Comments on: Gizmodo to AT&T Upgrade “Whiners”: You Got Your Subsidy Last Year

By: d

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 07:04:19 +0000

According to the value on AT&T’s UPS shipments, the replacement value is 575 and 675…no, they do not pay below the subsidized price LOL…this is apple we are talking about.

By: Bruce

Bruce — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:17:47 +0000

The "un-subsidized" price that the carriers quote is always the Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price.

The wholesale volume-discounted price that the carrier paid for the phone is either at or below the "subsided" price you pay.

So the carrier ends up profiting from the phone right away, in addition to the profit from the service plan you've now locked into.

By: nycrefugee

nycrefugee — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:51:21 +0000

@scottb

Same place as your mother. And your sister.

By: Tony

Tony — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:58:37 +0000

It is what it is...either way you cut, it's an upgrade over the previous generation iPhone. You're getting the compass whether you need it or not, the video camera, CPU and RAM upgrades and they kept the prices the same. They gave people enhancements without a price increase. What more do people want them to do?

If you expected an 32GB iPhone with an HD screen, video recorder, 802.11n support at the same price points, you're living in a dream world. If they raised the prices, everyone would just moan and groan about not that and how they're not getting enough bang for their buck.

By: Big Pimpin

Big Pimpin — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 13:26:34 +0000

OK. There is only one little problem with this story. His claim is that you get the phone at a reduced price, then “re-pay” ATT monthly in your bill to make up for it. Last July, I paid full price for a 3G. My phone bill did not go down. I am still paying the same thing I did before I bought the phone. If you chose to go into an ATT store and buy a phone out right, they do not offer you a reduced monthly plan, now do they?? The only difference is you are not locked into a contract. But, you pay the same charges monthly as the guy that gets the discount. And, another thing. Since you pay your bill in advance, they are getting their money BEFORE you use the service. So, there is no risk to them at all. Now this brings us to the question: I have a bought and paid for iPhone 3G. ATT is telling me that I have a 2 year contract extension from the date of purchase. They did not subsidize that purchase. Why can’t I get the upgrade price this time, and extend my contract 2 years again?? They didn’t lose anything on me. Another thing, I don’t see this phone selling anything like the last one. Apple has gotten themselves a problem. If you are locked into a rock solid 2 year deal, then you are only allowed to buy a new phone every OTHER year, unless you want to pay full price. I have read alot of people are going to do just that. Wait for the next one, when their contracts are up. Apple has laid the ground work for a new phone every year now, so why pay a premium when you will get a better one, cheaper, next time??

By: Wolfmore

Wolfmore — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:26:21 +0000

Good job Diaz! However I’d like to add that there is still lots of confusion concerning the price of the 3gs for people still under contract. Yesterday when I checked at AT&T.com I read the “get ready” doc put out by AT&T and it said that current customer could get an early upgrade for $200 extra. Then this morning I get an ad from AT&T for the 3gs and it said current customer can buy it out right which is $400 extra or $699 for 32g 3gs. I hope AT&T clarifies whether or not there will be early upgrade options.

By: josh

josh — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:14:31 +0000

totally agreed with Jesus! it's been driving me nuts listening to the masses moan about the high price they have to pay while they're under contract. AT&T is no different than Sprint, Verizon, etc., etc. they all get their money back from you over the life of the 2-year contract.

just because you buy 'the latest and greatest' phone model, doesn't mean the manufacturers stop developing new technology! doesn't mean they cease to improve upon the last model. it's called a business. new phones come out every year. deal with it.

right after i bought the BB curve, Verizon came out with the Storm (not that i cared). now i'm just lucky enough to be out of contract with Verizon so i can jump all over this iPhone 3GS bandwagon! w00t

By: Chris

Chris — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:09:46 +0000

@ MacFan, Sorry to burst your bubble but if you think AT&T is bad are you blind with Verizon? Verizon is the single worst company when it comes to phones. All they do is cripple phones with there crappy branding. Not to mention they will do the exact same thing to AT&T is doing with the contracts. Its a contract for a reason and all carriers should stick to it. If you want the phone that bad then pay the extra $$ for it. If you don’t want to be in contract then pay the extra $$ for it.

By: Jessi (jessi_9783)

Jessi (jessi_9783) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:03:15 +0000

Amen!!! All of this bitching and moaning is RIDICULOUS! It’s time to grow up people.

By: Chris

Chris — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:02:54 +0000

The writer is but whining that he can’t get the iPhone 3GS becuase he’s locked in for 3 years. Just another public way of whining. I’m not getting the iPhone 3GS because there is simply not enough differences to justify upgrading from the 3G. Ill wait until next years iPhone.