iPhone without iPhone plan - limitations? And: where to source?

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xurizaemon

150 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 1

Topic # 29664 14-Jan-2009 15:35

I'm thinking of getting an iPhone. I love my Nokia E70i (battered) but the joystick is driving me crazy, and I just soaked the iPod Touch.

I already have a contract with VFNZ. Are there limitations to using an iPhone on a standard plan (including a data plan)? I get the impression it's actually the reverse - the iPhone plan *lacks* features of a standard plan?

Where's the most sensible place to buy? TradeMe seems to be about $800 for a 3G 8GB, but I'm leary of the new traders who are selling them. Especially the ones who can barely spell. I don't mind parallel imported, and would consider buying a VFNZ one if the price isn't outlandish (b/c then I have warranty).

I would probably unlock my device - is that against VFNZ's T&C?

(If it's not appropriate for vendors to reply to my post mentioning their store, then I welcome DM replies instead. I've got no objection to replies posted to the thread, but I don't want to get anyone in trouble with GZ for TOC violations!)

martin308

226 posts

Master Geek

Reply # 189575 14-Jan-2009 16:23

I would just buy from VF it doesnt cost that much more but you get a warranty and a factory unlocked iphone :) Thats what I did.

ironharry

5 posts

Wannabe Geek

Reply # 189665 15-Jan-2009 02:04

iPhone 8GB for $549 on PriceMe, and Vodafone 1GB plan for $199.

xurizaemon

150 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 1

Reply # 189683 15-Jan-2009 08:29

Thanks ironharry. Those prices are reduced because they're bundled with a contract deal (iPhone 250 for the $549 and iPhone 1GB for the $199).

From what I read so far, if I get the iPhone plan I don't get MMS - is that true? Are there other benefits / limitations to having the iPhone specific plan?

Signing up for a contract *might* make sense if it can be written off as tax - I'm already paying a contract rate, I think I can write off up to $500 capital expenditure without depreciation, but $979 will have to be amortized or whatever. I just don't like tying myself to a contract :)

Blah blah tax. I think martin308's right and I'll just pay the proper price @ VFNZ.

Anyone want an E70? I'll probably stick it on Tardme soon. Maddox will be disappointed with me (warning, this link contains rude words said about Apple products): "The iPhone is a piece of s**t"

martin308

226 posts

Master Geek

Reply # 189691 15-Jan-2009 08:59

regarding MMS, the iphone plan doesnt include it because the iphone doesnt support it.....

simple-d

37 posts

Geek

Reply # 189710 15-Jan-2009 09:32

ironharry: iPhone 8GB for $549 on PriceMe

Is that for real?

martin308

226 posts

Master Geek

Reply # 189712 15-Jan-2009 09:42

simple-d:
ironharry: iPhone 8GB for $549 on PriceMe

Is that for real?

That comes with the iphone 250 plan, hence the subsidy!

http://www.dse.co.nz/dse.shop/en/Product/E8887NEW250

simple-d

37 posts

Geek

Reply # 189716 15-Jan-2009 09:58

Guess you can't buy that and stick your prepay SIM in...

Dreamy

251 posts

Ultimate Geek

Trusted

Reply # 189728 15-Jan-2009 10:27

I just purchased a 3g 16g iphone from vf for $1129
I checked around and found it safer and easier to get it from the vf shop as it was covered by warranty, and really did I want a secondhand iphone at $800 , that could have some issue wth screen or something.
I was already on a vf contract so just popped my sim in and away i went.
I was considering jailbreaking the phone but decided against it as its not worth it in my mind. I have got many cool apps from the apps store that make my iphone fun (both free apps and ones that are under $5 nz)

as for mms, if you arrange with vodafone, you can get the mms sent to your pxtworld account online and you can access them there.

so if someone sends you a pxt all you do is go online with your phone (with your data plan or wifi) and see the pxt online on the vodafone site. or check them via your PC

(btw, a friends got a secondhand 16g from TM with a 6 month vf nz warranty a lot cheaper than what i paid. BUT it has minor scratches on the back, especially the apple sign. she is happy with it, I would not be.

so I say, if you buy secondhand be sure you want a secondhand iphone.

just one persons point of view.

~~Dream.Catcher~~
iPhone 4s 16 GB, Ipad2 32gb
windows 7 computer

xurizaemon

150 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 1

Reply # 189734 15-Jan-2009 10:51

Cheers Dreamy

On reflection, I don't think there's any way that tax savings would be able to cancel out the additional cost of being contracted for 24 months. Even though I've stuck with VFNZ since my first cellphone, I'm still too scared of commitment to sign up for a term. (Or perhaps the benefits just don't give me enough reason to.)

Re MMS: You can get MMS via Swirly MMS (and perhaps other products), although there are reports that VFNZ are blocking MMS (on iPhone a/c only?).

What about the iPhone voicemail - is that an iPhone plan feature only?

If there's a FAQ which answers these questions, please redirect me there - but I checked the iPhone FAQ on GZ and it doesn't seem to.

I would post these questions there, but the thread is locked.

Are there any specific features which are available only on the VFNZ iPhone plan?
Are there any specific limitations which are available only on the VFNZ iPhone plan?
Does the iPhone support MMS in NZ, and if so how is it possible? => Swirly MMS, ...
Does the iPhone support iPhone voicemail in NZ, and does this require the iPhone plan?

martin308

226 posts

Master Geek

Reply # 189755 15-Jan-2009 12:05

Visual Voicemail is not supported by VFNZ :( they told me on launch night that they were working on it and it would be ready to go soon, still no word on any progress though >:|

As far as I knew VFNZ's site for viewing MMS online uses flash, so wouldnt work on the iphone?