3GS -> iPhone 4 - buying online, cutting mini-SIM

[GT1999]

I'm looking to replace my 3GS with an iPhone 4, bought new off of eBay, and cutting my mini-SIM into a micro-SIM with the guide below..

My reasons for this are...

I started my 2-year plan with ATT back in August of '09 when I bought my 3GS. I do not want to sign up for a NEW 2-year contract, which includes a $375 ETF, and also have to pay full price for the iPhone 4 because I'm not eligible for an upgrade until January of '11.

Unlimited/5GB data instead of a tiered plan. If I don't tell ATT about getting the 4, I should retain my old data package. When Netflix comes to iPhone, this will come of use.

I was looking to follow this guide: http://www.techradar.com/news/compu...d-or-iphone-4-micro-sim-681020?comments_pg=2# after purchasing an iPhone 4 off of ebay new. It looks like they're going for $600-$750 or so depending on the week.

Does anyone have any experience with this, or has heard of issues with ATT doing IMEI checks?

Also, if I have an issue with an iPhone purchased off of eBay, I can still get it serviced under warranty at the Apple store until the S/N passes 1-year, correct?

 

[GT1999]

I just did a more detailed search and it looks like all the news about needing a contract now are false... so I guess you can still buy it for $600 in store?

http://blogote.com/2010/apple/apple-iphone/buy-iphone4-without-contract-at-att-wireless-store.html

 

[Ka0t1x]

Maybe its just me but why would they care if you changed your Phone as long as you were still on your contract? The ETF is there to cover the subsidized cost of your phone on contract, if you're still on contract.. who cares?

IMO call a rep at a local AT&T shop. What they'll do is tell you to buy the Phone off contract and just reg the sim to your account. You can grandfather-in your "unlimited" data plan (even if you upgrade after contract).

 

[Emulex]

just order one new man - alot less hassles- stolen,warranty,water damage, etc.

new car versus old car. you are going to use the carp out of it.

main advantage used: SHSH blobs for 4.0.1 - which is huge right now.

 

[secretanchitman]

buy in the store without a contract. they will most likely come with 4.0.2, but its a small price to pay for getting it brand new, no contract, and with warranty.

$599 for the 16GB, $699 for the 32GB...before tax of course

 

[88MVP]

Just a heads up that you can keep the unlimited data plan even if you sign up for another 2 years with AT&T. I picked up a 4 on launch day it was my understanding that as long as you already had the unlimited data plan you could keep it if you wanted.

 

[RichieZ]

um yea i bought mine from the apple store for the no contract price

 

[zacharace]

Does anyone have any experience with this, or has heard of issues with ATT doing IMEI checks?

I've used an HTC Dream (T-mobile G1) under an iPhone data plan for a few weeks and no one at AT&T seemed to care, so no, you should have no problems, especially if you're just switching to another iPhone. The contract is still there.

 

[DnetMHZ]

They only time they would care is if you were still on the Original (Gen 1) $20 iPhone plan.