Thinkin about taking the plunge...quck question...

Someone is selling a used iphone on a car forum I frequent, he said his plan ran out and he has switched providers, so he is selling it. He is asking 325 for it, the only thing he said is he got his name engraved on the back. No big deal. He also said he never used his 100 apple store credit. So I could buy some accessories. He got his the second week they were out. Obviously waiting to see if he has any feedback and is paypal verified also.

My questions are, since the phone is used, does that matter? I plan on unlocking it, I have watched a few tutorials and it seems to be pretty straight forward as long as I can downgrade firmware. I was curious though, if it was used if that made any sort of impact on unlocking it. Also, he says it has 1500 songs on it, I will be able to delete and update it with all my music, correct?

Thanks

he said his plan ran out

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- You had to sign a two year contract agreement to activate the iPhone (unless he used a Pay as you go account/sim which I've heard has worked somehow).

You can unlock the phone if it has been used; even with 1.1.1 firmware (http://www.tuaw.com/2007/10/16/iphone-dev-team-announces-free-unlock). As long as he hasn't jacked it up anyhow it should be ok (much like any other phone). What I'm not sure about though is if you'll be required to carry on his contract, since there is a very good chance he had to sign a two year activation agreement.

Yes, you'll be able to wipe the phone and start clean.

Seems like a "too good to be true" sale, at least for the $100 credit. Why would someone just give up the $100 credit. That's like selling it for $100 less. I would be suspicious.

I was thinking the same thing, I havent talked to him yet...waiting to get more details. Ive seen used phones for around 350 so it is not far off. He said he terminated his contract, so if he paid the termination fee or whatever it shouldnt matter. You say you have to sign the 2 year contract to activate it. In the video I saw the person bypassed that step, so wouldnt I just be able to use the same process?

If he isn't an Apple user and got the iPhone cause it was cool and not because he's a fan boy, the credit is useless for the most part.
I'd so hate someone else's name engraved on my iPhone. If it was lost or stolen, it'd be harder to claim it was yours if it had someone else's name.

True, I just cant really see paying 400 dollars for it. Not saying its not worth it. I mean these questions applied to any used phones, curious to see whether or not I could activate it if I got it off craigslist or something.

So you're trying to save less than 20% to get a used handheld piece of electronics, with someone else's name engraved on it, sounds like a real bargain to me.

To the best of my knowledge you can unlock it without activation (that's the whole point of unlocking it).

I echo some of the other comments though; be careful.

Yes, I would. If I bought it new it would cost me 426 dollars, I would save 100 dollars. In a year from now there are going to be better ones or these will go down a tad in price. I buy a lot of electronics used, havent really had a problem yet. I bought my powerbook off ebay, got a deal and its still running strong, havent had one problem with it.

Remember you can get a refurb from Apple for $350! Is it worth $25 to take the risks plus definitely have someone else's name on your phone?

hmm did not see the refurbs!

motoo344 said:

hmm did not see the refurbs!

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They're out right now, but there will be more soon.

And the refurb comes with the same warranty as a new one!