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]
Related Stories
- Mix: iCloud suit, iTunes TOS, Airplane Crash, iPad at Saks
- Mix: Air Guitar, Infinite Loop, Tardis Case, Loop Nano
- Mix: iPad 3, Semiconductors, Foxconn, 2011 ADAs
- Mix: Universal, iCloud icon, Apple retail, The Beatles
- Mix: Explosion, France Telecom, Freescale, Samsung
- Mix: BookExpo, SID awards, Apple Store 2.0, Mobile Privacy
Comments
If you have a comment, news tip, advertising inquiry, or coverage request, a question about iPods/iPhones/iPad or accessories, or if you sell or market iPod/iPhone/iPad products or services, read iLounge's Comments + Questions policies before posting, and fully identify yourself if you do. We will delete comments containing advertising, astroturfing, trolling, personal attacks, offensive language, or other objectionable content, then ban and/or publicly identify violators.
Recent News
- Photosmith 2.0 adds two-way Lightroom sync, Eye-fi support + more
- Seidio unveils Expert Portfolio Case for iPad
- Google Search app for iPhone gets major redesign
- Miniot debuts Pouch for iPhone 4, 4S
- Mint.com app adds budget editing, split transactions
- Apple SVP Jonathan Ive receives knighthood
- Photo of the Week: iPhone 4S at Fenway
- INRIX Traffic adds Personalized Traffic, Map Enhancements
- Total Baby now universal, improves timer features
- DropCloud gets new name, live updates and inline previews
Recent Reviews
- dreamGEAR i.Sound Power View Pro S 2.1A Dual Charging Dock
- dreamGEAR i.Sound Universal Power View
- Sena Cases Florence Portfolio for iPad (3rd-Gen)
- Mipow Power Tube 5500 + Power Tube Shake 2600
- Scosche Realm RH656m / RH656md Headphones
- Sena Cases Folio II for iPad (3rd-Gen)
- Bowers & Wilkins P3 Headphones
- iBattz Mojo Treble Keychain Cable with Card Reader
- Hex Code Folio for iPad 2 + iPad (3rd-Gen)
- Moshi Origo for iPad 2/iPad (3rd-Gen)
Recent Articles
- Consolidating Multiple iTunes Libraries
- Converting Purchased Videos to 1080p HD
- Find My Friends always reports home location
- Creating an iTunes Match library from an external hard drive
- Benefits of keeping apps in iTunes when using iCloud
- Recovering iTunes from an External Hard Drive
- Normalizing volume levels for Voice Memos
- Replacement iPod nano not appearing in iTunes 9
- iOS Gems: ABC House, Kotomon, Luxor Evolved HD, N.O.V.A. 3 + Trucks HD
- Audiobooks and iTunes Match


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)