Apple today announced the long awaited iPhone, a device that I predicted about years 1.5 ago that it would happen (I won't forget how a fellow editor from a Mac site emailed me to say that I am crazy after reading my blog back then). But the iPhone is real, and it's public information now. So based on the little we know about the device so far, let's see how it stacks up against its smartphone competition.
To read all comments associated with this story, please click here.
Member since:2005-07-06
You have a point however all of the phones above are unlocked without a service agreement. The iPhone is in the same range but is a locked phone with a 2 year service agreement requirement. This implies a fairly hefty subsidy by Cingular.
So the prices are similar but the comparison is not equitable. Check to see what one of the phones above would cost from Cingular with a 2 year agreement.
Member since:2005-07-10
You forgot the 2 years contract. Also what about PPC-6700
PPC-6700 $299
http://www.sprint.com/business/products/phones/ppc6700_allPcsPhones...
Member since:2006-02-15
That's nice. But you realize you're comparing the competitors' unlocked prices today to Apple's subsidized price in six months, right?
Given the history of phones, in six months, with a 2 year contract, you're probably going to be able to get any of the phones you mentioned for under half the price of the Apple phone at that time; in many cases, for a quarter of the price or less.
Member since:
2007-01-10
One thing I find interesting in the US mobile market is how distorted peoples idea of the cost for a device is.
People here are talking about this being expensive compared to Palms and Blackberry's, so I thought I might put up some prices from hi-mobile (who advertises here), who I consider one of the more inexpensive options for buying unlocked devices.
Smartphone/Blackberry/PDA
BlackBerry 8700 Fully Unlocked: USD$ 599.98
BlackBerry Pearl 8100 Fully Unlocked: USD$ 475.98
Palm Treo 750v Fully Unlocked: USD$ 699.98
HP iPAQ HW6965 Fully Unlocked: USD$ 609.98
HP RW6828 Fully Unlocked: USD$ 599.98
Then Some Nokia 'Lifestyle' phones:
Nokia N91 Fully Unlocked: USD$ 459.98
Nokia N93 Fully Unlocked: USD$ 669.98
Nokia N80 Fully Unlocked: USD$ 439.98
Nokia N73 Fully Unlocked: USD$ 434.98
Nokia 8800 Sirocco Fully Unlocked: USD$ 819.98
To me it looks to be in the same range if not cheaper for more features and a nicer os.