New iPhone 3GS
As solid as the iPhone is, the lack of storage beyond 16GB has been an issue for me and prevented me from owning one until now. With the iPhone 3GS, now complete with 32GB, I finally have everything I need in a phone. So I should be psyched right?! Going, “OMG! The perfect iPhone!”
Not really…While the new 3Gs brings some great features to the table, it seems by Apple standards more of a technical refresh, as opposed to a next generation product. Which leaves one to guess that next year will bring the next gen iPhone complete with the breakthrough features and a complete product redesign.
So then does purchasing the 3GS mean buying a stepping stone? Sure feels that way. As I don’t have a contract with AT&T, buying the 3GS would mean being stuck with it for the next two years. If a significant iPhone is released next year, where does that put me? Probably like current iPhone 3G owners looking to upgrade to the 3GS.
So what’s an iPhone eager person to do? Well, carefully thinking through everything – I’ve concluded that my best option is to the buy the iPhone 3GS off contract, meaning paying full retail price (yep, a nice $700) for the phone. Sounds crazy? Perhaps, but here’s my reasoning:
- Sticker shock yes, but still at $700 – I’m not breaking the bank. Subsidized pricing is nice, but if it means selling my soul for the next two years, I can pass.
- Second, no contract. Meaning I have options. I’ve never been on a cellphone contract (ever) and the thought of one doesn’t make me too happy.
- Third, there is a very real possibility that Apple may end its exclusivity deal with AT&T. If that happens, I can think of a couple other carriers I would like to get my service from instead.
- Next, and most importantly – I can always sell my iPhone 3GS. Used models on eBay have easily fetched $400 to $550. If next year brings a new iPhone, I can ebay the 3GS, recoup atleast half my cost, and have the option of purchasing a new model – possibly at a subsidized price this time since I was never on a contract.
I really wish I could just go for it, get a new iPhone with the 2 yr agreement and be happy. But don’t think I can convince myself that I not making a mistake if I’m doing this for the 3GS. So off contract it is.
Update: Looks like AT&T is reversing course slightly and allowing early buyers of the 3G to get in on the fully subsidized price for the 3GS. Details at: http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/06/17/atandt-relents-a-little-lets-iphone-3g-customers-with-upcoming-up/
Update: Talking to my excellent co-workers and friends I found out you can always end your contract early by paying a termination fee of $175 (which goes down each month). Didn’t know such a thing exists! So with that in mind think I’ll go on-contract and get the 3GS subsidized.
