Unlocked iPhone - where from?

[Mike]

My current workhorse Nokia is dying and I've convinced myself I need a new toy.

Living in the Hills District of Sydney with almost no opportunity to get into the city, can anyone recommend a competitive vendor out this way (Parramatta to Castle Hill)?

I'm with Three mobile and now that they can handle unlocked iPhone's - it's time.

[ExtremePC]

No need to travel to the city, all you need to do is go to an Optus store that has them in stock.

Best way to get an unlocked iPhone

Optus are the only company who have said they will unlock iPhones at launch. You will have to buy one outright – $729 for the 8GB model or $849 for the 16GB – and then pay an $80 unlocking fee or buy $80 worth of credit.

All up, that process comes in at $809 for the 8GB iPhone and $929 for the 16GB.

After unlocking the handset, you could choose another carrier and plan – including the 3 network. 3 has released competitive new cap plans, including the $69 cap with $650 included value.

Optus will waive the $80 unlock fee for users who have been with the network for 6 months, so there is a cheaper way to unlock the iPhone if you're prepared to wait.

Vodafone may also unlock handsets in the future, but has not specified what the fees may be. Telstra have been silent on the matter.

[GlenR]

Beware of the dark side young Mike. Lure you in, it will.

[SonicMonkey]

Both Vodafone and Telstra will now unlock your iPhone for a fee.

You can pick up the 16GB from some Dick Smith stores (such as Hornsby) for $915 outright. These are locked to Vodafone, who will charge you $75 to unlock.

Or you could get one from NextByte for a neat $1000 which is locked to Telstra. They will then charge you $100 to unlock.

As mentioned before, Optus is easily the cheapest way to go. But there is currently a shortage of the 16GB black models. The only place that still has these in stock (last I heard) is NextByte.

So really it depends on how bad you want it.


Rob.

[Mike]

Thanks guys - heading off to Optus this weekend

[TiggerK]

Hmm, iphone....

They're very impressive in operation and the web surfing is easy and finger movements clever and fun. BUT, I'd be waiting for the iPhone version 2 personally. By all accounts, so many improvements still to be made, and the competition are going to keep them moving forward.... hopefully Nokia can come up with something to keep Apple on their toes. I know HTC certainly have with some of their new models.

I know we all want it now, and if you've got a grand to burn I'd be in there like a shot, but a phone is for making phone calls and a few text messages, most people find they resort to those two functions and the rest (after the first month) gets 2% useage (mainly while on display to friends or family).....

As GlenR so correctly said, beware the dark side.....

Cheers
TiggerK




Yes I want one too.......

[dgaust]

It's already at version 2

[Mike]

Originally Posted by TiggerK

but a phone is for making phone calls and a few text messages,

Spot on Tigger, and even though I'm a junky for this stuff like most of us here and have caught myself out countless times buying stuff on impulse only to decorate my cupboard with it.

At least on this occasion I've had a logical internal discussion which went something like:


Tech Junky: "My current phone is off-contract and dying - I need a new one."

Inner Financial Conscience: "Fine, you can grab another workhorse for free with a new plan - that'll do the job just fine"

Tech Junky: "SHUT THE %#@! UP!! I JUST WANT IT OK!! "


So where is this dark side Glen mentioned? - maybe it's closer than I'd like to believe

[logifuse]

Originally Posted by Mike

Thanks guys - heading off to Optus this weekend

How does that fit in with your Linux schedule?

[GlenR]

Should I feel inadequate with just a Nokia 2100?