iPhone upgrade eligibility question

[Vendeen]

So basically, I was ordering an iPhone from AT&T online and apparently...I'm not eligible for a phone upgrade price. So this thing is telling me I have to pay $400 for an iPhone compared to $200 if I wait 8 more months. I'm on a familytalk plan and like, all of the other lines are eligible for the $200 discount.

Now, my question is...is there any way to get around this. I mean, I have a phone already with a micro-sim (i think that's what iPhones use, or just regular ones?) so could I buy a used one somewhere and just individually add a data plan to my phone? Or is there anything I can do so I don't have to pay $200 more for this thing or wait half a year? Halp!

[Xenega]

I can't answer your question probably better than most people
But you might be able to do an early cancellation for cheaper

Also, in mid June the new iPhone is supposed to be released, so why not also just wait for that one too?

[Kurokikaze]

Whatever you do... DONT buy an iPhone this close to June.

[Vendeen]

My rational was that I'm assuming the new iPhone is going to be significantly more expensive then the current 3GS, and me being a college student, I don't see it worth while spending maybe the $200-$300 extra on the new iPhone. Finding out I have to pay $400 for a 3GS in the first place is kind of disheartening. And god knows I'll have to pay $600 for a iPhone 4G/HD/Whatever.

[DAKPluto]

No way around it.

Oh, and the current iPhones do NOT use a microSIM but a normal size. The iPhone 4G/HD/whatever, if the 2 "leaked prototypes" are true, will finally take the microSIM.

[jmc]

If other phones on the line are eligible for a upgrade.......... you can convince one of them to let you use their upgrade, have them go into the store and "upgrade" their phone to the iphone you want, and once you go home couldn't you just put your sim card into the iphone and now its yours?


Also....... the going rate of the iphones, once the 4g comes out it should take the pricing tier that the 3gs is currently on and the 3gs should take the pricing tier of the 3g ($100 with upgrade discount)

So..... like others have said, wait it out.

[Xenega]

jmcgarrell is correct about the pricing change for the 3GS

Each time a new iPhone is released, the old one will usually drop in price, and the oldest one (The 3G) will probably be discontinued.

Regardless of what you do, it's just better to wait until the iPhone 4 comes out and see if Apple also changes the price of the 3GS.
You're saving money no matter what you do by waiting....

[Vendeen]

At the discounted price, the 3GS are $200 and $300 for 16 and 32gb respectively. I would think they would stay the same price for a while, and the 4G would start at around $300 for 16gb and $400 for 32gb. I think that was the case when the 3GS came out. I doubt you could start out getting the new iPhone for $200 though.

[Gabai]

At the discounted price, the 3GS are $200 and $300 for 16 and 32gb respectively. I would think they would stay the same price for a while, and the 4G would start at around $300 for 16gb and $400 for 32gb. I think that was the case when the 3GS came out. I doubt you could start out getting the new iPhone for $200 though.

This was not the case when the 3G S came out, the 3G instantly dropped to $99. I'm not really in the know at the moment of what the pricing will be on the new model when/if it comes out and how it will affect current models but as the time draws nearer I'll have more info on it.

As everyone else said, I would hold off on buying an iPhone right this moment until June comes around and we can all find out what is going to happen. If you feel you have to get an iPhone right now, there's a couple options:
1. Find someone (doesn't even have to be in your own family plan if you can convince them) to give you their upgrade so you can get the phone at the 2 year price.
2. Add a new line to your account so you can get an iPhone at the 2 year price (I assure you that's what will be recommended if you go into a store)
3. Fork up the money and upgrade early for $300, $400, or $500 (and sign a contract)
4. Pay some $500, $600, or $700 (for no contract)
5. Buy one used and put your sim card in it.