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M$3 February 27, 2009 04:17 AM

Where's the best place to buy an iPhone?

Do I get a discount (like on most normal phones) if I buy the iPhone while switching from Verizon to AT&T?

Bonus Question: What are the differences between the different models, and which do you recommend?
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February 28, 2009 04:21 PM
AT&T's typical discount pricing for the iPhone is $199 for the 8-gig, $299 for the 16 with 2-year contract. After the contract expires, they'll give you a similar discount on whatever phone is current if you sign on for another. (See first source link.)

If you were a Best Buy Reward Zone member as of 2/21, you might still be able to get in on the Best Buy offer where you can chop $50 off those prices. It may already be too late, though. (See second source link.)

Bearing that in mind, I must echo the advice of others: now is really not the time to buy an iPhone. Signs and portents point to Apple retailers and partners trying to dump current-iPhone inventory as if they know something new is on the way (the aforementioned Best Buy offer, the fact that Softbank in Japan is actually giving iPhones away with service plans, etc.) MacRumors has a great "when-to-buy" wiki guide that covers all Apple products, and they've got a definite red flag on buying new iPhones. (See third source link.)

If you can limp along for a few more months on Verizon, you should do so. AT&T should offer a discount on the new iPhones when they come out.

You might also want to consider whether you can get by with a less "smart" phone (as I'm currently doing with my Motorola RAZR2) and an iPod Touch. The iPod Touch will do most of the stuff the iPhone can, will hold more music than an iPhone (if you get the 32-gig model), and won't ding you with high monthly smartphone plan fees.

(That being said, I think I will definitely upgrade to an iPhone when my current contract expires in December.)
Source(s):
http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/specials/iPhone.jsp?wtSlotCl...
http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2009/02/best-buy-rewards-members-getting-...
http://guides.macrumors.com/Buyer's_Guide#iPhone

Asker's Rating:
• I appreciate your thorough answer!

I guess I'll just wait for the new version!


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February 27, 2009 04:46 AM
I would make the purchase at an AT&T store. All the stores in my city had friendly representatives and were very helpful.

Apple is very constrained about prices, so a discount on the phone itself is not likely. AT&T on the other hand may give you discounts on your service plan. It's going to be $199 for an 8GB and $299 for the 16GB with a two-year contract. You can't get the iPhone right now without signing up for the two-year plan.

On the subject of the different models. The only difference (aside from having twice the amount of storage space) is going to be vanity. Currently you can only get the white iPhone in the 16GB size. Are you going to be using it for as a media device? If so it's worth the extra $100 to have more space. Otherwise I'd go with the 8GB.

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February 27, 2009 04:58 AM
Has the white iPhone come out yet?

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February 27, 2009 05:07 AM
It sure has. You can purchase it right now.

EDIT: Grammar

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February 27, 2009 04:56 AM
I found the best prices at AOL shopping and bought from there.

http://shopping.aol.com/iphone-products/

Source(s):
http://shopping.aol.com/iphone-products/


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February 27, 2009 07:16 AM
If you are not in a hurry, you should wait for the third generation of iphone to ocme out. (iphone 3G is only the 2nd generation...it's confusing, i know) Apple promises broad-based improvement on it. Moreover, the current iphone will STILL be in store, just for 100 dollars less.

Insofar place goes, it does not matter much; you will not find any real discounts anywhere.

There are currently several models, and the main difference between the 3G ones is simply the size of the memory. For most users the cheaper 8G will be enough, but if you do plan on putting a lot of apps/music on there, get the bigger one!

Hope that helps.

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February 27, 2009 03:45 PM
Is there any word on when the third generation is scheduled to release?

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February 28, 2009 04:08 PM
Best bet is June.

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February 27, 2009 05:19 PM
Walmart
3 models: 16GB white($297), 16GB black($297), 8GB black($197)
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/catalog.gsp?cat=1031100&catNavId=542371

Helpful Answer?  (0)   (0)    Tip dattappan for this answer
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February 28, 2009 12:40 PM
apple outlet

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