FAQ on justifying your iPhone purchase



Disclaimer: This thread is dedicated to those who already have decided to purchase an iPhone. I will attempt to compile some commonly asked questions in regards to the first generation, current and possibly upcoming iPhone. However as time goes by or if I stumbled across more questions, I will add them here. Please feel free to PM me any sort of suggestions/feed backs.

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Q: What are the differences between the first generation and the 3G iPhone (for example, its dimension, battery life et cetera)?
A: For more information, kindly read the first post here. However the most prominent is obviously the 3G data connection speed and the GPS (incorporated to the Maps app and also picture geo-tagging). It is also important to note that, there is no such thing as an officially unlocked first generation iPhone, whilst the 3G version gives you an option; using an officially unlocked iPhone doesn't require you to play hide and seek with future firmware releases

Q: Is it true that there is a new iPhone model due to be launched this upcoming June?
A: These news are still in a speculative nature, however things are certainly pointing towards a new model. With Steve Jobs making his "maiden" appearance, he should be laden with some unique arsenal to make a grand entrance Confirmed! The new generation iPhone 3GS is out!

Q: I have read regarding the new OS 3.0 with a lot of enthusiasm. I was just wondering if the first generation and the 3G iPhone users will be entitled to use that OS, should a new model is imminent?
A: Most definitely! The OS 3.0 is for everyone and the only limitation could be narrowed to your own iPhone hardware capabilities.

Q: Huh? What does that mean then?
A: Currently we know that the OS 3.0 will not support Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) and Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) for the first generation of iPhone. We are also anticipating for more disabilities to be "unlocked" as the clock ticks.

Q: Should I just wait for the new iPhone model to be released?
A: I cannot advocate enough regarding this matter; where you should purchase according to your current needs. If you feel that the current 3G model is sufficient for your consumption, please go ahead with it, and vice versa. It is very nauseating to see this question being asked repeatedly.

Q: What is the difference between purchasing an iPhone 3G from Maxis and a parallel imported unit?
A: Three words; Warranty, warranty and warranty (and perhaps a peace of mind?)

Q: If I don't wish to subscribe to a Maxis contract, do I have the option to go on prepaid?
A: Yes, you can! According to this, the 8GB is going for RM 2540, whilst the 16GB goes for RM2960

Q: Will Maxis be carrying the new model (if there is one)?
A: I don't know to be honest. But if I could make an assumption; I reckon that Maxis should be now, gauging their current iPhone 3G sales (whether it could top the 150000 mark) before deciding to embark on another model.

Q: How do I know if iPhone is the correct mobile phone for me?
A: Unfortunately, questions like these are extremely subjective and may differ from one person to another. However, I do recommend that you spend some quality time with one, before passing a quick judgment (judging the book by its cover typically generates an incorrect perspective).

Q: Can you predict the price for the new model (if there is one)?
A: Unfortunately, I am not a psychic. But I can very sure that the prices you see here (in Garage Sales or even in malls) are extremely misleading and may not reflect the actual value. Everyone loves to make a profit (may it be extortionately or not), hence it is entirely up to you to spot a bargain. There is no point accusing a seller for being conman, as he/she didn't point a gun to your head, demanding your custom. Maxis should be announcing their price plans shortly.

Q: I heard that the now obsolete 3G model is only gonna cost USD$99 (approximately RM360 the most)? Where can I purchase them?
A: Har dee har har! Nice try!

Q: Why $199 and $299?
A:Contract subscription to AT&T etc for 2 years and aligible for US citizens only

Q: Can buy iPhone 3GS in US and use it here?
A: No. US iPhone units are Locked to specific telcos. You will not be able to use it with our telcos. Option is to buy hardware sim unlocker

Q: Why would I spend so much $$$ for an officially unlocked 3G iPhone when i can easily purchase an American bound unit from AT&T for a fraction of the price.
Here are a couple of reasons on why you should NOT purchase these units in favour of these SIM card adapters (for example a GeveySim/TurboSim):
1. Frequent dropped calls during the initiation of conference call
2. Frequent disconnection from the network provider (which may require you to search for the desired network manually thereafter)
3. Unable to ultilise the GPRS/EDGE/3G network for internet connectivity purposes
4. Unable to make/receive calls (frequent experiences of Call Failure)
5. Certain SIM card adapters (or versions) will not necessarily work for all network providers.
6. The upgrading/restoring process is no longer straightforward (requires additional software) and may pose undesirable complications
7. The possibility of the SIM card adaptor melting inside your iPhone (I am NOT joking about this)
8. According to the dev team, early reports suggest that the 2.2 update disables the functionality of these devices; meaning you will not be able to upgrade to future firmwares.
9. You should NOT be a cheapskate to own an iPhone.


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This post has been edited by davidgary73: Jun 11 2009, 03:17 PM

iPhone 3GS



Links:
iPhone 3GS Guide Tour (Must Watch)
iPhone 3GS How To (Must Read)
iPhone 3GS Tech Specs

Q: What are differences between the 3G and 3GS?
A: For this part, I'm gonna quote from engadgetmobile

3G and 3GS Comparison Chart


Hardware Analyzed

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This post has been edited by davidgary73: Jun 11 2009, 03:18 PM

Why not Maxis sell the phone without any plan... Or just a few plan who really need one... not all people force to buy the iPhone with plan + contract and finally change their mind for prepaid user...

Do you think that iPhone price supposedly around iPod touch price..??? I don't know... from the beginning of iPhone have been launched in the US, I really hope that if it come to Malaysia the price is just like iPod touch, since the phone only has camera function to add up compare to iPod touch...

Prices are killing me though...

that's maxis marketing stretegy,
all i can say is...monopoly suxx....

Bro its apple, its not like any other nokia,se samsung etc. The GUI is amazing all I can say is that Im paying this for really good experience. Hehe i think you can buy without contract, its the prepaid one do read through other posts for more information or check maxis website. Nope iphone price will never be around ipod touch price.

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Added on May 28, 2009, 4:16 pmDun say like that la monopoly every round pass go can get rm 2000 salary. JKJKJK well thats business lar, somemore malaysian currency not that strong, which makes the price of iphone quite high. It all rounds down to money I guess.

This post has been edited by patience18: May 28 2009, 04:16 PM

haiz i don think apple will gib celcom or digi to sell their iphone lor since malaysia market so small..... even japan they also give softbank to sell only...

before attempting to moan like no tomorrow, perhaps you would wanna check this out.




say what???!!! just an additional camera? how about the fact that it has a built in GPS, the capability to make/receive phone calls over the network et cetera? i will reserve my comment in regards to the price bit. because you obviously need gain some senses for that part.

This post has been edited by nokia2003: May 28 2009, 06:32 PM

Mr Nokia, I know all the plans from Maxis and I know all about how we can buy iPhone without have any plan now.. but what I furious about is how Maxis suck up people's money when iPhone first been introduced... and how the feeling that, "I want that iPhone but the price bother me" and "Mom can you buy me an iPhone?" and mom said, "Are sure you want a mobile phone which cost me nearly RM3000?" which I consider I can't even have it.

And I know it's all about quality that really make sense and it's all about satisfaction of having it... I'm so envy with US people though when grade 5 students are using iPhone...

Thinking again, the price of iPhone will never going down, unless the new model comes out, not like normal phone...

Frustrating...

work for it? that's how i got my first iPhone. all you need is to juggle your timetable well and you should still do well both off and on academic.

Well you cant always have the things you want in life. If you cant afford it then move on or save your own money. Hey, im only 19 and you know what? Iphone motivated me to get my own part-time job lol Was juggling between pre-uni studies and job. Can you believe that? in 3 months time i saved up the amount of money needed to purchase an iphone 3g 16gb. I don't go begging my mum for money to buy the iphone. It motivated me to be responsible and not to depend on my parents for money. You cant blame maxis for the price.

Dude ive stressed that US currency and Msian currency is different. What do you expect bro? If you feel jealous than its not something that can be helped. Imagine the price for shipping that maxis have to pay and the contract blablabla.

If maxis sells iphone at a cheap price, how are they gonna survive? Im not being bias but as a normal human you can judge what items in life are cheap or expensive. You can't go saying that iphone is at a unfair price just because you cant afford it. Yes no doubt many people mourn over the price... but hey the mourning isnt gonna change anything much because iphone is an exclusive item. I hope you understand that to get something that is nice and good, you cant have it at a cheap price.

Like they all say "Cheap thing no good, good thing no cheap". Just gotta say bro " if there's a will there's a way"

This post has been edited by patience18: May 28 2009, 08:53 PM

You see, the high price is not fueled by the product itself but also from the demand and desirability. Everyone knows it is not cheap but still it is highly desirable. The design and the interface sparks interests and attraction on consumer. It creates value. Also, the high price is part of Apple's policy of getting a cut for the hardware while Maxis getting a cut bundling the service onto the package. This is similar to buying a high-end phone and then getting a telco service of your choice. Its just that this whole deal reduces consumer choices since they will be locked into a few customized plans, effectively cutting off certain consumers from buying it.

Why? That you need to see the target market of the iPhone 3G itself. Seems like students aren't their target customer. Why? Thats because they don't possess money and as a result isn't the most profitable customer to these organizations. Of course your mom and dad will be the most profitable kekekeke... but that depends how much crying one would do to 'force' them to buy you one...

Actually the advance payment will be refunded to you over a period of 5 months. They won't refund the whole chunk on your first bill. So you will get little by little on each month's bill. That way, they'll get you to keep up with the bills. At the 6th bill, most of you will feel less likely to 'switch' since you're already half way. Think about it as a way to lock you down.

A lot of people expect to pay zero for the first few months but that is not the case. You'll still pay every month, just not the full price since it is deducted from your advance payment. On Maxis's side, they will be keeping your advance payment and since they won't be refunding it to you so soon, they can keep up a trust fund and earn some interest along the way. This is perfectly legal and nothing to cry about. Its business.

I'm not complaining about iPhone price. It's just like BMW, u buy when u can afford it. Its not about monopoly. Work harder & save $$$ to buy the iphone.

What any plan?, i bought iPhone officially unlocked by Maxis from MacStudio shop without register to any plan or contract by Maxis, all i have to do is subscribe to Hotlink 3G Prepaid for only RM8, only one time. Then you can use service provider of choice like Celcom, digi and etc. And in this RM8 prepaid maxis give hundres of MB free for data transfer,..



This post has been edited by ron4: May 28 2009, 11:40 PM

read his posts above carefully. you will find out that he isn't concerned about the plans.

Not sure how accurate is the news, but word from some local industry insider is that...

Maxis was given a XX month headstart to sell the iPhone.
After that, Celcom would also be selling it.

No news on DiGi offering iPhone so far ..... maybe they are too busy playing catch-up with their Blackberry launch or something...



Word is that Maxis has a committed quota to get about 250K iPhone handsets into the market . So far since the official launch, the take-up rate is only about 8~15% of the total volume commitment.


Pls don't quote me on anything... the above is all hear-say only. But maybe food-for-thought.

If anyone has better "insider news" on our local Cellular telco players... do share !

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Added on May 29, 2009, 12:03 amWhoa .... Maxis must be desperate to unload the handsets already, if the above is happening !
This i gotta check out ....

Yeah .. they revised their plan offerings.

.... I can only guess that the (official Maxis) iPhone3G take-up has been abysmal so far, hence Maxis had to revise their packages so soon.
Of course it really didn't help at all that when they officially launched it, Maxis had like 10 or 11 different rate plans to really CONFUSE the customer. That was a real boo-boo on their part. Shame-shame to their Product/Marketing team who came up with that confusing hodge-podge of packages, and they're all crazy expensive too.

This post has been edited by mugenfoo: May 29 2009, 12:11 AM

If u are an existing Maxis user..then u dont need any new plan...or u can opt for signing up a prepaid

This post has been edited by russ: May 29 2009, 12:40 AM

latest from the grapevine..

Maxis has committed to push 250,000 iPhone handsets in 2~3 years' time in MY.

As of now, there are less than 30,000 Maxis-iPhones in the local market.

At this current rate, we'll probably be seeing some iPhone-giveaway programs in 6 months down the road ! hahahahaha....

The Apple - Maxis revenue share model is based on data revenue.... so expect any future iPhone giveaway plans to be tied to some form of funky data commitment plan or something...

DISCLAIMER: I heard this from some people to heard it from some other people who heard it from other people who heard it from other people in Maxis. I don't have any proof to substantiate the above..... but just food for thought only!

obviously u didnt explore more on why the US is cheaper (USD199 for 8gb and USD299 for 16gb) right? plz read carefully why the price is so cheap....
for me.. if u really want it... u will push urself to the limit..... most of us here bought with our own money.... and never complained about weather its expensive or not....
dont babble about the price.... just ask urself.... do u really need this? and dont make excuses this and that....
be a man.... do the right thing (sounds like russell peters already!)
u envy? then work urself on getting the phone.... u wont be envy anymore...

Yup, know the different of "needs" and "want".
I want all the Apple products out there, but I only need a handful. Heck, I won't die if I don't have any, if I'm in such situation.

Then again, once WWDC keynote show some kick ass new product(s), my "wanting" might overcome my "needs"

Did anyone care to thanks TS? Thanks dude!

i heard that buying iphone from singapore is much more cheaper then buying in malaysia.. only that u have to travel and the warranty is from singtel.. any opinion on this?