contract, you can pay full retail, or what the phone manufacturer's MSRP is for the device.
Sorry everyone, good phones are expensive. There's no such thing as an actual $29 dollar phone unless it's a piece of crap.
Either way, you pay a certain variable amount per month for:
1. Minutes
2. Text
3. Data
4. Taxes/Fees (this is the only part that is not transparent and I'll agree on that.)
Nothing.Most 3G devices are phones.
why do you need 3G to comparason shop? What are you using now?
Either I have prices memorized, which isn't that hard for me, or I don't buy anything. How am I going to get online in store without some sort of internet acesss?
It's not like every 802.x connection is open or there is one available for a Touch.
autrefois
macrumors 65816
If true, I think this would be great news. I would think Apple would phase out the 3G (non-S) in this case.
I like the fact that instead of phasing out 8 gigs when bumping the whole line up to 3GS, that they'd be willing to have an 8 gig one to keep a more affordable entry model out there.
Sure, 8 gigs gets used up pretty quickly, but I'm sure there are plenty of people (like my wife) who love the iPhone but just use a few apps and have a couple hundred songs on their phone. This would be perfect for that sort of customer.
This is funny, even though I disagree with you about the previous thread (on Apple's profits outpacing those of their cellphone competitors). I guess it shows that even if people disagree, it doesn't mean that they can't appreciate humor.
I like the fact that instead of phasing out 8 gigs when bumping the whole line up to 3GS, that they'd be willing to have an 8 gig one to keep a more affordable entry model out there.
Sure, 8 gigs gets used up pretty quickly, but I'm sure there are plenty of people (like my wife) who love the iPhone but just use a few apps and have a couple hundred songs on their phone. This would be perfect for that sort of customer.
$99??? STILL TOO EXPENSIVE. APPLE IS MAKING A FORTUNE AT MY EXPENSE.
(In before all the commenters from the previous thread regarding Apple's iPhone profit margins)
Apple should supply the proletariat with free iPhones and pay us a subsidy to use them, comrades. It's the only just solution.
This is funny, even though I disagree with you about the previous thread (on Apple's profits outpacing those of their cellphone competitors). I guess it shows that even if people disagree, it doesn't mean that they can't appreciate humor.Are there really people who believe this? Have they never of this thing called loan (ie, what you get from AT&T when you sign up for a contract)?
And these are dealer prices, ie, the consumer price is usually at least 15% higher, ie, close to $800 on the 32 GB phone. In other words, if AT&T would sell you a contract-less phone, it would sell it for $800. Which is pretty close to what Apple itself sells contract-less 32 GB iPhones in Italy before VAT (at the current exchange rate this is $830).
Speed is the killer app for the 3gs. It's light night and day going from 2g/3g to 3gs.
Apple gets no kickbacks from contract sales. ATT buys the iPhones for 600 or 800 bucks or whatever and then sells them for 200 or 300. I doubt Apple makes any money at all from the App store as most apps downloaded are probably free and supporting the infrastructure and bandwidth fees probably take most of the 30% they received from actual sales of apps.
Is Apple selling phones then or AT&T? Or both?
I can't imagine the initial hardware sale being at cost either.
Nothing.
Either I have prices memorized, which isn't that hard for me, or I don't buy anything. How am I going to get online in store without some sort of internet acesss?
It's not like every 802.x connection is open or there is one available for a Touch.
no, what are you using now to talk on here? if its a computer, then surly you can compassion shop on that.
in what store? cell phone? you could bring ads , print outs from your computer, if you have one etc.
whats avalable for the touch
I don't think lugging my Optiplex 755 around would be a good idea.
I don't have a printer. I guess I should write things out by hand then?
I can't memorize everything, sadly only human, or be prepared for the unexpected.
The internet if I have 802.x access. That's not a guarantee though.
I'm with Eidorian here. I have a family plan and 2 3GSs. We barely use the minutes. I'd love to just have data only and of course utilize Google Voice (oh right).
The myTouch is 300 min + unlimited data for $55/mo.
The myTouch is 300 min + unlimited data for $55/mo.
This only makes sense...
If the smaller capacity phone can be sold at a price point that is lower and if that lower price is necessary for market penetration. Otherwise, this is technology regression for no real reason...
If the smaller capacity phone can be sold at a price point that is lower and if that lower price is necessary for market penetration. Otherwise, this is technology regression for no real reason...
I remember when my dad bought a new Dell and it had a 6 gig hard drive. "SIX GIGS?" I gasped? "What do you need all that space for???"
Ah, nostalgia.
Nostalgia? I have to laugh when teenagers think ten years ago is nostalgia. My first computer (a TI99-4/A which I paid $99 for) had 16K of RAM and I couldn't afford a 160KB floppy disk drive. I had to buy a special cable to connect a Panasonic cassette recorder to store my BASIC programs on cassette. I believe this was 1985.
I'm sure there are other readers who can one-up me too.
Thanks for the suggestion of myTouch. It's another step in the right direction. My mother has me lugging around my MacBook to her home to talk over Skype since I pay for unlimited US/Canada already and call back home to Mexico. No more phone cards.
I'll just keep holding out to have my little dream. I just can't afford it at this time.
Not really. I have a 3G and I don't expect Apple to stand still until I'm ready to buy again. Though I guess I'm in the minority here.
I have the 32g 3Gs and I gotta tell ya...
at first i was skimping on what I put into my iphone bc i didn't want to "eat up" all of my memory, but after syncing all of my music.
after getting over the "do i really need these pics in there" mentality and just letting all of my pics stay on the phone....
i still have a tad over 29 gigs of FREE space!!!
(plus contacts, apps, etc.)
I have no idea why one would want an 8gig (as opposed to the 16 or 32)
at first i was skimping on what I put into my iphone bc i didn't want to "eat up" all of my memory, but after syncing all of my music.
after getting over the "do i really need these pics in there" mentality and just letting all of my pics stay on the phone....
i still have a tad over 29 gigs of FREE space!!!
(plus contacts, apps, etc.)
I have no idea why one would want an 8gig (as opposed to the 16 or 32)
I'm just saying that they are not receiving kickbacks as a result of contract sales. If Apple sells a phone they charge ATT the 600 dollars for the sale of the phone but it was sold to the customer for 200. It's subsidized but ATT is still paying Apple for the phone even if sold in an Apple store. I suppose Apple might get some money as an independent ATT reseller since they are selling ATT service but I don't think it's much or matters all that much on their earnings statement.
I want an iPhone for the 3G data access. The phone and application aspects are rather useless to me.
Unless you happen to know of a mobile internet device that would allow me to browse online while in store that won't break the bank.
You make it sound like I'm full of RAGE over it.
Have you ever heard of UMIDs? (Ultra Mobile Internet Devices) Sounds to be exactly what you're looking for. Down to the exact words.
Check out http://jkkmobile.blogspot.com/ for reviews of 3G netbooks, MIDs and UMIDs. The guy does a really good job. He takes them out and all and shows indoors, outdoors, comparisons. Pretty sweet. Probably just what you're looking for.
I mentioned mobile internet devices in an earlier post.
I'm not terribly interested in a netbook because it lacks the pocketability. It doesn't need a large monthly bandwdith allotment either. (1-2 GB might be overkill.)
I've taken a look at other UMID touch/slide out keyboard computers but the price tags are still steep. You don't have recurring costs though.
I'll take a deeper look at that blog once I'm off of work.