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Getting an original iPhone THIS LATE in the game

post #1 of 16
1/8/11 at 12:08pm
Thread Starter 

I confess. I'm not the richest person, nor is my family. I have been using the same phone for the past 2.5yrs, but it died last week, because it only holds a charge for about 6hrs before it turns off. Obviously, because I'm still in school (HS), I don't have a job, and have only a bit of money to spend (about $100-$200 a year), and I sometimes sell back some goodies in order to have more free money. Of course, a large portion of this money goes off to books and other study material, but I always end up with some money left over because I sell some things that I no longer use.

 

So obviously, my phone died, and I need another one. Of course, I can't afford a new iphone 4, Nexus S, etc. I was looking to see what phones I could get, and I was wondering, hmm, maybe I should try getting one of those old original iphones. I wouldn't use a dataplan or use it as a music player, so the major complaints between the 3g and the 2g are pretty much useless to me. I'll just use it on wifi, which is plentiful in Manhattan.

 

But then the question is, would it last me until I get into college? I know that there was a "iphone durability" thread in the gearfi forum, and the general consensus is that it will last if you treat it well. I do treat my things well, and thats why the old phone was able to last 3yrs, but the problem is that the iphone is already several years old. Luckily, they mostly haven't changed (yes, I know about the a4 processor, the retina screen, 3g, etc. I know that someone will try to correct me thoughwink.gif). For me, using a basic phone, and then suddenly having an smartphone will be a very big difference. I figure that it will help me save time as well, because I could check my updates/email without having to spend 2hrs in front of a computer everyday. The very seething feeling of wasting a day in front of a computer makes me angry, and its one of my "resolutions". I hope that the phone can help me stop the habit.

 

So what do you guys think. I bet this would be cheaper than other comparable phones. I'm in the works with buying one from someone for ~$80. The new basic phones are around ~$60, so its "only" $20 more (yes, $20 is still a significant amount, but my ingine for dealsearching is steadily building). I don't intend on signing a new contract (2yrs at the minimum, and so much more expensive than non-contracts) so this might be my best bet.

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post #2 of 16
1/8/11 at 12:30pm

I personally wouldn't get anything older than a 3GS, having owned a 3G. It was just too slow, web browsing  over wi-fi with the music player on (I know you don't plan on using it) was excruciating. Also, if you're on AT&T, having a smartphone with a postpaid plan will cause them to put a data plan on your account. 

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post #3 of 16
1/8/11 at 1:40pm
Thread Starter 

Really? When I demoed the iphone, the 3g, the 3gs, and then the 4 at the Apple Store in Soho and Central Park, I seem to remember that they all had workable speed. I guess thats because they weren't side by side, but then again, I won't have them side by side either.

 

Luckily, i'm not using ATT, and will be using it on Tmobile. Hopefully they don't do this same thing. I don't know how ATT knows, and even then force a data plan. I mean, the data plan is supposed to help subsidize the phone, but if it phone is already paid for, why does it need to be on a data plan? Its like wage slavery all over again.

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post #4 of 16
1/8/11 at 2:17pm

Depending on what your phone was 3g might be a upgrade. I agee with Kir 3gs and 4 is your best bet. Save up get the best.

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post #5 of 16
1/8/11 at 2:26pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by blackbird View Post

Really? When I demoed the iphone, the 3g, the 3gs, and then the 4 at the Apple Store in Soho and Central Park, I seem to remember that they all had workable speed. I guess thats because they weren't side by side, but then again, I won't have them side by side either.

 

Luckily, i'm not using ATT, and will be using it on Tmobile. Hopefully they don't do this same thing. I don't know how ATT knows, and even then force a data plan. I mean, the data plan is supposed to help subsidize the phone, but if it phone is already paid for, why does it need to be on a data plan? Its like wage slavery all over again.



If you plan using multiple apps like the music player, Pandora Radio, or GPS parallel, the 3G will not cut it. The 3GS has both a noticeably faster processor and twice the ram, which is huge in regards to usability. Here's a link regarding the ram: http://taptaptap.com/blog/the-impact-of-the-iphone-3gs-ram-increase/

 

The 3GS isn't that much more expensive, I've seen them go for $100-180 on the used market, prices varying on storage and condition. If you plan on using the phone for an extended period, it's worth the cost. As for T-Mo, I'm not sure if they force customers with non-contract phones to use data plans, but you should do some research or call them up just in case. 

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post #6 of 16
1/8/11 at 3:11pm
Thread Starter 

Kirosia: Unfortunately, iphone 3gs' are around ~$300 and I simply don't have that kind of money.

Even with the 3g, I've been having trouble getting it at $100. even though I am sitting in front of the computer all day today and have all the appropriate filters.

 

Apparently, there isn't much different between the 3g and the 2g, either. So maybe I should just pay $80 for the 2g and stop wasting time trying to find something I can't afford?

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post #7 of 16
1/8/11 at 3:26pm
I used the original iPhone for a year and found it adequate. Not the swiftest for loading web pages, but I used it for hours every day and it was good enough to sell me on the iOS platform. If the speed doesn't bother you, go for it.

One caveat is that I think the latest versions of iOS don't run on the original model. Earlier versions work OK, though. If you mostly want to email, make phone calls and run a few apps, it should be fine.

Durability isn't a problem, either. My parents are still running original iPhones. We've been trying to get them to upgrade, but they're still happy to have phones that work and are easy to use. I think my sister's original iPhone is still being used by my niece. It's not set up as a phone, but she runs apps and uses it like a Touch.

So my recommendation is to go for it. It should serve your needs fine and in a year or two, you can get a newer phone.

By the way, I'm using the iPhone 4 (right now, even) and it's the best of the lot. The Retina Display still amazes me and it has enough power to chew through the Internet. I don't see how the iPhone 5 could improve on it that much and I might hold off on replacing it for two or three years.
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post #8 of 16
1/8/11 at 3:47pm

I have had my iPhone 3G for 2 years, and it has been rock solid.  I like it as a phone, organizer, texting device, email device, etc.  I don't surf much with it.  It runs games and stuff more slowly than my 4th gen. iPod Touch, which I think has some of the same internals as the iPhone 4.

 

I plan on upgrading to a new phone when the iPhone 5 v.2 comes out.  Right now, I guess we are waiting for iPhone 4 v.2.  Looks like a couple more years before I update, unless I get jumpy and go for the iPhone 5 v.1.  lol

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post #9 of 16
1/8/11 at 3:49pm

^ What he said you'll be rewarded with a long lasting product, also you could save up for the 4 or 3g...I don't know if it's need immediately on not but if you can wait, save up.
 

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post #10 of 16
1/8/11 at 6:10pm

 

 

Quote:
Kirosia: Unfortunately, iphone 3gs' are around ~$300 and I simply don't have that kind of money.

 

Are you using ebay? Try the marketplaces of XDA, Hardforum, and Howardforums. (Google is your friend) Hell even Craigslist. Unlocked NIB models tend to go for a lot, so if you know how to do it yourself and don't mind some wear/tear, you can save yourself some cash. 

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post #11 of 16
1/8/11 at 7:44pm
Thread Starter 

I checked Howardforums, and their prices are even more insane. The 3gs' are still $300, but now the 2g's are $200. That's outrageous!!!

 

http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php/1691859-iPhone-2G?prefixid=solvedthread_forsale&daysprune=30

 

Erik: That's great news! I think the iphone 2g will last me for 1-2yrs until, and then the 3gs will be obsolete as well! Then again, the iphone 2g is antediluvian

too. The ios 4 is probably an issue though. I opened up iTunes, and some apps already require ios4 or higher. I don't know when all apps will upgrade to ios4 and higher, and at that point, i'll be forced to upgrade! I hope that is not soon.

 

There is this whited00r thing that sounds promising. I don't know how well it works though,

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post #12 of 16
1/9/11 at 10:36am

I use the 3G standard known as EDGE that AT&T refers to as 2G every day on my T-Mobile Nexus One on the AT&T network. "2G" is plenty fast for email, google voice SMS, weather, etc. I think you'll be fine with the "2G" iPhone.

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post #13 of 16
1/9/11 at 2:32pm
Thread Starter 

NVM


Edited by blackbird - 1/10/11 at 2:49pm
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post #14 of 16
1/10/11 at 2:47pm
Thread Starter 

  Does anyone think that used prices will drop beginning tommorow, when Verizon announces the iPhone for their service?

Because I'm in talks with someone for a great condition 2g for $100, but I don't know how long the software will last. The phone is in excellent condition, and it will likely last me at least a year, which upon then I can sell it as a glorified ipod touch and buy a newer one.

 

 

I mean, apps are beginning to require 4.0, right?

 

How long did it take apps to require 3.0 after 3.0 came out?

 


Edited by blackbird - 1/10/11 at 2:49pm
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post #15 of 16
1/11/11 at 8:02am

I think you should read this: http://www.9to5mac.com/46238/att-to-sell-49-iphone-3gs-from-friday

 

Obviously that's a 2 year thing and I'd probably pass myself, but it means there's going to be competition and it'd be MUCH better to get a 3GS with the intention of having it for a year than the 2G which came out in 2007 and is really sluggish and feature-lacking compared to the newer ones.


Edited by Somnambulist - 1/11/11 at 8:04am
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