iPhone 3G's true cost is $1,237!!!!!

[Pat]

Yeah, but that’s not the same as multiplying and adding up the total amount you’ll pay over the period of two years. A parallel to judging the mileage the car will give would be to judge whether you want to pay $70 per month to the carrier for voice and data or not. You can‘t, however, add that cost to the price of the handset and declare it expensive, just like you can’t add the cost of the fuel to the price of the car.

That’s what you did in the post I quoted and that’s the premise this thread’s shamelessly sensationalist title is based on.

Get my point?

Yes, but the whole analogy is not so correct. Let me explain you with an example:

Person X did 1000 kms in one month in his new car. Owing to this, he decides to use his car less for the next month (say for 300-400 kms). With this plan in place, he can control how much he spends monthly on the car.

Possible with iphone ?

 

[desiibond]

^^ Of course, When you are paying installments for the car, you do select based on which brand has better installment option, better monthly interest etc.

Same as for mobile. We select the one that has better rental and also consider how much extra to be paid every month if initial amount is low etc etc.

Of course, this is called "HAVING A CHOICE OF SELECTION WHICH YOU MACBOYS HAVE NO IDEA ABOUT"

If you are going to get a phone or a car in one shot payment,we do consider things like amount to be paid for what is available, how it suites our need etc, how reliable it is etc.

Dude. We all know how costly it will be at the end of the day. If you don't realize that, fine. You enjoy with your iphone. We will be keeping just an eye on it.


AFAIK, 90% of iphone users as of now bought iphone just to show that they have iphone and for nothing else. The other 10 % are hardcore fanboys who again want to show off another apple product.

@@arya, it's okay man. You can keep dreaming of BMW's and Apple. We will rather select what is worth the money and live in WORLD OF CHOICE AND REALITY.

 

[aryayush]

Yes, but the whole analogy is not so correct. Let me explain you with an example:

Person X did 1000 kms in one month in his new car. Owing to this, he decides to use his car less for the next month (say for 300-400 kms). With this plan in place, he can control how much he spends monthly on the car.

Possible with iphone ?

In India, it is. Postpaid plans in India do not have upper or lower limits on voice minutes you get. You pay as much as you talk. Of course, there’s the fixed monthly rental, but then that’s like the insurance premium or the pollution check or the myriad other fixed recurring expenses in our car analogy.

As for data, well, the whole idea of unlimited Internet access is that they charge you a specified price every month and you get the freedom to use the Internet as much as you want. I prefer that, instead of constantly having to keep a tab on how much I’m using the Internet, lest I overuse it and am faced with a huge bill.

If you want that too, go for Airtel. If you’d rather have a data plan that charges you according to your usage (trust me, this doesn’t make much sense with an iPhone in your hand—ask goobimama), go for Vodafone.


You generally seem to have logical arguments, Pat, and I’m frankly quite surprised by your insistence on including the total cost of the subscription over the period of the contract with the price of the handset. I expect that sort of argument from someone like gx_saurav.

 

[desiibond]

and BTW, WATCH OUT FOR ANDRIOD.

It's not apple vs windows or apple vs symbian that the future of mobile computing is going to be.

It's going to be a three way battle for supremacy

ANDROID VS SYMBIAN VS WINDOWS.

 

[MetalheadGautham]

have it your way then.

Lets take the case of an average guy in India who uses the lifetime plan, i.e., paying around 250 rupees for a period of 6 months, getting a certain amount of talk time and free incomming calls.

Such a person spends Rs. 1,000/- for 2 years for his Phone.

>>>perhaps he just bought the phone as an entertainment gadget
>>>perhaps there is another phone with him for making "real" calls
>>>perhaps there is some other reason with him
>>>perhaps he only needs to receive calls, not make them
>>>so don't ask why he does such a thing

taking that, if he bought the iPhone, his cost of ownership must be ~Rs. 10,000/- including 2 years subscription and taxes.

What would such a person do, if the only plans offered with the iPhone were those plans which are opted for only by either the uber rich or business guys ?

Not everyone has a phone bill of over Rs. 500 in India. People tend to use more cost effective means than phone calls today.

So a person trying to buy the iPhone as an entertainment gadget will be severely affected, don't you think ?

 

[aryayush]

and BTW, WATCH OUT FOR ANDRIOD.

It's not apple vs windows or apple vs symbian that the future of mobile computing is going to be.

It's going to be a three way battle for supremacy

ANDROID VS SYMBIAN VS WINDOWS.

LOL! Noted for future pwnage.

If you seriously don’t see how huge the iPhone platform is going to be, even after seeing the applications that have appeared for it so far and the enormous developer interest it commands, you are delusional.

 

[desiibond]

+1 for gautam, Moreover, for non-contract based plans, there are hundreds of phone to pick from Rs.1,000 to Rs.40,000.

 

[MetalheadGautham]

^^^ +1, Moreover, for non-contract based plans, there are hundreds of phone to pick from Rs.1,000 to Rs.40,000.

you just +1ed Aayush

 

[iMav]

Android looks ugly.

 

[MetalheadGautham]

LOL! Noted for future pwnage.

If you seriously don’t see how huge the iPhone platform is going to be, even after seeing the applications that have appeared for it so far and the enormous developer interest it commands, you are delusional.

you are the one who is having delusional dreams about iPhone's god like future.

Please understand that iPhone is a single phone. ANDROID, Symbian, Windows, etc are used in thousands of phones. In all budget ranges.

You think everyone will buy only an iPhone ?

Even Tacinmosh has lots of developer intrest. Does that mean its REAL competition for other PC manufacturers like Dell, HP, Lenovo, Acer, etc ?

Android looks ugly.

by default.

Like all linux distros, Android can also be themed.

 

[iMav]

@metal & desi: you are forgetting that even if Bharti were to release the phone, hacked gray market ones will still be available.

 

[aryayush]

So a person trying to buy the iPhone as an entertainment gadget will be severely affected, don't you think ?

Yeah, well, no one can prevent someone from their own stupidity. If they want it for its entertainment factor, the iPod touch is the device for them, not the iPhone.

And since you guys keep dragging it into the discussion, let me say it again: I absolutely do not approve of the fact that the iPhone will be a locked device and you’ll be forced to choose from a meager selection of tariff options and stick with the cellular operator for two years.

This system has so far not existed in India, thankfully, but the iPhone is set to change that. I had a little conversation with David Pogue about it, New York Times technology columnist and CBS news correspondent, and he agreed that the system was all about ripping customers off in the U.S.A. and that India was much better off.

That’s one of the reasons why I’m satisfied with my 1st gen iPhone, even though I paid a lot more for it than people who buy the locked iPhone 3G will. I get to use it with Airtel and Vodafone or any other carrier I choose and with any plan I want, both prepaid and postpaid.

There’s no point in throwing that point in again and again—I know it’s wrong.

------------------

As for those who allege that I bought the iPhone because I’m a fanboy, well, I appreciate your concern for me but would like to request you to mind your own respective business. Why I bought it is hardly of any concern to you! I’m secure in the knowledge that I purchased the best phone in the market and am completely satisfied with the value I’ve been able to derive from it. The only thing I regret is not having bought it sooner.

 

[desiibond]

LOL! Noted for future pwnage.

If you seriously don’t see how huge the iPhone platform is going to be, even after seeing the applications that have appeared for it so far and the enormous developer interest it commands, you are delusional.

LOL. how big it mac platform. LOL. Many developers THINK of making apps for mac. Many developers think of porting their apps to mac. BUT......

please please stop dreaming.

if you think few unknown-to-world developers showing apps on iphone is biggest,

Andriod include Google, HTC, Intel, Motorola, Qualcomm, T-Mobile, Sprint Nextel and NVIDIA. What do you call it?? Add to it the open source model compared to Apple's "Golden Cage".

And we all know how big Symbian is and how bit windows mobile is already.

Please due please, stop thinking that Apple will be the biggest just based on one illusional keynote by Mr. Steve.

Oh, I forgot, you are a mac fanboy. You can't come out of illusions.

I feel pity for you.

@metal & desi: you are forgetting that even if Bharti were to release the phone, hacked gray market ones will still be available.

yes. they will be but do you really think they are going to seel them for 8k?? NO. It will be still sold for some 15k+.

Android looks ugly.

Of course, It's not even in Alpha

 

[aryayush]

Please understand that iPhone is a single phone.

A single phone that has sold six million units at a price of $399 with a two-year contract in just six countries. A phone that’s been out in the market for only a year and already has the whole industry riled up, dropping prices, migrating to touchscreens, trying to better their user interface and come up with an “iPhone killer”. A phone that’s been the ultimate symbol for cool ever since its release and won pretty much every award in the tech industry. A phone that practically inspires lust in those who don’t have it.

Not to mention the fact that it’s surely the first (or second) of many more to come. It’s a given that the iPhone will branch out into more devices with different form factors. It’s been only in the market for one year and in only six countries so far. The feathers are only starting to appear right now. The day the wings sprout, nothing is going to stop it from taking to flight (and, for all we know, that day might have been 9 July 2008).

--------------

For those not in the loop, I would like to point out that the iPhone is the next iPod, not the next Mac (even though I would’ve preferred it the other way round). Why the Mac doesn’t have a good market share is not something you can sum up to one factor, so it would be better for you if you didn’t go there at all. It’s beyond you (or me, for that matter). But, mark my words, the iPhone is going to be bigger than the iPod.

 

[desiibond]

As for those who allege that I bought the iPhone because I’m a fanboy, well, I appreciate your concern for me but would like to request you to mind your own respective business. Why I bought it is hardly of any concern to you! I’m secure in the knowledge that I purchased the best phone in the market and am completely satisfied with the value I’ve been able to derive from it. The only thing I regret is not having bought it sooner.

You still don't get it, don't you???

Everyone here thinks about the real costs and thinks of being aware of illusional price of the iphone and you (as always) thinks everyone else is illusional?? Please please grow up buddy. I really really pity you and your inability to come into the real world


lol. Best phone in the market that can't record video, can't do even the basic things that thousands of phones can do and feeling secure.

Getting an iphone for $600 and even before it's first anniversary, it's available for $199. That's called security. LOL. ROFLMAO.

Classic example of illusion. By any chance, did you meet that "master of illusions" guy from X-Men second part??

 

[MetalheadGautham]

@metal & desi: you are forgetting that even if Bharti were to release the phone, hacked gray market ones will still be available.

Yeah, well, no one can prevent someone from their own stupidity. If they want it for its entertainment factor, the iPod touch is the device for them, not the iPhone.

And since you guys keep dragging it into the discussion, let me say it again: I absolutely do not approve of the fact that the iPhone will be a locked device and you’ll be forced to choose from a meager selection of tariff options and stick with the cellular operator for two years.

This system has so far not existed in India, thankfully, but the iPhone is set to change that. I had a little conversation with David Pogue about it, New York Times technology columnist and CBS news correspondent, and he agreed that the system was all about ripping customers off in the U.S.A. and that India was much better off.

That’s one of the reasons why I’m satisfied with my 1st gen iPhone, even though I paid a lot more for it than people who buy the locked iPhone 3G will. I get to use it with Airtel and Vodafone or any other carrier I choose and with any plan I want, both prepaid and postpaid.

There’s no point in throwing that point in again and again—I know it’s wrong.

------------------

As for those who allege that I bought the iPhone because I’m a fanboy, well, I appreciate your concern for me but would like to request you to mind your own respective business. Why I bought it is hardly of any concern to you! I’m secure in the knowledge that I purchased the best phone in the market and am completely satisfied with the value I’ve been able to derive from it. The only thing I regret is not having bought it sooner.

I am glad that you too agree that this "contract" system from the west is one big evil.
I am hoping that there exist some laws in India to counter it, so I will read up on them later.

Anyway, from what you said about buying iPod touch instead, it lacks a lot of features. No camera, microphone or speaker. No bluetooth. And it costs a lot more.

For the iPod touch's price, I can buy myself a laptop instead.

 

[desiibond]

A single phone that has sold six million units at a price of $399 with a two-year contract in just six countries. A phone that’s been out in the market for only a year and already has the whole industry riled up, dropping prices, migrating to touchscreens, trying to better their user interface and come up with an “iPhone killer”. A phone that’s been the ultimate symbol for cool ever since its release and won pretty much every award in the tech industry. A phone that practically inspires lust in those who don’t have it.

DO you have slightest knowledge that for the last two quarters, Blackberry and Nokia outsold iphone in smartphone business???

Again, come out of illusions dude.

and that they do not have any touchscreen based smartphones )

Android looks ugly.

*code.google.com/android/index.html

Look at 3D video.

OpenGL in-built.

 

[Pat]

In India, it is. Postpaid plans in India do not have upper or lower limits on voice minutes you get. You pay as much as you talk. Of course, there’s the fixed monthly rental, but then that’s like the insurance premium or the pollution check or the myriad other fixed recurring expenses in our car analogy.

As for data, well, the whole idea of unlimited Internet access is that they charge you a specified price every month and you get the freedom to use the Internet as much as you want. I prefer that, instead of constantly having to keep a tab on how much I’m using the Internet, lest I overuse it and am faced with a huge bill.

If you want that too, go for Airtel. If you’d rather have a data plan that charges you according to your usage (trust me, this doesn’t make much sense with an iPhone in your hand—ask goobimama), go for Vodafone.


You generally seem to have logical arguments, Pat, and I’m frankly quite surprised by your insistence on including the total cost of the subscription over the period of the contract with the price of the handset. I expect that sort of argument from someone like gx_saurav.

Well let me clear it! You normally DO NOT add it to the cost of the handset if the plans are reasonably priced, but when they are not, you have to consider that as well!

 

[max_demon]

i remember a simillar thhread for iPhone Normal .

but i can see unlocked iPhone with no extra dime for 20k 16 GB version 599 usd .

the 3g one should be satisfied arnd 299$ 8 GB for unlocked one

 

[Pat]

DO you have slightest knowledge that for the last two quarters, Blackberry and Nokia outsold iphone in smartphone business???

Again, come out of illusions dude.

and that they do not have any touchscreen based smartphones )

Yes, but they were available in more countries than iphone! So direct comparison is not valid! And its true that iphone is something that all other manufacturers look up to , in terms of usability atleast!

So alright, its expensive, agreed! very expensive, agreed! But you should also honour the fact that it IS good!

i remember a simillar thhread for iPhone Normal .

but i can see unlocked iPhone with no extra dime for 20k 16 GB version 599 usd .

the 3g one should be satisfied arnd 299$ 8 GB for unlocked one

The point is that its not going to be possible to get an unlocked phone unless carriers themselves make them available (which will cost upwards of $700)