Crazy AT&T gets $150 refurb'd iPhone 3G in stock, will club a baby seal if you don't buy one
By Paul Miller 
posted Dec 16th 2008 11:57AM
posted Dec 16th 2008 11:57AM
If Walmart's $197 iPhone 3G had you salivating, wait until you get ahold of this deal: AT&T has refurbished iPhone 3Gs in stock for a mere $150, effectively doubling your rice and ramen budget for the month should you take the plunge. AT&T claims the refurbs were returned within the 30 day trial period, are quality tested, and might be just a little scuffed up. If you're really feeling wild, there's also a 16GB refurb available for $250. Apple and AT&T are being a little shady on the warranty, stating "90 days or more," as opposed to the standard one year, but that's a risk you and your growling stomach are just going to have to take.[Via Cnet]
stupid question, but is this with or without the service plan?
Actually, that's a good question. But I have to imagine it's with plan.
I hate it when they advertise phones as being only $$$ much, negating to mention the price stated comes with a 2yr service plan e.g $197 for the iPhone at walmart. Why do phones by themselves cost so much, but you sign your life away for 2 yrs and you get them at a discount or for free?
Something is seriously flawed with the system.
With a 2 year plan. so you get $50 off is it? to have a used phone instead of a new one with a full waranty? What a ripoff!
It's with a plan. That's what always pisses me off. I don't mind paying $250-350 for a smartphone I will use daily but I'll be damned if I pay $30-50 per month for a data plan when my current carrier only charges me $15/month for the same service. It seems like some people are willing to pay any amount of money as long as it is over a longer period of time. I really don't feel like doubling or tripling my monthly charge for unlimited data just to save $50 on a phone.
Well, the cost to manufacture the phone is right at, or just over over $200. That is just the materials cost, not including R&D, marketing, and overhead. With all that it probably costs Apple well over $300 to build the phone, and AT&T subsidies the cost, paying Apple a reported $200 per phone over the purchase price. So it you want to fork our $600+ up front (so everyone can make their profit) knock yourself out, but most people find that a data plan is kind of a necessity, and personally, I can't imagine being with out my phone ever, so I'm going to be on some sort of unlimited data + calling plan regardless, therefore, it makes sense to sign up for 2 years to save $400 (+/- $100).
I'm getting really sick of listening to people who have no clue whine about how fucked up the system is. I have no love for the carriers, but realize that your average cell site costs about $200,000 when you include the cost of the tower, the labor and the land lease. The US is a huge area, and we (rightly) expect to be able to make a call on, say, the i-10 in the middle of the desert. That means infrastructure. The last time I checked AT&T was making a before tax profit of about 10%.
The bottom line is, if you think it's too expensive, don't buy it. Personally, $65 a month for unlimited data and nationwide calling seems like a bargain to me, but then again in 1997 I was paying over $100 a month for 500 shitty Sprint California only voice minutes...
The data plan for the iPhone is not $30 to $50. It is $20. I had AT&T prior, and when I got the iPhone my bill went up $20 (plus taxes).
correction, the original iPhone plan is $20, the new one is $30. Still, $30 is not "30 to 50", it's 30.
@craigj
I'm sick and tired of having brainwashed minds like yours tell me how wonderful it is to have subsidised phones tied directly into the monthly service cost. Phone cost and service cost should be separate, even if you DO get a discount/subsidy for signing to a 1 or 2 year contract.
Take Australia for instance. Phones on plans are advertised as costing 0 or 5 or 10 or 15 (etc) dollars per month, depending on how long you agree to pay for service or how large a monthly service fee you choose to pay.
I hate the North American system (particularly Canada, with the total and utter lack of competition) where phones cost 0 or 50 or 100 or 150 (etc) dollars upfront. Immediately you realise that if you bring your own phone you ONLY save on the upfront cost of a phone - you still have to pay the phone subsidy for a phone you won't get in your monthly fees.
The phones are obviously with a TWO YEAR PLAN. HOWEVER, a question does come up with these phones. If you look at their price they are NOT subsidized. They are simply the price they are listed. I am wondering if you buy the phone and then cancel before the trial period is up, they cant charge you anymore than they have since the phone is already paid at full price!
@CraigJ: I was comparing my plan to the data plans on other smartphones, not just the iPhone. My point still stands. I did not claim to not want a data plan. Far from it, I require and unlimited data plan. Hence my desire to comparison shop for the least expensive one. When I pay $15 for a month of unlimited 3g, why would I switch over to a phone only on ATT or VZW when they charge between $30 and $50 for unlimited data on iPhones and smartphones? I have no problem paying for the device but Why would I buy a device for $200 and a $30/month plan when I can buy another for $300 and a $15/month plan? the way I see it, I pay $360 more for the ATT plan over my current one over two years.
@neodorian
Where the hell are you getting $15 for an unlimited 3G data plan? No, I'd really like to know!
@Tonicboy
"Where the hell are you getting $15 for an unlimited 3G data plan? No, I'd really like to know!"
Possibly AT&T. Their MediaNet plan is $15/month for unlimited 3G, you just aren't supposed to use it with smartphones. They don't consider Nokia N-series phones to be smartphones, interestingly enough. That said, little will stop you from activating the plan on a dumbphone and then swapping the SIM to the smartphone of your choice.
Does the warranty really matter?
I mean, its not like iPods have a reputation for batteries failing much too quickly, or the iPhone's inability to get through an entire day of heavy use on a single charge...
That battery will last more than a year, right?
...oh wait
WITH the plan. AND the required $30/month data plan.
Who wants to save $50 on a used phone when they will be paying many times that amount over the 2 year period?
Do they have refurb'd plans?
It's the same plan as a new iPhone. If you want to save some money to put towards your bill, it's a reasonable move.
AT&T need to start a Pay-as-you-go service for the iPhone, as O2 has already done in the UK. Higher initial price, but you are paying up front for a year of unlimited data as well, so it works out pretty reasonable.
Yeah, tell me about it. Ooooo, whoop-dee-doo! $250 for a refurbished (i.e.: scratched, scuffed) 16gigger... how is that supposed to entice anyone? Anybody prepared to spend $250 with a two-year contract would simply spring for the extra fifty bucks and buy brand spanking new.
Now if they offered the 16GB model for $200 or less, that would be a whole different thing.
Well, if Apple nor AT&T won't stand up for the iPhone's warranty, why should you?!
Damn right, loocas! This reminds me of when I was in game crazy the other week. They wouldn't sell me a used DS game when I tried to use a credit card because I wasn't signed up as a member. When I offered to pay with cash, they told me I can't return it if it's broken unless I sign up as a member, effectively telling me, "yeah, we don't stand behind our used products for even a day." I'm not buying something a company won't stand behind up front.
I'm wondering if I could get the insurance on this phone. Then I could "accidentally" drop it out my office window 10 stories up and take it in to get a new one?? maybe?
You'd just get another refurbed one.
Most every warranty replacement plan I have ever heard of gives you a refurbed phone as a replacement. I have had PDA phones for years, which up until just recently didn't even offer insurance so the replacement as a new item may have changed.
That sucks. I busted my RAZR twice and my Centro once, (not intentially mind you and I wouldn't reccomend the Centro to ANYONE) and Sprint gave me a new phone each time.
Iphone's are uninsurable,.
Obscure UHF reference?
+1!
Haha, I saw it in my GMail RSS feed and clicked on it just to see if there would use a still frame for the picture or maybe dig up that clip on youtube. I was a little disappointed.
Silly North Americans. They think it's a good deal even though they're STILL paying for a phone on a lengthy contract.
Agreed. Taking it one step further, America has the shoddiest phone operators, we have better here in Australia!
Whup I'm more eager to know why Engadget is so stupid to actually post this.
Whoa 50 bucks is a big deal, when you consider this:
-AT&T claims the refurbs were returned within the 30 day trial period, are quality tested, and might be just a little scuffed up.
-shady on the warranty, stating "90 days or more"
Seriously please educate me, why is this a big deal? I know it's iPhone news, blahblah, but why?
It's called brainwashing.
Stop. Freaking. Complaining.
Nobody forces you to read Engadget. You chose to visit this site, you chose to read this article, you even chose to make a meaningless comment about it. If you don't like the article, use your browser's exit button. Clear your cache if you like. You are reading a blog; you have no control over what it posts. Come to terms with that.
Not sure I would go for this. 90 day warranty, nah pay the extra $50 and get a years worth of service on your phone. I've taken my phone back at least 5 times and mines is up in feb
Yea the iPhones are really POS. My brothers died twice. First time, they replaced it, and the second time they wouldn't because they said he plugged it into the wall the wrong way. Honestly? How pathetic of an excuse is that?
@zelatio
Looks like the rep is feeding you with crap. Apple already issue recall note for the adapter, it shouldn't be your fault
http://www.macnewsworld.com/story/64575.html
I'm thoroughly convinced now that Engadget fully endoreses the Apple brand.
"New MAC update! get it while it's hot!"
"OMG! iPhone subsidized price drops $50, get them NOW!"
Seriously, enough is enough.
Show that sort of enthusiasm for the G1 Dev edition, or do the full review of the revolutionary Touch HD, why don't you.
I agree. But we all know this. And hasn't engadget admitted to accepting kickbacks from Apple? That's capitalism I guess.
Please tell me you're joking. Both of you.
Good point, where is the Touch HD review? I've read countless stories about the latest nokia and blackberry candybar phones and their respective full-screen touch offerings, but where the heck is the Touch HD review?
Honestly, I'm surprised there isn't a Engadget-run Steve Jobs twitter that updates every time the man takes a crap.
The Touch HD is not available in the States. We hit a review roundup (http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/13/htc-touch-hd-review-roundup/) and have covered the phone heavily. Also, how on earth does our coverage of Blackberry and Nokia imply any sort of supposed premeditated attempt to plug Apple? That doesn't make any sense AT ALL.
Here's the story: Apple products exist, we will cover them, we will have a fun time doing it. We're not sure why you have a problem with that.
@Paul Miller
We're not basing Engadget, how can I, FREAKING LOVE THIS SITE, I honestly spend atleast 2 hours of my work day on this site alone, and when I'm at home I'm reading every new post on my G1, Touch HD, or iPhone if I'm not studying, or watching the Colbert Report.
But here's the thing:
You obviously cover Apple realted news with so much fanfare an enthusiasm somtimes it's simply disgusting. I mean C'mon:
"If Walmart's $197 iPhone 3G had you salivating, wait until you get ahold of this"! -Engadget
Salavating, seriously? It almost sounded as if you were being sarcastic, but as I realized that you acutually meant it.
When have you ever said anything remotely enthusiastic about a WM device namely the revolutionary ones like Touch HD, and Omnia.
And the MAC updates!!! Point out an artice where you were that enthused about a Widows update and I'll happily shut my pie-hole.
You know, de-nile ain't just a river in Africa
@Paul Miller
Thanks for your review round up of the Touch HD, thanks for the ENTIRE ONE PRAGRAPH. That you (Engadget) so pasionately wrote about the device.
And OK, the touch HD wasn't released in the States, I give you that, but WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THE Omnia, Verizon just picked it up. (And I'm not talking about that one article you had about it being a overshadowed by the BB Storm either).
Take off the tinfoil hat, McLovin.
@McLovin:
http://www.engadget.com/search/?q=touch+HD
Enjoy yourself.
By the way, since the Touch HD isn't available in the US, and this is a US-geared site, they have no reason to post about the Touch HD at all. Yet they do. (see search)
As for WM devices, it's well-known that Windows Mobile in general is a lackluster platform. Even with HTC's interface, it's WM. It doesn't bring very much new material to the table.
And for Mac/Windows updates, that's completely unrelated. I can't stand Mac OS, but I still have to disagree with you on this. Updates for Windows consist mostly of "KB9023548: Update to prevent remote arbitrary code execution on your Windows PC." Now take that update, change the KB number eight hundred times, and you've got the gist of Windows updates. Which is not to say they're unnecessary, it's just that given the choice between a billion little updates and a full OS update as Apple releases for Mac OS, it's obvious which you would pick to write about for a tech blog.
Stop with the "Engadget loves Apple" crap.
Well if I can get a refurb at full price without a subsidy and get the $150 discount, I'm fine with a few scuffs—nothing a trip to Apple and a few complaints won't cure. :D
Of course get something like an invisibleSHIELD and you won't be able to tell if you don't want to make the trip.
This is stupid. You get a used iPhone for $50 less, and loose 9 months on the warenty. Just pony up the extra $50, it wont seem like a lot of money when the battery, or something else starts acting funny after 4 months.
I bought one of the original iPhone refurbs from AT&T last April. They were offering a one year warranty. Apple also extended the original warranty to one year from purchase of the refurb.
OMG, people returned iPhones?
Anyway,
It does have a service plan. Just because they are re-furbished, doesn't mean they were messed up. I could simply be the user didn't want the phone and returned it withing the "no questions asked" period of 30 days. ATT actually won't take them if you messed them up anyway. The defect has to be a manufacturing defect.
ATT also does not offer any insurance on its higher end phones unless they are part of a corporate account. The insurance would be too high of a monthly fee to offer it it.
It comes with a messed up data plan that makes you pay that $50 you saved 24 times (in a 2 year period)
Umm... No. Here in Canada, we have high rates, and we were still able to buy 6gb of data per month for $30. Not $50.
Acutally, my plan includes 500mb, 10000 text messages, visual voice mail, caller ID, Unlimited calling to 10 people, 200mins, 500incoming, and 6pm early weekends and evenings for $65 including tax and service charge.
Thats why I love unlocked jailbroken 2g Iphone with T-mobile with Tzones plan!
to quote a bastard 'i' don't like this idea.
Must... save... baby... seals...
yes, it's absolutely absurd. but these things will sell hotcakes to mactards.
I assume you can still buy AppleCare for it?
but it's Apple, we all know its Engadget's favorite brand.
Am I missing something here? Why are people acting like the data plan is optional on the refurb units? If you buy brand new, you still have to pay for the data plan; in other words, YOU ARE STILL SAVING $50 over the lifetime of the phone. The only person that made since was the guy who said that it isn't worth saving $50 to loose 9 months on your warranty.
Does this price really seem that good like the OP makes it out to be?!
$50.00 cheaper for a Refurb phone does not sound very good.
Especially, if you're paying about $80-100 monthly plan with ATT..
I must pay an extra 30 a month if i get this phone in order to club baby seals. Its part of the package
How many baby seals will they club if I don't buy 2?
One observation if I may - these aren't actually refurbished.
If these were returned and maybe "a bit scuffed up" - they're open box. There's a difference. These units were basically sent back to AT&T for "whatever" and AT&T is turning around and selling them back again.
@Tony
"Refurbishment (restoration) is the process of major maintenance or minor repair of an item, either aesthetically or mechanically."
AT&T is reselling them in retail form, they aren't new which means they have to be sold as Refurbished. Open box usually refers to something that is taken back to a retailer and sold as is, it never makes it back to the original manufacturer.
@kal326: Exactly my point. If they're being sold with blemishes or other damage, that's not refurbished - that's open box. They're not going back to the manufacturer, they're going back to AT&T (the retailer) and they're turning them around for resale.
rib off pffffffff
Phones in the UK come free with the service plan, like the T-Mobile G1. Infact, the iPhone seems to be the only exception to this rule (and then you have the £soul/mo data plan.)
Derp, America.
iPhones still suck. Hey how's that non-speaking GPS working out for you fanboys? If I wanted to look down at my cell phone every 8 seconds when I got lost driving in the city, I might as well just printed a google map. Although it's understandable that apple doesn't want to give you a decent GPS or live TV -- your battery life is too paltry and can't be swapped out anyway. Get the Sprint Instinct, which at least has the decency to come with a second battery and separate charger.
Buy a one pay as you go and get a o2 simplicity card......
I've heard good things about Apple refurbs. For one thing, they actually have to go through quality control instead of just being pumped off the assembly line into the shiny box. I've heard many people that have better experiences buying refurbs from Apple instead of new products.
heads up to all. I am trying to get this as an upgrade. Apparently they forgot to tell their employees that they were offering referbs online and have made it near impossible to purchase as an upgrade. To do this I had to call 3 customer service numbers and finally got someone not in India who gave a call to the e-store employees and said this,"We handle all orders but the Iphone." so we waited to talk to the supervisor of the call center to see if he had heard anything about purchasing Iphones as an upgrade that have been refurb'd. They said they really didn't know and they could credit my account $50 and I could just buy a new one!!! A new one for $150!!!! Jump on it now, if you can handle the endless elevator music while they talk about it.
Also as a tech shout to all the people who are mocking the Iphone faults know this. As a culture and technology student at Georgia Tech, I can tell you that the down falls of the Iphone are not problems, they are revising the way that our culture will use these new devices. They understand that we will not use a 25 Megapixel camera on our phone. We only need 1.3 to snap contact pics. we don't need to mms, we can post to our personal website. They are selectively picking how they want the user to interact with the technology. They are not just forgetting to put stuff in. As far as the price, welcome to America, get a lame job and get a cool phone.
dee,neodirian,cmetom,kash007,joe23251,iloveapple,broli.,let me first start off by saying are some broke a$$ mofos.,there is a reason u dont own one,step 1 try to upgrade your pay grade,this phone is not intended for minimum wage earners,your more than welcome to pay $600-700 for it.20$ or $30 month for unlimited full html 3g data.there is a reason y vzw charges 15$ mth for weak vzw data,on non full htmal phones like samsung glide,venus,env2 etc it sucks. as far as brainwashed no one is holding a gun to your head n saying buy this phone,there are more entry level remedial phones out there for people like you. chocolate,razr,shine,palm,or 8 year old nokias. there is a reason.
update... because I spent 2 hours online I got an extra $50 dollars off.... You heard right a 8 gig for $100 and a 16 for $200... do yourself a favor call quick before they figure this out and get you a big DEAL!!!
You people have no idea what you are talking about. All those of you who are saying that there is a 2 year plan are wrong. The iphone is $199 dollars for an 8gb with or without the contract. However, you do have to add the extra iphone data plan and visual voicemail for 30 dollars. I think most people are getting mixed up with the difference of a PLAN and a CONTRACT two totally different things. You have to have a plan to use your phone on a network, BUT YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE SIGNED TO A CONTRACT.. Please people do your research before you start giving advice.
I returned my 8gig iPhone 2 weeks ago - work got the phone for me and I decided I could handle paying $100 to upgrade to a 16GB, plus a $20 restocking fee.
Save $50 and get my 8 - it's not scuffed but I did browse the web onb the can a few times.
BTW love the iPhone. I always had Verizon in the past in in my experience, the AT&T coverage is better. The phone itself is phenomenal. Just needs cut and paste.
Why does no one care about the clubbing a baby seal line in the title of the story. I linked to this story from my Gmail just because it said that and pissed me off, you would think the animal rights people would be all over something like this, and for it to be allowed to be posted with AT&T's name referenced as well as Apple referenced it seems like a little but of bad press to me.
It seriously fu*ked me off. Paul Miller is a pri*k!
Making a joke about the fact that so many seal pups are clubbed to death and often skinned alive is unforgivable.
They are desperate. Sales are not going well...
What does clubbing baby seals have to do with this?
I will never pay $100/month for a cell phone bill for my own personal use. I leave that for the gadget freaks who feel better about themselves only if they have the latest tech toy.
Everyone wants to be a cool geek these days, losers.
Paul Miller. what a great job you have done on this article. it is hilarious as well as informative. the part about the rice and ramen part is so freaking funny. very funny and a great read!
These are clearly aimed at the t-mo unlocking crowd. I realize T-Moers won't get to use 3G. Still, it's a good deal for a T-Mo phone.