Old iPhone after July 11th

[ngbauer]

I have some questions about the old version (current version) of the iPhone and what will happen to it after the 3G release.

First of all, does anyone have a thought on whether prices will drop or rise for the current iPhone after the 3G is released? I have heard from a friend that he thinks prices will drop below the price point of a new iPhone. But, I have also read online that prices will rise since the new iPhone will require in store activation and the old iPhone can be unlocked and sold. . . any thoughts on that?

Also, can the iPhone be used as an iPod and a wifi device without be an active phone through a network? I go to college where there is a great wifi network and would love a handy device for accessing the internet. . .

[ngbauer]

Also, I forgot, can the iPhone (old or new) be used as a phone on an existing AT&T phone plan without being required to add a data plan?

I could use the current iPhone with a SIM card and not have to sign a 2 year contract.

I will still hope to win the iPhone 3G on Mactropolis but need a back up plan just in case.

[webwise]

I don't have a crystal ball, but I'm willing to bet that prices will only drop to be the same as the new iPhone (i.e. $199-299 USD range) over the next several months...

This is just an educated guess based on continued demand as well as the required activation issue on the 3G iPhone. And yes, even without activation you should be able to use the wifi and iPod functionality of the first gen. iPhone.

[ngbauer]

Yea, I hate to think that you are probably right because I'd love to grab an old iPhone for $100 or so. Maybe someone I know who has an iPhone will want to get rid of theirs for the new one and do so at a friendly fee. Who knows. I could just get an iPod touch. . .

[webwise]

I can't believe that first gen. iPhones are still selling on Ebay for $300-$400!

With AT&T's rates, the iPod Touch is looking better and better...

[ngbauer]

That is what sparked this thread for me. I want something handy and made by Apple that can do wifi internet since the rates for AT&T are so high. I thought that the new iPhone coming out would lower prices for the old iPhones to the point of the old 8gb iPhones being cheaper than an iPod touch (starting at $299 on the Apple website). Apparently right now that is not doing any good. . . maybe come July 11th things will change.

[webwise]

I think that's a good idea...since AT&T is saying that iPhones can be used as wifi capable and an iPod even if you don't have service. So, it's like having an iPod Touch, but with a camera too...

[ngbauer]

Yep, that is my thought exactly. Now i just need to convince all of the users of eBay and those interested in having an iPhone that the prices of the old iPhone should over at or around the $100 price. . . I will start on my world campaign now and let you know how it goes.

My hope is once the new one is released that is how the prices will behave, but an AT&T contract deal will mess up supply and demand.

[hac]

Originally Posted by ngbauer

Yea, I hate to think that you are probably right because I'd love to grab an old iPhone for $100 or so. Maybe someone I know who has an iPhone will want to get rid of theirs for the new one and do so at a friendly fee. Who knows. I could just get an iPod touch. . .

Good thinking. I'd like to do that. But it would still be better than an iPod Touch...

[ngbauer]

Wifi, works as an iPod, camera, could be used as a phone if desired, and maybe cheaper? Definitely would beat an iPod Touch in my opinion, assuming the price is right. Sometimes it is not convenient for me to whip out my laptop on campus in between classes and a handy Apple device would be perfect for accessing the wifi. . . I hope to either win a new 3G iPhone on the forums or give an older version iPhone a nice retirement.