Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim in Atl
I replaced the 3g with the 3GS last week. This is a multipost series on the experience.
Yes, I was eligable for the full upgrade discount. I purchased the phone opening day last year.
The final deciding factor was when I found that 3G phones, used, are currently selling $400 - $1200 on eBay. Yes pay $200 for the 3GS and immediately sell the 3G not for $99 but for $400+. This seems odd except the phone really costs you and AT&T much more than $300. Also, apparently these phones are popular in other countries "unlocked."
|
They sell for so much on eBay unlocked because, after being unlocked, they can be used on another GSM / UMTS network (T-mobile, many foreign carriers) similar to ATT's. In addition, if you pay full price you do not have to be tied to a 2-year contract.
Despite being unlocked the iPhone will not work on Sprint / Verizon and is unlikely to ever be developed for S / V unless ATT does something to severely piss off Apple. Here's why: Sprint / Verizon are the only large carriers, in almost the entire world, that are stuck on CDMA technology (not compatible with current iPhone) which is going to completely screw them in 1-2 years. CDMA has essentially reached its end of life, is nowhere near as fast as ATT's UMTS, and Verizon / Sprint are beginning to invest in new networks (replacing ALL of their hardware) that will take them years to roll out. This is why ATT is going so slowly with their 3G roll out...they are 2-3 years ahead, using a proven 3g technology, and banking that Apple doesn't want to create a regionalized phone for use on the V / S network which would drive their variable costs sky high, be useless in most world markets, and would likely only be relevant (hardware wise)for another 1-2 years. /end rant