News
Mix: $249 iPhones, Apple + Tech Reporters, iPhone Patent
AT&T has extended to online customers a special $249 price for refurbished 8GB iPhones, previously available only in certain regional bricks-and-mortar stores. The used iPhones sell for a $150 discount relative to new ones, and still require activation of a 2-year contract with the company.
Salon publishes an essay from columnist Farhad Manjoo suggesting that “Apple fans hate tech reporters,” using experiences from himself, Walt Mossberg, and David Pogue as examples of how readers have found—unjustifiably, in his view—positive or negative bias in coverage of Apple’s products. Manjoo draws parallels between Apple fanaticism and the Israel-Palestinian conflict, suggesting that people believe their own perspectives to be reasonable, and attack those covering events neutrally when any opinion contrary to their views is presented. [via Macdailynews]
An Apple-filed patent from last year was published this week, suggesting that the company has explored the possibility of developing a flip-style iPhone with a screen on the top half and a fold-out, touch-sensitive surface on the bottom. The bottom surface is proposed to be either a clear panel with the ability to be overlaid on top of the screen, providing the equivalent of the current iPhone’s multi-touch surface when combined, and a scrollable cursor-based surface when separated, or a full touch-sensitive display on the bottom. While the patent has already led to speculation that Apple will use the technology in an “iPhone nano,” past Apple patent filings have only occasionally revealed actual products in advance. [via Unwiredview.com]
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1
I had stopped by my AT&T store a few days ago, in search of the elusive $249 iPhone, but had no luck. I snagged one on the website this morning. They have free 2-day shipping, and there’s no tax, to boot!
It’s too bad I still have six weeks left on my Sprint contract. :(
Posted by Galley in Greenville, SC on March 18, 2008 at 9:31 AM (PDT)
2
$249 and no tax or shipping? That’s a smoken’ deal! That’s $180 less than what I paid!
Posted by Mike M on March 18, 2008 at 9:52 AM (PDT)
3
just bought oneeeee!
Posted by Ayumi on March 18, 2008 at 4:24 PM (PDT)
4
Indeed, this deal is amazing. I just ordered one and can’t wait to receive it.
Posted by Eric on March 18, 2008 at 4:48 PM (PDT)
5
This looks like a great deal.
I am wondering if I should buy one in case
my current one (bought in June 07) dies.
Do you need to activate to buy??
Posted by PeteV on March 18, 2008 at 5:43 PM (PDT)
6
Actually, it is $349 and they will charge you tax, as of 9 pm EST. just a $50 break. The fact that you can still get even after the word is out makes you wonder if a price break is coming soon and people are holding off.
Posted by kelley on March 18, 2008 at 6:35 PM (PDT)
7
Correct previous entry. It is the Apple online store selling for $349. The AT&T online store is selling it for $249.00, but will calculate tax after purchase, so not sure if I will get charged or not for sales tax. My error in not reading the article carefully. Thanks for the tip and this is a great deal, even if they do drop the current price for the 8GB to $299. I am still saving money.
Posted by Kelley on March 18, 2008 at 6:44 PM (PDT)
8
are the 249 iphones you are refering to the refurbished ones?
Posted by jacob on March 19, 2008 at 8:16 AM (PDT)
9
oops didnt read the article!
Posted by jacob on March 19, 2008 at 8:18 AM (PDT)
10
THEY ARE GONNE !!! NO MORE 249 IPHONES !!!
THE LINK IS GONNE AND THE ATT PAGE DONT HAVE THEM ANYMORE
Posted by bernardo on March 19, 2008 at 12:20 PM (PDT)