iPhone Questions

[Lepard]

So i've decided to get the iPhone for two main reasons:

1. want an iPod/mp3 player (getting an alpine cda-105)
2. want a new phone

I can get good to great deals because of my employer so initial and monthly cost is comparable (right now paying about $150.00 with T-mobile for 3 lines and no data plan)... with AT&T it will be about $148.00 with everything plus the data plan.

I am thinking of getting a refurb 16gb for $199... is this a good deal (not money wise but because it is refurbished, although it has the same warranty etc.)?

For those with a Family/Group plan, would the Messaging Unlimited for Groups - Shareable override the iPhone Text Messaging plan?

Also, should I wait for the new revision? If not, how easy would it be to upgrade to the new model when it comes out in the summer?

 

[Muadib]

Getting a refurb is a great deal, and yet people still are wary of getting one. If they offered one when I first got mine, I would have it now.

Eitherway, new or refurb will lock you into a 2 year contract. It is unknown if you will be able to upgrade to the new model, because as of 3/18/09 , there is no new model.

I can't help you with the text question. I don't have texting on my family plan.

As for waiting, that's your call. I've seen nothing concrete about a new model coming this year. The 3G came out in July, so if there was going to be a new model, I would think something would have leaked by now. The 3G rumors were all over the place this time last year.

 

[TheStu]

According to Tyranicus, those that bought the first gen iPhone are not subject to the traditional New Every 2 agreement, and can upgrade to (possibly limited to just this) any newer iPhone without contract repercussions. However, since the second gen iPhone is subsidized, then it does not qualify for this nicety.