From: Rich Gauszka 

Mark wrote:
> "Geo."  wrote: What is it that's going to
>> get people to spend $500 to switch?
>
> They won't have to spend that to switch (though I'm sure plenty of iPod
> toting vacant eyed consumers will do so in the first week just to be cool),
> as there'll be $99 deals, with 3 year contracts and higher monthly bills so
> the consumer will never see the price -- just like leasing cars, "How does
> $199 a month sound to you mister "wanna drive away today in shiny new
> plastic?"
>
>


The price of the iPhone has always been stated as the price with 2 year
contract ( 8GB for $599). There have been several unverified and probably
fake reports of discounts.

It will be interesting to see how many continue to be sold after the
initial frenzy and what the other providers come up with to compete with
Cingular

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