Why is everyone so quick to criticize?  The masses haven’t even seen the bloody thing yet..!

This is the first in a 2 part series related to some criticism I’ve hard on the iPhone 3G.  You’ll see the second part of this next week.

Ok… I admit it…I was one of the many iPhone-hypers on Monday 6/9/08…and I was really hoping that Steve would have had the stores stocked and ready to buy that day as well…but that’s just sour grapes now.

I’ve been watching a lot of commentary hit the air since all of the interesting announcements on Monday 6/9; and I’ve really tried to hold myself back, as I am certain that everyone and their brother is going to have something to say…but I just can’t leave it alone. Oh well…

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I just got notice from my publisher that the final details of Apple’s iPhone 3G pricing have been announced!!

You can see the full, detailed report here; but here are the hi-lites:

• Subsidized Prices: $199/$299 for 8GB/16GB respectively, with new 2 yr plan
• Unubsidized Prices: $399/$499 for 8GB/16GB respectively, with new 2 yr plan
• No Contract Prices: $599/$699 for 8GB/16GB respectively, no contract restrictions

 

iPhone users who purchased an iPhone before June 11, 2008 can buy one at the subsidized rates, regardless of upgrade status. Purchasers who buy unsubsidized will be required to agree to a new 2 year agreement.  If you want to be foot-loose and fancy free, i.e. no contract restrictions, you’re gonna go with the no contract prices.

The iPhone goes on sale, at 8AM Local Time, on 11-Jul-08.

I just received an email from one of our readers whose been full of good info in the past. They’re apparently privvy to the AT&T roadmap for 2008. Most of the information seems to agree with what’s been speculated about. Lots of WM 6.1 refreshes and some slightly updated models. Details after the jump.

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Subsidized or not subsidized?  Which is it, and will everyone get one for $199/$299?  Sheesh!

The iPhone 3G… EVERYONE is talking about it. Everyone. I hear at least 2 or three conversations about it every day (since the 6/9 WWDC announcement) here at the hospital (new job), and these are the biggest bunch of NON-geeks ever assembled in once place at one time.  If even the techno-phobic are interested in this puppy, you know it’s going to make a HUGE splash in both the consumer and enterprise spaces.

However, all of these conversations have one common theme, and I get asked this question at least 2-3 times in some of these conversations and people come and go through them, “If I’m not eligible for an upgrade, can I buy one; and at what price?”

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Yah… I’m iPhone nuts today… I was looking at the Apple store this morning, hoping that someone would blow it, and post the availability of the new device accidentally this morning (I have my PayPal debit card cocked, locked, and ready to rock!) and noticed that AT&T has joined the “Unlimited” trend when it comes to voice and data.

While they don’t have the cheapest plan in town, their all you can eat voice and data plan for the iPhone is priced at $119.99. While I won’t be going that high with my plan, I may bump things up a bit; but I’m not entirely certain. I’ve got over 4000 roll over minutes banked and don’t think I’m in danger of losing any, any time soon, no matter how much I yack on the device.

The plan itself isn’t bad, especially if you know you’re going to use the device. Also, if you ditch your land line and go cell only, this is a great way of keeping the phone bill down and under control.

Right now, AT&T has refurbished AT&T Tilts for $149.99, when you sign up for a 2 year contract, or are eligible for a device upgrade. That’s about 63% off the full retail price of $399.99. I picked one up last week and got the holiday weekend to play with it.  The device is pretty cool; and offers a great deal, tilt novelty aside (though as Clinton put it, its pretty cool when you’re trying to get rid of glare outside…).

If you’re interested, you’d better hurry over to AT&T and pick one up while supplies last. They are likely going to go pretty quickly; and I understand that there is going to be an official WM 6.1 upgrade available for it from AT&T.

Link: AT&T Refurb

Q.: Judie,

Hope this note finds you well. I need some gadget advice, if you have the time.  I have a birthday coming up in two weeks, and my wife wants a suggestion from me for a present. I am thinking about a new phone.  I have a Samsung Blackjack for work which runs Mobile 5.0 and I like it a lot.  Works very well with our Outlook Exchange server.  I also have a Motorola RAZR2 for weekends, which I also like, but I’d like a weekend phone that has a little more functionality.

I have looked at the N95, but if I am going to put that kind of dent in my wallet, I wanted to see if you have a favorite fun phone that you like and would recommend for a GSM system (I am AT&T).  Anything that really makes you smile?

Thanks for your time!!

Bill

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