good deal for cheapskates... iPhone 3G's that are refurbed have always come as basically new... apple/att do a great job at refurbishing their products.
I despise that view, my experience with ATT refurbished phones are a total disaster. ATT will not stand behind the product should something goes wrong, and chances are it will. Roll the dice if you want to...
eekfuh said: good deal for cheapskates... iPhone 3G's that are refurbed have always come as basically new... apple/att do a great job at refurbishing their products.
Agreed - my 1st gen refurb is still holding strong. The fact that I bought it the month before the 3G came out for $50 cheaper is a soar spot for me, but overall the quality is good.
Cheapoking said: I despise that view, my experience with ATT refurbished phones are a total disaster. ATT will not stand behind the product should something goes wrong, and chances are it will. Roll the dice if you want to...
AT&T isn't the one doing the refurbs; they pass them back to the manuf or a 3rd party to handle the actual reconstruction. My guess is that Apple is the one actually doing the refurb so it should be fine. The fact that someone is physically recompiling the phone can often produce a stronger product than one off the line.
eekfuh said: good deal for cheapskates... iPhone 3G's that are refurbed have always come as basically new... apple/att do a great job at refurbishing their products.
Aren't we all cheapstakes, hence our FW membership?
UtahDealSeeker
Addicted Member
posted: Jul. 25, 2009 @ 2:27p
ChanceUSC said: The fact that someone is physically recompiling the phone can often produce a stronger product than one off the line.
Yup, that's why used cars have better quality than new. God, please tell me you are rich and did not use taxpayer loans to get yourself that USC education?
Without getting into further debate about the quality of refurbs versus new, my personal experience is that the resale value of these phones is excellent. I purchased a 1st Gen refurb via AT and T for $149 and sold it for $230 after a few months when the 3G arrived.
Bear in mind that AT&T charges more for the mandatory data plan for the iPhone than they do for other phones ($30/month, plus another $10/month for Navigator; that doesn't include text messages at up to $20/month and talk at $40 to $100/month).
This is a good deal if you want an iPhone at minimal cost, don't care that it's the older model with less memory, and don't want to bother with a used and/or unlocked version. But there are plenty of other cool phones out there that cost much less.
UtahDealSeeker said: ChanceUSC said: The fact that someone is physically recompiling the phone can often produce a stronger product than one off the line.
Yup, that's why used cars have better quality than new. God, please tell me you are rich and did not use taxpayer loans to get yourself that USC education?
If we were talking about refurbished cars your comment might make sense.
*insert some random Mormon joke*
UtahDealSeeker
Addicted Member
posted: Jul. 25, 2009 @ 2:39p
justtaint said: UtahDealSeeker said: ChanceUSC said: The fact that someone is physically recompiling the phone can often produce a stronger product than one off the line.
Yup, that's why used cars have better quality than new. God, please tell me you are rich and did not use taxpayer loans to get yourself that USC education?
If we were talking about refurbished cars your comment might make sense.
*insert some random Mormon joke*
He made a general statement about refurbs, that's why I wrote that. I have no complaints about Iphone refurbs.
Since you wanted a joke, here's one:
A Mormon Bishop got on an elevator on the 10th floor, (he was heading to the lobby) on the 8th floor a beautiful woman walked in. (they were alone) On the way to the lobby the gorgeous woman hit the stop button. She turned to the Bishop and said:
"Can you make me feel like a true woman?"
The Bishop said: "I sure can" and excitedly took off all his clothes, he then threw them in the corner of the elevator. He turned to the woman pointed to the clothes and said:
UtahDealSeeker said: ChanceUSC said: The fact that someone is physically recompiling the phone can often produce a stronger product than one off the line.
Yup, that's why used cars have better quality than new. God, please tell me you are rich and did not use taxpayer loans to get yourself that USC education?
Without getting into further debate about the quality of refurbs versus new, my personal experience is that the resale value of these phones is excellent. I purchased a 1st Gen refurb via AT and T for $149 and sold it for $230 after a few months when the 3G arrived.
First of all, how is a car anything like a smart phone? Secondly, when a phone goes through a *good* refurb process, it is thoroughly analyzed for any and all defects. Do you think that same scrutiny is applied to ones rolling off the line? I am very much aware that the precision produced by a machine vs a human is unparalleled but when dealing with highly condensed circuits even the slightest error can reek havoc.
In response to my education - I fail to see how that is any of your concern. If you must know though, It was mostly funded by scholarships and yes, gapped by federal loans.
UtahDealSeeker
Addicted Member
posted: Jul. 25, 2009 @ 3:10p
ChanceUSC said: I am very much aware that the precision produced by a machine vs a human is unparalleled but when dealing with highly condensed circuits even the slightest error can reek havoc.
The point is simple - no human can come close to an well oiled automated testing regimen, especially for "condensed circuits" (to use your technical term, LOL) for the Iphone. Apple does a damn good job testing their product before it reaches your hands. To claim that condensed circuits are better tested by humans is fallacious. An Iphone off the production line is always going to perform better than a refurb - the refurbs are usually a better value for us FWers.
Generally, both new production and refurbished products will undergo the same functional test for most of electronics devices unless it's a medical one. There's no special test for RMA products.
Here's typical RMA/Refurb routine: - Upon receiving, RMA would be inspected for general & cosmetic condition (including warranty validation such as warranty seal, dent or broken housing, etc.) - Unit would be sent to according department to perform the repair or necessary upgrade (e.g. replace the housing, screen, etc.) - Then it would be functionally tested & troubleshoot with the same test equipment as production (major work is done here). - Then sent to QA/QC for final check for workmanship (typical RMA unit would not get cosmetic inspection thoroughly as production ones). Apple decided to replace the housing. - Return RMA unit back to customer (end user, OEM, or vendors, etc.)
Many production units that marginally passed functional test will most likely fail in the field soon; if this is the case, and the refurb unit would get fixed properly, it will work better than another brand new marginally passed test unit.
The refurb still has a warranty through apple. I've purchased two iphone refurbs and had one not work correctly. The warranty however is only good for up to 1 year from the original purchase date, not the date you purchased it on. You need to go to Apple.com and enter your serial number from the phone to see how long is left on your warranty. Mine had 10 months left. I've been very happy with both products and knew what I was getting from the start.
Nvidial
New Member
posted: Jul. 25, 2009 @ 4:00p
Just get it. Then unlock it and use whatever carrier you like. Not difficult.
Get the 3GS because you'll easily get the difference back when you go to sell it next year.Wineaux said: 16GB white or black iPhone 3G for $99 as well. Now, do I get one of those, or a new 3Gs for $199?
ChanceUSC said: Cheapoking said: I despise that view, my experience with ATT refurbished phones are a total disaster. ATT will not stand behind the product should something goes wrong, and chances are it will. Roll the dice if you want to...
AT&T isn't the one doing the refurbs; they pass them back to the manuf or a 3rd party to handle the actual reconstruction. My guess is that Apple is the one actually doing the refurb so it should be fine. The fact that someone is physically recompiling the phone can often produce a stronger product than one off the line.
Agree, and that's exactly where customers get screwed. I wouldn't doubt the re-build process by Apple, what I've observed is that once something goes south with the product, and since the refurbished item wasn't actually refurbished by ATT, instead a 3rd party; ATT will wash their hands, and leave you hanging in the process. The 3rd party will do the same, since they did not sale the item nor implied any warranty for the product directly to you as a customer.
IOW, if something goes wrong; ATT will not take any responsibility and will point you to the manufacturer, the manufacturer in terms, will do the same. As you see, is an infinite cycle - with the customer crushed in the middle. Just my experience with them.
trixxz said: Can you jailbreak one to work with sprint btw? I'm stuck with them atm. ATT (& T-Mobile), as well as iPhone, is using GSM Technology. However, Sprint (& Verizon) is using CDMA Technology.
So, the answer is...NO iPhone (especially, from ATT) will be working w/ either Sprint or Verizon service. (Yeah, these US's telecomm giants they don't shakehand to each other...!!!)
CtlAltl33t
Broke Member
posted: Jul. 25, 2009 @ 8:42p
I wish the T-zones exploit worked with the 3G ones
UtahDealSeeker said: justtaint said: UtahDealSeeker said: ChanceUSC said: The fact that someone is physically recompiling the phone can often produce a stronger product than one off the line.
Yup, that's why used cars have better quality than new. God, please tell me you are rich and did not use taxpayer loans to get yourself that USC education?
If we were talking about refurbished cars your comment might make sense.
*insert some random Mormon joke*
He made a general statement about refurbs, that's why I wrote that. I have no complaints about Iphone refurbs.
Since you wanted a joke, here's one:
A Mormon Bishop got on an elevator on the 10th floor, (he was heading to the lobby) on the 8th floor a beautiful woman walked in. (they were alone) On the way to the lobby the gorgeous woman hit the stop button. She turned to the Bishop and said:
"Can you make me feel like a true woman?"
The Bishop said: "I sure can" and excitedly took off all his clothes, he then threw them in the corner of the elevator. He turned to the woman pointed to the clothes and said:
"Now fold them".
No, it wasn't a general statement about refurbs. It was clearly only about cell phones, not every refurbished thing in the world. It doesn't give you any right to insult a person due to his choice of usernames.
Cheapoking said: ChanceUSC said: Cheapoking said: I despise that view, my experience with ATT refurbished phones are a total disaster. ATT will not stand behind the product should something goes wrong, and chances are it will. Roll the dice if you want to...
AT&T isn't the one doing the refurbs; they pass them back to the manuf or a 3rd party to handle the actual reconstruction. My guess is that Apple is the one actually doing the refurb so it should be fine. The fact that someone is physically recompiling the phone can often produce a stronger product than one off the line.
Agree, and that's exactly where customers get screwed. I wouldn't doubt the re-build process by Apple, what I've observed is that once something goes south with the product, and since the refurbished item wasn't actually refurbished by ATT, instead a 3rd party; ATT will wash their hands, and leave you hanging in the process. The 3rd party will do the same, since they did not sale the item nor implied any warranty for the product directly to you as a customer.
IOW, if something goes wrong; ATT will not take any responsibility and will point you to the manufacturer, the manufacturer in terms, will do the same. As you see, is an infinite cycle - with the customer crushed in the middle. Just my experience with them.
Except the manufacturer is Apple, and they have a retail presence. Most people can walk into an Apple Store and have their phone looked at.
CtlAltl33t said: I wish the T-zones exploit worked with the 3G ones
tzone exploits is not required anymore. just enter internet2.voicestream.com as the apn. you need web2go or tzones service in order for this to work, 10 and 6 bucks respectively.
NachA said: CtlAltl33t said: I wish the T-zones exploit worked with the 3G ones
tzone exploits is not required anymore. just enter internet2.voicestream.com as the apn. you need web2go or tzones service in order for this to work, 10 and 6 bucks respectively. I think he really means the exploit that allows a "free" Internet connection. (Well, $10 or $6/month is too much for me. )
Navigon is now a $100 app @ the AppStore. Full US map install of 1.3 Gig.
dchicago said: Bear in mind that AT&T charges more for the mandatory data plan for the iPhone than they do for other phones ($30/month, plus another $10/month for Navigator; that doesn't include text messages at up to $20/month and talk at $40 to $100/month).
This is a good deal if you want an iPhone at minimal cost, don't care that it's the older model with less memory, and don't want to bother with a used and/or unlocked version. But there are plenty of other cool phones out there that cost much less.
UtahDealSeeker
Addicted Member
posted: Jul. 25, 2009 @ 11:03p
justtaint said: UtahDealSeeker said: justtaint said: UtahDealSeeker said: ChanceUSC said: The fact that someone is physically recompiling the phone can often produce a stronger product than one off the line.
Yup, that's why used cars have better quality than new. God, please tell me you are rich and did not use taxpayer loans to get yourself that USC education?
If we were talking about refurbished cars your comment might make sense.
*insert some random Mormon joke*
He made a general statement about refurbs, that's why I wrote that. I have no complaints about Iphone refurbs.
Since you wanted a joke, here's one:
A Mormon Bishop got on an elevator on the 10th floor, (he was heading to the lobby) on the 8th floor a beautiful woman walked in. (they were alone) On the way to the lobby the gorgeous woman hit the stop button. She turned to the Bishop and said:
"Can you make me feel like a true woman?"
The Bishop said: "I sure can" and excitedly took off all his clothes, he then threw them in the corner of the elevator. He turned to the woman pointed to the clothes and said:
"Now fold them".
No, it wasn't a general statement about refurbs. It was clearly only about cell phones, not every refurbished thing in the world. It doesn't give you any right to insult a person due to his choice of usernames.
Now you are being downright silly. How can you say that with a straight face after that Mormon crack
I got a 16 gig Refurb iPhone and the thing was like new. I had a friend get the same deal last time around and his was like new. The refurb phones are excellent. Additionally, I bought the Applecare and extended the warranty to about 18 months. This is a hot deal.
cgull
Thrifty Member
posted: Jul. 25, 2009 @ 11:34p
ScrawneyWallet said: Doesn't the existence of the refurb indicate that the original, new item fresh off the the production line did not perform correctly?
Sometimes it means a customer returned a perfectly good phone, because of user error or poor coverage or whatever.
But also a refurb gets shipped around 2-3 times more than a new item; probably not such a big deal for a phone, but I think refurb hard drives, monitors, TVs, etc are chancy for this reason.
In2thel2ain said: If you don't want data -- can you get this and just use it as a phone + mp3 player?
I'm tired of carrying around my regular phone and an i-touch.
Not through AT&T. They make you get the $30/month data package when you get this phone and you can't drop the package if you switch to a regular phone. I learned this the hard way when I got a crappy ATT Tilt phone and couldn't drop the data package when the phone quit working 6 months after I purchased it.
In2thel2ain said: If you don't want data -- can you get this and just use it as a phone + mp3 player?
I'm tired of carrying around my regular phone and an i-touch. Pls share w/ us here if you can find the way NOT to get the Data Plan. So, we can save $30/month.
I encountered this same problem. All you need to do is upgrade with ATT and find which phone you can sell for the most that does not require a data plan. Awhile me and my brother bought ATT tilts and sold them for $500 making $300 so we could buy Iphones. Then just buy an iphone off of eBay and pop your sim in and boom. Another option is say someone in your family has an Iphone and you need one. Have the person who already has an iphone go into an ATT store and say they lost theirs and they need to use your upgrade to get a new one and boom youve got yourself and Iphone with no data. Good luck!
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