What to do with your first generation iPhone (updated)
With the launch of the iPhone 3G a little over a week away and new rate plans published many people are wondering what to do with their first generation iPhones.
An AppleInsider story lists a bunch of options including handing it down to a family member or friend. AT&T has posted a PDF file outlining how to transfer your contacts from other phones to the iPhone 3G (from a first generation iPhone you only need to sync it with iTunes).
Some other options for your first generation iPhone from reader Bill Elkus include:
- Unlock the iPhone 1.0 and keep it for International use.
- Keep the iPhone 1.0 in reserve in case the new iPhone is lost or requires service.
- Keep or hand down the iPhone 1.0 to be used as a Wi-Fi iPod touch.
I'm tempted to upgrade my old iPhone to the 2.0 software in order to use the new features when out of the U.S.; or as an iPod touch; but I suspect that will make it more difficult to jailbreak.
Update: AT&T has confirmed that owners will be able to deactivate first generation iPhones to be used as Wi-Fi iPods.
"If the [original] device is not re-activated as a wireless phone after you’ve upgraded to iPhone 3G, it will still work as an iTunes player and can access Wi-Fi," the spokesperson said.
Yay!