iPhone Sold Out!
Wow…I really didn’t think it was going to sell out since Apple would know that there’s such a huge demand for it and that they’d meet the supply for it.
I visited two Strathfield Car Radio shops and an Optus shop and all of them said there will be new stock mid next week. However, there’s already a list of people who’ve signed up contracts with them and they will be given priority over others.
I was planning to get an iPhone with the Optus network since all the others suck and thought today would be a good time because I had $3.12 credit left on my phone. Oh well, I bought a $29 Jumbo cap credit instead and will probably consider getting an iPhone then.
It certainly will be an interesting next two weeks as more and more iPhone reviews come out and I’m very interested to find out how the iPhone uses internet data. Is it a data chewing device or is it conservative in its usage?
If its a data whore device, I’ll definitely reconsider buying it since the plan I’m planning on signing up with only offers 500mb download a month and getting a plan higher than $59 a month is plain silly.
For those who don’t know me, I’m not a big phone person. I only talk on the phone with my girl, to catch up with people whom I haven’t spoken with for a while, and to communicate short, straight to the point messages.
Other than that, I’d rather watch tv or do something on the internet.
Vodafone reveals iPhone Prices and Plans
Vodafone has finally announced their iPhone prices and plans just under 2 hours ago!
You will be able to get your hands on the iPhone for $7.88 per month (8GB model) or $12.88 per month (16GB model) on a $69 cap personal plan for 24 months.
This plan includes $310 of talk, text, 250MB data allowance plus an option to choose the new Best Mate feature that allows you to call a nominated number for an unlimited amount of time. However, do note that this number can only be changed once a month and will cost $2.50 for each change.
With only a day to go, all three telcos have finally released their plans and prices. Which one do you choose?
Personally the Optus plan seems to have the best value with the $59 cap and a phone repayment of $7 per month. This gives you $350 worth of calls, text and 500MB of data allowance (which is double Vodafone’s $60 cap plan).
Not only that, but Optus’ ‘yes’ Time is also an attractive feature especially if you’ve got someone whom you call a lot. But Vodafone’s Best Mate feature really does outweigh the ‘yes’ Time feature.
Here’s a basic comparison between Optus and Vodafone plans.
Vodafone $69 Cap (2 year contract)
- $310 credit for text and talk
- 250MB data allowance
- Best Mate monthly extra
- $1965.12 minimum cost of contract (16GB iPhone)
Optus $59 Cap (2 year contract)
- $350 credit for text and talk
- 500MB data allowance
- ‘yes’ Time monthly extra
- $1584 minimum cost of contract (16GB iPhone)
Personally, I’d go with Optus but for now I’ll hold back and see what the reviews are.
iPhone Update from Optus
Optus has announced that the iPhone will not be available for purchase from online stores and sales call centres. You can get your iPhone from a list of participating stores. Simply enter your postcode and you will be shown a list of outlets within that area that will be selling iPhones.
However, priority will be given to deposit holders over non-deposit holders and they will gain entry into participating stores 2 hours before general opening.
If you are unable to get your hand on an iPhone on the launch date (11 July), you can leave an order in store to receive priority on future iPhone shipments.
iPhone Pricing in Australia
With only 3 days to go till the official launch of Apple iPhone, two telco companies, Optus and Telstra have so far released their official pricing and plans while Vodafone still remains a mystery.
The official Optus iPhone pricing and plans shows that the 8GB iPhone (black) will sell for $729 while the 16GB iPhone (Black & White) will sell for $849 outright for pre-paid customers. For post-paid customers, you will only be able to get the 8GB iPhone for free on a $79 cap plan (24 month contract) and the 16GB iPhone for free on a $89 cap plan (24 month contract).
As for Telstra, the iPhone 3G price revealed that you will be able to get 8GB iPhone for as little as $279 and the 16GB iPhone for $399 on a monthly $30 plan (24 month contract).
Vodafone have yet to reveal their prices for the long awaited iPhone while 3 have launched an online petition begging for Apple to give them a slice of the cake.
In America, Steve Jobs announced that the iPhone 8GB model will be available for $199 and the 16GB model for $299 with the condition of a 2 year contract with AT&T .
With such a huge demand for this truly elegant device, I wonder how many people realise or know about the data usage of it and whether it will be feasible with the data plans the telcos are offering. Don’t be surprised with your first bill if you rack up on data charges with the 3G capability of surfing the net, checking your email and using the GPS.