Iphone blah blah 3G etc
What is it about Apple product launches? When Nokia launch a new phone it's front page in the Carphone Warehouse brochure, but when Apple do the same it's front page of the FT. Anyway.
So they finally announced the 3G Iphone yesterday, and it's pretty much what everyone expected - more of the same, only its 3G and has GPS. The biggest surprise there is that it's only 3G, and not using the superfast "broadband speed" HSDPA that a number of other phones have been packing since before the original Iphone was released. It should benefit from some of the other improvements that are also coming the way of the first Iphone in a software update - exchange email support for example - but video calling is still out, since there's no front camera, and there's no word on picture messaging either.
Nevermind all that boring techy stuff though - the biggest news with this release is the price cut, with the retail price coming right down to around £100 for the 8GB model. There are also hints that they're abandoning their super-expensive lock-in deals with the networks too, bringing the possibility that these new phones may come at subsidised prices on bearable contracts from various networks like most phones, so the 3G Iphone may actually be affordable for more people. My contract's up in October, who knows?
I'm very tempted. I have a
I'm very tempted. I have a little bit of disposable income at the moment, & have been in a couple of situations recently when it would have been really handy to be able to show someone my demo reel on the spot - the iPhone's perfect for that. I've never had (or needed) a contract phone, but I suppose I should grow up in that respect.
O2 will apparently have it
O2 will apparently have it on Pay & Go, but they've not announced pricing for that yet (don't suppose it will be too cheap). OTOH it'll be free on £45pm+ contracts, or start at £99 on a £30pm (with stingier talktime but still unlimited data).
I think the £35 monthly
I think the £35 monthly contract will suit me just fine (A one-off £99 or £159 is reasonable), plenty of texts and minutes (more than I'm likely to use) & unlimited data on the 3G. I'm just hoping I'll actually GET a contract; my credit rating isn't brilliant.
If you generally pay bills
If you generally pay bills you'll be fine... then all I'll have to do is decide whether to be jealous or not
Right now I have this:
I'll have had it a year in a few more months, so do I stick with it or go for this:
Or HTC's upcoming replacement for my current phone:
One of these options is definitely free, the other costs at least £99 plus contract commitment, and the other is a complete unknown...
You'll find voting buttons next to your armrest.