I am Apple's ideal customer: a longtime Mac user with an AT&T account, eager to buy a 3G iPhone.
Unfortunately, I still don't have one.
I can't buy from Apple because I have a discount on my account, and AT&T doesn't have any stock. (I finally placed my direct fulfillment order on Saturday but haven't heard anything yet.)
I still contend the product roll-out has been a clusterf***. If they planned to do direct fulfillment anyway, they should have started before the on-sale date.
I called AT&T to have my FAN number (which is how they know you have a discount) removed from my account.
Now, when I get ready, I can go to Apple and buy a 3G iPhone.
I did the math and with my service plan plus the new data plan (including text messaging), once I factor in my discount, I will be paying LESS per month for service than I have been paying with my 2G iPhone.
Funny part is, I was NOT gonna upgrade.
I was perfectly happy with the App store and the new software.
Then I found out I could get my corporate discount back. They took that when I got my 2G iPhone.
Now, I figure it's all good. I will upgrade, use the faster phone which includes GPS, and pay about 2.25 less a month (probably more when you factor in the lower taxes).
This would be after paying 30 dollars for the data plan AND adding 5 dollars for SMS.
Sooo.... I go up 15 dollars for data, then down 17.25 after my discount.
I said I'd not buy another one until it made economical sense, and now it does.
Otherwise, I'd be fine with my 2G.
I just don't like the idea of NOT getting the discount I always had before I got the 2G iPhone, and paying more per month for slower service. We've got 3G all over the place where I live. I had a Blackjack for several months before I got the 2G on launch day (and no, I didn't have to wait in line, I just walked in and there was no line and they had some, so I bought one).
This is my first post here, though I've read the site off and on for years.
And I've rambled terribly.
