iPhone ain't even an iPod without service
By Chris Ziegler 
posted June 26th 2007 1:07PM
posted June 26th 2007 1:07PM
[Via TUAW, thanks Alex P.]
Update: An anonymous tipster is reporting that the iPhone may only need to be activated once for the iPod (and other features) to work; continuous service isn't necessary after that -- unless you want to use it as a phone and data device, of course.
I got one before knowing its not even a proper cell phone even with service:
http://blog.vkistudios.com/index.cfm/2008/10/17/The-iPhone-aint-no-cell-phone
i think if you were to go buy a $500 iphone with out service why not go buy a touch with out all the limitations i mean it still has stream and touchy and stuff with wi-fi besides its more fun having a seprate cell phone and ipod
I wonder if this means that users who are already in a service agreement will be able to restart their current contract and pay an activation fee in order to use the iPhone?
yes, anybody that wants the iPhone will be able to get out of their contracts and re-new it
Maybe it's just a pre-sale theft deterrent thing. I'm sure once activated the iPod would work even if you canceled the contract. I wonder how long it will be before unlocked ones are on eBay.
I'm sorry... why would you want an iphone without service? That basically makes it a $500 nano with a fancy interface...
Wow, that's pretty crappy. It seems like Apple controls the use of the iPod through iTunes, since that is where you activate the iPod in the first place and it is iTunes that can detect an activated iPhone over an non-activated iPhone. So, it seems like some simple code to not allow those iPhones detected as non-activated from syncing with your music/videos. I, for one, think that's really stupid! I know there's high demand for these things, but Apple doesn't have to rape it's customers!
It would be interesting to be able to use the Wifi features without service though.
I'd want to believe "the companies wouldn't arbitrarily disable a feature to keep the cash flow rolling in", too... why would you cripple a device from things it can natively do after you stop paying for the data provisioning?
(ever own a TiVo?)
This may be theft prevention before launch more than anything. There's less incentive to swipe a device if it's going to be unusable until activated.
thats a good thought.