(actual) iPhone Prices

[ApeintheShell]

I checked out the plans today on their website and for an existing customer the $20 month entry level is nice. I am sure most people will opt for the $40 with the extra features if they are an existing customer. Even the entry level $60 for the new guy is decent.
When I first heard about the 2 year plan I thought it would be expensive and a hassle. Now it looks affordable. I think Apple chose to lock out other providers due to support issues and power struggle. For example, Verizon wants to use their own music store for its customers. By requiring an iTunes account this is limiting their customers freedom and Apple would have to change their phone to accommodate Verizon. European cell phone companies will join in the melee complaining Apple needs to open up the iPhone to support their applications. After all, existing customers want Apple to have built in features that are specific to their carrier. The list goes on and on until unlocking the phone turns it into just another phone.
Apple designs great products that work seamlessly. Yet someone always has a complaint that it doesn't do this or that. I assumed people are switching to the iPhone because their current phone sucks or the service of their carrier is bad. Perhaps they like the design and are hoping Apple will change their mind and unlock it on Friday.

[Qion]

I agree; it looks more affordable. Now all I have to worry about is the fracking early termination fee of my Centennial account; they've been trying to twist my plan in ridiculous ways, like charging me for calling myself for hours on end (at the same time, of course, as I have other calls).

I wonder if the ultimate user response to the introduction of the iPhone will amount to the hype Apple is giving it. I know it's a very nice device, but the attention they're giving it is almost overbearing.

[hawki18]

Apple first tried to get Verizon to carrry the phones but they did not like all the red tape Apple want them to go through. I guess ATT jumped at the chance to make some money maybe be able to fix the network they are clear at the bottom for just about everything.

[Natobasso]

Originally Posted by Qion

I stopped by a local Cingular store today and asked about iPhone plans.

One of the guys working there told me that on top of a basic account with minimum minutes (about 30 or 40 dollars a month), you have to have a data package, which in itself will be around 40 dollars.

We're looking at a minimum cell phone bill of 80 dollars a month on top of fees and the phone itself.

Ouch.

Min $60, Max $220:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1182...html?mod=blogs

[Natobasso]

Originally Posted by Qion

I agree; it looks more affordable. Now all I have to worry about is the fracking early termination fee of my Centennial account; they've been trying to twist my plan in ridiculous ways, like charging me for calling myself for hours on end (at the same time, of course, as I have other calls).

I wonder if the ultimate user response to the introduction of the iPhone will amount to the hype Apple is giving it. I know it's a very nice device, but the attention they're giving it is almost overbearing.

Apple's doing the usual marketing, but it's the media at large that's really propping up expectations. Every blog and podcast having to do with macs is discussing the iPhone on a regular basis.

[mw84]

Not personally a big fan of contract phones, hopefully by the time the iPhone reaches the UK there will be some sort of 'pay as you go' option available where the handset doesn't have an extortionate price tag.

I've just ordered an N95 to get me through in the mean time.

[Thank The Cheese]

Originally Posted by mw84

Not personally a big fan of contract phones, hopefully by the time the iPhone reaches the UK there will be some sort of 'pay as you go' option available where the handset doesn't have an extortionate price tag.

couldn't agree more. I already pay $100/month for Internet (not to mention my mortgage and utilities!) and refuse to add more monthly bills to the pile.

I will only consider buying a phone if I can use a pre-paid contract. That probably means buying an unlocked phone, which will be difficult.

Mind you, by the time it reaches Australia's shores, there will probably be an iPod with iPhone capabilities (minus phone), which I would probably take over a full-featured iPhone.

Speaking of which -- what do people think about the long overdue iPod 6G? Are Apple holding out until the iPhone is released? I expect shortly after iPhone is released they will come out with the new iPod (perhaps it will be a special event along with Leopard release)

Originally Posted by mw84

I've just ordered an N95 to get me through in the mean time.

That's one hell of a phone to tide you over. That's like ordering lobster to keep you going between breakfast and lunch!

[Qion]

Originally Posted by Qion

I wonder if the ultimate user response to the introduction of the iPhone will amount to the hype Apple is giving it. I know it's a very nice device, but the attention they're giving it is almost overbearing.

lol.