Yes they are. This will make me sound like a total pansy but I actually have a physical reaction to being in a wal-mart. I start feeling kinda queasy. It also makes me feel completely guilty for supporting a soul-less mega-corp that does things like build over ancient ruins (in mexico I believe).
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Wal-Mart to Sell $99 4GB iPhone?
- Thread starter MacRumors
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Yes they are. This will make me sound like a total pansy but I actually have a physical reaction to being in a wal-mart. I start feeling kinda queasy. It also makes me feel completely guilty for supporting a soul-less mega-corp that does things like build over ancient ruins (in mexico I believe).
fleshman03
macrumors 68000
fleshman03
macrumors 68000
For me its not the cost of the device, its the cost of the bill I can't afford. I would love to only carry about one device, but I can't afford the bill... especially because all my friends use SMS, so tack on an extra $20 bucks a month. And with all the ATT service issues I already have... don't even get me started.
Every manufacturer does this
I'm surprised that people are still complaining about this. Since the dawn of time (ok maybe more like for the past 50 years) evil greedy companies have advertised hard drive space as 1000KB=1MB even though it's 1024. Yes, it's a pain but at least we can be thankful that every company uses this method so we're all getting screwed equally 🙄
I'm surprised that people are still complaining about this. Since the dawn of time (ok maybe more like for the past 50 years) evil greedy companies have advertised hard drive space as 1000KB=1MB even though it's 1024. Yes, it's a pain but at least we can be thankful that every company uses this method so we're all getting screwed equally 🙄
It's true
The better word would be "efficient". The majority of the goods they sell are of the same quality as can be found at any other discount store (Target, Kmart, etc.) They have just been unusually successful at creating an efficient distribution model and keeping wages/capital costs down. You may have issues with that, but really they are just the most successful company at doing what every one of those companies wants to do. After all, it's not like those people at the apple store are earning any benefits. Besides that, Walmart has been very successful at staying ahead of the curve in new developments (green tech, different store sizes, etc.). The corporate employees of theirs that I worked with were are incredibly smart and knew how to make $$
The better word would be "efficient". The majority of the goods they sell are of the same quality as can be found at any other discount store (Target, Kmart, etc.) They have just been unusually successful at creating an efficient distribution model and keeping wages/capital costs down. You may have issues with that, but really they are just the most successful company at doing what every one of those companies wants to do. After all, it's not like those people at the apple store are earning any benefits. Besides that, Walmart has been very successful at staying ahead of the curve in new developments (green tech, different store sizes, etc.). The corporate employees of theirs that I worked with were are incredibly smart and knew how to make $$
fleshman03
macrumors 68000
We complain because it is w.r.o.n.g.
Just because an injustice is pervasive, doesn't mean it's not an injustice.
BenRoethig
macrumors 68030
If this is true, it's a pretty smart move. With AT&T subsidizing the cost, Apple makes more money on an iPhone they do a Nano.
You do realize how many "ancient ruins" are now covered by box stores right? It's up to the zoning people (and ultimately citizens) within areas to protect lands that they think should be protected. If Walmart didn't build on that site, I guarantee that OXXO would be building there the next week.
I'm sure they're having a field day training the Wal-Mart employees... Not sure if it's the same for every other region, but here in the dirty south I usually recommend staying as far away from Wal-Mart as you can. The employees are deplorable at best. I can only imagine how an activation interaction would go... Apple should certainly not taint their reputation even more than some people think it is.
Prof.
macrumors 603
scaled back iphone
it seems like just lowering the capacity wouldn't make it that much cheaper to produce. i think they should cut the 3g radio, put in a cheap, standard gsm radio, put in a slower processor, maybe cut bluetooth, although i don't know what sort of savings that would get, and make it more on par with other entry level phones specs wise. the huge advantage of course is that it would still have the os, the huge touch screen and design attributes of the bigger better iphone 3g
also, this way consumers wouldn't have to heft over a monthly 3g contract and could get a normal contract, sans mobile internet if they wanted, edge if they did, but still with wifi
it seems like just lowering the capacity wouldn't make it that much cheaper to produce. i think they should cut the 3g radio, put in a cheap, standard gsm radio, put in a slower processor, maybe cut bluetooth, although i don't know what sort of savings that would get, and make it more on par with other entry level phones specs wise. the huge advantage of course is that it would still have the os, the huge touch screen and design attributes of the bigger better iphone 3g
also, this way consumers wouldn't have to heft over a monthly 3g contract and could get a normal contract, sans mobile internet if they wanted, edge if they did, but still with wifi
But you should - they are no better, and in some cases - WORSE than Walmart. Did you hear the news story that Walmart is now imposing strick requirements on its Chinese vendors - in many cases, great than those placed on them by other countries and in some instances even greater than those here in the United States? That just came down the line - they are requiring a living wage, better working conditions for employees and a minimum age for work and a safety oversight. Not only that - they are requiring MINIMUM environmental damage and use of less toxic and potentially harmful chemicals. To my knowledge they are the ONLY major company to REQUIRE these concessions in order to maintain there relationship with Walmart.
Could it have happened earlier? Yes - but Walmart is now in a better position to make these demands. My hats off to Walmart. The Walmart locations in my area now have LED illumination in every case that is motion sensitive and remains OFF unless someone walks by opens the case. They also make use of abundant natural lighting. I am no fan of Walmart - but when a company gets it right they should be praised for that.
D
alphaod
macrumors Core
Too many people think that 4GB is inadequate or anything. For a lot of people spending $100-$200 less is a big thing. Personally my 300GB iTunes doesn't fit in any iPod, no one sees me complaining! Seriously who listens to 10,000 tunes all day long? Life is about planning ahead, so likewise, plan what music you want and load only a few of your playlists. This is suppose to be a phone in the first place, not a music player.
4GB is enough to load a few videos, tunes for the day and a load of apps to use.
It's also great for people who already own, say an iPod classic?
4GB is enough to load a few videos, tunes for the day and a load of apps to use.
It's also great for people who already own, say an iPod classic?
I think theres gonna be a 2 and 4gig iPhone Mini with a 2.5inch screen.
Just a little birdie told me...
Just a little birdie told me...
It's funny how everyone jumps at the slightest thing. The 'Walmart' logo is real. We updated our look around June.
The writing is from our Connection Center manager, I'm supposing.
Launch is December 28th. There will NOT be a 4GB iPhone OR iPhone 3G. Just the same models everyone else has.
Oh, but there could be a lower, everyday price. $198.88!!!
SwiftLives
macrumors 65816
This makes total sense to me.
Apple has stated (as have the rumors) that they want to expand the iPhone lineup.
Apple has also expressed a desire to lock up the smartphone market.
We're in a potentially nasty economic downturn, so there is some risk involved here. But it does make perfect sense now to go after the sub $100 market to attempt to shut out the competition.
I also would not be surprised if AT&T offered a special scaled-back data plan for this model.
I'm guessing that as of January, we'll see this:
4GB = $99 | 8GB = $199 | 16GB = $299 | 32GB = $399
Edit: I Just read the above post. So nevermind then 🙂
Apple has stated (as have the rumors) that they want to expand the iPhone lineup.
Apple has also expressed a desire to lock up the smartphone market.
We're in a potentially nasty economic downturn, so there is some risk involved here. But it does make perfect sense now to go after the sub $100 market to attempt to shut out the competition.
I also would not be surprised if AT&T offered a special scaled-back data plan for this model.
I'm guessing that as of January, we'll see this:
4GB = $99 | 8GB = $199 | 16GB = $299 | 32GB = $399
Edit: I Just read the above post. So nevermind then 🙂
There will be no Apple rep involved. Training has begun but it's just through these manuals and district/regional supervision.
As far as stereotyping Walmart associates, I would agree with you 70% of the time. But as far as the associates dealing with cell phone contracts, training is required. The girl who runs the register up front cannot activate phones. We're on a higher pay level and have decent training.
I would imagine about 10 employees at each store will be trained for the sales. Even less at my location, which will probably be about five.
The manual says the standard $30 data plan is required. The only other option is a $45/month Enterprise Plan. No cheapy discounts.
Text messages are still $5, $15, and $20 for 200, 1500 and unlimited respective. (I think those prices are right.)
Early upgrades for original iPhone and AT&T customers apply too. AT&T is allowing one early upgrade per account per year. Just have to be forceful about it because at first they'll say 'No.' Be persistent and you'll get it.
I have a higher than average income and own my own business - and you know what? I shop at Walmart...as do many of my fellow small business owners as well as Sam's Club - both for personal ad business related items. That is a the most arrogant post I have seen in a LONG TIME. Apple users really are elitist, huh? Doesn't that sound almost as ignorant as your statement? I would argue it does.
Remove you foot from your mouth and try again - this time - THINK FIRST.
D
good to hear. i realize that 30% is out there, and applaud them, but that 70% puts me through the front doors of target to pay a little more $ for a little less BS 🙂
GeekLawyer
macrumors 68020
You guys are just too cool for words. Fight the power.
Actually: you're not telling the truth, you're making an assumption based on a hipster stereotype.
GeekLawyer: Geek, Lawyer, occasional Walmart shopper. Can afford.
Your stereotype: FAIL
This strategy: genius on Apple's part, if it's true. 20M units moved by Q3 2009.
dicklacara
macrumors 6502a
Things have changed since the original iPhone intro. Then, it was an iPod, a Web Browser, and a Cell phone.
1) More, Faster bandwidth availability
2) The iTunes Store
3) The App Store
4) The Apps, themselves
One big change is the way we can now use the iPod-like features. We no-longer need to "stop for gas" (tether to the computer) to get new content (or get access to old content). The businessman doesn't need to store all his business content on the iPhone, because he can access whatever, whenever through the cloud. The same is beginning to happen with the consumer and his need for iPod content-- store a few immediately-needed songs/videos on the iPhone, then access the rest on demand.
Another change is that there are some apps that can be done better or are more suited to an iPhone than any other device... say you are 5th in a long checkout line and you realize you don't have enough money in your checking account to cover your purchases... you notice that there are long lines at the ATMs, too! Just whip out your iPhone and transfer from your savings to checking... ...sure you could do this with your laptop (if you brought it shopping with you and did a balancing act with it). I do this all the time.
Then there are the game apps... ...they change all the rules.
We have 4 iPhones (3 8-GB 2Gs and 1 16-GB 3G) and lots of iPods. Only 2 of the iPhones act as cell phones. Typical memory usage is about 1.5 gig of apps and total usage less than 3.5 gigs.
The 2 non-activated phones are used, primarily, as game machines. The iPods are seldom used.
So, 4-GB isn't, necessarily, an issue.