Filed under: iPod Family, Retail, iPhone
When should you buy an iPhone?
As iPhone channels continue to run dry, more and more readers have asked whether now would be a good time to buy an iPhone or not -- assuming you could even find one. Our Mike Rose suggested that dry channels might indicate that Apple is trying to avoid that whole "if a new model appears within 15 days of purchase" nightmare. If he's right, expect to see a flood of refurb units hit Apple and AT&T just after the new 3G unit is introduced.
The first generation iPhone is an absolutely fabulous device and there's nothing to indicate that it won't be 100% compatible with new firmware for a long time to come. Price cuts on previous generation units make them an especially good match to hacking and unlocking. You can be enjoying your new iPhone while waiting out the inevitable 3G price drop or the move to newer generation technology.
With Apple, there's a distinct consumer advantage to buying about 6-months behind the trend. As a delayed adopter, you buy all the beauty of the new technology while getting that (plus all the software updates and fixes) at a slightly lower price.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
squidrigailov said 5:16PM on 5-12-2008
OK, good to know. But I was thinking about picking up a Touch on a trip home to the States next week (I work overseas). What do you think are the odds I'll regret it a few weeks later?
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robogobo said 6:15PM on 5-12-2008
pretty good odds
elby said 5:39PM on 5-12-2008
My Prediction:
Price point for Version 1 iPhones will plummet as people (like myself) scramble to unload them on eBay and Craigs List. Practically every person that I know that already owns an iPhone is planning on purchasing Version 2 the minute it hits the street. Apple just makes too good of a product and we can't wait to get our hands on the latest and greatest. A couple of months ago, I sold my 8GB iPhone on eBay for $375 within 20 minutes of placing the listing. (You could buy brand new for $400) I don't expect these high resell prices to continue. Demand for the new iPhone is going to be huge. From new customers AND from current customers.
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dagamer34 said 5:42PM on 5-12-2008
It's still an excellent phone for GSM carriers that don't offer widespread 3G access like T-Mobile in the USA.
I'd say though that when the real "iPhone revolution" comes via vendor-specific apps that really push EDGE to it's limits is when the 1st gen iPhone might run out of gas.
Still an excellent phone though!
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SpinThis! said 6:27PM on 5-12-2008
Before you upgrade it might be worth noting at&t's coverage area for 3G: [ http://www.wireless.att.com/coverageviewer ]. If you're not covered or you don't travel a lot to areas where you are covered with 3g, having a 3g phone doesn't make a lot of sense imho.
If the new iPhone just ends up having 3g and nothing more, there's no reason (at least for me) to upgrade. I'm guessing there won't be a whole lot of difference between the 3G version and the original version but we'll see soon enough.
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elby said 6:36PM on 5-12-2008
I don't agree that the only upgrade will be 3G. The iPhone has been lacking in important features for such a high-end phone and I believe that these features will be addressed. These will include some or all of the following: GPS, video capture, camera flash, voice recording and calling, increased storage and 3G. (Lots of other fixes and tweaks will be addressed with software. Bulk email deletion, copy/paste, to do list etc)
I agree that 3G is not a deal maker for me. I live in the monutains which is 30 miles from closest large city. If 3G were the only upgrade (doubtful) I would not upgrade.
SpinThis! said 7:55PM on 5-12-2008
All of the features you mentioned will probably be handled via 3rd parties or software, except for storage space. Hopefully Apple opens up Bluetooth and the dock connector to 3rd parties eventually... that would enable things like GPS and what not. I'm still waiting for disk mode, dammit...
I can tell you right now iPhone won't have a built-in Flash, though we can pray for a better lens... though I'm not holding my breath and it's certainly not worth paying $200 just to upgrade for that. GPS is worthless without decent software unless Google happens to ante up. Video recording is pointless at best... but again, expect 3rd parties to handle that.
DistortedLoop said 8:11PM on 5-12-2008
32gb model would be pretty compelling to me, 3G or not. I'm getting by in 16gb (my second iPhone), but even with smart playlists it can feel a little cramped at times.
MLJ said 7:12PM on 5-12-2008
As it happens, I was just offered a used 8GB iPhone today for $200; it's lightly used & in good shape, but it comes "sans cord, box, book & headphones." Any opinions on whether it's still a good deal at that price given that I'd have to buy the accessories?
(I know the seller & trust her statement that it works fine.)
Thanks for your insights!
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PSM said 8:46PM on 5-12-2008
I see the point about buying behind the curve, but for me I am already buying a year behind the curve. I needed 3G and 3rd party apps, so I have waited patiently. I have avoided the growing pains of jailbreaking, updates, AT&T's activation problems, etc. and I didn't have to pay $600 for it to boot. I am more than ready to snap this up as soon as it's available.
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abe said 10:38PM on 5-12-2008
a friend listed his on craigslist for $300, 8gb with the screen films and a case, and got 20+ replies withing the next 6 hours from people with cash ready to pay (thats not including the scammers that say "yes you iphone me very much interest") im gonna sit on mine for another 2 weeks and then try to dump it. i just cant live behind the curve
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PhoneLover said 12:00PM on 5-13-2008
any idea when iphone will be launch in Asia? heard will be some where end of 2008.
anyway, iphone with 3G? I dont think so yet...:P
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Raj said 4:08PM on 5-14-2008
I am not to worried about unloading my 8gb iPhone, my sister has been blessed with an older brother that is addicted to the latest technology (especially cellphones). So, my iPhone will pass to her when I get version 2!
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