OKTV Episode 8

So, the iPhone’s price has actually increased. ATT is going to be charging $10 more per month for the iPhone’s data plan, which ups the ownership cost to $919 over 2 years, PLUS your normal phone plan. Previously, the 2 year ownership cost was $879.

BUT, most people were going to buy the phone at $400 anyway, and I think it is fair although sneaky/sleazy of Apple/ATT to advertise it as half the cost. The extra $10 a month will go to pay for that new 3G network that you will be using extensively with your new phone.

Personally, I’ve been trying to rationalize getting one when my contract is “upgradeable” in September…even going as far as convincing myself that the GPS features of the phone will save me $200 in gas over 2 years. I won’t be getting lost, I’ll take the best route to everywhere instead of searching for it and I will combine errands by knowing that the post office is just a few blocks from the Bellevue safeway that I needed to go to anyway. Well, its a work in progress.

Anybody else have reasons how the iPhone could actually pay for itself over 2 years?

Although it’s a very cool tool, I personally can not justify spending that kind of money for an IPhone.
That being said, I think for you (Otis) staying current with the tools and their abilities may be good knowledge for the money… (?)
I’ve always liked the idea of an all in one tool (I hate the clutter,) but if it’s the GPS that hikes up the costs, it’s not for me - I can get a GSP for very little and update it with a new one when it breaks down or evolves. I love my Wi-Fi on my Palm,
seems good enough for me.

Re: the me.com - a hundred dollars is a lot to spend on a one stop shop when we have it for free now.
Maybe folks will be swayed by the convenience.
But DANG! Convenience is costing a lot these day, it’s big business. Isn’t it better to go out and live life than be connected by cyber-extras?
Heck, if my office wants to pick up the tab, I am al for it - LOL - I’ll admit that it has the “fun factor”.
But keeping up with the Jetsons can put you in the
financial toilet. Where is all this money coming from anyway? It’s got to hit the bottom line of your budget for entertainment, clothes and basic living expenses. I guess it’s all priorities.

Thanks O for the ponderings… Love my morning coffee with you!

A. Nancy