need information on iPhone 3GS/ ETF

[happydude]

Hey guys, was unable to scrunge up a thread on the iPhone/etf through search..

was wondering if anyone works/ed for AT&T or did the new contract with iPhone/terminate contract early to get the iPhone unlocked/cheaper...

Was wondering what you do exactly (how long you wait to terminate/how to unlock)... and if there are any other information/tips that would help to get a slightly cheaper than $800+ 3GS


Thanks for the help in advance

[Khamsin]

You could keep the contract, but move it to a new phone, which would leave your old one unlocked.

e.g. I had a 2G, and when I got a 3G, the plan moved to that and left my 2G unlocked without a carrier.

Although I'm not going to get a 3GS because they'll probably just release a 4G or a 3GX in a few months or something.

[happydude]

well currently im under T-mobile, I have a crap phone from 2 years ago..

looking to get a new phone so was thinking of getting the iPhone and then terminating the contract..

edit: anyway whats the consensus from iPhone owners, should I just nab a 3G off ebay or try to get a 3GS or wait...

[Akucaen]

If you go with the contract termination route, you will end up paying for it as if you bought one without a contract. AT&T is pretty merciless about that from what I've read.

[wyrmtung]

If you are currently under contract with T-Mobile then you would be a new customer to AT&T so your price would be the fully subsidized price. Why do you think you will have to pay full price?

[wop]

Although I'm not going to get a 3GS because they'll probably just release a 4G or a 3GX in a few months or something.

Apparently soon!
BBC NEWS | Asia-Pacific | China iPhone man commits suicide

A Chinese man suspected of stealing a prototype for the fourth generation iPhone has committed suicide.

Before his death, Sun Danyong told friends he had been beaten up by security staff from his firm, Foxconn, one of Apple's largest manufacturers.

Foxconn, a large Taiwanese company which employed Sun in its huge Shenzhen factory, has launched an investigation.

Apple says it is saddened by the death and is waiting for the results of the investigation.

"We require our suppliers to treat all workers with dignity and respect," Jill Tan, an Apple spokeswoman in Hong Kong, told reporters.

'Humiliating'

Sun Danyong was 25 when he threw himself off a 12-storey building last week.

As part of his job, he was responsible for shipping iPhone prototypes to Apple.

Such prototypes are a closely guarded secret, as Apple likes to keep its new products and upgrades under wraps until their launch date, to heighten customer anticipation.

On 13 July, Sun reported that he was missing one of the 16 units in his possession.

The company immediately launched an investigation into the disappearance; three days later he had jumped to his death.

Sun's former classmates have told Chinese newspapers that during the firm's investigation he was beaten, his house was searched and he was locked up alone in a room.



A local newspaper showed CCTV footage of Sun the day before he died
They say he described what happened in an online chat with them as one of the most humiliating experiences of his life.

Foxconn and the local public security bureau are investigating the allegations, and the firm has expressed its condolences to Sun's family and set up extra counselling services for employees.

It has also has suspended its chief of security, Gu Qinming.

Mr Gu denies hitting Sun, and a CCTV image of the worker on the day before he died - which was featured on the front page of the local Nanfang Metropolitan Daily on Wednesday - appears to back up Mr Gu's version of events.

According to a BBC correspondent in Beijing, Chris Hogg, Foxconn has faced allegations in the past that it treats its employees poorly.

It has always denied such claims, and was cleared by Apple of any serious abuses, our correspondent says.

[ClassicRed]

If you've been with TMobile for 2 years or more you are due for an upgrade. I'd recommend the G1 or the new My Touch. I asked people here about the G1 and eventually got it over the iPhone because of contract/time with TMobile (plus I argue REALLY well).

In the end you will have to pay full price for the iPhone if you wish to keep it after you terminate your contract, or return it for a refund and you only have 2 weeks to make the decision.

I -really- like my new G1 -- You can d/l a free app that makes it instant GPS, which is <3 there are of course a ton of other apps for w/e it is you want to use it for.

If you've been with TMobile for a long while (took over a parents account or w/e) and they try to charge you more than $150 for the G1 simply tell them that 'do you know its cheaper to pay early term fees and go elsewhere? manager pls' ;p instant transfer to manager that over rides everything -- They rather keep who they have then worry about obtaining new business. And others are right new customers anywhere dont get nearly as good a treatment/deals as long time customers.

[Jotaru]

And others are right new customers anywhere dont get nearly as good a treatment/deals as long time customers.

Depends. When I worked for a major cell provider on a commission-based paygrade, we made a hell of a lot more money off of a new customer- and the phone company makes more off of it too. Basically, do NOT go to a third party retailer (go to a corporate store) and threaten to leave to get something.. but only once. People do it all the time over the stupidest shit, and if you wave that in their face all the time, they will realize what you are doing and tell you to bugger off. Remember, its not the corporation thats helping you out when you buy a new phone, its some guy paid to work for the corporation. The overall corporate sales mean only so much to them, if you annoy the piss out of them and they know that you're just waving it as a ticket to get stuff, they'll tell you to sod off.

[jmc]

In the long run.....

Your better off purchasing a used Iphone 3G off craigslist, than opening a contract... waiting a set period and paying a ETF.

Going price here in MA for Iphone 3G 8GB models is about $250-$300, as I finally got sick of AT&T and switched to sprint. Just sold 3 iphones for $850.


As for the 3GS, can it even be unlocked yet? I know it can be jailbroken, but I did not think it was unlockable yet.

[Khamsin]

Apparently soon!
BBC NEWS | Asia-Pacific | China iPhone man commits suicide

Just need guartz to come in here and whip up a conspiracy theory behind this.

[Boyiee]

In the long run.....

Your better off purchasing a used Iphone 3G off craigslist, than opening a contract... waiting a set period and paying a ETF.

Going price here in MA for Iphone 3G 8GB models is about $250-$300, as I finally got sick of AT&T and switched to sprint. Just sold 3 iphones for $850.


As for the 3GS, can it even be unlocked yet? I know it can be jailbroken, but I did not think it was unlockable yet.

It is, check the iphone sticky for info.

[happydude]

welp update, decided not to go the iPhone route, deciding between 4 phones atm... need suggestions

Deciding between HTC MyTouch (G2), HTC Touch HD, Samsung Omnia HD, Samsung JET...

Anyone have these phones/ opinion on them? THanks