How should I get my iPhone?

[sunshine girl]

This is going to sound dumb, but I figured someone here might be able to help me. So many podcast listeners seem to have iPhones!

I'm an AT&T wireless customer and have been since 1998. I haven't upgraded my actual cellphone or my wireless plan since 2004. Yes, I have the oldest phone ever. I am very fond of it but it is a dinosaur. My wireless contract has long since expired and I am free to make changes.

I have decided to get an iPhone. What do I do? Go to the Apple store? Go to the AT&T store? Order online? What's the fastest way to get it going, and is there a "best" way to do this? Or a way that's less expensive than others?

I tried reading the AT&T website but it didn't help much, as I am totally confused. Any suggestions for the best starting point would be helpful.

Thanks!

 

[hmonkeyruns]

When I got my iPhone in the summer (late July) I went to the AT&T store and they didn't have any in stock...they told me it would take several weeks to get one.

So I went to Best Buy and picked up two that same day. They set everything up and the phone was working and usuable when I left the store.

I think the expenses are the same no matter where you get it.

The only plus to buying at AT&T or Apple store that I can see is that you probably have more accessories available than you do at Best Buy. I went back to AT&T to get my Otter Box (aka indestructable protective cover) for my phone.

I love my iPhone -- have fun when you get yours!

 

[OKW Lover]

I'd go to the Apple store. In fact, I did go to the Apple store.

Great experience. No pressure to buy any other accessories, consideration of other phones, or general ignorance of the product. We bought two phones and walked out in 15 minutes, fully activated.

 

[Dodie]

If you're near an Apple Store, definitely go there. When I got mine, there was no pressure, they did it all, and they spent an hour showing me how to use all aspects of the phone. A very nice experience.

 

[auroralark]

I bought mine online through the AT&T store, and so did my husband. I was able to buy a refurbished one, which saved me some money as well. (And it works great - might as well have been new, it was in perfect condition.) They shipped it really quickly and it was easy to set up right out of the box.

 

[SrisonS]

I bought mine at Best Buy; and have no complaints about the process. They only mentioned something about getting 20% off accessories if I bought them that day (I did get a case). I wasn't pressured or asked about too much else though. Mine was also an upgrade from a different AT&T phone; so they were able to take care of everything right there.

 

[sunshine girl]

Thanks all. I am right next to both an Apple store and an ATT store. I admit I would rather go to the Apple store.... I am an Apple person! Got my macbook pro widescreen right here to prove it.

I think I'll do it this weekend. Fun!

It's about time, too. My old phone has a silver coating that is all chipped and deteriorating, and so you can see right into the internal workings of the phone. And the cheap silver coating is always coming off on my face.... ! People always ask me why I have glitter on my cheek. No no, it's just phone parts.

 

[Shasta]

Less than two weeks ago I had to get a new iPhone and went to AT&T. I got my phone but had to go through the upsale process. they are pushing the Uverse (phone, cable, internet bundled) now and depending on your sales person, they can get quite pushy.

 

[simonkodousek]

Definitely go to the Apple Store so you can get a case (a MUST have) and any other accessories all in one place.

 

[DavidandLeahZ]

I bought mine online through the AT&T store, and so did my husband. I was able to buy a refurbished one, which saved me some money as well. (And it works great - might as well have been new, it was in perfect condition.) They shipped it really quickly and it was easy to set up right out of the box.

Does a refurbed phone come with a warranty? Or do you have to purchase one?

 

[alexb]

Another vote for the Apple Store! When I was considering buying one I went to an AT&T store and they didn't seem to have a clue or a personality, throw the sales pitch on top of it and I practically ran out of the store. Apple Store....complete opposite. Very knowledgeable, friendly and got everything set up and working before I left.

Generally speaking if you buy refurbished items directly from Apple they come with the same warranty as a new item. I've purchased refurbed ipods and a Mac Mini from Apple and haven't had one problem with either and saved a lot of $$.

 

[OKW Lover]

Does a refurbed phone come with a warranty? Or do you have to purchase one?

A refurbished iPhone from Apple carries the exact same warranty as a brand new one.

 

[sunshine girl]

Well, I didn't manage to get to it this weekend but definitely soon. I've had good luck with the refurbed items from Apple as well.