(Insert stupid Blog name here)

The current iPhone can be unlocked and used with any GSM carrier.

 

There is another angle, in that you can use a GoPhone plan with the iPhone. You are still with AT&T, but with no contract. The way to get this plan is to "fail" the credit check (i.e. fake info.) Also, there is one GoPhone plan w/unlimited data that is slightly cheaper than the cheapest contracted plan.

 

Also, with an iPhone or smartphone, you don't really "need" text messaging, just have people text you to a POP3/IMAP email address, and you're all set.

The minimum is $70 per month

That was my reason for opting for the iPod touch instead.

Maybe get an older model? Current iPhones Keep Cheaper Plan on Reactivation

You won't pay a 3G rate for a 2G iPhone with a new service plan, AT&T confirmed for me today. This should be good news to anyone looking to either sell their so-called 2G iPhone when they upgrade to an iPhone 3G, or for those looking to buy (or beg) the older iPhone model without paying a fee for bandwidth they can't use.

Maybe get an older model? Current iPhones Keep Cheaper Plan on Reactivation

If I got an iPhone, one of the reasons would be for the GPS. (Yeah, I know... I can't get something for nothing.) One thing I don't get about the article though, is where he got this from:

The equivalent iPhone 3G service plan is $35 per month: $30 for unlimited 3G, and $5 for 200 text messages; you can choose no text message bundle, but then pay a whopping 20 cents per SMS.

I haven't seen any reference to a $35/month plan.

Yeah, GPS would be nice, though I'm holding off for a model with more storage - especially since they're now subsidized and you'd pay a penalty if you wanted to upgrade to a new model before your 2 year contract is over.

 

 

The $35 refers to just unlimited 3G Data & SMS. When I set up my iPhone the pricing was broke out:

 

$39.99 for the 450 minutes

$20.00 for the Data plan(unlimited EDGE plus SMS).

Funny thing... over the past couple of weeks, I've found myself in the position of being in need of a cellphone. Several times. Moreover, I've found myself in the position of being in need of an iPhone, since I've needed access to e-mail, the web, and have some way to enter in Quicken information (which can now be done on the iPhone thanks to SplashMoney).

 

The reason I've needed this however, is because my iMac's power supply died. Again. It last went out two years ago (under warranty). Apple has had a lot of problems with iMac G5 power supplies, so I was hoping Apple might play nice and pay to replace this one. Otherwise, it would cost me $300 to replace it (parts and labor). Funny... that's exactly the same cost as an iPhone...

 

So, I figured, if Apple agreed to foot the bill on the iMac, I'd buy an iPhone. Seemed only fair. Either way, I'd be spending $300 this weekend.

 

So what did I end up with? Did I battle the frenzied crowds, suffer through activation problems, and buy an iPhone? Am I happily browsing the web, buying iPhone apps and possibly even typing this comment on an iPhone right this very minute??

 

Fat chance. I'm paying to have my iMac fixed. I'm typing this on a borrowed laptop.

 

Laptop computer, that is. Not an actual lap.

 

In hindsight (knowing full well it was the power supply) I should have just bought a power supply online somewhere, and installed the thing myself. But in for a penny, in for a pound. With any luck, I'll have my iMac back tomorrow. Hopefully, the motherboard (which tested okay - but was discolored by power supply smoke) is going to hold up until I can replace the whole computer.

 

And yeah, I'll buy another Mac.

 

But the iPhone will have to wait. Maybe when a 32 GB model comes out...

iPhone 2.0 update seems to be nice, been having fun with a few games on it.

 

I'm holding out for a 32 GB model as well before considering 3G.