Where Can I Purchase an iPhone

In looking for the best possible deal, you may be asking yourself, "Where can I purchase an iPhone?" Believe it or not, you are not restricted to just the Apple Store as a possible retail outlet to buy an iPhone 3G. There are alternatives out there and you just may be able to get a better deal elsewhere.

When Apple first introduced the iPhone in 2007, many people wondered if the iPhone could be a success. Looking back, I think most industry analysts and average consumers alike would agree that the iPhone has been a resounding success for Apple. It is a very popular mobile phone for a number of reasons, including the innovative touchscreen display and creative use of the tilt sensor (accelerometer).

Just as with the iPod and other popular portable electronic devices, there are many answers to the question of where can I purchase an iPhone. This will vary from area to area, country to country, so do check with local sources to confirm the availability of the iPhone in your region.

The Apple iPhone launched initially in the United States through an exclusive agreement with AT&T. As a result, the two initial places where you can purchase an iPhone were Apple stores and AT&T stores, both online and through brick-and-mortar locations.

With the first generation iPhone, subscribers did not need to sign a new contract with AT&T. That changed with the arrival of the iPhone 3G, forcing users to sign a new two-year service agreement with AT&T in order to activate a new iPhone handset. This is one of the common iPhone complaints, becuase not everyone wants to sign a lengthy contract.

Where can I purchase an iPhone? For now, the two biggest places where you can buy an iPhone are still Apple Stores and AT&T stores, though some other retailers will soon be selling it or have already starting selling it as well. The iPhone 3G is available for sale through Best Buy stores and through Wal-mart as well. With both of these big box retailers, you may be able to find special promotions that offer a reduced price or free cell phone accessories.

Taking a quick trip across the border to Canada, it is understandable that Canadians would also have the same question: Where can I purchase an iPhone? Just like in the United States, official Apple Stores are a good place to start, especially since you have access to the Genius Bar for any additional assistance or direction.

With AT&T in the United States, users have to sign a two-year service agreement to buy an iPhone 3G. In Canada, this is extended to a three-year contract with either Rogers Wireless or Fido, the only two major GSM service providers in Canada. This is a mandatory 36-month service agreement. For now, the iPhone 3G cannot be purchased through other retail outlets, though this may change in time.

The alternative in Canada, the United States, and internationally is to consider buying a predam iPhone instead. A predam iPhone is one that has been unlocked to work with any GSM service provider around the world, including Rogers, AT&T, and international providers. Naturally, there is a premium to be paid, since there is no contract-linked operator subsidy involved.

Whereas the 8GB iPhone 3G can be purchased for $199 with a three-year contract through Fido, the same 8GB iPhone 3G unlocked and out of contract can sell for $500 or more. To find unlocked iPhones, you can search through such online destinations as eBay, Kijiji, and Craigslist, as well as some online stores.

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