It's my understanding that the new, cheaper phone comes complete with a rate hike and two year lock with AT&T that will wind up costing you around $40 or more over the contract than the present deal. I call bull**** on them.

iPhone 'deal'

Actually, I've heard the opposite. That the rate plans will be significantly cheaper.

That's the make or break deal element for me.

So far, everything I've read indicates an increase in phone and data charges. AT&T anticipates $95-100 monthly average charges (including the $10- monthly increase) especially with probable increase in texting and online time for users. Forbes said that it's possible that a more expensive, untethered iPhone may become available, allowing customers to use other providers.

Well, besides WB's link, I also read the same news in today's LA Times.

I've had it with Sprint's customer service so I've been promising myself an iPhone when my contract ends next March :( and that was even before I knew there was going to be a spiffy new model.

Yep, the early reports I heard of a price decrease have instead been confirmed as a price increase.

The thing would have to feed me three squares a day to be worth $100 a month. Sorry, not interested. It's a "gadget." Ho and Hum.

I just thought I'd throw out that I am, in fact, looking for something that will feed me three squares a day for $100 a month.

I think that when the market opens up and you can buy one and choose your carrier, it will become very competitive price-wise. Even if you have to pay more for the initial device, odds are that the plans will be much more reasonable. It is a cool phone, but not when combined with ATT. Their service is abysmal, and their coverage sucks as well.

I want a phone that's a phone. I'm on the slippery slope to Ludditism.