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+--- Thread: question about buying a used iPhone 3G (/showthread.php?tid=82683)
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question about buying a used iPhone 3G - rz - 08-12-2009
Ok, please bear with me here as I am definitely NOT a cell phone person. I have a pre-paid cell phone that I carry with me maybe once a month.
My wife has been an AT&T subscriber since before the Cingular days (back when it was AT&T). She has about 6 months left on her current contract and has been itching to upgrade to an iPhone. But apparently, until her current contract expires, she can't get the new model at the cheaper price.
A very good friend just upgraded from a 3G to the new 3GS, so he's selling his 3G. It's the 16GB model, and he's asking $245 for it. He said that he got that figure by checking ebay completed auctions.
The question I have is "Why would anyone (but my wife in particular) pay that much for a used iPhone?". From what I've read, as soon as she upgraded to the mandatory data plan, she'd have to sign a new, two year commitment. If that's the case, then wouldn't it be smarter to buy a new 3GS in 6 months? If that's not the case (i.e. she doesn't have to sign a two year commitment), then I still don't see the advantage. She's been on AT&T for about 10 years and I can't see her switching to another carrier anytime soon. Having no long term contract doesn't seem like a bonus when she's likely to stay with AT&T anyway. Am I missing something here?
Even for me, as someone who isn't a current AT&T subscriber... the only advantage I could see is that IF I don't have to sign a two year commitment (because AT&T isn't subsidizing the phone), I could cancel at any time and not pay a penalty. I'd have the "privilege" of paying ~$70/month until I got tired of it, then could sell it to someone else. Any other advantages?
Re: question about buying a used iPhone 3G - Ombligo - 08-12-2009
I never did figure out exactly what your asking but the thought did occur..
you could always get a new contract in your name with an iPhone and then give it to her to use.She forwards her number to the new phone then when her old contract is about up just transfer the number to the iPhone.
Personally I'd just tell her to wait six months.
Re: question about buying a used iPhone 3G - Ken Sp. - 08-12-2009
Without Data the iPhone is just a very good phone, but hardly the connected wonder that it is with data.
You might check with AT&T and they might let her upgrade eraly so that you can start paying the heavy duty data fees. You could get the same phone he is offering for $49 refurbed, or $99 new, and $199/$299 for the 3GS.
He is selling the phone for that price, because that is what unlockers will pay.
If you get it--I think the Early Termination Fee is $175, so you would not save any money getting his phone over getting new and canceling early.
Re: question about buying a used iPhone 3G - Rolando - 08-12-2009
I'd love to, but...
How much would you pay for a used iPod?
How much for a used phone?
That's my problem too! I'd like one hacked to use TMobile.
Re: question about buying a used iPhone 3G - decay - 08-12-2009
i got a 16GB 3G for $200 from a co-worker.
your wife should be able to get a 3G for a reduced price based on her time into her contract.
have her check at Apple's or ATT's site.
Re: question about buying a used iPhone 3G - davester - 08-12-2009
As decay and Ken said, she may be eligible for the subsidized price even though she's got 6 months left. In fact it would be better that way because you get through your next contract 6 months early. Check your account online and it'll tell you (or ask the folks at the Apple store or AT&T store). I think it would be foolish to buy a used phone to use on AT&T if you're not planning to quit their plan within the next year. You'll end up paying the subsidy price (which includes installment payments for a new phone) but without getting the new phone that you're paying for.
Re: question about buying a used iPhone 3G - rz - 08-13-2009
ok, thanks for the replies. For Ombligo, the question was "Why would anyone pay that much for a used iPhone?" It looks like there's really no good reason to. I suppose if it were cheaper, I would buy it just for the 16GB and the camera (I already own an 8GB Touch). But at that price, it isn't worth it to me.
Re: question about buying a used iPhone 3G - marksomebodyelse - 08-13-2009
I do not think ATT requires a two year commitment if you have your own Iphone. All you need to do is get a replacement sim from ATT and add the data plan. If she likes the phone and wants to upgrade after six months get the $199 3GS and sell the 3G on craigs list for what you paid or maybe more. I sold my 3G 8gig for $250 when I upgraded. I made a $50 profit.
The value of an unactivated Iphone is much more then many people think.
Re: question about buying a used iPhone 3G - dmann - 08-13-2009
There might be still be 3G refurbs available, but she won't be able to see them in the online AT&T store until she is eligible for an upgrade. I got my 8GB for $99 (with my 2 year contract, data plan fee, etc.)
DM
Re: question about buying a used iPhone 3G - WillyB - 08-13-2009
Call them or visit a store - AT&T wants your money and will let her upgrade early.