Friday, August 1, 2008

Old iPhones still in demand on used market



Some users are finding more to like with the first-generation model of the smart phone.

How much is that old iPhone in your pocket worth? Enough, it turns out, to swap it straight across for the just-launched, shiny, twice-as-fast 3G model -- if not more.

No Joke.

Unlike most used gadgets, which plummet in value as soon as they're powered up, year-old iPhone 1.0s are still fetching big bucks. To understand why, get a load of how others are cashing in on last summer's technology.

"I just got the new 3G iPhone, so I'm selling my old one," said a seller wanting $350 for a slightly scratched 8-gigabyte first-generation iPhone listed for sale on Craigslist this week.

Wait. A new iPhone 3G can be had for $200.

Why pay more for an old one? Nutso, right?

Actually, that's how many secondhand buyers describe exclusive-carrier AT&T's costlier service plan for the 3G. Do the math, and you'll realize it costs $360 more over two years than the plan offered to iPhone 1.0 users. So, the actual cost of a new iPhone starts at $560.

Among resellers, the money generally isn't as good on Craigslist, but it's a quick, clean flip. Dealmakers range from national gadget fix-it shop RapidRepair in Kalamazoo, Mich., to entrepreneur Slava Franchuk of Clackamas, Ore.

Their philosophy: AT&Who?

The 21-year-old Franchuk, a Portland State University student, offers up to $300 for a functional 1.0 iPhone. He then "jailbreaks" it from AT&T to work with other wireless carriers. (Hackers haven't figured out how to unlock the 3G yet.)

In a week, Franchuk says he can resell five phones for a $50 profit on each.

"A lot of people want an iPhone," he said, "but they don't want to leave T-Mobile."

On eBay, the going rate is $375 to $600.

Selling there? Here's a tip: Offer international shipping. There's crazy demand in China, Russia and other countries where people can't get the gadget from their carriers. Of course, to get top dollar, you have to figure out how to unyoke the iPhone from AT&T on your own.

"I was in China in April," said Josh Bancroft, the supergeek behind TinyScreenfuls.com. "Although it's not officially available there, the iPhone was everywhere -- just like the U.S."

Bancroft can't recall another gadget that has ever commanded as much in the secondhand market.

Of course, the used iPhone market is bound to crash. Apple, Bancroft notes, is on the verge of shipping the iPhone 3G to 72 countries. So, sell those old ones while they're hot.

Via:startribune.com

HEMiDEMi Technorati Del.icio.us MyShare個人書籤 Yahoo

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Find new, used, replacement unlocked iPhones at UsediPhones.net. Get important information you need to know about unlocked iPhones before you make your purchase. http://www.UsediPhones.net

Let2know said...

Microsoft Office 2019, free and safe download. Microsoft Office 2019 latest version: The original Microsoft bundles. Microsoft Office is a family of client and server


Click Here Click Here Click Here Click Here Click Here Click Here Click Here Click Here Click Here Click Here

Let2know said...

Getintopc Adobe Photoshop CS6 Extended Portable Full Latest Version Free Download Offline Installer For Mac, PC With Crack For Windows 32/64 bit free.

Click Here Click Here Click Here Click Here Click Here Click Here Click Here Click Here Click Here Click Here

Let2know said...

Ramzan Wishes Sms In Urdu | English Hadees 2021 - Bise World | Pakistani Education & Entertainment · Ramadan Mubarak SMS Urdu, English Hadith 2021.

Click Here Click Here Click Here Click Here Click Here Click Here Click Here Click Here Click Here Click Here