Why O2 has us by the short and curlies.
By Benny Har-Even in Editorial
Posted in O2, iPhone, Apple on
So it’s been a couple of days since Apple announced its latest updates, and we’ve had a bit of time to calm down. So, have we calmed down?
As everyone expected, the new iPhone was start of the show, and last week I put up my list of what I was hoping to see from the new device.
So how did I do?
Firstly, what I got right. Well much of the improvements were part of the iPhone 3.0 OS update, so cut-and paste, GPS, push notifications, and the landscape keyboard we pretty much knew would be coming. The improved winding (scrubbing) sensitivity, we’ll wait and see how it turns out when we actually get hold of one.
On the hardware side, I was pleased to see there’s a 32GB version, and video capability thanks to an overdue 3-megapixel camera.
So, what did I get wrong?
Well firstly, there’s no higher resolution screen – its remains where it is at 320 x 480 – so I now think that will come in next year’s version that we all now expect to be a major hardware update.I was also disappointed not to see a 4GB version introduced with the entry level model now the 8GB iPhone 3G.
But ohmygod- the prices! Nicole has already let rip at those crying into their milk at the fact that they won’t be able to upgrade without paying through the nose to get out of the rest of their contract – but even for first time buyers, the iPhone 3Gs is a very expensive proposition. O2 wants £275 for a 32GB one, and that’s with a £35 a month tariff. Ouch.
I can’t decide whether it’s down to the recession or a little bit of greed on O2’s part – the reality is probably in between the two.
So why can O2 do so a thing? Well, it knows it can. After all, it’s not as if people can look the the iPhone prices, decide it’s too much, and decide to go for the new kid on the block, the Palm Pre on another network – because if rumours are to be believed in the UK, O2 has that baby wrapped up too.
So yup, if you’re a gadget freak – it’s got you by the short and curlies…
Also galling is the fact that if you do go for the 3Gs plunge now, the only options are an 18-month or 24-month, meaning that next year’s, possibly heavily revamped model will be out-of-immediate reach.
But when you want something new and shiny, the words ‘possibly’ and ‘next year’ are not likely to register too much. I’m not sure if I can hold out. Now, I’m sure I can find a grandmother down the back of the sofa I can sell… or something.
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Loading ...Comment by - June 11, 2009 on 1:57 pm
It’s actually cheaper for me to go for a PAYG and swap the ISM over - a supported option according to the O2 website.
Don’t want to get tied into a fresh 18 or 24 month contract when the next model is probably only 12 months away.
Comment by - June 11, 2009 on 1:57 pm
or maybe even the ISM!
Comment by - June 11, 2009 on 1:58 pm
sorry crap typing - S I M !
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