New iPhone - Is it alright to use?

[Malky]

If I purchase a white 16GB 3GS from ebay, which is inside the packaging and hasn't been opened. I know it will be locked to O2 but will it be ok to use normally with an O2 pay and go sim? Will I still get all the features (with my BlackBerry I had to be on contract to use their internet network )? Also, what will the whole activation process be like? Sorry for the questions, they may sound a little but noobish but I want to know before I make the leap .

 

[I'm 5 ft 8]

My personal feelings on purchases from e-bay,is NOT TO DO IT. Sure, you might save a few bucks,but who do you go to if trouble surfaces ? In this case I would go to the Apple store or a reputable phone provider. Good luck. YMMV

 

[Malky]

My personal feelings on purchases from e-bay,is NOT TO DO IT. Sure, you might save a few bucks,but who do you go to if trouble surfaces ? In this case I would go to the Apple store or a reputable phone provider. Good luck. YMMV

On most ones on eBay I see that are boxed, the seller states that you get a 12 month Apple warranty. I'm not sure though.

 

[Badfoot]

Where are these phones coming from that they are able to offer a discounted price. If locked to O2 they are certainly UK sourced. Did Apple sell off any old stock ?

 

[Malky]

Where are these phones coming from that they are able to offer a discounted price. If locked to O2 they are certainly UK sourced. Did Apple sell off any old stock ?

I'm not sure but there sure is a lot of boxed ones on eBay, they're probably unwanted gifts/upgrades.

 

[FXT 1]

On most ones on eBay I see that are boxed, the seller states that you get a 12 month Apple warranty. I'm not sure though.

You really need to check the source of the stock. If they really are unwanted upgrades/gifts then the warranty has already begun. And so, is not 12 months. Are you purchasing from a Power Seller?

 

[Malky]

You really need to check the source of the stock. If they really are unwanted upgrades/gifts then the warranty has already begun. And so, is not 12 months. Are you purchasing from a Power Seller?

idham21 ( 757)

I'll ask him about the stock.

 

[John T]

idham21 ( 757)

I'll ask him about the stock.

With respect, and what good is that going to do you? How will you know if the seller is telling the truth? What is his feedback?

As has already been said - "buyer beware" when purchasing from eBay.

 

[Moi un Mouton]

To go back to your first question, it will work with any activated O2 SIM, but you will not get the Visual Voicemail feature.

To get access to the internet via 3G, you'll need to have the web bolt-on.

 

[kAoTiX]

To be honest as long as the seller has previous feedback of selling similar items and it is stated as being locked to o2, unopened and brand new and of course 12 months warranty from the purchase date (unlikely) you shouldn't really worry.

You can actually purchase 'iPhone' o2 SIM cards off eBay that have the free web and wifi bolt on for 12 months but the phones will work with any other o2 SIM card but you will have to pay for the data bolt on which currently is £10.99 (not to be confused with their £7.99 package)

If the seller has 0 feedback then dont buy it, if they have low/negative feedback about similar products dont buy it. Use your head. eBay isn't 'that' bad. I've so far purchased 3 iPhones from eBay and haven't had a problem with them. Also purchase upwards of 10 iPod Touchs from eBay with the same story. As long as the seller is respectable you shouldn't have a problem. You can always disput the item should it not be received as expected. E.G. Barred on UK networks, broken/damaged, not un-opened, not a UK iPhone etc. They are all grounds for misdiscription and can easily be disputed to allow for a full refund.

Good luck.