The Great iPhone Price Debate

I’m not going to be arsed to dig up any links to the ongoing debate over whether the iPhone 3G is or isn’t actually cheaper, or a good deal. Instead I’m going to sum this up in simple terms even the simpletons in the blogokleinbottle can understand:

If you already own an iPhone (2G) and don’t have a critical need for aGPS or 3G speeds (assuming that you are in a market that supports 3G).  Don’t buy the iPhone 3G, it’s a bad deal.

If you don’t own an iPhone, or you have a crucial need for aGPS or 3G speed (assuming that you are in a market that supports 3G). Buy the iPhone 3G, it’s a good deal.

There, are we all clear? Now go back to speculating on el Jefe’s health; or whatever it is you nerdlingers do when I’m not paying attention.



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  • Paul N
    And if you're not uptight enough to be checking your mail every 5 minutes, and if it just pisses you off to legitimize ATT with your money, just get the iTouch and be done with it. I got a handphone that works fine and can buy a lot of beer with the difference in plans.
  • Andy W
    You're right, I'm not being serious.

    I shall be buying one.

    Hell, I may even be buying one on release day, given that the only thing I hate about my current model is the speed surfing when out-and-about, so 3G should be a big thing for me.

    But I agree 100% that only it (and most other Apple products) seem to generate this kind of noise. One can only assume it's being made by people who've spent a career saying that Apple is over-priced and design-led eye-candy, and now find themselves wanting all the latest Apple toys and are afraid of looking like they've done a u-turn. So they self-justify not buying with all sorts of spurious reasons.

    Me, I just get one with it and buy the best cellphone on the market *for my needs*, whatever that is (and I've tried a lot). And right now, that's the iPhone.
  • @Andy W:

    I know you're not being serious, but bottom line: if you want the damned thing; buy one (I am).

    My beef is, I have never seen a phone launch where so many people have tried to argue that it isn't a "good value" (whatever that means).
  • @Andy - it's a bad deal unless you benefit from 3G
  • Andy W
    So if you have a first-gen 8GB model and want the new 16GB model?

    And would *like* 3G, but it isn't critical.

    How's that look as a deal?

    I need to know, dammit, 'cos how else would I decide?

    (Extra credit is given for showing your workings.)

    :)
  • But, but but.... oh, yeah, I guess you're right.

    Huh.

    Ok then.
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