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Contract Free iPhone 3G: Comparison Shop

Validating Rumors

Beginning March 26, 2009, you can expect to see the iPhone 3G sold without a contract and still locked to everyone’s least favorite carrier, AT&T.

The contract-less iPhone 3G will be available at a $400 premium over the subsidized iPhone 3G, which requires a two year commitment to AT&T ($199/$299). The new pricing model puts the 8GB iPhone 3G at $599 and the 16GB at $699.

Not surprisingly, it is still cheaper to buy an already unlocked iPhone 3G on Craigslist or eBay.

Before rushing into AT&T next week, think about the real value of an overpriced and soon to be outdated, locked iPhone 3G.

Prospective Purchases:
For the same price as a contract-free iPhone 3G from AT&T you can get:

Two MSI Wind netbooks (only because you install Mac OS)

200 tall soy hot chocolates from Starbucks

5 Harry Potter Hardcover Boxsets (Books 1-7)

1 Playstation 3 and Xbox 360

1 Wii and Wii Bundled with Wii Fit

3 Flip Video minoHDs or 6 Flip Video Ultra

4 Nintendo DSi’s

40 Snuggies (with 40 bonus book lights)

2 Amazon Kindle 2s

600+ iPhone Apps

215 slices of Famous Rays pizza (on 11th and 6th)

2 round trip tickets to somewhere in the U.S.

6 Broadway Musicals (12 if you use TKTS in Times Square)

15 trips to JFK Airport from anywhere in Manhattan

At least 75 total items featured on Dealnews.com

1 Labra-doodle

AT&T’s motives behind offering the iPhone 3G without a contract may center around their attempt to liquidate* the current iPhone 3G model, at a premium, before the new model is released, which as many predict, will be in June.

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*AT&T’s stated motives for contract-free pricing are: to cater to customers who would like to purchase a gift, add a line or are ineligible for an upgrade.

iPhone 3G: Shocking Recall

“Power Adapter Exchange Program”

“Apple Recall” sounds more like a finely tuned buzz word for their Time Machine application or the latest Arnold Schwarzenegger flick, rather than the serious Apple concern that it is quickly growing to become.

Apple has recently addressed reports that the lifeblood of the iPhone 3G, the power adapter, contains prongs that are prone to breaking off in your outlet, resulting in electric shock. Rather than downplay the issue as circumstantial, Apple has announced a worldwide recall of all iPhone 3G power adapters.

Exchanges are available via web and instore beginning October 10th. In the meantime we strongly recommend using the supplied usb adapter to power your iPhone via your computer.

Apple Exchange

Protect Your iPhone (in style)

Top 5 iPhone Silicone Cases

Paul Frank

This Paul Frank iPhone case proves that fashion and function can coexist; if you’re lucky enough to find one of these discontinued cases.

Pros: Great design (Julius the Mascot on the red case, Bass guitar on the black), raised buttons for power and volume.

Cons: Hard to find, fit could be snugger, open-faced design does not protect earpiece, only for first generation iPhone.

Incase

Often imitated, but never duplicated, Incase is probably one of the first on the iPhone silicone case scene. Don’t be fooled by impostors sporting the same topo pattern design on the back.

Pros: Available everywhere in many different colors, raised buttons, form fitting (in the beginning), does not add bulk to your iPhone.

Cons: Available everywhere (everyone’s got one), open-faced design does not protect earpiece, will stretch out.

iFrogz

iFrogz Treadz case is a full cover case for your iPhone. Silicone engulfs your entire iPhone sans screen. Great tread design and grip.

Pros: Protects all aspects of your phone (except the screen), form fitting (design will most likely not stretch out).

Cons: Hides the beauty of your phone.

Oakley

Oakley waited a long time before finally jumping on the iPhone commercial tsunami. Not to be out done, their first iPhone case is made from Unobtainium rubber (the same rubber used in their sunglasses).

Pros: lightweight (but bulky looking), great design, can sit on side to watch videos, stronger molded rubber

Cons: open-faced design does not protect earpiece, only for first generation iPhone

Your iPhone Case

What case do you have on your iPhone? What are the Pros and Cons? Please submit pictures with your comments. Thanks!