There’s a “budget” smartphone category that has so far revolved around devices like the Palm Centro, BlackBerry Pearl, and a host of Windows Mobile devices like the Samsung Jack — basically scads of devices aimed below the fat wallets of enterprise.
Typically these devices are small to the point of being cramped, with tiny keyboards or work-arounds like T9 or SureType, and are low-margin for manufacturers — sold more to grab new users, bolster market share, and create brand awareness than to serve as mobile computers for the internet age.
Well, Apple has just shot a cannonball through the heart of that smartphone category — the iPhone 3G at $99.
At least that was our editor-in-chief, Dieter Bohn’s reaction when we spoke following the big WWDC 2009 Keynote. And I think he’s right. Here’s why:
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When Tim Cook said Apple wasn’t going to leave a price umbrella for the competition, did anyone really think he meant the (as of this writing still) current 2008 iPhone 3G would sell for $99 on contract?
Of course, exact pricing will vary by region/carrier and eligibility, contract-wise. Still, if a new customer can walk in AT&T, drop $99, and walk out with a still highly functional iPhone 3G with free upgrade to 3.0…
Hot.
Who knows how long it will last, so if that’s your magic number, go get it!
Now they don’t celebrate Boxing Day in the US (think Black Friday the day after Xmas), but it seems no one told AT&T! Why else would the carrier race Walmart to the bottom and offer $99 iPhone’s: 8GB refurbs (and $199 16GB refurbs as well!) according to Engadget.
Since those rumors of Walmart selling them that cheap didn’t pan out (according to BGR, they’ll be putting them on sale — new — for a couple bucks below retail on Sunday), and you still haven’t gotten an iPhone (or several) of your very own, will this finally get you to take the plunge?
(Thanks to KurtLyon for the tip!)
