AT&T selling the iPhone online
Until yesterday, neither Apple nor any of its carrier partners have offered the iPhone for sale online. That’s now changed and with Wal-Mart set to start selling on Dec. 28, it’s not hard imagining that the iPhone’s distribution will one day rival that of the iPod.
Yes, the Apple Store will sell you a gift card that can be used to purchase an iPhone and they offer an amazing buffet of accessories. And, at least once in the past, they even sold refurbished iPhones—unlocked no less.
AT&T’s online store has also offered refurbished units from time-to-time, as well.
However, from yesterday, AT&T’s online store began offering both new and refurbished iPhones—8GB and 16GB, black and white, respectively. Now, you needn’t stand in line or suffer surly (or over anxious) sales associates.
But, damn, their prices—$149 and $249, respectively—on the refurbs don’t qualify as discounted, especially considering you’ll likely only get a 90-day warranty and you must upgrade your existing or purchase a new two-year contract. And, no, you don’t get a discount for a new iPhone online; everything’s the same as the retail experience in terms of price and contract.
Of course, you can activate at home.
So, what if anything has changed since yesterday? Hmm, not much. It’s the same stuff at the same prices and no change in terms.
However, like the early days of the iPod, Apple is building out a distribution network and, sooner or later, the iPhone will be available at tens of thousands of outlets worldwide.
When you add it all up—Best Buy a couple months back, yesterday’s online launch by AT&T and next week’s Wal-Mart roll out (no word on whether the retail giant will also offer them online)—it becomes pretty clear that Apple’s going to both wide and deep with iPhone distribution.
Best of all? You can already see cracks in Apple’s pricing with Best Buy said to be offering $10-per-handset discounts until the end of the year and Wal-Mart knocking $2 off every day.
However you reckon it choice is a good thing™…
What’s your take?
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December 21st, 2008
The apple phones look sweet but the price is absurd. I could get 20 boxes of condoms with that money! What a waste