I think most of us have little understanding just how much the handsets we have are actually worth (not just iPhones).
I don't get the "underwhelmed" thing. What were you looking for Apple's new iPhone to be? Clearly it would be an iPhone - they were never going to change the launch screen (because they don't think widgets make sense, and big icons mean noodling around to launch stuff). I actually like the case design of the iPhone 4 (especially in black - I know, and we waited so long for the white one!) I think Siri seems amazingly cool (though in truth I'm not sure I'd use it much). The faster processor and better camera seems very cool, and iOS5 seems to address legitimate shortcomings in the UI. As distinct to just "wanting it to be different to what it is".
So what's not to like? (serious question)
It has been a couple of years since I owned an iPhone and earlier this week I participated with Jason Perlow in the Great Debate about the new iPhone 4S. I wasn’t necessarily overwhelmed by the iPhone 4S and wasn’t sure if I was going to buy one, but I am almost certain to order one after reading of Steve Jobs’ passing as a personal tribute to his legacy. One factor in my purchase decision is the non-subsidized price because I have only been a Verizon customer for about 8 months. Larry wrote a post about the subsidized pricing model, but without this upgrade eligibility be prepared for a shock.
We always compare subsidized pricing in reviews since that is the way people buy their phones in the U.S. However, I usually buy my phones overseas or so often that I rarely get the subsidized price. The new iPhone 4S comes in 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB capacities priced at subsidized prices of $199, $299, and $399, respectively. If you are like me and not yet eligible for the full price subsidy then the prices are $649, $749, and $849, respectively. Yes, the subsidy takes care of $450 of the full price.
Due to this huge $450 cost difference, I realize I could pay the $325 ETF and still come out $125 ahead of the game with another carrier. Thus I started to consider the Sprint iPhone 4S with unlimited data or the AT&T iPhone 4S with faster data speeds. The thing is I like Verizon because I am grandfathered into their unlimited data plan and I get better coverage with them than with Sprint or AT&T. However, for the same price I pay Verizon I could also get unlimited text messaging and unlimited calls to other mobile phones. Thus, before Friday morning (that’s when online pre-orders start) I need to decide if I am going back with Sprint or sticking with Verizon at a premium price.
Will you be buying a non-subsidized iPhone 4S or is this price just too high for you?
