OT-New Iphone

[mountdew1]

what is the itouch and how much does it cost.

Looks like I will have to wait til next month to get the iphone $199.

I need to access internet on the go. music and text, not so much.

The iTouch is basically the first gen iPhone, minus the phone capability. It's a "widescreen" touchscreen 8/16 GB iPod. Starts at 299 for the 8GB model. With an iTouch you will only get internet if you are within range of a wireless access point. An iPhone can get you access anywhere you have a cell phone signal.

If anyone is planning on getting an iPhone today, be prepared to wait. Apple was estimating it will take 12-15 mins per device to activate. The Apple stores are supposedly going to be set up to activate 30 devices at once, but it could be a long wait.

 

[dvcgirl]

The $199/$299 price will be the case for those new to ATT as well. Only ones not getting that deal are those in a 2 year contract with a different ATT phone, though many are reporting their account information now says upgrade eligible.

Believe it or not, my KID decided today for certain, he isn't going to get the iphone. He has the itouch (free with the college lap top) and has decided a free phone courtesy of mom and dad is better than being partially responsible for an iphone bill.

I honestly don't know how I lived without one. As dvcgirl said, it is the most useful device I have ever had as well.

Yeah, you're right, I must have misunderstood what I read. Typical cell-phone company crap though.....reward the new guy and stick it to the AT&T customers with different phones. Make them pay to get out of that contract so that they can buy an iPhone and sign up for a new one.

I'd be livid if I was in that position and wanted one. Thankfully, we're existing iPhone customers so we'll qualify.

 

[JLKennedy]

There is now an activation fee for the IPhone. It is listed on the document I posted earlier.

FYI....activation charges are NOT for every customer. I've been an AT&T customer for several years (before they switched to cingular and back), I do not EVER pay an activation fee, it is always waived for remaining a loyal customer.

I would also presume (not assume) that there is an activation fee for the "new" phones, due to them being less expensive. The first models (mine was $700-$800 if I remember) was included in the prices. And now that they are cheaper, they need to make up some of the lost revenue.

 

[RitaE]

Could somebody explain the cost to me in simplified terms? Our son has a birthday next month and an iPhone is a present we've discussed.

We our existing AT&T customers and have been for 8 years (Cingular before.) Our plan expired last month so I guess we're eligible for upgrades. We have a FamilyTalk plan, but we wouldn't want to buy iPhones for anybody else on the plan.

from what I understand

$199 for the phone
His voice plan would remain $9.99 a month
$30 a month for the data plan
An activation fee (although we've always been able to get this waived before)
--- do we have to buy a text plan also?
If we don't buy a text plan, could he still text?

 

[mountdew1]

Could somebody explain the cost to me in simplified terms? Our son has a birthday next month and an iPhone is a present we've discussed.

We our existing AT&T customers and have been for 8 years (Cingular before.) Our plan expired last month so I guess we're eligible for upgrades. We have a FamilyTalk plan, but we wouldn't want to buy iPhones for anybody else on the plan.

from what I understand

$199 for the phone
His voice plan would remain $9.99 a month
$30 a month for the data plan
An activation fee (although we've always been able to get this waived before)
--- do we have to buy a text plan also?
If we don't buy a text plan, could he still text?

If your plan is expired, then you should be able to get him an iPhone. The cost would be the 199 for the 8GB model. The iPhone may need a full plan of 39.99 or higher, so I'm not sure if you will be able to add it to his line, you may need to add it to the main number, and then just swap SIM's. The only reason I say this is because I have looked into upgrading a few phones that have cheap plans, and the AT&T website is forcing me to select a full featured plan (450 mins, etc.) You would need to actually check with a rep about that as the examples on the site assume everyone on the family plan has an iPhone. The data plan is 30 a month. You shouldn't need a text plan, you just pay through the nose per message. I believe it is 20cents per right now. So that 200 msgs for 5 bucks looks pretty good. Hope that helps.

 

[RitaE]

yeah thanks. We'll have to think about it. I'm not sure that's the best use of $500 or so for him -- he already has a cell phone and a video iPOD, just not combined. I also thought about just getting him the iTOUCH, but his video iPOD still works great.

I was trying to search online and ran across several articles that said the in-store only activation process is not going well.... crashed servers and such and everything is moving slowly.

I wonder why they did that this time around? Large lines of angry, impatient people can't be fun to deal with.

 

[JLKennedy]

You don't have to use the "full price" line for your iPhone. My full price is hubby's line and I have the $9 additional for me, and mine is the iPhone.

Also, different "SIM" cards for the iPhone, not the same one you use in your regular phone. A trip to the AT&T store can upload from your existing SIM to your new smart phone SIM.

The instore activation (to my knowledge) was only for new AT&T customers, not pre-existing ones. Lines shouldn't be really all that bad. It really takes no time at all, create an iTunes account for your phone upgrades and activate, takes all of 10 minutes (max), unless servers crash, which is possible.

 

[nordkin]

The AT&T stores around here were sold out very quickly. I went this morning and saw about 100 people in line and decided to go back later. I just returned and they were sold out but were taking orders for iphones with expected delivery of Monday. I went ahead and ordered one. They did check my upgrade eligibilty and made me pay for the phone today. At least I know I have one on the way. We also have an older iphone on our family plan and it is not the main number, it is an add on line for $9.99 a month plus the data plan.

 

[Green Tea]

on the testing question, your son can still text without the plan. They charge per message then. I think it is .20 a txt then.

 

[mommytoone]

I am curious, Did anyone get one? I for one have no need for one. But was watching the news and people were camping out since yesterday.

 

[Brena]

We got them and love them! It's been really helpful and we'll never have to use 411 again! And my fiance' has stopped stealing my laptop from me whenever he needs portable internet.

I actually saved money by getting the iPhone. AT&T gives my company a corporate discount so it was cheaper to cancel my individual plan and go on a family plan with my fiance'. So even with the price of the phone and the cancellation fee of my old carrier it is about half monthly. I didn't save a fortune or anything, just enough for me to justify it.