Need to know a good deal more about microSIM swapability between the iPad and the upcoming iPhone, as well as Skype's development concerning 3G, but if the fates shine upon us,
how bout this, speculatively:
Take a microSIM from iPad 3G
equals, iPhone plan with no commitment, unlimited data, unlimited phone with video conferencing, for the initial price of an unlocked iPhone, $600, and $33/mo., plus taxes.
In fact, if you don't mind forgoing the upcoming hardware hotness, this could work for even less initial cost if you already have an uncommitted iPhone 3GS. You'd just need a microSIM adapter. Or if your iPhone 3G can be jailbroken to utilize OS 4.0's multitasking.
This assumes that an uncommitted iPhone can use an iPad 3G microSIM. Obtaining the card itself should be painless; it seems like claiming you lost your iPad SIM would get you a new one for next to nothing. Or, if you're like me and considering an iPad anyway, you could buy the 3G version with card included, and have that extra functionality to boot.
Also relevant is whether a version of Skype comes to light that can operate over 3G. But if not, there's always jailbreaking.
Thoughts?
how bout this, speculatively:
Take a microSIM from iPad 3G
[possible to obtain microSIM separately?]
+ $30/mo AT&T no-contract unlimited data plan[$30/mo]
+ upcoming iPhone with no commitment[$600 without contract? (Current 3GS price)]
+ iPhone OS 4.0 allowing multitasking[$0]
+ forthcoming Skype 2.0? incoming calls? video conferencing?[$0]
+ Skype subscription for unlimited calls US/Canada[$3/mo]
equals, iPhone plan with no commitment, unlimited data, unlimited phone with video conferencing, for the initial price of an unlocked iPhone, $600, and $33/mo., plus taxes.
In fact, if you don't mind forgoing the upcoming hardware hotness, this could work for even less initial cost if you already have an uncommitted iPhone 3GS. You'd just need a microSIM adapter. Or if your iPhone 3G can be jailbroken to utilize OS 4.0's multitasking.
This assumes that an uncommitted iPhone can use an iPad 3G microSIM. Obtaining the card itself should be painless; it seems like claiming you lost your iPad SIM would get you a new one for next to nothing. Or, if you're like me and considering an iPad anyway, you could buy the 3G version with card included, and have that extra functionality to boot.
Also relevant is whether a version of Skype comes to light that can operate over 3G. But if not, there's always jailbreaking.
Thoughts?
