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The OP simply has got a point. You don't buy a car every two years, you don't buy a sound system every two years, you don't buy a new laptop/PC every two years, you don't buy a TV set every two years, you don't buy a new fridge every two years, hell you don't even buy a new house phone every two years. But somehow, two years is a very long time when it comes to cellphones.

Actually I used to buy a new Windows laptop every 9 months or so. Official reason: I wanted more speed. Actual reason: I just hated Windows.
 
All this hype about the iPhone 5 is excessive and unnecessary. It's a contract phone after all.

I love my iPhone 3GS, which I bought new and unlocked from Apple. It's a world phone so I can use it everywhere with prepaid minutes. I can switch carriers. It's a fairly tough phone and seems like this phone will last 5 years.

This idea that people should be on contracts and change phones every year or two is insane. Changing phones is bad for the environment. I myself found a phone on the beach when I was in San Francisco.

And these contracts are so darn expensive.

Whereas I paid $100 for 1000 minutes over 6 months ago and I still haven't used all my minutes. I text a lot. I skype a lot.

I just don't care about the iPhone 5.
So? Just because you don't need a contract phone doesn't mean others don't need one too. You also can get any iPhone contract free unlocked which I have done.

Your logic is stupid, "I don't want one so you don't need one". If changing phone is bad for the enviroment than I could say that you using a computer to type your post is bad for the enviroment.
 
Do you really use the data plan a lot? Do you really need that data plan? What do you use it for?

yes i need my data plan as i need to check email when im out. im a student i send lots of email and information when im not home. also i stream music in my car. pandora, sound cloud, tunein radio, slacker. I check facebook and pictures and chat when im not home. play games against friends outside my house. use shazam to figure out music songs. check my bank account when something happens and my card doesnt work. Transfer money from accounts. Connect to my home computer from outside the house through teleport to access files i need. access maps and use directions with tracking. ( i use this a lot). browse the internet. make posts on forums. Use facetime over 3g(jailbroken phone).
And the list goes on and on. I use my phone for what it is intended. i could never go without a data plan im glad im on unlimited plan and when the new iphone comes out 5 gigs of lte before they start throttling is fine with me. I could use anywhere from 1-3 gigs a month right now.
 
I'm guessing you are not in the US?

Quite right, but I did't realise the difference was so severe...

Over here in the UK there is a lot of choice, an example for my case with provider Orange UK:

I was on a 24 month contract with a free iPhone 3GS (£50/month for 1200 mins, unlimited texts, unlimited data)

I'm now on a sim-only 30-day rolling contract (£20/month for 300 mins, unlimited texts, 500MB data).

I had the option of taking a 12-month sim-only contract for the same package as above but would have cost £15 month, passed it up as I don't like contracts.

And of course I could have gone Pay-as-you-go (pre-paid)

Do customers in the US not have these kind of packages available (other than the top and bottom ones of course)?
 
Quite right, but I did't realise the difference was so severe...

Over here in the UK there is a lot of choice, an example for my case with provider Orange UK:

I was on a 24 month contract with a free iPhone 3GS (£50/month for 1200 mins, unlimited texts, unlimited data)

I'm now on a sim-only 30-day rolling contract (£20/month for 300 mins, unlimited texts, 500MB data).

I had the option of taking a 12-month sim-only contract for the same package as above but would have cost £15 month, passed it up as I don't like contracts.

And of course I could have gone Pay-as-you-go (pre-paid)

Do customers in the US not have these kind of packages available (other than the top and bottom ones of course)?
not really and iphones have just been put on carriers like cricket and virgin mobile. but when the new iphone comes out service is a big deal and those wont have good if at all lte service like the main companys verizon and att.
i want to take advantage of lte so i will stick with my unlimited data plan on ATT. i like getting new technology i could never go back to a 3gs the screen is horrible. going to an iphone 4 was the biggest jump iphones made imo.
why would i want to use a technology from 2009? I like staying up to date and having my iPhone 4 for over two years now(bought it first day) i am itching to upgrade.
 
I'm definitely purchasing full price and unlocked directly through Apple on my next iPhone. My parents have a 4 unlocked given to them, and they were able to go on a pay by month plan with T-Mobile for $30/mo. (1500mins = text & calls and only 30 MB Data). This is exactly all I need. I don't need Data. I can wait to get to Wi-Fi area for Data. And the reception is very good in my area.

2-yr Contract iPhone, for my use, is definitely more expensive had I gone unlocked.
 
If its working for you, good. For me, a 3GS is way too slow. I make all my business deals on my iPhone so the faster the better. I also appreciate the better camera and all the other upgrades so while the 3GS might do it for you, for me the 4s suits my needs and I'll happily pay the extra cost for it. I will also be getting the next iPhone as soon as its available.*
 
I'm definitely purchasing full price and unlocked directly through Apple on my next iPhone. My parents have a 4 unlocked given to them, and they were able to go on a pay by month plan with T-Mobile for $30/mo. (1500mins = text & calls and only 30 MB Data). This is exactly all I need. I don't need Data. I can wait to get to Wi-Fi area for Data. And the reception is very good in my area.

This is exactly what I did. Purchased an unlocked iPhone 4S from the Apple store and just put in my T-Mobile sim card and everything worked without any hacking of the phone.

I pay $30 a month and get 100 anytime minutes(10 cents per minute if I go over), basically unlimited data and texting.

Now I only have access to 2g data right now but iPhone users on T-Mobile should have access to 3g or 4g speeds before the end of this year.
 
This is exactly what I did. Purchased an unlocked iPhone 4S from the Apple store and just put in my T-Mobile sim card and everything worked without any hacking of the phone.

I pay $30 a month and get 100 anytime minutes(10 cents per minute if I go over), basically unlimited data and texting.

Now I only have access to 2g data right now but iPhone users on T-Mobile should have access to 3g or 4g speeds before the end of this year.

T-Mobile has a variety of plans, which I just found out today. They even have roll over mins. on their yearly plans for those that still have landlines. I have 1 year left on my 4S with Sprint, but as soon as I fulfill my obligations, I'm out and will never go contract again.

I did my math, and for me to do an ETF with Sprint and purchase an unlocked new 5 in Nov. will cost me way too much. And as mentioned above, my needs don't require to have the latest. I'd like to just keep my costs down.
 
All this hype about the iPhone 5 is excessive and unnecessary. It's a contract phone after all.

I love my iPhone 3GS, which I bought new and unlocked from Apple. It's a world phone so I can use it everywhere with prepaid minutes. I can switch carriers. It's a fairly tough phone and seems like this phone will last 5 years.

This idea that people should be on contracts and change phones every year or two is insane. Changing phones is bad for the environment. I myself found a phone on the beach when I was in San Francisco.

And these contracts are so darn expensive.

Whereas I paid $100 for 1000 minutes over 6 months ago and I still haven't used all my minutes. I text a lot. I skype a lot.

I just don't care about the iPhone 5.

wow bc the USA provides so much choice for off contract plans lol. people use things differently. You fail to mention if you own a home phone to do some talking as well. The next guy can mention why all the hype about iPhones in general....i have an ipod touch and don't pay for cell service at all... BEAT THAT!

Also, there are pros and cons to prepaid. I did prepaid for about a year. Red Pocket, Straight Talk H20 etc. they all would bug the living crap out of you about mid month to renew your minutes again. Calls, emails, text messages. I simply got tired of the bugging and went back to AT&T. I would rather pay more and not be hassled.
 
not really and iphones have just been put on carriers like cricket and virgin mobile. but when the new iphone comes out service is a big deal and those wont have good if at all lte service like the main companys verizon and att.
i want to take advantage of lte so i will stick with my unlimited data plan on ATT. i like getting new technology i could never go back to a 3gs the screen is horrible. going to an iphone 4 was the biggest jump iphones made imo.
why would i want to use a technology from 2009? I like staying up to date and having my iPhone 4 for over two years now(bought it first day) i am itching to upgrade.

Said in an earlier post that a bought a sim-free 4s, actually bought it before my 3GS contract ran out - just swapped the SIM card. It's the 4s I'm now using on the 30-day rolling contract. Completely agree - I could never go back to the 3GS.
 
All this hype about the iPhone 5 is excessive and unnecessary. It's a contract phone after all.

I love my iPhone 3GS, which I bought new and unlocked from Apple. It's a world phone so I can use it everywhere with prepaid minutes. I can switch carriers. It's a fairly tough phone and seems like this phone will last 5 years.

This idea that people should be on contracts and change phones every year or two is insane. Changing phones is bad for the environment. I myself found a phone on the beach when I was in San Francisco.

And these contracts are so darn expensive.

Whereas I paid $100 for 1000 minutes over 6 months ago and I still haven't used all my minutes. I text a lot. I skype a lot.

I just don't care about the iPhone 5.

not everyone's a cheap :p

anyway, an iPhone retails for 1€ on a contract here and the contract i had a few years ago on my iPhone 3G was more expensive than my iPhone 4 & iPhone 4S plans combined nowadays. ill just sell my unlocked 4 before the "new one" comes out and buy it unlocked and use my old plan on it
 
The phone on the beach was probably dropped by accident. Why go to the beach to throw out old phones? But not much reason with loopy green ideas.
 
I just don't care about the iPhone 5.
Then stop reading about it. Problem solved.

Just don't assume that you preferences/needs/wants are universal no matter what the topic. Given the name of this site what were you expecting -- particularly in the iPhone subforums?
 
OP:

As MacDawg said, everybodys needs are different.

I personally use my phone for work and to call friends and family. I would not be able to get by with a pre-paid due to the amount of minutes I consume on a monthly basis. Also for me data access on the go is a must, mainly for email.

And as for good to the environment: I sell my used phones to a new owner, so I am not affecting the environment in any way. I'm sure most iPhone users sell their old phones instead of trowing them in the beach.
 
To those wondering, we have had the option, in the US, to go pay as you go. You just have to go with a carrier that uses ATT's network, such as red pocket. You buy the phone outright, and then you pay your monthly pay as you go rate. I think the most expensive of these plans if $45/mo and you get unlimited texts, voice, and 3GB (which is also claimed to be unlimited) while still on ATT's network. That is about half of what you would be paying on contract for a similar package. In the matter of two years, that's easily $800 in monthly savings, roughly double what you save initially buying an on contract subsidized iphone.

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And as for good to the environment: I sell my used phones to a new owner, so I am not affecting the environment in any way. I'm sure most iPhone users sell their old phones instead of trowing them in the beach.

Well, the manufacture and transport of said new phone you are buying yearly sure does. I am not a hippie, just pointing out that just because your phone isn't going into a dump, it doesn't mean yeah are not impacting the environment when buying a new one.
 
It's not a contract phone here. I have not had an iPhone contract since the 3G, and dont intend to start with the 5. Prepaid works perfectly for me and is a LOT cheaper, especially considering we have 4 iPhones in the house - 3 iPhone 4S's and an iPhone 4.
 
To those wondering, we have had the option, in the US, to go pay as you go. You just have to go with a carrier that uses ATT's network, such as red pocket. You buy the phone outright, and then you pay your monthly pay as you go rate. I think the most expensive of these plans if $45/mo and you get unlimited texts, voice, and 3GB (which is also claimed to be unlimited) while still on ATT's network. That is about half of what you would be paying on contract for a similar package. In the matter of two years, that's easily $800 in monthly savings, roughly double what you save initially buying an on contract subsidized iphone.

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Well, the manufacture and transport of said new phone you are buying yearly sure does. I am not a hippie, just pointing out that just because your phone isn't going into a dump, it doesn't mean yeah are not impacting the environment when buying a new one.

Even if I buy or not, that new phone was meant to be manufactured anyways. I personally buying anew phone every 2 years makes no significant difference.

Buy the way now that you mention hippies. their motorcycles cause more environmental damage than phones :p.
 
Even if I buy or not, that new phone was meant to be manufactured anyways.

That's a silly way of thinking. If you think that way, all trash in trash heaps were meant to be manufactured, so it cannot be reduced. If you, and a whole bunch of others, decide not to purchase new phones yearly, fewer phones will be manufactured based on declined demand. Again, not a hippie here, but if you are concerned about your carbon footprint, don't buy a new phone every year. If not, that's fine too.
 
That's a silly way of thinking. If you think that way, all trash in trash heaps were meant to be manufactured, so it cannot be reduced. If you, and a whole bunch of others, decide not to purchase new phones yearly, fewer phones will be manufactured based on declined demand. Again, not a hippie here, but if you are concerned about your carbon footprint, don't buy a new phone every year. If not, that's fine too.

I never mentioned trash. I clearly said selling my used devices to people that will continue to use them instead of trowing them in the trash. Plus I replace my phone every 2-3 years, not yearly as you say.


Your way of thinking is more silly and way to closed minded and judgmental. I'm sure you drive a car, and if you are in this forum mos probably you are not using the oldest phone you can.
 
That's a silly way of thinking. If you think that way, all trash in trash heaps were meant to be manufactured, so it cannot be reduced. If you, and a whole bunch of others, decide not to purchase new phones yearly, fewer phones will be manufactured based on declined demand. Again, not a hippie here, but if you are concerned about your carbon footprint, don't buy a new phone every year. If not, that's fine too.


The guy is promoting recycling used phones instead of dumping them, yet you insist on attacking him.

You should be more realistic in your way of thinking. People will always continue to buy phones. Recycling/reselling is the best way to reduce wasted phones.

By the way you say not to buy any new phone. Yet your sig. Says you own multiple phones and want to get more. :rolleyes:
 
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I never mentioned trash. I clearly said selling my used devices to people that will continue to use them instead of trowing them in the trash. Plus I replace my phone every 2-3 years, not yearly as you say.


Your way of thinking is more silly and way to closed minded and judgmental. I'm sure you drive a car, and if you are in this forum mos probably you are not using the oldest phone you can.

I do use a car. And I don't use the oldest phone I can. But I am not the one saying I am caring about the environment. Fact is, just the fact that you buy stuff, even every two years, means you are less green than you seem to think you are. I am probably less green than you, the difference is I am not talking about myself being green in a forum.

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The guy is promoting recycling used phones instead of dumping them, yet you insist on attacking him.

You should be more realistic in your way of thinking. People will always continue to buy phones. Recycling/reselling is the best way to reduce wasted phones.

By the way you say not to buy any new phone. Yet your sig. Says you own multiple phones and want to get more. :rolleyes:

You entirely missed the point. No, I am not saying don't buy a phone. I am saying if you are talking about caring about the environment, which this poster did mention, he should take a look at what he is saying. "It was meant to be manufactured anyway" is faulty logic. If people like you and I don't consume said product, it will stop being manufactured. It's that simple. Being a consumer of electronics essentially means you aren't terribly environmentally conscientious. And THAT IS OK. But don;t claim you are. Or else I will call you on it, as I did, "hippie jerk" or not. :)
 
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@lordofthereef

I never said I am green. I just said that if you are so worried about the environment, selling a used phone is better than throwing it in the garbage. You are getting way of topic with your rants and attacks.
 
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